Each session is tailored to you based on your needs. Your session can be goal-specific or we can take an organic approach. Activities may include:

• playing in the garden

• visiting with the goats

• working with the dogs

• walking the property

• working on a nature-based activity

• exploring a mindfulness practice

I invite you to join us through our social media sites to see more client experiences and cute goat pics!

People reach out to me for support with:

• understanding their anxiety & management

• boundary setting

• improving communication

• building confidence

• connecting with the self and others

• grief and loss

• establishing a gratitude and/or mindfulness practice

• a moment of self-care

If you’re interested in learning more about TWN, let’s book a free phone consultation. It takes about 20 minutes.

If you’re ready to move forward with a session, here are our pricing options:

$65 “Give it a Try” 60-minute session is recommended for first time visitors that gives you a taste of the farm; one-time only; pay via Venmo

$125 for a 60-minute session is recommended for those who have already completed the “Give it a Try” session and wish to return for one-time or recurring sessions; pay via Venmo

$85 for a 60-minute farm tour (up to 4 people) is for those who are not looking for a therapeutic experience but would just want to look around and maybe meet a goat.

In keeping with TWN’s philosophy, a sliding scale for payment may be available, at TWN’s sole discretion, for clients in need.

TWN does not give refunds on any of its services for any reason, including no-shows or cancellations.

Since TWN does not provide health care services, health insurance coverage is not applicable.

Accepted form of payment is via Venmo.

Full payment is due at the time of booking.

TWN has a strict cancellation policy, and when an appointment is made, TWN commits to hold that time for the client. TWN does not give refunds on any of its services for any reason, including no-shows or cancellations.

If the client is unable to keep the scheduled appointment for any reason, the client must contact TWN, 24 hours advance notice is appreciated. Cancellations can be made via email, text, or phone. If a TWN facilitator misses a scheduled appointment without notifying the client, the session will be made up without charge.

Regardless of whether the client is present to begin the session on time, the TWN facilitator will need to end the session at the scheduled time. If TWN staff  is late in beginning the session, the time will be made up either at the end of the session, if possible, or added to the next session, at no charge to the client. 

Yes, we have a restroom for client use, and soap, warm water, and towels are also provided.

For hygiene and infection control, all staff and visitors are expected to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

This is a terrific question! If you are currently seeing a therapist, please continue to do so. In fact, the research around animal-assisted interventions shows that they are most successful in tandem with therapy.

If you are working with a therapist and you are interested in starting sessions at TWN, please reach out. We'll schedule a consultation call and go from there.

I love to collaborate with therapists in creating an approach that is best for the client, so know that this is an option. I am happy to partner with your therapist to align goals. You'll need to give permission for us to communicate, though, so ask your therapist about the release form required for us to collaborate.

If you are not working with a therapist, that's okay, too! Many of my clients are not working with a mental health professional, and they are successfully reaching their goals and enjoying their experience here at TWN.

At this time, we do not offer sessions via Zoom or other online platforms. Part of the magic of The Wanderers' Nest is being in the space itself and interacting with the animals or being in the garden. This connection is important, and a change of pace and venue is good for the soul.

Yes, our animals are safe. Each animal partner was chosen for their calm demeanor, gentle personality, and genuine interest in human-animal interactions.

Both Sydney and Rabbit, our resident dogs, are certified Canine Good Citizens through the American Kennel Club.

To ensure your safety and the safety of our animal residents, we abide by the following rules here at TWN:

• I will always be present during an animal interaction, guiding you in how to safely approach and interact with our resident animals.

• An animal resident must consent to the human-animal interaction, and Michele helps clients to recognize the signs of consent expressed by the animal.

• Clients must wear hard-soled, fully enclosed shoes or boots and socks to protect feet while working around or interacting with animals at TWN.

• Clients must wash their hands with soap and water for 20 or more seconds after every appointment.

Our animal partners are members of our family, and they are well taken care of with regular health and emotional checks, monitoring for signs of stress, injury, illness, fear or fatigue. TWN also adheres to the Farm Animal Welfare Council’s (FAWC) Five Freedoms for all animal partners:

• Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition

• Freedom from discomfort

• Freedom from pain, injury and disease

• Freedom from fear and distress

• Freedom to express most normal behavior

This place is something special, and when Richie (the hubby) and I purchased this property back in 2012, we knew we wanted to share it with others.

Such a special place deserves a special name, so we enlisted our family and friends to help. My Uncle John, a brilliant artist and educator, came up with The Wanderers’ Nest.

It fits perfectly because we are all wanderers - myself, Richie, our adopted animals, and you. We are all looking for a place to belong, to feel safe and grounded, whole again. All are welcome here.

Fun fact: Wanderers’ is not misspelled, it’s actually plural possessive. (Where are my fellow grammar snobs?)