About
The Story of Saff's
Cynthia “Saff” Burrell is my maternal grandmother, ancestor, and inspiration for Saff’s Sanctuary. Saff was one of her nicknames that I had heard many people call her in an endearing way.
I have many things in common with my grandmother, one being our love for healing in non-traditional ways while connecting to various communities. I have always been interested in healing since I was a child watching my grandmother. This sanctuary is a combination of areas of healing that my grandma and I use and share in our communities. My grandmother never got the chance to openly share her gifts and in her honor and guidance we will be able to do so in a safe and loving way at Saff’s Sanctuary LLC.
Giovianna Burrell
Is an educator with many years and experience in creating learning spaces formally and informally, for all ages and people of various backgrounds. Creating safe spaces, to support the healing of the Black community is where her passion lies. She has over 10 years of educational experience of understanding human development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies with a Minor in Dance, and a Masters of Art Degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Administration.
Giovianna was a contemporary/jazz dancer for over 10 years and a dance director for 4 years where she also learned how to heal through movement and expression.
In 2024, she became a certified Aura Institute- Integrative Trauma Coach.
Facilitation Experience
Black Health New Mexico (2023-2024)
New Mexico Midwives of Color (2024)
Buena Para Todos Farms (2024)
Santa Fe Community Foundation Women of Color Speaker Series (2024)
ABQ NM Juneteenth (2022 & 2023)
New Mexico Youth Diversity Conference (2020-2023)
Colloquy for Black Women in Wyoming “Sister Circle” (2018)
New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA)-Inner Beauty Summit for Black/African American Girls (2018-2019)
University of New Mexico Black Cultural Conference (2018 & 2019)
-Giovianna