Our Story

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.

Cynthia "Saff" Burrell

Grandma

Saff was a dynamic women born in Havre De Grace, Maryland and later migrated to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Saff wasn't afraid to express herself in ways outside of the status quo. She read cards, palms and did energy work for many folx under the radar because back then it was not widely accepted as it is now. My grandma had the ability to cultivate many circles of the community from all over and from various backgrounds. She shared many dreams with young Giovianna and had the ability to tap into various ways of understanding spirituality, from religion to the stars.

Giovianna Burrell

Granddaughter

Giovianna is the first grandchild of Saff. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She 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 dancer for over 10 years and a dance director/ instructor for 4 years where she learned how to heal through movement and expression. She has always taken an interest in astrology and tarot since her late-teens. Recently she began to delve into astrology and tarot as educational healing modalities.

Workshop/Facilitation Experience

Colloquy for Black Women in Wyoming “Sister Circle” (Cheyenne, WY)

New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA)-Inner Beauty Summit for Black/African American Girls(ABQ, NM)

University of New Mexico Black Cultural Conference-2018 & 2019 (ABQ, NM)

Grant Chapel A.M.E. Community Presentation Series(ABQ, NM)

Challenge Day for High School Students(Cheyenne, WY)

City of Albuquerque Office of Equity & Inclusion-Culture Change Initiative(ABQ, NM)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico mentor2.0/3.0 Program (ABQ, NM)

Sofia Center for Professional Development (ABQ, NM)

Bosque School DEI Professional Development for Staff (ABQ, NM)

And various other community presentations/co-facilitations.

"Connect, Heal, and Love Your Ever Evolving Cosmic Blueprint"
-Giovianna