Rooted in love, legacy, and renewal
Our sanctuary circle invites you to experience a new level of wellness, and welcomes you with open arms.
Cheryl Sendzimir, The Enchantress
sanctuary founder
With a heart devoted to creating warm inviting spaces and meaningful connections, Cheryl’s presence offers self-discovery, restoration, and a sacred space for you to return to yourself, to remember your inner light, through curating experiences that blend her love of themed tea rituals, restorative retreats, and practical wisdom for you to attune to your natural biorhythm. Cheryl invites each guest not simply to visit, but to become part of the living story of Clark Brook Sanctuary.
How the roots were planted
Sendzimir family history
Michael and Jane Sendzimir designed and built the house which is now the Clark Brook Sanctuary building, and later purchased 130 acres of land to prevent development and preserve the forest around it. Upon their death, Alex was left the house and land. Without their love, none of this would be possible, and we will continue to honor their legacy.
Michael Sendzimir, born in Shanghai, China, owned T. Sendzimir Incorporated, where he designed steel rolling mills. Over 90% of the world’s steel and non-ferrous metals are rolled on equipment by T. Sendzimir Inc. He was also Chairman of the Board of the Kosciuszko Foundation in NYC.
Jane Harkness, originally from Canada, was an accomplished opera singer. She was well known in the local operatic industry, entertaining everyone from dignitaries at recitals to friends and family at her home. She was also a generous supporter of the Waterbury Symphony.
Alex Sendzimir, Lord of the Forest
Sanctuary Founder, 10.20.1966 - 6.11.2025
Long before the sanctuary had a name, Alex Sendzimir (son of Mr. and Mrs. Sendzimir, and husband of current founder, Cheryl Sendzimir) carried a vision for this land. Rooted in his childhood home, he spent a lifetime listening to the whisper of the trees and the song of the brook. He dreamed of a place where people could explore, reconnect, and rediscover their inner light—a refuge shaped by nature’s quiet wisdom.
As Alex moved through the cancering process, that dream deepened. The forest became both teacher and companion, and his devotion to the land grew even more tender. When he could no longer carry the vision forward himself, his wife, Cheryl, walked beside him with unwavering love as partner, caregiver, and closest companion. In those sacred years, she witnessed the depth of his hope for this sanctuary, and felt a profound calling to honor it, not as a duty, but as a devotion.
Strengthened by their shared journey, Cheryl stepped into the role of steward. She assembled a team, guided renovations, and worked with her own hands to bring the sanctuary to life, inside and out. Every stone moved, every room restored, every trail tended became an act of love. This is a continuation of the story she and Alex began together.
Here, Alex’s spirit lingers in the rustle of leaves and the hush of the brook. The roots are intertwined in love and legacy.
Independent Contractors
These individuals have played an integral role in bringing Clark Brook Sanctuary to life.
Robyn
brand fairy
Robyn and Cheryl met through a mutual client, and instantly felt called to work together. Provided with Alex and Cheryl’s ideas, and through her own creative process, she designed Clark Brook Sanctuary’s brand from the bottom up. She believes we are all deeply connected to nature, and is honored to be a part of something so special.
Tom & Tommy
light bringers
A father-and-son team of electricians, Tom and Tommy have not only made brilliant changes to Clark Brook Sanctuary’s electrical systems, but have also gone above and beyond as Cheryl’s neighbors, helping to complete tasks both inside and out.
Andrzej
Guardian of the grove
Andrzej is a creative carpenter whose meticulous attention to detail ensures the sanctuary’s structure is as safe as it is welcoming.
