Introducing Sarah Mackenzie: The Well's Newest Addition

The Well is excited to welcome Sarah Mackenzie to the team as the Arts & Wellness Program Manager! Get to know more about Sarah and what drew her to The Well below.

1. Let’s start with your roots—where did you grow up?

I was born in Durban, South Africa and moved to the US with my family in 2001. We moved to Tipp City, Ohio, a small town that would become my new home throughout elementary and high school! 

2. Tell us about your creative or healing disciplines—what have you practiced or worked with in the past?

I have practiced yoga, zen meditation, reiki, ballet & modern dance, and a slew of visual art mediums. I grew up doing intensive ballet training and spent the good part of my childhood and teenage years in a dance studio. I like to think this experience ingrained a deep sense of connection with my body and its cues. My dance background has also informed my creative art practice, especially my improvisation training, and I love approaching my art practice with a sense of play and curiosity.

3. Can you share a bit about your educational background?

I attended New York University and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and Studio Art. Post graduation, I spent a year studying Yoga & Ayurvedic principles with TarMarie Perri in NYC, and travelled abroad to study at the Berlin Art Institute. 

4. How did your journey in this field begin, and what has shaped it along the way?

Growing up as a dancer, I feel that wellness has been a part of my life in some form since I was a child. However, it wasn’t until I was in college when I started paying attention to the connection of my energetic body and how I show up in the world. I have spent a lot of time and energy learning how to regulate myself in this chaotic world we live in, and yoga and meditation have been key practices to staying grounded. Connecting with my community has also been a wonderful way to learn about other lived experiences and what people , and I’ve been lucky to be able to do this through my work in nonprofits around Cincinnati; namely at Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, The Well, and Findlay Market.

5. What drew you to this organization?

I was drawn to The Well because I saw the intersections of a few of my key interests at play: Arts, Wellness, & Community! I had been following The Well for a few years, and I feel lucky that timing has worked out so that I get to be a part of the team!

6. Have you attended any programs or been involved in any way prior to joining the team?

Yes! I have been a facilitator with The Well for almost a year, and I’ve been lucky to represent The Well in a few different programs. I’ve led Job Readiness Training workshops in collaboration with The Talbert House, I’ve co-led Mind Body Art sessions with folks from The YWCA, and taught kids yoga & art at Mount Airy School’s summer camp.

7. What excites you about this next chapter?

I’m excited to step into my new role at The Well because it feels like a natural next chapter for me. As I’ve said before, I’ve worked at a few different nonprofits in Cincinnati, and I like to think I’ve been adding tools to my toolkit. Now, I feel ready to show up and get to work!

8. How do you hope to contribute, both practically and creatively?

I’m hoping to support new programming and workshops, deepen the relationships with our current collaborators, and support our community in whatever way makes sense. I want to contribute to an exciting space for Cincinnatians to come and find connection, reflection, and tap into their inner joy & curiosity.

9. What keeps your passion for this work alive?

I like to think there is always more to learn, both from our peers and community and from our own bodies and minds. I will always be learning, adjusting, and honing my ability to find equilibrium and show up in the best way I can to any given situation. That passion will always be alive inside of me!

10. Whether it’s a play, painting, film, musician, or other work—what piece of art speaks to your soul?

Ohh, this is a hard question!! I love experiencing art and finding new things to fuel my creativity. Last spring, I spent a month in New Mexico and dove deep into Georgia O’keefe’s life and work. Her paintings have inspired me for years, but learning about her process and the life she led made me feel even more connected to her. She engaged with the natural world in a very special way, and reading her biography inspired me to rethink the way I take in nature and observe my surroundings.

11. How do you stay well? What personal practices or routines help you stay grounded and healthy?

I have a few things I try to do regularly to keep me staying well!

• I try to ground myself in nature once a day, whether that’s gardening, hiking, or tending to my indoor plants.

• Move my body once a day- either with simple stretches or full body workouts.

• Practice gratitude & try to be thankful for the small daily wins.

• Connect with friends and my community regularly. 

• Eat a lot of nourishing food- extra points if it’s a shared meal!

• Regular meditation & breathwork.