By Jennifer Parris

Sarah Gelish Healing Space (the Healing Space) at New Fairfield Elementary School (NFES) continues to take shape, offering students a peaceful place to reflect, relax, and recharge. What started as an idea to honor the beloved school psychologist has grown into a community-driven project full of plants—and promise.

Barbara Strashun, New Fairfield Public Schools Gifted Coordinator/Educator, says the space is coming together beautifully. “It’s looking great,” she says. Two Eagle Scout candidates, Blu Arbesman and Connor Welsh from Troop 137, contributed much of the work over the summer. Blu achieved his Eagle rank, and Connor has fulfilled his Eagle Scout requirements.

Hera Docetti, an expert gardener, was pivotal in creating the plans for the space. “She has been a huge asset to planning this project,” Strashun adds. Docetti designed a visual plan, which the Eagle Scouts brought to life. Native plantings now grace both ends of the hill, creating a welcoming, natural environment for students.

No one was stumped when it came to creating seating areas. A birch tree from Strashun’s yard was transformed into stumps, providing spots for students to sit, study, or take a breather if they’re feeling stressed. A stone path connects these seating areas, ensuring students have easy access and plenty of space.

The NFES PTO purchased tables with umbrellas for more seating options. George Drew, a technology education teacher at New Fairfield High School, and Jacob Matisse, a senior,  are building three additional white benches, one of which will feature a plaque crafted by Drew in honor of Sarah Gelish.

Students at NFES also lent a helping hand. During last year’s Field Day, they painted kindness rocks that now surround the tree bases in the space. “They also painted their handprints on them,” Strashun adds. These colorful rocks will be added to other open spaces, spreading warmth and positivity throughout the Healing Space.

Third-grade teachers designed a small garden accessible without entering the school building. Amy Fata helped create the area, which includes a purple bench in honor of Gelish and Epilepsy Awareness Month. Art students also contributed to the Healing Space. Three students— Samantha Morits, Jordynne McGuire, and Kaila McAleer—began painting benches, which were finished by Strashun’s daughter and Kaila McAleer, a freshman at Western Connecticut State University.

Of course, plantings remain a priority. “Small trees like Weeping Japanese Maples or Weeping Cherries would be fabulous!” Strashun notes. NFES students will also participate in a bird feeder project, helping attract birds to the area and preparing it for the winter. (And there’s always room for more mulch!) The upcoming Quarters for Causes in February will help raise additional funds. But before donating, contact Strashun at strashun.barbara@newfairfieldschools.org for an update on the project’s current needs.

The Sarah Gelish Healing Space is expected to be fully ready this coming spring. “We want to have everything finished and directed through Allyson Story,” Strashun explains. Once complete, students will be able to enjoy the warmer weather outdoors, relax, recharge—and remember Sarah Gelish’s inspirational legacy.