We spent a few quiet days at the Creek House, a small retreat center set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Blacksburg, Virginia.
This peaceful place is the creation of David and Cyndi Pitonyak. Jimmy first met the Pitonyaks in the mid-90s where he owned and operated Heartsong, a retreat center and guest house near TumTum, Wash.
David and Jimmy have been fast friends since. We stopped over to say hello, share a few good meals, wash our socks and for Jimmy to help with small chores around the land.
For more than 20 years, David has specialized in working with people with difficult behaviors and has helped with supporting the needs of that person’s friends, family and caregivers.
His practice, “Imagine,” offers consulting and trainings for individuals, families and professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“I have worked with people in a variety of settings, including: home and professionally staffed residential settings, schools, supported competitive job sites, sheltered workshops and day activity programs,” he says.
Photos: The Pitonyaks’ Creek House, Blacksburg, VA.; Jimmy Smith and David Pitonyak set compass stone. Cyndi and David Pitonyak. By Julianne Crane.
