“Anastasia’s presence and partnership (in the absence of family members who might otherwise provide this type of support) created a foundation where I was able to have a successful and healthy birth at a mature age. She helped pave the way for a joyful postpartum period and has continued to provide ongoing support as our family continues to grow through various life cycles and changes.” 

— A.M.

“Anastasia was the manager of a residential community that I lived in for six months. Her official role was to manage the daily operations of the entire community, from preparing meals to organizing events to caring for the facility. This was a complicated role, with many different needs and preferences to take into account, and Anastasia performed it perfectly. She was highly organized, efficient, and communicated with clarity, warmth, and calm. This would have been enough, but Anastasia also provided something even more special: spiritual mentoring and personal guidance. When anyone was struggling, or needed a compassionate ear, Anastasia was there. She made the house feel like a home and the community members feel like a close-knit family. I am so grateful for her, and I can't recommend her highly enough.”

— C.A.

“When I found myself suddenly divorced, Anastasia arrived in my life like an angel. She brought both order and sparkle and was a wise and understanding listener and problem-solver. I could not have gotten through this difficult time without her.”

— P.M.

“Working with Anastasia to envision and implement a meditation program for homeless youth went beyond my expectations. Not only is she a skilled communicator and facilitator, she is also highly sensitive to spatial and somatic dynamics, as well as what makes people feel safe. Sometimes a subtle shift, like inviting a different seating arrangement, suggesting a change in environment, or holding space in compassionate silence, was surprising in its ability to stretch bodies, minds, and hearts in generative ways.”

— J.C.

“Whenever I hear the song ‘Shelter from the Storm,’ I think of Anastasia. My marriage unexpectedly collapsed. It was the darkest moment of my adult life. And I reached for her. Though I scarcely knew Anastasia at the time, I felt I had to see her, because she was solace. Anastasia gave me what I needed to get through the trauma and sorrow: warmth, kindness, and touch.”

— D. P.

“Spruce New York changed my life. Full stop. I knew I had a wonderful house but it didn’t totally feel like a home because of all the stuckness and piles and closet confusion. Anastasia swooped in and gently and lovingly took care of business while protecting me from the chaos. It was fun, delightful and exactly what the doctor ordered. You can’t put a price tag on the feeling of home, but hiring Spruce New York was truly some of the best money I’ve ever spent.”

— B.S.

“Anastasia Gochnour has been working with our nonprofit to help us navigate the challenges that come with growth. Anastasia has learned the core of our agency all while building trust and connection to our team. She has honored the needs of our team as well as the integrity of our organizational mission during this incredible process. Our team is embracing new ways of communicating their needs, with her guidance. As an executive director, I have appreciated her clarity and transparency as the process unfolds. Knowing that we are putting the needs of our team at the center of this work assures me our non profit will have the best chance possible at sustaining our deep commitment to our community.”

— M.P.