About us
We are two brothers from Vermont that have struggled with mental health challenges and addiction for most of our lives. By connecting with nature, we came to realize disconnection was at the core of our problems.
We created Cultivating Connections to foster deeper connections in every aspect of our lives. A deeper connection with ourselves, our intuition, and our emotions. A deeper connection with nature and a deeper connection with the present moment.
We are passionate about community. We believe that we can heal ourselves and our community by creating meaningful connections.
Our hope with Cultivating Connections is that everyone in our community will be able to develop a supportive network of connections to empower them to be happy and fulfilled.
Contact us: cultivatingconnectionsvt@gmail.com
Left: Rory Van Tuinen, Right: Ryan Van Tuinen
“I was struggling with depression and anxiety and the pharmaceuticals that the medical establishment offered me weren’t helping. I started researching alternatives,” said 26-year-old Ryan. On his quest for psychological relief, Ryan came across research from John Hopkins University showing that psychedelic treatment with psilocybin can relieve major depression. He tried it. Much to his delight, it worked. “It helped me, so I encouraged Rory, who had an active addiction at the time, to try something different. That’s when he tried ayahuasca and had some positive change from it,” said Ryan. "Ayahuasca showed me the potential that I had for change," Rory said. "It was one of the most enlightening experiences I've ever had." The Van Tuinens believe that sharing their stories can pave the way for greater social acceptance and legalization of this traditional remedy. Last year they founded a nonprofit, Cultivating Connections, to help other Vermonters struggling with addiction, mental illness and past trauma.”
Last year, as the pandemic drove Vermonters into isolation, the Van Tuinens began speaking publicly about their ayahuasca use — in YouTube videos, on their blog and in an online support group they launched last May. Soon, dozens of other Vermonters came forward to share their own stories about how ayahuasca had helped them overcome addiction, mental illness and post-traumatic stress disorder. As one support group attendee put it, "For a lot of people, it's a last resort." "Ayahuasca showed me the potential that I had for change," Rory said. "It was one of the most enlightening experiences I've ever had." The Van Tuinens believe that sharing their stories can pave the way for greater social acceptance and legalization of this traditional remedy. Last year they founded a nonprofit, Cultivating Connections, to help other Vermonters struggling with addiction, mental illness and past trauma.”