Heather Cronemiller MA, LICSW
I’ve been in the mental health field for over 14 years. My journey has taken me all over Minnesota. I’ve worked in the community, in a hospital, and for the Department of Corrections. A true Gryffindor at heart, I’m on to the next big adventure, which is Oak Haven! I have been providing animal-assisted therapy at Farmaste since May 2022 and it has been such a joy.
In August 2021 I completed a certificate in Animal and Human Health from the University of Denver and can’t wait to do therapy work alongside animal assistants. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and kiddos, hanging with friends, listening to true crime podcasts, and volunteering at Farmaste Animal Sanctuary.
Bre Hartford, MSW Advance Practice Intern
I began my journey with Oak Haven as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) intern in the spring of 2022. Upon graduation, I became Heather’s trusty assistant in all things Oak Haven! I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, bringing a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to my current internship role.
I aspire to become licensed clinical social worker and am dedicated to making a positive impact in the field. I am committed to lifelong learning and staying up to date on current research and best practices to continuously enhance my professional knowledge and skills.
Believing in the importance of a holistic approach and a focus on empowerment and resilience, I come into each client interaction with empathy, cultural humility, and a strengths-based perspective. I aim to bring genuine enthusiasm for helping people navigate their personal journeys toward healing and growth.
When I am not working I enjoy being in nature, trying new things, listening to paranormal/true crime podcasts, and volunteering at Farmaste Animal Sanctuary.
Email: bre@oakhaven-counseling.com
Oak Haven’s Favorite Farmaste Animal Assistants
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Pickles
Pickles is full of personality! He loves human attention and is a very curious boy. Pickles the pig is a former show pig raised by a young girl in Southern Minnesota. She and her family fell in love with Pickles and wanted him to be able to live a full life, rather than go to slaughter as originally planned. Pickles loves love and spending time exploring his pasture!
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Levi
Levi was bought at a spring auction by a college student with a big heart, but not a very good plan. Nowadays, Levi loves his sanctuary life! Just like dogs and cats, each sheep has their own distinct personality. From the day we met him, he has been outgoing and welcomed human attention and scratches. He loves his sheep friends too!
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The “Piglets”
These girls are no longer piglets, but they are still full of piglet energy and joy! Phoebe is the more confident and outgoing of the two. She is quick to greet new people and explore anything that finds its way into her pasture. She is so curious! Charlotte is a bit shyer and more reserved, but is sweet as can be. She loves comfy nests and long naps, and is always happy to accept a tummy rub from a friend. These two can often be found enjoying their beautiful mud spa and soaking up the sun.
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Lillibet
Lillibet came to Farmaste from Michigan Humane after they found her as a stray in Detroit. Despite her difficult start, Lillibet is a sweet, curious, and outgoing goat. She quickly bonded with her new stall-mate Blossom and with her caregivers. She loves human attention and clovers for a summertime snack. She is also a true goat, always looking for mischief!
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Blossom
While we aren’t sure of her background, Blossom is believed to have escaped from a nearby live market. She was found wandering South Saint Paul with a $350 price tag in her ear. Blossom was extremely anxious when she arrived at Farmaste. Although progress has been slow, it has been steady. She now happily accepts pets from her caregivers - and even an occasional stranger! She loves her goat family and is strongly bonded with her herd, including her stall-mate and bestie Lillibet.
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Mags & Timothy
Steel Magnolia (Mags) was born with a spinal deformity on a WI dairy farm, the farmers made a compassionate decision not to breed her for milk. She lived as a non-working pet at the farm for the first two years of her life, until a change in the farm’s finances made it difficult for them to continue to support Mags if she wasn’t a working cow. They reached out to Farmaste, and the rest is history! While Mags is well known for serving as Timothy’s companion, she is a remarkable cow in her own right. She is playful, smart, beautiful, and gives some of the best kisses around.
Timothy was born on a beef farm in Wisconsin. Due to neglect by the farmer, he unfortunately lost his sight within the first weeks of his life from untreated pink eye. He loves spending his days with his BFF Mags, getting chin scratches from his human friends, and relaxing in the sun. Timothy’s gentle nature and love for life are evident from the moment you meet him. He is a model of resilience and grace.
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Farmaste
Far•ma•ste
(/färmə,stā/, far-məs-tay)
noun:
A place where farm animals find zen living as someone, not something.
Where farm animals will go after being rescued from cruelty situations, receive necessary vet care, and live happily ever after grazing in green fields.