Meet the director...

Cy S. Vierstra

Origination:        Boston, Massachusetts
Birthday:            April 30, 1980
Occupation:       Human Services
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"
- Mohondas K. Gandhi

As the owner/director of Bethsaida Farms, Ltd. and all that it supports and participates in, it is my desire to introduce myself and share with those interested in our programs a little more about the things that are so important in my life.

First and foremost, I have been working personally and professionally with native and non-native wildlife for over 14 years.  The passion for obtaining the knowledge of, rearing, and building working relationships with these animals has done nothing but increase over the years.  After over three years on the road presenting programs to all the mid-west and south, we (the animals and I) have decided to park the truck and focus on the growth and construction of our more permanent programs here on the ranch. We are still very excited to offer any of our programs to you throughout the year (with advanced scheduling required), however, we only have time for a very limited number of these off-site programs, so be sure to schedule yours in a timely fashion to ensure the animals and I are at your event.

During the fall of 2006, I made the personal decision to further my education in Social Work here in Athens, Ohio, at The Ohio Unversity.  In the past (1998-2001), my college focus had been on Chemical Dependency Counseling and Child/Adult Psychology.  I am passionate for the very well-being and satisfaction of all those I work for, and have enjoyed my
past positions where I have had the awesome
opportunity to counsel and provide
professional support to others, however, I
have come to personally conclude that helping
others help themselves is far more rewarding, 
for myself, than putting so much effort into
convincing those I work for to do what they
may not necessarily be ready to do (not to
say that this is not a rewarding career as well,
as providing tools to those in need for future
reference is vital for many peoples future
success, just not so much for myself).  I have
hopes on using my education to be a part of
reforming our child welfare system.  I am
confident that my indomitable will to provide
youth with a greater chance at success and
satisfaction will be more than memorable and
life-changing for many.  I have faith that in a gentle way, we will shake the world...

In the past, I have participated in study-abroad programs and later returned to teach english as a second language in the beautiful country of Mexico.  Over the years I have formed a passionate bond with both my spanish friends and the culture alike.  I would encourage any young person with the opportunity to enroll in a study-abroad program to do so, as your life will be forever changed by the experience!

I am presently the trustee, representing both districts 4 and 5(south-eastern region of Ohio), of the OAAO (Ohio Association of Animal Owners).  An organization with a membership of over 7,000 animal owners, we work together to maintain current regulations regarding private ownership and fight any further legislation that might threaten our basic right to own animals.  You can find more information as-well-as the history of this great organization as it directly pertains to animal legislation through the link below.



Last, but not least, as a man of great faith, I strive to make my life my message.  I am grateful to be blessed with God's Word and do my very best to deliver His message in a selfless manner on a daily basis.  I believe the very best way to find 'yourself' is to lose yourself in the service of others. 

I am incapable of having too many friends and too much support, please take the time to contact us here at the ranch so we can take the time to befriend you and your family as well.

In His Service,
Cy Vierstra