About
Our Mission
Wellness WoodShop is dedicated to helping first responders, veterans, and other adults who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health challenges learn basic woodworking. This activity can promote healing, growth, and renewal. Woodworking is a craft that can help divert anxieties creatively; providing a chance to improve calmness and balance. Taking a piece of wood and turning it into something useful, practical, and beautiful can help build confidence, self-esteem and provide a renewed purpose. Our goal is to empower all learners with knowledge and skills to create a finished piece they can be proud of.
What We Do
Wellness WoodShop provides free in-person and online woodworking workshops. In-person workshops are held at a customized 30 x 60 woodworking shop in Conroe, TX. Lessons are designed around completing a specific project like a toolbox, bench, side table, etc. Participants will learn a variety of skills such as shop safety, hand tools, basic measurement, standard cutting techniques using a table saw and miter saw, manual drilling technique, use a drill press, use of a router, gluing, nailing, sanding, and wood finishing.
Who We Are
The Wellness WoodShop creator and instructor is Gary “Sidewinder” Netherton. Gary is a professional furniture-maker, woodworker, and cabinetmaker. Gary began his cabinetry apprenticeship in 1983. He has been a skilled woodworking artisan for 38 years.
A former firefighter and cabinet shop owner, Gary is also a PTSD and trauma survivor. Gary created The Wellness WoodShop to help others learn how woodworking has helped him cope with his mental health challenges. All funding for The Wellness WoodShop is provided by Gary and his wife Sue Netherton. Gary and Sue have four grown children and one grandchild. Harley, an ESA-trained dog, loves to meet new people and relax in the shop while Gary works.
