About Us
Brian and Annette are the caretakers of this land for a “little” while. Brian has lived on the land since 1987 and Annette since 2003!
Brian
Brian Olynek aka Ahynx (means fire in the heart) is the founder of Quantum Leaps Retreats. A resident in the Blaeberry valley since 1976, he has been blessed with the wonderful opportunity to continually create/caretake this beautiful retreat and workshop centre. In the past, he has lead numerous adventure rafting trips and wilderness experience workshops in such places as the Grand Canyon, Mexico, New Zealand, and the remote northern Canada and Alaska.Brian “O” has studied and taught in places like the world famous Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, and has been licensed in various areas of personal growth movement and in outdoor activities such as Scenic Rafting, Fire-walking, and Breathwork. He has done Sweat Lodges and Vision Quests, nurturing his warrior nature. He is now deeply immersed in the teachings of Dr. Joe Dispenza author of Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself and Becoming Supernatural.
For a number of years, Brian ran successful Rafting Adventure Companies based in Golden, BC. He did the first descents on many rivers, including the Kicking Horse and Blaeberry rivers. Brian has nurtured a passion for outdoor adventure since his early adulthood. He is both an accomplished outdoor person and a perceptive teacher and guide. He is also the builder and creator of all the buildings at Quantum Leaps. He is passionate about sustainability and creating a life “off grid” and self reliant as much as possible!
Annette
Joining Brian’s journey in 2003 is his life partner, Annette Boelman aka Dancing Deer. Annette has a BA in Recreation Administration (major in Outdoor Recreation) from the U of A, graduating in 1991. For 6 years she worked at Outdoor Recreation Centres working with children, teens, and adults. In 1996 she moved to Canmore, AB and became an ACMG hiking and backpacking guide. After many years, the Spiritual side of her nature was calling so in 2001/2002 she trained in Massage at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts. Now she is also a Craniosacral Therapist with her training with the Upledger Institute (at level 3 – SER 1). She has always been a seeker of knowledge and spirit. She has also studied and practiced Shamanic Drumming over the last 18 years.
Nature is where Annette finds her peace and reference for all that is divine and good. In 2006, she and Brian were guided, through a Vision Quest to begin leading Sweatlodges for all people, guided by the Grandmothers. She has been living in the Canadian Rockies since 1996 (coming from the Edmonton region) and moved in 2003 from Canmore, AB to be with her Soul Mate Brian in Golden, BC. She has joined the Quantum Leaps’ vision and goals with a loving and open heart. The lodge is evolving as they work together in common vision, purpose, and love. You will find her outside in the Garden, nurturing and loving all the vegetables that are grown here on the land. She loves to canoe, hike, and explore beautiful places in the world.