Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

Spiritual Companioning
2025-11-30 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Cancer often initiates an intense transformational process that can raise more questions than answers, leading us to re-examine our beliefs and approach to life. We may feel called to explore opportunities for spiritual growth, feeling a desire to connect with the sacred in a more conscious way and define more deeply life’s meaning in the face of cancer.

Regardless of your personal beliefs or faith system, working with a spiritual companion offers you an opportunity to reflect with another on what is going on for you spiritually, and explore how to integrate your cancer experience with your personal beliefs.

Spiritual Companions:

Provide a safe, trusting environment that invites stillness and reflection.

Support your spiritual growth and exploration, your unique and personal journey.

Listen, deeply and with compassion, honoring your sacred story. This deep listening helps you to connect with your most authentic self and illuminate your unique spiritual path.

“Your soul already knows the way to wholeness and healing, but often speaks to us in a small, still voice. In our time together, we create a nest for your soul to rest awhile, allowing space for your sacred truth to be revealed.”

If you are interested in this program, please reach out to Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

Facilitators

Retreats Co-Leader, Integrative Patient Navigator and Spiritual Companioning Consultant ,
Carole O’Toole

Organizer

Office Closed
2025-11-28 00:00 - 23:59, 2025-11-27 00:00 - 23:59
Our office is closed today for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Organizer

Canceled - A Year of Living Mindfully
2025-11-26 17:00 - 18:00
This session has been canceled.

A community for those who want to explore ways to be present in their lives. This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way. The group is open to people at any level of experience with meditation and mindfulness. This is a drop-in class, so you can join at any time as topics will differ each week.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Phebe Duff

Organizer

Knitting on the Couch
2025-11-26 15:00 - 16:30, 2025-11-19 15:00 - 16:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82965385575
Join us weekly to enjoy knitting in a safe and welcoming environment. Knitting can provide a respite from one’s immediate situation, serve as a way to productively pass the time, and have a positive effect on reducing stress symptoms.

Knitting is:

relatively easy to learn,

requires no artistic talent or prior experience,

portable,

and results in a useful product.

Sometimes referred to as the “new yoga” — plain and simple — knitting is good for you.

Trained volunteers will provide knitting instruction and quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community. Beginner and experienced knitters are welcome. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.

Our Knitting Circle meets Weekly on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:30pm EST.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Ilene Gast

Organizer

Canceled - Previvor Support Group
2025-11-25 18:30 - 19:30
This meeting has been canceled.

This group is for previvors who have an elevated predisposition for a cancer diagnosis or those who have tested positive to cancer genetic markers, such as the BRCA gene. Having a predisposition to cancer can be an overwhelming experience and one that is often isolating. As a previvor, one often goes through emotional, physical, and mental hardships. This group offers a safe space for community where you can talk openly with others who also identify as previvors.

This group is hosted on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30PM EST on Zoom.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

Support Group Facilitator ,
Mbahlia Colson

Organizer

Organizer

Chair Yoga
2025-11-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89596265703
When life gets hard or movement and meditation would be helpful, come to yoga! Our chair yoga class offers a place to relax and let go mentally while stretching and exercising physically. We’ll start with a simple warm-up that you can do standing or seated, then move through stretches and exercises for your whole body, all with the support of your chair. We’ll finish with a deep calming relaxation. You’ll leave feeling balanced and ready to take on the rest of your day!

All levels welcome.

Our Chair Yoga class meets Weekly on Tuesdays from 12:00 – 1:00pm.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Beth Lawrence, RYT500

Organizer

Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83942821577
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Leukemia or Lymphoma. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support.

This group is open to people of all ages (18+) who are at any stage of the disease process.

It is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday from 11:00am-12:00pm EST.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Sara Richman, LICSW

Organizer

Organizer

LGBTQIA+ Morning Meditation
2025-11-25 07:30 - 08:00, 2025-11-18 07:30 - 08:00
Come together as an LGBTQIA+ community for a weekly morning meditation sit.

We will settle in for a few minutes, then meditation (guided and silence) for 20 minutes and end with around the virtual circle with a few words of gratitude.

Note: Because this is an online sit, participants are encouraged to find space of relative quiet, limiting the amount of interaction with others in the environment as much as possible. Participants may join by internet or via phone.

No registration is required to join this program. Please join the meeting using the Zoom information below.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88468692145?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 884 6869 2145

Passcode: [REDACTED]

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Susan Salek

Organizer

Loss of a Parent to Cancer Support Group
2025-11-24 18:00 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89843016733
The loss of a parent from cancer brings with it many complex feelings. Sadness, anger, and regret are just a few of the feelings you may experience. Sometimes friends – and even family members – don’t understand these feelings.

This support group provides a monthly opportunity to join a group of people who may understand.

The Loss of a Parent to Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 4th Monday from 6:00-7:30pm EST.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Rebecca Spiro, LGSW

Organizer

Canceled - The Mindful Cancer Journey
2025-11-24 11:30 - 12:30
This session has been canceled.

This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Phebe Duff

Organizer

Painting for Life
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00
This workshop provides a safe and powerful learning container using community building and a “mindfulness painting” practice to foster healing, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation.

You are invited to work from the heart and express your drama in forms and colors. As you paint, you process your emotions and liberate yourself from the psychological and physical disease they may cause. This is a workshop for processing feelings through painting and group sharing. It is not a good space for finishing existing projects and using other mediums.

By intentionally focusing on the emotional process rather than the artistic product, participants are able to unleash their creative powers and produce striking works, while by sharing their creative process they gain the insight and wisdom often hidden in works created in a state of letting go.

For more information about Painting for Life and what you can expect during a session, please explore this manual:

PFL MANUAL

Participants are encouraged to drop-in for any session and attend as many sessions as they would like.

Session Schedule:

The Painting For Life workshop on Zoom consists of a 1-hour painting session framed by a 30 minute opening circle (which can often be 45 minutes) and a 30 minute closing circle.

Opening Circle – In the opening circle we build a safe and powerful We-Spacecommunity characterized by “presencing,” sharing with honesty and integrity, deep listening, and resonating in harmony with each other. Noelle will start this opening circle by giving a quick prompting and end it with a 3-minute meditation before sending people off to paint for exactly 1 hour.

1-hour Painting Session – Participants paint at home, using cheap materials such as paper, tempera paints, watercolors, acrylics, or pastels, Crayolas, and even color pens. When the hour is over, people take a picture of their painting and text it to Noelle before coming back to the Zoom room.

Closing Circle – Noelle then shares each painting on the screen as people explore their process while the group may offer feedback and further insights get sparked. We end this closing circle with a group hugs as we shout “May all beings be happy!” thus fusing personal and collective healing together.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Noelle Imparato, PhD

Organizer

En Persona: Nueva Vida Grupo de Apoyo (en Español)
2025-11-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Nueva Vida es una organización independiente, sin fines de lucro, que proporciona servicios integrales de cáncer gratuitos, a las familias latinas en el Distrito de Columbia, Virginia del Norte (hasta el sur de Prince William County), Suburban Maryland (Condados de Montgomery y Prince George), Richmond, y Baltimore. Otros servicios incluyen educación y divulgación en la comunidad latina, asi como navegación de pacientes para exámenes de detección y tratamiento de cáncer.

En asociación con Smith Center, Nueva Vida tendrá grupos de apoyo que se enfocan en el apoyo al trauma asociado con el diagnóstico de cáncer. Estos grupos proporcionan a las latinas la oportunidad de identificar y expresar sus sentimientos, en un lugar seguro, y lleno de empatía, así como compartir sus sentimientos con otras personas que están o han pasado por similares circunstancias. Las reuniones semanales, se combinan con una actividad de reducción del estrés (Zumba o Yoga).

Este programa se ofrece en persona en Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Para registrarse, llame a Claudia a Nueva Vida: 202.223.9100.

Nueva Vida is an independent nonprofit that provides free, comprehensive, culturally competent cancer services to medically underserved Latino families in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia (as far south as Prince William County), Suburban Maryland (Montgomery & Prince George’s Counties), Richmond, and Baltimore. Other services include outreach to the Latino community and Patient Navigation for cancer screenings and treatment.

In partnership with Smith Center, Nueva Vida will be providing support groups that are focused on supporting the trauma associated with a cancer diagnosis. These groups provide Latina women the opportunity to experience a catharsis of feelings, where they feel safe to identify, verbalize, empathize, and share their feelings with others who are in similar circumstances. All support group meetings are paired with a stress reduction activity (either Zumba or Yoga).

This program is being offered in-person at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Please call Claudia at 202.384.8342 to register.

Facilitators

,
Nueva Vida

Event Venue

Organizer

A Healing Circle – Support Group for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84868437263
We are a group of gay men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or who are recovering from treatment that offer support to each other. In a peer-led community, we share our experiences and understanding to help one another best deal with our own personal situations.

The Healing Circle for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 7:00pm – 8:30pm EST. Please Note: The group will meet on 11/20 due to the holiday.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Kenneth Johnson

Organizer

Energy Balancing
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:50
Our Energy Balancing Program addresses the subtle energies of our body. When these energies are out of balance, all our body systems can become askew. One key to bringing us back into balance is deep relaxation. This is just what our volunteers provide – a half-hour of stress reducing relaxation to calm the body and enhance our well-being.

Most likely you are familiar with many of the body’s systems such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skeletal system and so on. But are you aware that we also have subtle energy systems, systems that cannot be seen, cannot be measured, cannot be felt. Perhaps you know of some; the most familiar are the aura (also known as the biofield), the meridians, the chakras.

These subtle energy systems were very familiar to the ancients. They used them regularly to bring the body into energetic balance. When the body’s energies are in balance, we function at a higher vibration and are more relaxed, more joyful, more centered and able to enjoy life more productively. Many of the age-old techniques are now being used to bring calm to the body and to optimize one’s well-being.

Energy Balancing is offered Weekly on Thursdays in 1/2 hour appointments.

By appointment only.

Time slots:

1:00-1:30pm

2:20-2:50pm

The Energy Balancing team continues to offer distance sessions. If you wish to receive, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,
Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T

Program Facilitator ,
Anne Molofsky

Program Facilitator ,
Margaret Haggerty

Program Facilitator ,
Pat Spellman

Organizer

Lung Cancer Support Group
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83128541650
This monthly support group is open to adults with lung cancer, survivors, and caregivers. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, the group will offer emotional support and educational talks and is hosted in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

The Lung Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 4th Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm EST on Zoom.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Joslyn Travoti, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Organizer

Organizer

In-Person Energy Balancing
2025-11-20 09:45 - 11:30
Our Energy Balancing Program addresses the subtle energies of our body. When these energies are out of balance, all our body systems can become askew. One key to bringing us back into balance is deep relaxation. This is just what our volunteers provide – 45 minutes of stress reducing relaxation to calm the body and enhance our well-being.

Most likely you are familiar with many of the body’s systems such as the respiratory system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the skeletal system and so on. But are you aware that we also have subtle energy systems, systems that cannot be seen, cannot be measured, cannot be felt. Perhaps you know of some; the most familiar are the aura (also known as the biofield), the meridians, the chakras.

These subtle energy systems were very familiar to the ancients. They used them regularly to bring the body into energetic balance. When the body’s energies are in balance, we function at a higher vibration and are more relaxed, more joyful, more centered and able to enjoy life more productively. Many of the age-old techniques are now being used to bring calm to the body and to optimize one’s well-being.

We offer 2 in-person Energy Balancing appointments weekly. Registration is first-come-first-served.

Please specify which of the two time slots you prefer (see below). To reserve an appointment, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

Time slots:

Time slot #1: 9:45-10:30am ET

Time slot #2: 10:45-11:30am ET

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,
Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T

Venue

Organizer

Qigong
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88471026155
This all-levels introductory Qigong class explores the human energy system through discussion, movement, meditation, and energetic transmission, teaching practices to clear, nourish, and regulate your subtle body for overall well-being.

Qigong meets bi-monthly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Kevin Mutschler, L.Ac.

Organizer

A Year of Living Mindfully
2025-11-19 17:00 - 18:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84524449424
A community for those who want to explore ways to be present in their lives. This group will examine a different topic each week relevant to members’ lives. We will explore meditation and mindfulness practices that can be applied to life experiences in a supportive way. The group is open to people at any level of experience with meditation and mindfulness. This is a drop-in class, so you can join at any time as topics will differ each week.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Phebe Duff

Organizer

Meditation and Mindfulness
2025-11-19 12:00 - 12:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87431130084
Developing mindfulness skills can help combat stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in everyday life. Join us for regular sessions to help you better understand and transform your mind.

All experience levels are welcome to attend! Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals and the community. This group welcomes all levels, including those who have not tried Mindfulness and Meditation before.

The Mindfulness & Meditation Group meets twice a month on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30pm EST.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Joslyn Travoti, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Sara Richman, LICSW

Organizer

Organizer

Outside the Lines
2025-11-19 10:30 - 12:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89703968439
Creative expression has often been used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy, but fear of judgment and “not being an artist” can often prevent us from tapping into its healing power. Join us for Outside the Lines, where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Participants who feel comfortable working on their own projects are also welcome to do so.

Facilitators

Cancer Support Program Director | Program Facilitator and Healing Circle Host ,
Kiersten Gallagher

Organizer

Survivorship Support Group
2025-11-18 18:30 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83631497042
This group is designed for cancer survivors who have completed their primary cancer treatment(s) and are now either post-treatment or on maintenance medication (such as hormonal therapy). Cancer can be emotionally and physically draining — many times we aren’t able to fully process the experience until after treatment is over and we are trying to get back to our “normal” lives. The struggle and expectation to find “normal” again can also be an overwhelming process. This group is a space where you can talk openly about these issues and process the trauma of cancer with other survivors.

The group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm EST. Please Note: The group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday due to the holiday.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Lashondra Love, LGSW, LMSW

Organizer

Organizer

Gentle PM Yoga
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:15 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81987068529
Enjoy a greater sense of well-being and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures, techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices, and meditation to help reduce stress, as well as balance mind, body, and spirit.

Our classes are specifically designed for adults facing stress, cancer, or other illness and are open to anyone interested in attending. All levels are welcome.

In addition, our yoga classes are listed with the National MS Society and we welcome patients and caregivers of those with multiple sclerosis to our gentle yoga classes.

Classes are twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. EST on Zoom.

How to Register

You have two options to join:

Event Registration – Sign up for a specific class date that works for you

Series Passes – Enroll for a full month of classes

Choose what fits your schedule best — join us for one session or commit to the full experience!

Facilitators

Movement and Meditation Facilitator ,
Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RMT, MS

Organizer

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group
2025-11-18 12:30 - 13:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81890351245
This monthly support group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their caregivers. The group will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support and is hosted by and offered in partnership with the GW Cancer Center.

The Multiple Myeloma Cancer Support Group meets Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday from 12:30-1:30pm EST.

Facilitators

Support Group Facilitator ,
Jessica Gelfarb, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator ,
Sara Richman, LICSW

Organizer

Organizer

Healing Circle for Parents with Cancer
2025-11-18 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89384648753
Healing Circles for Parents with Cancer is a peer-led virtual support group for parents who are newly diagnosed, in active treatment or in survivorship experiencing challenges with their role as a parent during their cancer journey. As this is a peer led support group, the co-facilitators can best support parents who have children from 0-18 years old.

This group is not about giving advice (although facilitators will share resources after group and encourage this type of sharing outside of group). Instead it is about sharing our stories (the heart ache that comes from parenting with cancer) without judgment and listening with love. There will also be periodic in-person playdates for parents, partners and their kids in the DMV.

What is a Healing Circle?

Healing Circles bring together small numbers of people impacted by a condition or circumstance to share experiences and harvest collective wisdom. Healing Circles is a peer-led process by which people support each other through deep listening and shared learning. When working at its best, this collaborative conversation model leads to authentic and deep connectivity and can create wisdom and healing for participants.

The group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 12:00-1:00pm EST. Please Note: This month’s meeting is being held on the 3rd Tuesday due to the holiday.

Facilitators

Healing Circle Host ,
Lauren Sauer

Healing Circle Host ,
Tracy Steffek, MPA

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Organizer

Caregiver Support Group
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:30
Our Caregiver Support Group is currently closed to new members at this time. To be added to the waitlist and to learn about other caregiver support group offerings, please email Olivia at olivia@smithcenter.org.

This cancer caregiver support group, led by a licensed psychologist, is designed to provide cancer caregivers with the opportunity to meet other caregivers, learn about useful tools for self-care, and explore ways to thrive in the caregiving role.

Julia’s Caregiver Support Group meets Bi-Monthly on Mondays from 6:00 – 7:30pm EST.

Facilitators

Senior Strategic Advisor | Program Facilitator ,
Julia Rowland, PhD, FAPOS, FASCO

Organizer

Canceled - Cancer Support Group
2025-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84286097059
This meeting has been canceled.

This bi-monthly cancer support group provides participants with the opportunity to explore their experience with cancer in a safe group setting with a trained social worker and to connect with others who are facing a similar challenge. This group is designed specifically for individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer.

Facilitators

Program Facilitator ,
Lauren Broschak, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Support Group Facilitator | Creativity Program Facilitator ,
Mindy Brodsky, LCSW

Organizer
