Tag: Cancer Caregiving

This program series is now full. Please email carla@smithcenter.org to be added to the waitlist.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

*Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland*

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C, Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C and Kiersten Gallagher

This program is offered in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts & the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Mind Over Matter - Evidence-Based Mind-Body Program Series

This 5-session program uses evidence-based strategies to help decrease feelings of anxiety and depression and increase a sense of well-being.

Each week, new tools using cognitive and behavioral approaches and mind-body strategies will be introduced and practiced. Therefore, weekly attendance is expected.

Mind Over Matter* will be offered as a program series Weekly on Wednesdays from May 4th – June 1st, 2022, from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET via Zoom.

*Open to Cancer Patients/Survivors at any stage in their journey and Cancer Caregivers. Participants are encouraged to attend all 5 sessions to get the most out of the program. Before registering, be sure that you can commit to attending at least 4 of the 5 sessions. Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland.

This program is offered in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts & the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Program Dates:

  • May 4, 11, 18 & 25
  • June 1

About Erin Price, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Erin Price

Erin serves as Smith Center’s Director of Young Adult and Psychosocial Support Programs. She is trained in Integrative Patient Navigation, a Project LEAD graduate, and holds a Masters in Social Work. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, Erin is passionate about providing support and community to other cancer survivors, especially young adults. She works with Smith Center’s DC Young Adult Cancer Community and is also actively involved in the cancer community through Young Survival Coalition, Critical Mass, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, National Breast Cancer Coalition, and the DC Cancer Action Partnership.

About Sara Field, MSW, LICSW, OSW-C

Sara Field

Sara is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and holds an Oncology Social Work certification. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the Catholic University of America in DC and has worked in oncology for over 6 years. Sara currently serves as the Clinical Social Worker and Patient Experience Supervisor at the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown and previously worked  at the Lombardi Cancer Center and GW Cancer Center. Sara has a strong interest in the intersection of emotional and physical health and a particular passion for supporting parents with cancer and their kids.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten has served as the Cancer Support Program Director for Smith Center since 2014. Before coming to Smith Center, she had the privilege to serve individuals and families living with cancer at Wellness House of Annapolis. Kiersten aims to offer programs to reduce stress and help participants to see the world we live in from different perspectives. She thoroughly enjoys teaching yoga and creativity classes at Smith Center and encourages gentle movement and creativity in the healing process. Kiersten is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance and also has her YCAT (Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness) Professional Certification through the Integral Yoga Academy. She has completed Patient Navigation training through Smith Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation and has also completed the Commonweal Healing Circles: Advanced Cancer Support Training. Kiersten is also certified in CLIMB®(Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) a program that aims to build upon the strengths of children and increase his/her ability to cope with stress associated with a parent’s illness. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, human relationships and is grateful for each and every day. Kiersten has also completed the Compassion Cultivation Training – CCT™ an 8-week program, developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice. In her spare time, you may find Kiersten laughing with friends, cycling, taking art classes, practicing yoga and spending time with her husband Shane, son Liam, and dogs Beans and Pablo.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Lauren Trosch, PT, DPT, OCS

How to Support Your Pelvic Floor

Problems with your pelvic floor can contribute to urinary leaking, difficulty going to the bathroom, and pain with intimacy. You can experience pelvic floor problems throughout your lifetime, from childhood through adulthood. Illness, medications, and surgeries may also contribute to embarrassing pelvic floor issues.

 

To better understand and manage your pelvic floor problems, join us for our talk!

 

What we’ll talk about:

  • Common pelvic floor problems like urinary and bowel incontinence, constipation, and painful sex
  • Why are they happening?
  • What can you do to help with these embarrassing issues

About Lauren Trosch, PT, DPT, OCS

Lauren Trosch

Lauren is a pelvic floor physical therapist and orthopedic clinical specialist who helps those with pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and bowel and bladder dysfunction in the DC Metro region.
She is very active in the local and international pelvic health community, and serves as the Multimedia Education Manager for the Academy of Pelvic Health. She helps to educate pelvic floor providers through the Academy of Pelvic Health, International Pelvic Pain Society, and the international pelvic floor education platform – My Pelvic Floor Muscles. She also hosts a local scientific journal club for DMV pelvic floor providers.

This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Anna Rashkover, Kai Wasson, Kiersten Gallagher, Nia Holden and Olivia Gonyea

Photovoice

Join us for a 2-part program where we will explore the personal and socially constructed forces that shape our experiences. We will identify and reflect on community needs and engage in critical dialogue with others in a safe, collaborative environment.

 

This 2-part program will be based on Photovoice methodology. Photovoice involves the use of photography to visually represent and narrate everyday experiences from personal perspectives. It can help us generate new insights into our socially constructed realities.

 

Photovoice is a humanistic and compassionate way to reflect and communicate with others as we represent ourselves, expose challenges we face, and ignite social change.

 

Activities will include mindfulness practices, personal presentations of photography, and group discussion.

Participants do not need to own a professional camera to participate and may use whatever methods they would like to take photographs. No photography experience is required. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions as we aim to foster community and a safe, open environment for sharing.

This program is open to everyone, including caregivers.

Through My Eyes: A Photovoice Experience will be offered as a 2-part series on Saturdays, April 2 & 9, 2022 from 10 – 11:30 AM EST. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions. Please let us know ahead of time if you are unable to attend both sessions.

Suggested Donation: $20 (series)

About Anna Rashkover

Anna Rashkover

Anna Rashkover is an American University student studying Public Health. Anna is interested in studying health communication and social and behavioral sciences to help create effective public health campaigns which address complex issues plaguing the United States and other countries.

About Kai Wasson

Kai Wasson

Kai Wasson is a senior Public Health major at American University. He will be attending a MA in Sociology program next year and is interested in occupational health and safety.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

About Nia Holden

Nia Holden

Nia Holden is an American University student studying Public Health and Health Promotion. Nia is interested in studying nutrition and working with vulnerable populations.

About Olivia Gonyea

Olivia Gonyea

Olivia Gonyea is an American University student studying Public Health and International Studies. Olivia is interested in studying disease prevention and control and working in health program planning.

This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Anna Rashkover, Kai Wasson, Kiersten Gallagher, Nia Holden and Olivia Gonyea

Photovoice

Join us for a 2-part program where we will explore the personal and socially constructed forces that shape our experiences. We will identify and reflect on community needs and engage in critical dialogue with others in a safe, collaborative environment.

 

This 2-part program will be based on Photovoice methodology. Photovoice involves the use of photography to visually represent and narrate everyday experiences from personal perspectives. It can help us generate new insights into our socially constructed realities.

 

Photovoice is a humanistic and compassionate way to reflect and communicate with others as we represent ourselves, expose challenges we face, and ignite social change.

 

Activities will include mindfulness practices, personal presentations of photography, and group discussion.

Participants do not need to own a professional camera to participate and may use whatever methods they would like to take photographs. No photography experience is required. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions as we aim to foster community and a safe, open environment for sharing.

This program is open to everyone, including caregivers.

Through My Eyes: A Photovoice Experience will be offered as a 2-part series on Saturdays, April 2 & 9, 2022 from 10 – 11:30 AM EST. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions. Please let us know ahead of time if you are unable to attend both sessions.

Suggested Donation: $20 (series)

About Anna Rashkover

Anna Rashkover

Anna Rashkover is an American University student studying Public Health. Anna is interested in studying health communication and social and behavioral sciences to help create effective public health campaigns which address complex issues plaguing the United States and other countries.

About Kai Wasson

Kai Wasson

Kai Wasson is a senior Public Health major at American University. He will be attending a MA in Sociology program next year and is interested in occupational health and safety.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

As the Cancer Support Program Director, Kiersten fully believes that through the arts we can expand our perspectives and explore new fulfilling ways of being. She invites you to make our space your own refuge, to circumvent your daily routine to spark creativity, to take time for introspection, and draw outside the lines.

About Nia Holden

Nia Holden

Nia Holden is an American University student studying Public Health and Health Promotion. Nia is interested in studying nutrition and working with vulnerable populations.

About Olivia Gonyea

Olivia Gonyea

Olivia Gonyea is an American University student studying Public Health and International Studies. Olivia is interested in studying disease prevention and control and working in health program planning.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org.

You will receive the Zoom information no later than the morning of your program.

with Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Mandalas for Managing Stress and Increasing Wellbeing

Mandalas – circular designs that communicate symbolic meaning – have been used for centuries as a form of contemplative practice in many spiritual traditions.

In this brief but focused workshop, we will use mandala imagery, writing, and meditative practice to bring creativity, healing, and an increased sense of grounding and balance into our lives. Absolutely no previous art experience is needed. The workshop is designed for all ranges of artistic experience–you need not consider yourself an artist to attend.

 

Suggested Materials:

  • Paper to draw on – can be any size or color that you like; we usually work with something between 6 x 6 to 12 x 12
  • Art supplies to draw or paint with – E.G. colored pencils, magic markers, chalk or oil pastels, watercolor paints, and/or acrylics
  • Plate or circular shape – to draw an outline of a circle on the paper
  • For those of you who do creative or art journaling, you are welcome to use your journal to create your mandala.

Suggested Donation: $10

About Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Rebecca Wilkinson

Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, is a Registered and Board Certified art therapists with twenty years of experience in mental health and in facilitating training and workshops. She serves as adjunct faculty at George Washington University Graduate Art Therapy Program and provide continuing education and development through the Potomac Art Therapy Association. She facilitates supportive workshops for those affected by life threatening illness and the professional providers working with them. Co-founder of Creative Wellbeing Workshops, LLC, which provides training, consultation, and clinical therapy designed to reduce stress, prevent burnout and increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.