Tag: Cancer Support

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org. 

with Kelli Underwood

Experience the power of Transformative Insight Imagery for coping with life’s challenges. T.I.I. is imager generated so each imagery has their own unique experience. All imaging experiences come from YOU, the imager, using all five of your senses, while awake and aware, unlike guided imagery, You will discover what is supportive to YOU and you may be surprised by what appears. You will discover a peaceful , centering place and meet a Wise Guide or Mentor and then practice accessing these supports when you are distressed and doubting yourself.

Begin integrating these T.I.I. supports immediately into your day for greater mindfulness, emotion regulation, embodied awareness, self-trust and self- empowerment. Positive ripple effects can manifest in your mood, relationships, awareness, choices, and self-confidence.

Each imager will image privately as Kelli facilitates the group. Kelli will often ask benign questions inviting those who are comfortable to share via chat, emoji, or verbally. Hearing the diversity of discovered resources enhances the group experience, but sharing is optional.

Learn more by visiting KelliUnderwood.com

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About Kelli Underwood

Kelli Underwood is an agent for change! She integrates her effective and dynamic teaching skills into her speaking, consulting and psychotherapy practice.

Kelli received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University in 1996. She worked as a psychotherapist, trainer and supervisor at the Center for Contextual Change in Chicago, a nationally renowned trauma treatment center, for fifteen years. At the C.C.C., she served as the Director of Child and Family Programs, supervised clinicians, consulted with area residential facilities, agencies, and schools and provided numerous trainings in her areas of expertise.
Kelli was a respected adjunct faculty member of the University of Chicago’s Master’s in Social Work program for seven years. Students often referred to Ms. Underwood’s classes as “transformative.”

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing olivia@smithcenter.org. 

with Kelli Moore, Ph.D.

What we’ve learned about happiness is that it isn’t an it or a thing. Research has proven that there is no one set of circumstances that makes someone happy. It’s more about having a healthy mental attitude toward whatever you’re experiencing.

This course embraces mindfulness and explores practices and themes around gratitude, compassion, loving-kindness, and how to awaken joy in difficult times. We will create community in class and learn about evidence-based techniques and habits to stimulate our joy and well being. This program is inspired by James Baraz, author of “Awakening Joy – 10 steps to Happiness”, with whom the facilitator trained. She is one of two Awakening Joy trainers in Virginia.

Attendance: While missing one class is acceptable, this course is designed as a comprehensive series where each session builds upon the last. It is not intended to be a drop-in program. We encourage full participation to get the most out of the experience.

This program will meet for 10 weeks on Saturdays from 11am-12:15pm EST on Zoom from February 1 – April 5, 2025. 

Meeting Dates:

    • February 1, 8, 15 & 22
    • March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
    • April 5

Suggested Donation: $45

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About Kelli Moore, Ph.D.

Kelli is a life long advocate of a healthy lifestyle. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2015 and created accessible yoga classes geared toward a number of different populations.  A meditation and mindfulness practitioner, Kelli was an Awakening Joy student in 2012 and more recently, in 2022, began teaching Awakening Joy.

Kelli is a former assistant professor and researcher by training and explores any angle to make the world a better place. She speaks Spanish and Portuguese and welcomes diversity in her classes. Park and pet lover, you can find Kelli taking a stroll or cuddling with her kitty on any given day.

MThis program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, please click the RSVP button above or email olivia@smithcenter.org.

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

With Angelina Genovesi

Gut health is crucial to overall well-being, influencing both our physical and mental health. This student-led, research-based program ‘Maintaining Gut Health’ hosted by the Smith Center for Healing & the Arts will explore the importance of gut health. The session will dive into how gut health affects various bodily functions and how different foods can promote either beneficial or harmful bacteria in the gut.

The presentation will offer an overview of gut functions, gut-friendly food suggestions, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy gut. While the subject matter is research-driven and may be information dense, the content will be broken down into an easy-to-understand format so participants can feel well-informed.

Disclaimer: This is a supportive program focused on gut health designed to complement but not replace medical treatment/advice from the care of your physician. Held at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC, the program provides general research information without recommending any substitutes for effective medical treatments/advice. Participants will engage in a presentation that addresses gut health information and how to be mindful, with participants taking full responsibility for evaluating and safely adapting these options to their needs, please always consult a medical professional first.

About Angelina Genovesi

Hi, my name is Angelina, and I am currently an undergraduate student at American University in my senior year, studying Public Health with an interest in nutrition. Originally from New Jersey, I’ve been passionate about health and wellness throughout my undergrad journey. I am particularly interested in developing strategies for maintaining a balanced lifestyle and diet to enhance overall well-being. Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time at the beach. I look forward to seeing you at my upcoming program on gut health!

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 programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Kenneth Johnson

A Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer

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 ET.

About Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth Johnson, of Owings Mills, MD, is a founding member and facilitator of the Healing Circle Supporting Gay Men with Prostate Cancer hosted at the Smith Center since October 2018. Kenneth’s prostate cancer diagnosis in 2016 at the age of 50 began, not with any symptoms of a problem, but due to a vigilant doctor who was aware of black men’s higher cancer risk and encouraged earlier screening. Blood tests showed a rising PSA that triggered the need for a biopsy. Kenneth underwent surgery and radiation later in 2016. Before volunteering with the support group, Kenneth volunteered with many LGBTQ+ organizations and community non-profits in Atlanta, GA.

Professionally, Kenneth retired in 2021 after 34 years of federal service as an information technology analyst. Now, he is often on the highways with his octogenarian parents visiting family and friends around the country. You can catch up with Kenneth at the local gym or track working up a good sweat to offset his time in the kitchen cooking for and eating with his parents. At other times, you will find him enjoying his monthly book club selection, stressing over a Ravens game (or Orioles or Alabama football), chuckling at a corny Hallmark movie, or tackling (and possibly regretting) an HGTV-inspired home project.

Despite the cloud of prostate cancer, Kenneth sees the silver lining as the community of wonderful souls that have befriended him through the Smith Center and the healing circle for gay men with prostate cancer.

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

with the Energy Balancing Team

Energy Balancing

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

Suggested Donation: $5/session

About the Energy Balancing Team

About Anne Molofsky

Anne has always been interested in promoting health and wellness. She had a forty-year career as a nutritionist, beginning as a research nutritionist in several NIH-funded clinical trials, then working for the federal government in policy and education, and subsequently counselling clients in her private practice. She received her reiki training over 10 years ago and was able to offer reiki sessions to her nutrition clients as part of their treatment. Since 2013 Anne has also volunteered at Walter Reed offering reiki sessions to Wounded Warriors and their families. She became a Reiki Master Teacher in 2017. Anne is thrilled to be joining the wonderful Energy Balancing Team at the Smith Center!

About Margaret Haggerty

It is a privilege to be part of the energy balancing team for Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.
Having had a long and gratifying career as a registered nurse, I bring a wide range of experiences. Before my retirement nine years ago, I had worked for 47 years as a nurse in a variety of capacities. Whether I was taking care of a tiny two-pound NICU infant or doing diabetic teaching for a centenarian, I realized that there was a larger Presence who was always guiding me. And I believe deeply that whatever experience of healing we receive, involves body, mind and spirit. I became a massage therapist and Reiki Master in order to incorporate a more deliberate approach to healing touch. It was a privilege to work with many clients who were dealing with cancer. What a joy it was to offer some hope and gentle touch as they faced many medical and emotional challenges. Now in my later years I am happy to bring the soft, caring touch of energy balancing to help those who come to Smith Center, to relax in order for. their bodies to mend and their spirits to heal.

About Pat Spellman

Pat Spellman

Pat studied English literature and has a special interest in reading and writing poetry. She has been certified as a Reiki master and as a practitioner of reflexology and Feldenkrais movement. She is a long-time member of the Self-Realization Fellowship, which teaches meditation methods and principles for harmonious living. After a career in publications in DC, Pat retired in Baltimore where she continues her active interest in the Smith Center and its clients.

About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T, heads our Energy Balancing volunteer team. Sylvia is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner and a Reiki Master Teacher. For many years she has managed a Reiki Volunteer group at a seniors’ residence and has served for 6 years as a Reiki volunteer in GWU Hospital. She is delighted to now work with a dedicated and wonderful team to address the balancing of one’s subtle energies in order to allow the body to completely relax. She has an independent practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.

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.

with Sylvia Sturm

Energy Balancing

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.

In-Person Energy Balancing is offered Weekly on Thursdays in 45 minute appointments.

By appointment only. 

Time slots:

  • Time slot #1: 9:45-10:30am ET
  • Time slot #2: 10:45-11:30am ET

Suggested Donation: $25/session

About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T, heads our Energy Balancing6 volunteer team. Sylvia is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner and a Reiki Master Teacher. For many years she has managed a Reiki Volunteer group at a seniors’ residence and has served for 6 years as a Reiki volunteer in GWU Hospital. She is delighted to now work with a dedicated and wonderful team to address the balancing of one’s subtle energies in order to allow the body to completely relax. She has an independent practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.

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 programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Lennie Naughton, LGSW

In Partnership with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, GW Cancer Center, Medstar Health & Hope Connections for Cancer Support

This monthly support group is designed for adults diagnosed with cancer who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The group is facilitated by a culturally competent social worker, who provides a safe space to connect with others and explore your own unique experience with cancer.

Caregivers are welcome to attend with their loved one.

The LGBTQ+ Cancer Support Group meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday from 6:00-7:00pm ET.

About Lennie Naughton, LGSW

Lennie Naughton, LGSW, is a social worker in Washington, D.C. with over 10 years of direct service experience supporting both adults and young people. Lennie specializes in client-centered and trauma-informed care, particularly highlighting those underserved in healthcare systems including people with disabilities as well as transgender and other LGBTQ+ community members. They are also a senior care coordinator at the National Abortion Hotline and volunteer mentor with Trans Mentor Project.

WEEK 21

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you have any questions, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Phebe Duff

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. This is a year-long weekly class that will meet every Wednesday beginning September 18th from 5-6pm EST.

Beginning in January 2025, this class will meet from 5-6pm EST.

Please Note: This class will begin at Week 1 on September 18th.

Suggested Donation: $15/session

About Phebe Duff

Phebe Duff is a long-time meditator and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. She completed the Community Dharma Leader program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA and the Dharmacharya program offered by the Venerable Pannavati at Heartwood Refuge in Hendersonville, NC. Phebe has facilitated MBSR courses for a wide variety of populations since 2005. Since retiring after a 30+ year career in human resources and as a professional musician, Phebe has taught meditation and MBSR for Wellness House of Annapolis and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Working with the cancer community and sharing the practices of meditation and mindfulness to support their healing journey has been the best experience of her teaching career.

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 programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, E-RYT500, RMT, MS

Gentle PM Yoga

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.

And, check out Yael’s contribution to CONNECT, Smith Center’s community-minded newsletter, called “Nurturing Resilience” on our YouTube channel!

Yael’s Gentle Yoga Class Meets Weekly on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:15pm ET.

Suggested Donation for 1 Class: $15

Suggested Donation for 1 Month of Classes: $45

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.

Our programs are also open to the community, and tailored to meet the needs of people affected by cancer. Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Yael Flusberg

Yael Flusberg Gentle Yoga Instructor Smith Center
Yael Flusberg first came to yoga hoping she could get rid of stuff, namely the ways life’s stresses and traumas had become painfully embodied. Fifteen years and thousands of layers of release later, yoga continues to teach her how to make strategic, creative, and life-nourishing choices. Trained as an integrative yoga therapist, Yael’s classes blend active with receptive states of being, and are both insightful and lighthearted. Off the mat, she is a coach, writer and energy therapist. Since 2005, Yael has taught yoga classes at area hospitals, libraries, workplaces, schools, and yoga studios. As an integrative yoga therapist (E-RYT500) she facilitates both group and individual yoga therapy sessions, working with people dealing with a variety of conditions including cancer, digestive disorders, diabetes, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, hypertension, mental health challenges (including depression, anxiety, grief and trauma), rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, and sports injuries. She currently teaches a weekly therapeutic class for people living with cancer and their caregivers on GW’s campus. More info: www.yaelflusberg.com

This program is hosted virtually via Zoom. No prior registration required.

with Susan Salek

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.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 884 6869 2145
Passcode: 917135

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. 

Suggested Donation: $10/session

Classes and workshops are free or low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone.

About Susan Salek

Susan is a compassionate practitioner who embraces the healing nature of presence and kindness. Her lived experience and bearing witness to this wild, difficult and beautiful life motivates her to teach mindfulness meditation and serve as a death doula, in particular as a support to LGBTQIA+ communities.  She is retired from working in healthcare information technology.
Susan is a graduate of the Buddhist Chaplaincy Program at Upaya Zen Center.  Her thesis, Tending to the Soul, explored the gaps in healing for LGBTQ cancer patients due to disengaged care and discriminatory systems. As a breast cancer survivor, she is committed to supporting others on their healing journey.
Susan is a graduate of the Going with Grace Death Doula program lead by Alua Arthur and a certified meditation teacher having completed the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher program taught by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.