This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you are interested in joining this series,  email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Ashley Ashford and Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

Online Group Therapy for DBT | Grouport

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is an evidence-based modality that can be used to cope with some of life’s most difficult challenges and obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis. DBT offers a variety of skills to help with emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. In this 4-week educational program, you will learn various DBT-based skills that can help you cope with emotional challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship. By participating in this program you gain tools you can can use to feel more in control of your ability to cope with cancer and its after-effects.

This group is open to any adult who has received a cancer diagnosis and is currently at any point in treatment or survivorship. Each session will consist of a mindfulness practice, psycho-education, as well as, skill presentation and practice. You will be encouraged to practice the mindfulness exercises and skills taught in between sessions. The content learned each week will build on the previous weeks, so we encourage you to register for the program only if you are able to commit to attend each of the four sessions.

This group will meet on Thursdays from 3:00-4:30pm ET.

Session Dates:

  • March 23
  • March 30
  • April 6
  • April 13

About Ashley Ashford

Ashley is a student at Simmons University, obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Her area of focus is mental health. She has a Bachelors in Science with a focus in Public Health. Ashley has over 11 years of experience in the healthcare field which includes working in clinical and clerical roles. She is currently completing her final semester of internship at Smith Center providing mental health therapy for cancer patients. Ashley developed a passion for social work and mental health therapy while working in the healthcare field. Working behind the scenes revealed many of the flaws in the healthcare system. She wanted to be apart of the solution in helping people navigate through those flaws.

Ashley is passionate about improving the quality of life and health of individuals by, helping people navigate through difficult life situations through advocacy, and providing therapeutic support to all social identities. Her desire is to make an impact and imprint and be an influence amongst others as a mental health therapist. Ashley’s goal as a social worker and mental health therapist is to one day open a healthcare clinic in her community which will aid in addressing some of the complications of the socio-economic issues in her community.

About Erin Price, 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 ten-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 the Association of Oncology Social Workers, the Young Survival Coalition, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you are interested in attending this series, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Ashley Ashford and Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C

Online Group Therapy for DBT | Grouport

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) is an evidence-based modality that can be used to cope with some of life’s most difficult challenges and obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis. DBT offers a variety of skills to help with emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. In this 4-week educational program, you will learn various DBT-based skills that can help you cope with emotional challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship. By participating in this program you gain tools you can can use to feel more in control of your ability to cope with cancer and its after-effects.

This group is open to any adult who has received a cancer diagnosis and is currently at any point in treatment or survivorship. Each session will consist of a mindfulness practice, psycho-education, as well as, skill presentation and practice. You will be encouraged to practice the mindfulness exercises and skills taught in between sessions. The content learned each week will build on the previous weeks, so we encourage you to register for the program only if you are able to commit to attend each of the four sessions.

This group will meet on Thursdays from 3:00-4:30pm ET.

Session Dates:

  • March 23
  • March 30
  • April 6
  • April 13

About Ashley Ashford

Ashley is a student at Simmons University, obtaining her master’s degree in social work. Her area of focus is mental health. She has a Bachelors in Science with a focus in Public Health. Ashley has over 11 years of experience in the healthcare field which includes working in clinical and clerical roles. She is currently completing her final semester of internship at Smith Center providing mental health therapy for cancer patients. Ashley developed a passion for social work and mental health therapy while working in the healthcare field. Working behind the scenes revealed many of the flaws in the healthcare system. She wanted to be apart of the solution in helping people navigate through those flaws.

Ashley is passionate about improving the quality of life and health of individuals by, helping people navigate through difficult life situations through advocacy, and providing therapeutic support to all social identities. Her desire is to make an impact and imprint and be an influence amongst others as a mental health therapist. Ashley’s goal as a social worker and mental health therapist is to one day open a healthcare clinic in her community which will aid in addressing some of the complications of the socio-economic issues in her community.

About Erin Price, 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 ten-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 the Association of Oncology Social Workers, the Young Survival Coalition, the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates, and the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

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 Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

In Partnership with Cancer Support Community

Survivorship Support Group

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 Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • March 14
  • April 11
  • May 9

About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental 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 Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is hosted and offered in partnership with GW Cancer Center.

GW Cancer Center


Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • March 6
  • April 3
  • May 1

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

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 Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

In Partnership with Cancer Support Community

Survivorship Support Group

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 Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • February 14
  • March 14
  • April 11

About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental 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 Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is hosted and offered in partnership with GW Cancer Center.

GW Cancer Center


Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • February 6
  • March 6

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

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 Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

In Partnership with Cancer Support Community

Survivorship Support Group

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 Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • January 10
  • February 14
  • March 14

About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental 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 Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN, GW Cancer Center

GW Cancer Center Nutrition Club

Nutrition Club is a chance for patients, survivors, caregivers and providers to get together to discuss nutrition topics and learn more about how nutrition can play a role in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is hosted and offered in partnership with GW Cancer Center.

GW Cancer Center


Nutrition Club will be hosted Monthly on the 1st Monday from 12-1pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • January 9
  • February 6
  • March 6

About Lauren Powell, RDN, LDN

Lauren Powell

Lauren Powell (RDN, LDN) is a registered dietitian working in the DC area. She has served in many settings including food services, long-term care, rehab facilities, post-surgical, and intensive care units. While working at George Washington University Hospital she found her passion for Oncology Nutrition. She now works as the Dietitian for the GW Cancer Center helping to support the nutrition needs of those undergoing treatment and survivors.

This event will be held in-person. Please register for further information on where to meet.

with Sara Kominers & Project Koru

Join other young adult cancer survivors for a morning of hiking at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The group will meet by the entrance to the bridge at the end of the parking lot.

The hike is suitable for all levels and will end with a bring your own picnic lunch – so pack something delicious to eat (we’ll have a cooler to store it). Plan to wear comfortable walking shoes, athletic pants, and non-cotton layers. Bring plenty of water and a hat and sunglasses for added sun protection, in addition to sunscreen.

The event will run until approximately 12:00pm (we plan to finish the hike around 11:00am and enjoy a picnic lunch for an hour).

Information on where to meet will be shared after registration.


This hike is co-hosted by Project Koru.

Project Koru enriches lives through community and the outdoors as a way to move forward beyond cancer. Young adults diagnosed with cancer face a unique set of challenges. With the right support, the weight of these challenges can be mitigated; that’s why we exist!


Social Distance and Mask Policy

For this hike and picnic, we will be outside the entire time and encourage participants to maintain adequate physical distance during the program. We encourage those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask while participating in the hike. For those that are vaccinated, masks are optional based on your comfort level.

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 Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

In Partnership with Cancer Support Community

Survivorship Support Group

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 Survivorship Support Group will meet Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm ET.

Upcoming Dates:

  • December 13
  • 2023 sessions TBD

About Rachel Ress, MSW, LICSW

Rachel Ress

Rachel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker serving as Cancer Support Community Washington DC’s (CSC DC) Community Navigator. Prior to working at CSC DC, Rachel was an oncology social worker with the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for three years. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice where she interned at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rachel uses an eclectic approach in providing support and compassion to cancer patients and their families, and she is passionate about the intersection of chronic illness and mental health.