This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Learn ways to make your body inhospitable to cancer by exploring 7 Healing Practices:

  • Eating Well
  • Moving More
  • Sleeping Well
  • Managing Stress
  • Sharing Love and Support
  • Creating a Healing Environment
  • Exploring What Matters Now

Laura will top off the presentation with a cooking demonstration to show you how you put “Eating Well”  on your plate!

Suggested Donation: $15

 

About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura Pole, RN, MSN, comes with a diverse educational background including a Masters degree in nursing, chef certification, and professional music training. For over 20 years, she has been merging her careers as a health supportive chef, professional musician, oncology clinical nurse specialist, and a palliative care educator. Laura serves Smith Center in several ways: Director of Nourishment Education Programs, Director of Professional Trainings in Culinary Translation and Co-Creator/Coordinator of Patient Navigation Trainings.  Laura is also the Senior Researcher for the Commonweal program, Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies, a free website to  help you with choices in integrative cancer care.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Kiersten Gallagher and Kunle Adewale

     

Join special guest facilitator Kunle Adewale for The Art of Putting Things in Shape, a creative and engagement-based art program.

The Art of Putting Things in Shape explores the concept of mindfulness, gratitude and developing coping mechanisms in times of distress, anxiety, panic, crisis and at odd times.

Being an Artist is not a requirement for participation.
WHAT IT ENTAILS
Exploring your environment through Seeing, touching, smelling, tasting and hearing
WHAT YOU NEED TO PARTICIPATE

Art Materials

Cards, paper, pens, Pencil or wax crayons , pastels , canvas, Coloured Markers , Water Colour, Acrylic Paints, Acrylic Pens and any other materials that is not listed here
Get Ready to CREATE

This series is held bi-monthly on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:30pm. 

Upcoming sessions:

  • July 8
  • July 22

Our programs are 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.

Suggested donation: $10 per class


About 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 Kunle Adewale

Kunle Adewale, is an artist and a development practitioner by profession. He is a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts (Painting and Art History), from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. To hone his skills in leadership, he studied Civic Leadership at Tulane University, New Orleans. His penchant for utilizing arts within the healthcare system spurred him into participating in related professional courses such as: Arts in Health for Helping Professionals in Charlotte; Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, United States, and Arts in Health Research Intensive, organised by Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida in collaboration with University College London.

Kunle did not stop there. In his quest for more knowledge in the field of Arts in Medicine, he also bagged certificates in: Understanding Dementia and Arts, from University College London (UCL) and, Medicine and The Arts: Humanising Healthcare, from University of Capetown, South Africa. He was one of the selected Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Currently, he is part of a 1-year training programme on Dementia. To reduce the scale and impact of dementia, the 1-year programme brings together a powerful mix of perspectives, approaches, and skill sets from varying backgrounds and disciplines, including neurologists, social scientists, artists, and policymakers.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with MaryAnn Jones

Make a cup of your favorite tea and join a safe space to share our fears and bring awareness to possibilities.
Listen, share, ask—whatever feels good to you. xoxo
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
– Brene Brown

Thrive Tea Party will be offered weekly on Wednesdays through May 2020.

About MaryAnn Jones
MaryAnn is a Certified Functional Health Coach who helps clients change their habits and overcome obstacles to reaching their wellness potential. She is also a Smith Center trained Integrative Patient Navigator. You can find out more at thrivenaturally.com

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Bonnie Vermillion

Healthy-Steps, Moving you to better health with the Lebed Method is a therapeutic, evidence-based exercise program originally designed for persons with or at risk for lymphedema. Because it is done slowly and smoothly, it is attractive to almost anyone with various chronic conditions. Not only does it improve the lymphatic system, often called the immune system, but it improves balance and flexibility. The program can be done on land, seated or standing, and in the water. Participants are encouraged to stop or slow down when tired and only do movements that do not create pain. Healthy-Steps is designed to be fun while improving overall health. For more information, please visit our website at www.gohealthysteps.com and attend our virtual class through Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

 

About Bonnie Vermillion

I am a Cancer survivor/thriver since 1998 and have had lymphedema since 2002. I initially had so much trouble finding information on lymphedema that I went online and found an exercise program that was developed to maintain lymphedema. I became an instructor, then trainer, and finally acquired the program in 2014. I currently teach classes in central Virginia. I’m also a regional coordinator for Chronic Disease Self Management workshops, so actively work with small groups of participants for them to self-manage their chronic conditions. I am also a volunteer Ombudsman with the local Agency on Aging and a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association as a support group facilitator and speaker.

with Grace Anderson

Undergoing cancer treatment usually means taking a step back from plants and produce for the sake of our immune systems. As survivors, getting back in touch with nature can aid our healing process both mentally and physically. During this program, we’ll take “getting back in touch” literally, digging our hands into the soil to pot a new plant, tasting fresh produce from the Kitchen Garden, and making our own tea blend. Join us at the U.S. Botanic Garden as we explore the healing power of plants!

Suggested Donation: $15

 

About Grace Anderson

Grace Anderson is an Education Specialist at the U.S. Botanic Garden and a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Being able to work with plants and enjoy fresh produce after treatment was a vital part of her survivorship. She wanted to share that experience with other survivors and teamed up with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts to start a program where survivors can celebrate heath through immersion in the world of plants.

This event has been postponed. Please check back for a new scheduled date.

with Chef Laura Pole

Are you or your loved one living with esophageal cancer and the eating challenges that come with it? Are you confused by all the dietary advice? If so, come join chef and oncology nurse, Laura Pole, and learn how to translate your diet prescription into tasty healthy food that you can actually enjoy eating. In addition to preparing and eating delicious food together, Chef Laura guarantees we’ll have fun!

 

About Laura Pole

Laura Pole, RN, MSN, comes with a diverse educational background including a Masters degree in nursing, chef certification, and professional music training. For over 20 years, she has been merging her careers as a health supportive chef, professional musician, oncology clinical nurse specialist, and a palliative care educator. Laura serves Smith Center in several ways: Director of Nourishment Education Programs, Director of Professional Trainings in Culinary Translation and Co-Creator/Coordinator of Patient Navigation Trainings. Laura is also on faculty for the nationally acclaimed Cancer-Fighting Kitchen workshops.

with Janice Levitt

REFRESH Whole Food Summer Cleanse

July 12 – 25

Take your knowledge about healthy eating and put it into practice in your own kitchen in this fully supported 14-day clean eating program emphasizing seasonal, natural, whole food cooking.

So many of you are trying to eat more wisely. It’s not easy to change habits: how you shop, what you habitually snack on, what’s in your fridge, what you prepare for dinner. Join us for this 14-day clean eating program that will help you put healthy habits into practice at home in your own kitchen.
You’ll prepare delicious, healthy meals with fresh, seasonal whole foods. You’ll increase your energy, improve your digestion, support your immune system, and feel good knowing you’re fueling yourself with nourishing food and extra self-care. Receive daily encouragement and support via email and a closed Facebook group from health coach Janice Levitt throughout the program, as well as recipes, guidebook, and a done-for-you shopping list so you know exactly what to do. Say goodbye to sugar cravings and discover how good you can feel with the healing power of whole foods. Learn more and register by July 4.

Fee: $129 

You can learn more about this program and register here: REFRESH Summer Whole Food Cleanse.

Please register for this program by Saturday, July 4, as all materials will be sent out on that day, giving you a week to read, shop, and prepare before the clean eating program begins on July 12. By registering through this special link, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.


About Janice Levitt

Janice Levitt, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, EML, CHHC, is passionate about helping people to feel vibrant and radiant through whole foods nutrition, a clean lifestyle, and radical self-care. She offers transformational individual and group health coaching programs and four seasonal cleanses, working holistically to support people body, mind, and spirit. She loves guiding people to listen to their body’s messages, find balance, increase energy, lose weight, reduce stress, improve digestion, cook delicious food, or manage chronic illness through making gradual nutrition and lifestyle changes. She also specializes in supporting with people with nutrition and lifestyle changes for thyroid and autoimmune conditions and hormone balance. Janice lives in Takoma Park, MD with her husband Dan and their organic garden. Her favorite room in the house is the kitchen!

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T

In order to give care, we must remember to take care. Using the Eden Method, this class is designed to introduce caregivers to simple tools for self-care. It will focus on harmonizing and rebalancing the body’s subtle energy systems thrown awry by the challenges of caregiving.

Anxiety, anger, fear, overwhelm, sleeplessness, exhaustion, depression, lack of concentration and health problems are some of the many symptoms brought about by the stress of caregiving and the resulting energy imbalances. Eden Method Techniques to address these imbalances and introduce harmony back into the body’s energy systems are the focus of the class. The techniques are simple tools anyone can use practically anywhere, anytime.

The class is interactive with tools being introduced and then practiced by participants. Dress comfortably!

 

About Sylvia Sturm, EEM-CLP, RM/T

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.

This program is being offered virtually through Zoom. In order to participate and receive the Zoom link, you must register here or by emailing carla@smithcenter.org

with Janice Levitt

Come get inspired to take better care of YOU so you have more energy, stamina, and a stronger immune system. In this interactive presentation, Janice will discuss 5 key habits for living a healthy lifestyle. She will also introduce the upcoming Summer clean-eating program, REFRESH Whole Food Cleanse.


About Janice Levitt

Janice Levitt, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, EML, CHHC, is passionate about helping people to feel vibrant and radiant through whole foods nutrition, a clean lifestyle, and radical self-care. She offers transformational individual and group health coaching programs and four seasonal cleanses, working holistically to support people body, mind, and spirit. She loves guiding people to listen to their body’s messages, find balance, increase energy, lose weight, reduce stress, improve digestion, cook delicious food, or manage chronic illness through making gradual nutrition and lifestyle changes. She also specializes in supporting with people with nutrition and lifestyle changes for thyroid and autoimmune conditions and hormone balance. Janice lives in Takoma Park, MD with her husband Dan and their organic garden. Her favorite room in the house is the kitchen!

with Evolyn Brooks

Make a luxury intention candle, personalize your creations with crystals, flowers and glitter at this beautifully tablescaped setting. After the event, this special candle designed by you, will serve as a gentle reminder of the promise you made to call forth love, luck and grace in all aspects of your life!

In this 90 minute workshop you will learn:

  • The difference between a goal and an intention.
  • How to set new life goals and intentions that support your aspirations.
  • How to create an intention candle that adds positive energy to your life and home, supports your goals and serves as a reminder to pursue what’s best for you in life.
  • How to practice kindness and compassion for yourself as you pursue your dreams.
  • How to release emotional blocks and thought patterns that no longer serve you.
  • How to create a daily mantra that connects you with the highest version of yourself.
  • How to center yourself with breath work, healing touch and the five reiki precepts.

Suggested Donation: $25

 

About Evolyn Brooks

In My Solitude LA began with the heartfelt desire of Founder and TV Producer, Evolyn Brooks to create a luxury, handcrafted candle, wellness goods and lifestyle line to help women relax and practice self-care.

As a breast cancer survivor and thriver, Evolyn shares through her book, “Her Name Is Cranberry,” a message of how to overcome obstacles and create the life of your dreams. She brings her ideas to life through intention based “self-discovery through DIY” candle making experiences around the world.

She created and used the Journey Candle Collection, a project she began to support her healing process while undergoing chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. “The Journey Candle Collection can be used to overcome any subconscious mental or spiritual blocks that diminish your power to focus on an area of your life that needs to be healed,” says Evolyn. By clarifying the intention and outcome you want in your life, it’s easier to claim your desire and create it with power and confidence.”

In My Solitude LA is a female owned, Los Angeles based company that is dedicated to creating mindful products and experiences. https://www.inmysolitudela.com/