To register for this program, please use the RSVP button or email programs@smithcenter.org.

Part 1/5. This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom.

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

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

This program is offered in partnership between 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.

NOTE: *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.


Mind Over Matter* will be offered as a program series Weekly on Wednesdays from January 15th – February 12th, 2025 from 2:30 – 4:00pm ET via Zoom.

Program Dates:

  • January 15, 22 & 29
  • February 5 & 12

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, 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.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

We’re thrilled to announce that our Supper Club is back! Join other young adult cancer survivors around the table to share a delicious meal and good conversation at Smith Center’s Friendsgiving. Chef Kara will present traditional holiday flavors with a healthy spin in easy-to-follow recipes that can be used to impress friends & family. You will learn how to make fresh pasta* dough, roll out sheets, cut, and assemble your own pumpkin ravioli. We will enjoy your ravioli creations along with a full menu provided by Chef Kara. This year’s menu includes:

  • Pumpkin Ravioli
  • Warm Wild Rice Salad with Curry Roasted Squash
  • Maple Roasted Carrots with Golden Cashew Cream
  • Spiced Apples with Quinoa Nut Crunch

Partners/Caregivers/Friends are welcome to attend. BYOB. The supper club will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 participants. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, November 1st to confirm attendance. When registering, please indicate any guest(s) that will be joining you. If you are interested in assisting Chef Kara prepare the meal, please contact us at programs@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.

*Please contact us in advance to accommodate egg or gluten restrictions for pasta, as well as any other dietary allergies or preferences. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability and class size. Every individual’s needs are unique. We aim to offer a variety of health-promoting options for each individual to consider, but do not prescribe the specific dietary content of any program for anyone.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

Join other young adult cancer survivors around the table to share a delicious meal and good conversation at Smith Center’s Annual Friendsgiving Celebration. Chef Kara will present traditional holiday flavors with a healthy spin in easy-to-follow recipes. You will learn how to make a 5-Minute Mug Cake and add this healthy dessert to your cooking repertoire for a fast and easy sweet treat anytime. We will enjoy your cakes along with a full menu provided by Chef Kara. This year’s menu* includes:

  • Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Oven Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Pistachio Pesto & Ginger Sweet Potato Puree
  • Spelt Focaccia Bread
  • 5-Minute Cinnamon Mug Cake

Partners/Caregivers/Friends are welcome to attend. The supper club will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 participants. Please RSVP no later than Thursday, November 14th to confirm attendance. When registering, please indicate any guest(s) that will be joining you. If you are interested in assisting Chef Kara prepare the meal, please contact us at programs@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.

*Please notify us in advance to accommodate any dietary allergies, sensitivities, or preferences. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability and class size. Every individual’s needs are unique. We aim to offer a variety of health-promoting options for each individual to consider, but do not prescribe the specific dietary content of any program for anyone.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

We’re thrilled to announce that our Supper Club is back! Join other young adult cancer survivors around the table to share a delicious meal and good conversation at Smith Center’s Friendsgiving. Chef Kara will present traditional holiday flavors with a healthy spin in easy-to-follow recipes that can be used to impress friends & family. You will learn how to make fresh pasta* dough, roll out sheets, cut, and assemble your own pumpkin ravioli. We will enjoy your ravioli creations along with a full menu provided by Chef Kara. This year’s menu includes:

  • Pumpkin Ravioli
  • Warm Wild Rice Salad with Curry Roasted Squash
  • Maple Roasted Carrots with Golden Cashew Cream
  • Spiced Apples with Quinoa Nut Crunch

Partners/Caregivers/Friends are welcome to attend. BYOB. The supper club will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 participants. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, November 1st to confirm attendance. When registering, please indicate any guest(s) that will be joining you. If you are interested in assisting Chef Kara prepare the meal, please contact us at programs@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.

*Please contact us in advance to accommodate egg or gluten restrictions for pasta, as well as any other dietary allergies or preferences. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability and class size. Every individual’s needs are unique. We aim to offer a variety of health-promoting options for each individual to consider, but do not prescribe the specific dietary content of any program for anyone.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

This program is being hosted in-person. To register, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

With Chef Kara Garrett

We’re thrilled to announce that our Supper Club is back! Join other young adult cancer survivors around the table to share a delicious meal and good conversation at Smith Center’s Friendsgiving. Chef Kara will present traditional holiday flavors with a healthy spin in easy-to-follow recipes that can be used to impress friends & family. You will learn how to make fresh pasta* dough, roll out sheets, cut, and assemble your own pumpkin ravioli. We will enjoy your ravioli creations along with a full menu provided by Chef Kara. This year’s menu includes:

  • Pumpkin Ravioli
  • Warm Wild Rice Salad with Curry Roasted Squash
  • Maple Roasted Carrots with Golden Cashew Cream
  • Spiced Apples with Quinoa Nut Crunch

Partners/Caregivers/Friends are welcome to attend. BYOB. The supper club will have a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 participants. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, November 1st to confirm attendance. When registering, please indicate any guest(s) that will be joining you. If you are interested in assisting Chef Kara prepare the meal, please contact us at programs@smithcenter.org or 202.483.8600.

*Please contact us in advance to accommodate egg or gluten restrictions for pasta, as well as any other dietary allergies or preferences. Menu subject to change based on ingredient availability and class size. Every individual’s needs are unique. We aim to offer a variety of health-promoting options for each individual to consider, but do not prescribe the specific dietary content of any program for anyone.

Address: 

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Suggested Donation: $15


About Chef Kara Garrett

Kara Garrett Cancer Support Program Coordinator

Kara Garrett is a health-supportive chef based in Washington, DC. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, she embraced the challenge of finding a balance between her foodie lifestyle and eating well with cancer. Kara is a graduate of the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, trained under Chef Lillian Chou at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York, and completed a graduate certificate in Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity from Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices and develop sustainable food relationships that energize the body and the soul.

In order to participate, click the RSVP button above or please email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Renee Sandell, PhD

Join Renee Sandell for a hands-on, interactive art “workout,” designed to strengthen our sense of thankfulness in this season of gratitude. We will use her Balanced Way of Seeing® method to explore multiple layers of meaning in Norman Rockwell’s painting “Freedom From Want,” created in 1943 as part of his Four Freedoms series. We will consider this work and its relevance to our and others’ lives. Reflecting on past and present moments in our history, we can rediscover sources of our own thankfulness and gratitude.

  • Experience a hands-on, interactive art “workout” on Zoom
  • No previous art experience necessary
  • Simple supplies: White paper and a black Sharpie marker
  • Emailed after the program: Thankfulness Resource PDF

Suggested Donation: $15

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.


About Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell

Renee Sandell’s art, teaching, and research focus on Visual Fitness 4 All: Engaging Creativity and Insight® for EVERYONE. Renee is founder/director of the expeditionary, museum-based SummerVision DC Program, which she designed and has delivered for the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for 10 years since 2010. Previously Professor of Art Education at George Mason University (2004-2014) and at Maryland Institute College of Art (1990-2003), she is co-author of two books on gender issues and has published numerous articles, book chapters and art curricula. Winner of the 2019 Lowenfeld Award, Sandell was recognized as 2015-2016 Distinguished Lecturer in Art Education at Miami University and 2013 NAEA National Art Educator. Renee has received numerous awards for her leadership and scholarship on her Form+Theme+Context (FTC)® and her Marking & Mapping®, an accessible form of visual meaning-making. Sandell’s Visual Fitness 4 All® for Engaging Creativity and Insight® workshops are designed to nurture envisioning skills for individuals within professional development programs, organizations, health spas, businesses, and other venues. She has been offering Art & Virtues workshops since early in the Pandemic. Renee’s Smithsonian Associates studio courses include: “Curating a Life: Art as Memoir,” Seeing More: Art, Virtues, and Our Lives, and Visual Journaling: Creativity Workshop.

Learn more about Renee’s teaching at www.visualfitness4all.com Renee’s artwork includes artistic installations of multi-media markings on paper, board, and silk, to explore the human condition in time, space, and place. To learn more about Renee’s artwork, visit her website www.reneesandellart.com

Visual Fitness 4 ALL

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, please email Megan at mcannone@ulmanfoundation.org

with Sarah Diehl, MDiv, MS, LCPC

in partnership with Ulman Foundation, Life with Cancer and Hope Connections

Holidays can be a lot. Music, decorations, food, gifts, travel. Overstimulation. Pressure for feelings of joy, even magic. Intensification of social and family time. Aloneness. Add the realities of an unwanted, life-altering event and things get complicated. Sarah Diehl, MDiv, MS, LCPC, a therapist who has worked with people living with cancer for over twenty-five years, will be our guest speaker in November. She will help explore the shadow side of the holidays as well as ideas for taking care.

About Sarah Diehl, MDiv, MS, LCPC

Sarah Diehl, MDiv, MS, LCPC is a psychotherapist in private practice in Baltimore. She has particular expertise working with people suffering grief and loss, including more than twenty-five years working with people affected by cancer. Prior to becoming a therapist, Sarah held leadership roles in non-profit organizations, and then served as a chaplain with Gilchrist Cares and Johns Hopkins. She has provided support to patients and their loved ones at home, and as part of inpatient palliative and critical care teams. She says, “Along the way, people have helped me better understand the experience of being human – including my own.”

This program is being offered in a virtual format. In order to participate, please RSVP through the button above or email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Dr. McManamon, MD

Whole person cancer care involves learning what matters most to patients and engaging them in health and wellness behaviors that influence their wellbeing and longevity as cancer is treated. Such care explicitly addresses mind-body-behavior-social and spiritual aspects of a person’s life. This helps oncology teams manage the fear and confusion that come along with the disease and returns healing to medicine.

In the presentation, Dr. Alyssa McManamon will define whole person cancer care and illustrate how this type of care can become standard in all of oncology. She will summarize the science behind whole person care and the evidence that supports its application. She will describe how patients can take a more active role in their care, empowering them to craft a whole person approach to their treatment plan.

Finally, Dr. McManamon will introduce tools and resources available that oncologists, cancer care teams, and people with cancer and their loved ones can incorporate into their own healing journey.

About Alyssa McManamon, MD

Dr. McManamon is a triple-board certified hematologist-oncologist and associate professor of internal medicine and neurology at Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine. Previously director of advanced clerkship programs for the F. Edward Hebért School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD, she is currently at the Dayton VA Medical Center where she runs a Whole Health Oncology clinic and mentors trainees in the hematology-oncology fellowship program. She is an author of Healing and Cancer published by Rodin Books and distributed by Simon and Schuster in May 2024.

Social Media
Instagram – @DrWayneJonas
Facebook – @Dr Wayne Jonas
X – @DrWayneJonas
LinkedIn – Dr Wayne Jonas/Dr. Alyssa McManamon
Vimeo – Dr. Wayne Jonas

Websites

  • HealingWorksFoundation.org
  • HowWeHealCampaign.com
  • HealingandCancerBook.com

This class is in-person. To participate, please register for the first session on November 3rd. If you have any questions, please email olivia@smithcenter.org.

with Sylvia Sturm

Image result for sylvia sturm reiki

Anyone can learn and use Reiki. This gentle hands-on modality utilizes the power of universal life force energy to harmonize the energies of the body. It is a gift anyone can use daily to instill deep relaxation. When deeply relaxed, the body can begin to use its own inner resources to reduce stress and anxiety and to find a sense of inner peace. As the healing power of energy medicine has become more and more recognized, Reiki has become an important contribution to Integrative Medicine. It has been well researched and is used in hospitals and healing settings throughout the world. With a special emphasis on self-treatment, this is a two-part class in the gentle energy balancing modality of Reiki. Students will learn the history of Reiki, identify hand positions for treating self and others, receive attunements to the Reiki energy and practice hands-on sessions. Those attending both classes will receive Reiki 1 certification.

Dates and Time:
·   November 3rd – 1 – 4:30pm
·  November 17th – 1 – 4:30pm

There is a $150 fee to participate in this 2-part Reiki 1 Class. Participants attending both classes will receive Reiki attunements and a Reiki 1 Certificate.

Address:

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

For those who haven’t been to Smith Center before, Smith Center is a 15-minute walk from both the Metro Red Line (Dupont Circle) or Green Line (U Street Cardozo). For those driving, there is On-street, two-hour metered parking on U St and two-hour, non-metered parking in the surrounding neighborhood.


About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, RM/T, EEM-CLP, heads our Energy Balancing Team. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner. She is also a student of Wu Ming Qigong under the tutelage of Grand Master Nan Lu. In 2019, after having served and taught Reiki at a seniors residence, Sylvia brought the Energy Balancing Team to Smith Center. She has practiced Reiki with the GW Center for Integrative Medicine and, for 6 years, served as a Reiki volunteer at GWU Hospital. Throughout COVID, the Energy Balancing continued to serve the Smith Center community via distance sessions. Sylvia has a private energy medicine practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.

This class is in-person. See below for location.

with Sylvia Sturm

Image result for sylvia sturm reiki

Anyone can learn and use Reiki. This gentle hands-on modality utilizes the power of universal life force energy to harmonize the energies of the body. It is a gift anyone can use daily to instill deep relaxation. When deeply relaxed, the body can begin to use its own inner resources to reduce stress and anxiety and to find a sense of inner peace. As the healing power of energy medicine has become more and more recognized, Reiki has become an important contribution to Integrative Medicine. It has been well researched and is used in hospitals and healing settings throughout the world. With a special emphasis on self-treatment, this is a two-part class in the gentle energy balancing modality of Reiki. Students will learn the history of Reiki, identify hand positions for treating self and others, receive attunements to the Reiki energy and practice hands-on sessions. Those attending both classes will receive Reiki 1 certification.

Dates and Time:
·   November 3 – 1 – 4:30 p.m.
·   November 17 – 1 – 4:30 p.m.

There is a $150 fee to participate in this 2-part Reiki 1 Class. Participants attending both classes will receive Reiki attunements and a Reiki 1 Certificate.

Address:

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

1632 U Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

For those who haven’t been to Smith Center before, Smith Center is a 15-minute walk from both the Metro Red Line (Dupont Circle) or Green Line (U Street Cardozo). For those driving, there is On-street, two-hour metered parking on U St and two-hour, non-metered parking in the surrounding neighborhood.


About Sylvia Sturm

Sylvia Sturm, RM/T, EEM-CLP, heads our Energy Balancing Team. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner. She is also a student of Wu Ming Qigong under the tutelage of Grand Master Nan Lu. In 2019, after having served and taught Reiki at a seniors residence, Sylvia brought the Energy Balancing Team to Smith Center. She has practiced Reiki with the GW Center for Integrative Medicine and, for 6 years, served as a Reiki volunteer at GWU Hospital. Throughout COVID, the Energy Balancing continued to serve the Smith Center community via distance sessions. Sylvia has a private energy medicine practice in Kensington, MD. To learn more about Sylvia and subtle energies, please visit her website www.sylviasturm.com.