Tag: Education

with Chef Laura Pole

offered in partnership with Cancer Support Community DC, MedStar Health, Hope Connections for Cancer Support and Cancer Choices

Are you confused by all the advice and information out there about eating and cancer?

Is your health care team emphasizing the importance of what you eat? Join Smith Center’s Chef and Oncology Nurse, Laura Pole, in learning simple practical ways to choose and eat food that is both nourishing and delicious. Because eating well matters!

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

About Laura Pole

Laura Pole is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Supportive Chef who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation and education services for over 4 years. Her interest in integrative cancer care began way before the field was well-known. She has spent years learning about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) so that she could help both patients and clinicians become aware of safe and effective therapies to weave into conventional cancer care. She is also helping shape the practice of culinary translation—helping people with practical ways to translate a diet prescription into delicious healthy food. Laura’s earliest passion in oncology care has been helping people manage pain and other distressing symptoms. Along with that,  she helps people talk about and choose care that aligns with their goals, wishes, and values.

Laura is Director of Nourishment Education Programs and retreat head chef for Smith Center. She is the  Co-Creator and Co-Coordinator of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts’ national training in integrative oncology patient navigation. She is Senior Researcher for Commonweal’s “Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies” project to provide patients, clinicians and researchers with the best available resources for integrating conventional and integrative cancer therapies. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” Listserv for Smith Center.  For most of her career, Laura has also been consulting with and educating patients and professionals in palliative care and advance care planning.

Laura is also the senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices, a free online web resource that gives information and guidance in integrative Cancer Care.

This program is being hosted over Zoom. To register, click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org. 

It’s a Fact: Cancer Screening Saves Lives! Understanding Screening Guidelines for Breast, Prostate, Colorectal, and Lung Cancer.

Presented by the Ralph Lauren
Center for Cancer Prevention, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown
University

Hosted by Chiranjeev Dash, PhD: Associate Professor, Director of Cancer Screening and Mireille Bright, PhD, RDN: Public Health Nutritionist

This presentation highlights the importance of early detection to prevent cancer and provides screening criteria for four of the most common cancers in the
United States, breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer. Age-appropriate screening guidelines for people at average and higher risk will be simply explained. This discussion is an opportunity to debunk myths and learn facts about cancer.

Information on accessing screening
services through the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention will be provided. If you have questions or want more information, please contact us at ralphlaurencenter@georgetown.edu.

—

About Chiranjeev Dash, PhD

Dr. Dash is the Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Ralph Lauren Center for cancer Prevention and Associate Professor of Oncology at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program and has a secondary appointment in the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Biomathematics. Dr. Dash’s expertise is in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiologic studies; and his research primarily focuses on molecular epidemiology and cancer prevention and control in minorities and underserved populations.

About Mireille Bright, PhD, RDN

Dr. Mireille Bright is a trained Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. In her role at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention, she focuses on reducing cancer health disparities through nutrition education, community engagement and research. Dr. Bright earned her Ph.D. in Community Nutrition from Howard University in Washington DC and holds a certificate in Pastoral Studies from Laval University, Quebec, Canada. Dr. Bright work includes providing nutritional education to special populations and underserved groups within the DMV. Her community outreach and research efforts has extended to building strong partnerships with faith based organizations and immigrant groups.

From Roots to Fruits! A Season to Celebrate Cooking – Brunch

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

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

with Chef Cathryn Pethick

 

From Roots to Fruits! A Season to Celebrate Cooking – Brunch

As our transition from Spring to Summer arises, the seasons’ abundance is at hand! It’s a perfect time to nourish and nurture ourselves after Winter’s dark, long chill has passed and we arise to the lightness and vitality of this time of growth and renewal. We will enjoy the best foods that Nature has to offer in this seasonal cycle, with nutrient-dense, whole foods- roots to fruits, whole grains and legumes, herbs and spices- that support us in every way, and are absolutely delicious! In this vegetarian, hands-on cooking class, we’ll share the preparation of delicious fresh foods that satisfy all tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent- for nurturing vitality, nourishing healing benefit and yum!


And, check out more of Chef Cathryn’s programs on our YouTube channel, under “Nutrition & Cooking.”

Suggested Donation: $30

About Cathryn Pethick

Cathryn Pethick

Cathryn Pethick, AA, AYS, C-IAYT is a certified yoga therapist and teacher, Ayurveda specialist, and professional chef- whole foods cooking and nutrition instructor. She shares those skills with private clients through her own Well-Being, founded in 2012, and is on staff with Maryland University of Integrative Health’s Masters in Nutrition degree program. At Smith Center, Cathryn teaches cooking and nutrition classes, gentle yoga, and contributes to Smith Center’s wonderful integrative cancer support retreats as chef and yoga therapist. She has decades of experience in diverse culinary settings, practicing/teaching yoga from a therapeutic perspective, meditation, and the study of Ayurveda, diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions, and Oriental healing/martial arts. Cathryn shares the intention of nourishing well-being for us individually and as a collective with yoga, meditation and food-as-medicine, by cultivating the healing power of balance, optimal nutrition that supports our vitality, and compassionate presence that nurtures us all.

This class has been canceled.

with Chef Laura Pole

Healing in the Kitchen with Chef Laura: Preparing Delicious Food to Eat Now or Freeze for Later

One thing you can do to prepare for treatment is to make sure you have nourishing, easy to prepare and eat meals on hand. If others have been asking what they can do to help, bring them along to Chef Laura’s class.

You’ll all learn how to prepare nourishing meals and snacks to put in your freezer for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. You’ll learn about storing and reheating foods so they maintain their taste and pleasing texture.

We’ll be making and eating some scrumptious soups, sauces and snacks as well as protein-packed patties. Come with a good appetite and a sense of lightness knowing you will eat well during treatment.

Suggested Donation: $30

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

About Laura Pole

Laura Pole is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Supportive Chef who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation and education services for over 35 years. Her interest in integrative cancer care began way before the field was well-known. She has spent years learning about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) so that she could help both patients and clinicians become aware of safe and effective therapies to weave into conventional cancer care. She is also helping shape the practice of culinary translation—helping people with practical ways to translate a diet prescription into delicious healthy food. Laura’s earliest passion in oncology care has been helping people manage pain and other distressing symptoms. Along with that,  she helps people talk about and choose care that aligns with their goals, wishes, and values.

Laura is Director of Nourishment Education Programs and retreat head chef for Smith Center. She is the  Co-Creator and Co-Coordinator of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts’ national training in integrative oncology patient navigation. She is Senior Researcher for Commonweal’s “Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies” project to provide patients, clinicians and researchers with the best available resources for integrating conventional and integrative cancer therapies. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” Listserv for Smith Center.  For most of her career, Laura has also been consulting with and educating patients and professionals in palliative care and advance care planning.

Laura is also the senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices, a free online web resource that gives information and guidance in integrative Cancer Care.

To be registered for this program series, please click the RSVP button above or email olivia@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 April 23 – May 21, 2025 from 2:30 – 4:00pm ET via Zoom.

Program Dates:

  • April 23 & 30
  • May 7, 14 &21

Suggested Donation: $25 for the 5- part series

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

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 has been canceled.

If your oral health has been impacted by your cancer treatment, we encourage you to join the F.L.O.S.S Project’s study:

Many research studies have shown that cancer treatment can negatively impact the oral health of cancer survivors. To improve oral health outcomes of cancer survivors, a team of researchers at Georgetown University is interested in learning how telehealth can be used to promote oral health.

This FLOSS project is a year-long study, with 6 months of active intervention and 6 months of study-follow-up. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will complete surveys and will be compensated up to $100 for completing all survey timepoints. At this time, study participation is limited to persons living in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.

For more information, check out the flyer below or contact flossproject@georgetown.edu 

If you’re interested in being contacted by the study team, complete this form.

with Dr. Dash Chiranjeev, Dr. Danyel Smith, Jessica Catterson, Chris Leby & Muna Said

From the Oral Health Disparities Program through Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

This presentation dives into the connection between oral and systemic health, specifically as it relates to cancer survivors.

We will discuss how biological factors (like bacteria in your mouth) and behavioral factors (like what you eat) impact the health of your teeth and body.

We also discuss resources and research opportunities (e.g., FLOSS project) available through the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Office at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

If you have questions or want more information, please contact
flossproject@georgetown.edu.

—

About Chiranjeev Dash, PhD

Chiranjeev Dash, PhD: Associate Professor and Study Principal Investigator Dr. Dash is the Associate Director of Health Disparities Research and an Associate Professor of Oncology in the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is also a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program and has a secondary appointment in the Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Biomathematics. Dr. Dash’s expertise is in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiologic studies; and his research primarily focuses on molecular epidemiology and cancer prevention and control in minorities and underserved populations.

About Danyel Smith, PhD – Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Project Lead

Dr. Danyel Smith is trained as a health psychologist with an emphasis on health equity in racially and ethnically minoritized groups. She completed her doctoral degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, in Richmond VA. Her research focuses on understanding the role of the sociocultural environment (e.g., cultural norms, family networks) in cancer prevention behaviors (i.e., diet and physical activity behaviors) of Black Americans. Dr. Smith is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Cancer Population Sciences in the Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University. Dr. Smith supports the FLOSS Project (Facilitated Lessons on Oral and Systemic Health in Cancer Survivors), which uses telehealth to promote oral and systemic health in cancer survivors.

About Jessica Catterson B.S.: Oral Health Scholar

Jessica earned a degree in Global Health from Sacred Heart University in May 2024 and is now pursuing a Masters in Cancer Epidemiology at Georgetown University. Jessica is a research assistant on the FLOSS study, guiding participants through oral health intervention sessions.

About Chris Leby, Oral Health Scholar

Chris Leby holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biological science and a minor in chemistry from Salisbury University. Following graduation, Chris dedicated his efforts to colon cancer research while working at a gastroenterology clinic. Currently, Chris is pursuing a Master’s in Epidemiology with a specialized focus on infectious diseases. Upon the completion of his master’s program, his aspirations may lead him to consider either medical school or enrollment in a Ph.D. program. His profound interest in oral health stems from his belief that it plays a pivotal role in determining overall health, often overlooked by many. Chris’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals with a deeper understanding of their oral health and to guide them in their journey toward improving and maintaining it.

About Muna Said: Oral Health Scholar

Muna Said is a junior at Georgetown University, majoring in
Anthropology. She currently serves as a research assistant for the
F.L.O.S.S

This class has been canceled. To be notified of the new class date, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

with Chef Laura Pole

Frozen Assets:  Stocking Your Freezer with Foods to Support You Through Treatment

One thing you can do to prepare for treatment is to make sure you have nourishing, easy to prepare and eat meals on hand. If others have been asking what they can do to help, bring them along to Chef Laura’s class.

You’ll all learn how to prepare nourishing meals and snacks to put in your freezer for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. You’ll learn about storing and reheating foods so they maintain their taste and pleasing texture.

We’ll be making and eating some scrumptious soups, sauces and snacks as well as protein-packed patties. Come with a good appetite and a sense of lightness knowing you will eat well during treatment.

Suggested Donation: $30

This program is offered for free or at a low cost on a pay-as-you-can basis. Contributions are not required to attend, ensuring accessibility for everyone. If you’re able to donate, we deeply appreciate your support—every contribution directly funds our cancer support programs.

About Laura Pole

Laura Pole is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Supportive Chef who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation and education services for over 35 years. Her interest in integrative cancer care began way before the field was well-known. She has spent years learning about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) so that she could help both patients and clinicians become aware of safe and effective therapies to weave into conventional cancer care. She is also helping shape the practice of culinary translation—helping people with practical ways to translate a diet prescription into delicious healthy food. Laura’s earliest passion in oncology care has been helping people manage pain and other distressing symptoms. Along with that,  she helps people talk about and choose care that aligns with their goals, wishes, and values.

Laura is Director of Nourishment Education Programs and retreat head chef for Smith Center. She is the  Co-Creator and Co-Coordinator of Smith Center for Healing and the Arts’ national training in integrative oncology patient navigation. She is Senior Researcher for Commonweal’s “Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies” project to provide patients, clinicians and researchers with the best available resources for integrating conventional and integrative cancer therapies. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” Listserv for Smith Center.  For most of her career, Laura has also been consulting with and educating patients and professionals in palliative care and advance care planning.

Laura is also the senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices, a free online web resource that gives information and guidance in integrative Cancer Care.

In order to participate, register by clicking the RSVP button above or by emailing programs@smithcenter.org.

with Julia Rowland, Ph.D

Ever wonder what happens after you finish treatment and ‘ring the bell?’ You are not alone! Transitioning to the rest of your life can be unexpectedly stressful and confusing. In this conversation, a roadmap will be provided to help guide your smooth passage into long-term survivorship.

About Julia H. Rowland, Ph.D.

Julia Rowland, PhD, who joined Smith Center in October 2017, comes to this position as a long-time clinician, researcher and teacher in the area of psychosocial aspects of cancer. She has worked with and conducted competitively funded research among both pediatric and adult cancer survivors and their families, and published broadly in psycho-oncology, including co-editing, along with Dr. Jimmie Holland, the ground-breaking text, Handbook of Psychooncology.  She has also been a frequent speaker on cancer survivorship, or life after cancer, for both professional and lay audiences.

Julia received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in psychosocial oncology. While at MSKCC, where she held joint appointments in pediatrics and neurology, Julia helped to develop and was the first Director of the Post-Treatment Resource Program, one of the first non-medical survivorship care programs to be offered by a major cancer center in the U.S. In 1990 she moved with her husband and two young children to Washington, DC to become founding Director of the Psycho-Oncology Program at Georgetown University and the Lombardi Cancer Center. There she helped expand services to meet the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and families, launched some of the first quality of life clinical trials, and also introduced a program to enable first year medical students to learn the art of caring for those living through and beyond cancer from survivors themselves and Lombardi faculty. Nine years later, in September of 1999, she was recruited to the National Cancer Institute to become the first, full-time Director of the Office of Cancer Survivorship, a position in which she served for 18 years, championing the growth of survivorship research and care, before stepping down in September 2017 to assume her new role at Smith Center. Although new to the team, Julia is no stranger to Smith Center. She knew Smith Center’s founder, Barbara Smith Coleman, and has volunteered her expertise across the years as a speaker, group leader and staff member for both the 1-day and weeklong residential retreats. Julia brings to her new role a passion to translate what research has taught us about healing in the context of cancer to the broader community, in essence, taking the science of survivorship from the lab bench to the park bench.

This series has been canceled. We hope to offer it again in the Spring. If you are interested in attending the rescheduled series, please share your interest with Olivia at 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.

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 your sense of unity as a virtue for freedom. We will use her Balanced Way of Seeing® method to explore multiple layers of meaning in Norman Rockwell’s 1961 painting “Golden Rule,” created as part of his Four Freedoms series. We will consider this work and its timely relevance to our lives. Reflecting on past and present moments in our history, we can rediscover sources of our own unity and freedom.

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

Suggested Donation: $20

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