Tag: Healing Circles

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 Denise Feldman

Stitching Together

Stitched Together

We’re all part of the same cloth…

Join us for a Stitching Circle! Denise Feldman, a local mixed-media artist and cancer thriver, hosts this monthly gathering in (virtual) community as we talk and stitch—a powerful meditative and healing practice. Gathering as many have done for centuries, Denise will share tips and ideas for using needle and thread to bring joy and creativity to our everyday lives. Use her ideas to jump start your own, or bring your favorite hand work projects and join us for community stitching time!

 

This community stitching circle is for you! For example, maybe you’ve been hand sewing for years; you might be interested in exploring the recent revival of the “slow-stitch” movement; maybe you are are a needle pointer with a project to finish. Or, you might simply enjoy the meditative nature of hand making with needle and thread.

 

You may consider bringing:

  • needles and thread,
  • an old pair of jeans or other clothing that was headed to charity,
  • left over fabric from another project,
  • or simply bring yourself for some (virtual) time in community.

Stitched Together will be offered Monthly on Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30am ET. 

Upcoming Dates: 

  • November 12
  • December 10

Suggested Donation: $10

About Denise Feldman

Denise Feldman is a local mixed media artist who discovered the power of creativity as a healing practice after her treatment for breast cancer in 2014. As a creative ‘dabbler’ who loves working with various materials and surfaces, Denise shares her mixed media processes and soulful perspective with the hope of inspiring others to tell their stories ‘on and off the page’ and clear space for life’s chapters yet to come.

“My philosophy is simply that telling our stories helps us heal by giving us the space to process our own experiences and connect with each other. Getting our stories out from our hearts and our heads helps make room for the next chapter to happen…the one just waiting there in the wings.” ~Denise

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 Denise Feldman

Stitching Together

Stitched Together

We’re all part of the same cloth…

Join us for a Stitching Circle! Denise Feldman, a local mixed-media artist and cancer thriver, hosts this monthly gathering in (virtual) community as we talk and stitch—a powerful meditative and healing practice. Gathering as many have done for centuries, Denise will share tips and ideas for using needle and thread to bring joy and creativity to our everyday lives. Use her ideas to jump start your own, or bring your favorite hand work projects and join us for community stitching time!

 

This community stitching circle is for you! For example, maybe you’ve been hand sewing for years; you might be interested in exploring the recent revival of the “slow-stitch” movement; maybe you are are a needle pointer with a project to finish. Or, you might simply enjoy the meditative nature of hand making with needle and thread.

 

You may consider bringing:

  • needles and thread,
  • an old pair of jeans or other clothing that was headed to charity,
  • left over fabric from another project,
  • or simply bring yourself for some (virtual) time in community.

Stitched Together will be offered Monthly on Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30am ET. 

Upcoming Dates: 

  • October 8
  • November 12
  • December 10

Suggested Donation: $10

About Denise Feldman

Denise Feldman is a local mixed media artist who discovered the power of creativity as a healing practice after her treatment for breast cancer in 2014. As a creative ‘dabbler’ who loves working with various materials and surfaces, Denise shares her mixed media processes and soulful perspective with the hope of inspiring others to tell their stories ‘on and off the page’ and clear space for life’s chapters yet to come.

“My philosophy is simply that telling our stories helps us heal by giving us the space to process our own experiences and connect with each other. Getting our stories out from our hearts and our heads helps make room for the next chapter to happen…the one just waiting there in the wings.” ~Denise

Beginning October 17th, Wake-Up Morning Stretch classes will no longer be hosted weekly. Please visit our program calendar to see other movement classes we offer.

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 Terry Conroy, RYT500

Wake-Up Morning Stretch

This yoga class combines gentle yoga postures, including some extended holds, to awaken your mind, body and spirit, and prepare you for your day. Students will be asked to focus on how each posture feels in their body, bringing mindful awareness to their practice.

 

Much of the morning stretch practice will be done sitting or lying on a mat. Chair practice can be accommodated. All levels welcome.

Beginning October 17th, Wake-Up Morning Stretch classes will no longer be hosted weekly. 

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/month

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.

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.

About Terry Conroy, RYT500

Terry Conroy

Terry Conroy, RYT500, has been a yoga practitioner for over 15 years, and a yoga teacher for over 10 years. Terry’s teaching provides a combination of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga postures appropriate for any body type or physical condition. Terry believes that yoga is about what you can do, not what you can’t. Her goal is to help others feel grounded, strong, and confident. Her yoga specialties are chair, gentle mat, and yin. Her motto is, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” Terry is certified in Yoga4Cancer, Yoga4Trauma, and Yoga Nidra.

Beginning October 17th, Wake-Up Morning Stretch classes will no longer be hosted weekly. Please visit our program calendar to see other movement classes we offer.

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 Terry Conroy, RYT500

Wake-Up Morning Stretch

This yoga class combines gentle yoga postures, including some extended holds, to awaken your mind, body and spirit, and prepare you for your day. Students will be asked to focus on how each posture feels in their body, bringing mindful awareness to their practice.

 

Much of the morning stretch practice will be done sitting or lying on a mat. Chair practice can be accommodated. All levels welcome.

Beginning October 17th, Wake-Up Morning Stretch classes will no longer be hosted weekly. 

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/month

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.

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.

About Terry Conroy, RYT500

Terry Conroy

Terry Conroy, RYT500, has been a yoga practitioner for over 15 years, and a yoga teacher for over 10 years. Terry’s teaching provides a combination of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga postures appropriate for any body type or physical condition. Terry believes that yoga is about what you can do, not what you can’t. Her goal is to help others feel grounded, strong, and confident. Her yoga specialties are chair, gentle mat, and yin. Her motto is, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” Terry is certified in Yoga4Cancer, Yoga4Trauma, and Yoga Nidra.

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 Terry Conroy, RYT500

Wake-Up Morning Stretch

This yoga class combines gentle yoga postures, including some extended holds, to awaken your mind, body and spirit, and prepare you for your day. Students will be asked to focus on how each posture feels in their body, bringing mindful awareness to their practice.

 

Much of the morning stretch practice will be done sitting or lying on a mat. Chair practice can be accommodated. All levels welcome.

Beginning in September, Wake-Up Morning Stretch will be offered on Mondays from 10:30-11:30am ET.

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/month

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.

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.

About Terry Conroy, RYT500

Terry Conroy

Terry Conroy, RYT500, has been a yoga practitioner for over 15 years, and a yoga teacher for over 10 years. Terry’s teaching provides a combination of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga postures appropriate for any body type or physical condition. Terry believes that yoga is about what you can do, not what you can’t. Her goal is to help others feel grounded, strong, and confident. Her yoga specialties are chair, gentle mat, and yin. Her motto is, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” Terry is certified in Yoga4Cancer, Yoga4Trauma, and Yoga Nidra.

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

The GW Cancer Center 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.

GW Cancer Center

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

Upcoming Dates:

  • August 1
  • September 12
  • October 3
  • November 7
  • December 5

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 currently full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please 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, Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C and Kiersten Gallagher

This program is offered in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and life with cancer.

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.

Mind Over Matter* will be offered as a program series Weekly on Wednesdays from Oct 12th – Nov 9th, 2022, from 3:00 – 4:30pm ET via Zoom.

*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. 

This program is offered in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, the Ourisman Breast Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and Life With Cancer.

Program Dates:

  • October 12, 19 & 26
  • November 2 & 9

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, MSW, 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.

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten has served as the Cancer Support Program Director for Smith Center since 2014. Before coming to Smith Center, she had the privilege to serve individuals and families living with cancer at Wellness House of Annapolis. Kiersten aims to offer programs to reduce stress and help participants to see the world we live in from different perspectives. She thoroughly enjoys teaching yoga and creativity classes at Smith Center and encourages gentle movement and creativity in the healing process. Kiersten is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance and also has her YCAT (Yoga Therapy in Cancer and Chronic Illness) Professional Certification through the Integral Yoga Academy. She has completed Patient Navigation training through Smith Center’s Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation and has also completed the Commonweal Healing Circles: Advanced Cancer Support Training. Kiersten is also certified in CLIMB®(Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery) a program that aims to build upon the strengths of children and increase his/her ability to cope with stress associated with a parent’s illness. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, human relationships and is grateful for each and every day. Kiersten has also completed the Compassion Cultivation Training – CCT™ an 8-week program, developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice. In her spare time, you may find Kiersten laughing with friends, cycling, taking art classes, practicing yoga and spending time with her husband Shane, son Liam, and dogs Beans and Pablo.

Part 3/3. If you would like to join this program series, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Elizabeth Belanger

Life Soundtrack

A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.

 

During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.

 

In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.

In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.

 

Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!

Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.

Program series dates:

  • July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
  • August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series

About Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma. 

Part 2/3. If you would like to join this program series, please email programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Elizabeth Belanger

Life Soundtrack

A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.

 

During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.

 

In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.

In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.

 

Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!

Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.

Program series dates:

  • July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
  • August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series

About Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma. 

This program series 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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Elizabeth Belanger

Life Soundtrack

A cancer diagnosis can completely turn your life upside down and leave you trying to understand who you are and what is important. Join us on a three-part creative venture to help narrate and make sense of your cancer experience.

 

During this program, we will discover how to choose music that represents your life or cancer experience and that looks towards the next steps in your journey. You can expect sessions to assist in creatively processing the emotional and physical tolls that cancer can take on every aspect of your life. Each session will provide space to share in community and think about how to express your experience.

 

In our first session, we will discuss key moments and feelings in our journeys. Then, each of us will individually be tasked with creating a collection of 7-14 songs (an album) of our journey from diagnosis into the future of survivorship.

In our second session, we will get our creative juices flowing by developing album art that represents our albums. And finally, in session three, we will come together as a group and share in art and story.

 

Come ready with a passion for music and art and some self-reflective time for out-of-group activities. Everyone with a story to tell is welcome!

Life Soundtrack will be hosted in three parts. Participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions to get the most out of the program series.

Program series dates:

  • July 19 & 26, 3:00-4:30pm ET
  • August 2, 3:00-4:30pm ET

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $25/series

About Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger

Elizabeth Belanger is a social work intern for Smith Center while she is getting her Masters of Social Work at Simmons University. Elizabeth has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and youth in Ward 8, providing strengths-based and trauma-informed care. After graduating, Elizabeth looks forward to working as a clinical social worker here in DC providing accessible mental health services to those who have experienced trauma.