with Yael Flusberg and Kevin Mutschler

Learn more about the benefits of incorporating yoga, tai-chi & qigong for cancer and related side-effects.

About Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, ERYT500 & Kevin Mutschler, L.Ac

Yael Flusberg Gentle Yoga Instructor Smith Center

Yael Flusberg first came to yoga hoping she could get rid of stuff, namely the ways life’s stresses and traumas had become painfully embodied. Fifteen years and thousands of layers of release later, yoga continues to teach her how to make strategic, creative, and life-nourishing choices. Trained as an integrative yoga therapist, Yael’s classes blend active with receptive states of being, and are both insightful and lighthearted. Off the mat, she is a coach, writer and energy therapist. Since 2005, Yael has taught yoga classes at area hospitals, libraries, workplaces, schools, and yoga studios. As an integrative yoga therapist (E-RYT500) she facilitates both group and individual yoga therapy sessions, working with people dealing with a variety of conditions including cancer, digestive disorders, diabetes, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, hypertension, mental health challenges (including depression, anxiety, grief and trauma), rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, and sports injuries. She currently teaches a weekly therapeutic class for people living with cancer and their caregivers on GW’s campus. More info: www.yaelflusberg.com

Kevin Mutschler, L.Ac

Kevin is a board-certified acupuncturist (NCCAOM) and Qigong educator with over twenty-five years experience in healing arts practice, research and education, including work in medical anthropology, somatic therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Kevin has special interests in working with patients living with chronic illness, migraine, MS and cancer. He is a Smith Center fellow in Integrative Cancer Care Navigation and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology.

View some video tracks of Kevin’s Qigong classes.

Medical Qigong

with Kevin Mutchler

Join Kevin bi-monthly on Mondays 6:00pm – 7:00pm! This is an all levels introduction to the practice of Medical Qigong. You will learn about the human energy system or subtle body through lecture, movement and an energetic transmission and meditation.

Upcoming sessions:

July 22

Medical Qigong is widely used in China for Oncology support and is very helpful for helping the body through any type of cancer as well as maintain physical and emotional health through cancer treatment.

Qigong when it is done in a medical setting can work as a medical intuitive reading to get a more tangible feel for the deeper layers leading to any disease process, as well as provide a roadmap to healing and transformation. This includes working with the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual layers to get a full and complete picture of healing and cultivating wellness. This is very helpful in oncology support as Medical Qigong can help make these layers more tangible and manageable to provide a complete healing process.

About Kevin Mutchler, L.AC.

Demystifying Plant-Based Protein

with Chef Kara Garrett

A good cancer-fighting diet utilizes plant-based protein sources, but it can often be confusing to know how to integrate them into your meals. Join Chef Kara to sample a variety of protein sources, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan and beans, learn preparation tips, and participate in a simple hands-on session as we prepare a delicious vegan lunch to enjoy together.

Please register by July 11th–Class is now full! Hope you can join us for our next class.

If you would like to be added to a waitlist please email: lauraf@smithcenter.org. Thank you!

Kara 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. She has adopted a flexible diet plan that focuses on plant-based, sustainable whole foods, but does not restrict indulgences of things she loves. She is passionate about working with others to encourage healthier food choices that energize the body and the soul.

Kara graduated in August 2017 from the Chef Training Program at Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC and spent one month as the sous chef at The Ananda Ashram Yoga Society of New York in Monroe, NY. She is currently enrolled in the Developing Healthy Communities: Nutrition, Behavior, and Physical Activity graduate program at Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

with Andrei Stoica

About Andrei Stoica, L.AC., MSOM, MQP

Andrei has been practicing qigong for many years. His initial opening into the healing arts started with learning martial arts in high school. This lead to a study of various forms of yoga and mediation. Andrei attended Massage school and Acupuncture school in Berkeley CA. During Acupuncture School, Andrei discovered Medical Qigong- the energy healing branch of Chinese Medicine which is the basis of acupuncture. This practice lead to several personal transformative experiences which served as a type of initiation process into the healing arts, as well as the development of medical intuition and energy manipulation. Andrei is currently an Energy Healer and teacher as well as a Chinese Medicine Practitioner- specializing in Medical Qigong. Andrei focuses on the areas of Oncology, Neurology and Psychology. He combines traditional Chinese Medicine concepts with medical Intuition, and powerful energy healing techniques to custom create treatment plans.

This retreat is designed to empower those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer to make life-affirming changes by providing tools and knowledge in a safe and caring community of others facing a similar diagnosis.

During the retreat, you will experience:

*A respite from the stresses of daily life with a cancer diagnosis

*Gentle, therapeutic yoga and meditation

*Delicious, whole foods, health-supportive lunch and

*An education session about eating with cancer

*A creativity session to tap into greater self-understanding in the face of cancer

*A community of other individuals who have shared experiences

Who: This retreat is designed for women who have been diagnosed with Stage IV/Metastatic breast cancer.

Cost: FREE, thanks to the generous support of the GW Cancer Center.

SPACE IS LIMITED – Click here to apply today!

If you are interested in attending one of our upcoming retreats, please fill out and submit the online application by visiting this page. Your responses will be kept confidential and only shared with the retreat staff. If you prefer, we can also send you a copy of the form to be completed offline and submitted – please contact retreats@smithcenter.org if interested.

with Lauren Cates, LMT & Christina Tian, LAC, CMD, DACM, BSBA, Dipl. OM

Learn more about how the benefits of oncology massage, acupuncture, & acupressure in the treatment of cancer and management of cancer side-effects.

About Lauren Cates, LMT

Lauren is one of Healwell’s founders, its Board Chair and Executive Director. Lauren speaks around the world on a variety of topics related to integrative medicine, emotional self-care for practitioners and the mechanics and politics of introducing massage therapy into clinical settings.

They* have been participating in research, teaching and developing curriculum for massage therapy courses focused on hospital-based practice, oncology massage and end of life care since 2007. Lauren is passionate about elevating the profession of massage therapy and also about broader and more seamless integration of massage therapists into mainstream healthcare.

*Lauren identifies as gender non-conforming and uses the pronouns they, their, and them when being referred to in the third person.

About Christina Tian, DACM, MAOM, L.AC., DIPL. OM, CMD

Dr. Christina Tian is a second generation practitioner specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She first encountered acupuncture at the age of six; watching as her father cared for his patients as if they were his own family. His dedication to Traditional Chinese Medicine and for his patients inspired her to pursue this healing path. Her father, Xiaoming Tian, L.Ac., CMD, was appointed as the first clinical consultant on acupuncture at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
Her clinical experience spans adolescent, adult and geriatric medicine. Her experience treating patients at the Elder Service Plan of the North Shore assisted her development of gentle acupuncture techniques that all patients young and old appreciate.
Dr. Tian was recruited by Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine, to spearhead acupuncture services in a new Integrative Health program pilot. During the pilot, she offered Traditional Chinese Medicine services such as acupuncture and acupressure to oncology patients. Dr. Tian continues to provide treatments to Sibley patients and participates in advanced oncology education and training at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
§ Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, focusing on evidence-based integrative medicine approaches.

§ Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine, specializing in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, from the New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest acupuncture school in the United States

§ Post-graduate work at Beijing University’s First Teaching Hospital under Prof. De Ying Wang, MD, CMD§ Certification in Clean Needle Technique by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

§ Nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Chinese Herbology and Acupuncture

§ Certified in Ear Acupuncture from the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute.

§ Certified by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine (Beijing) as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine

§ Editorial Board Member of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine and World Congress of Chinese Medicine

§ Licensed to practice acupuncture in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

§ Member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine, and the Acupuncture Societies of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

§ Chief Acupuncturist at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Through her upbringing and exposure to Chinese Medicine she is an avid cook and loves looking at the medicinal properties of foods and spices and is currently working on a book utilizing ancient Chinese nutritional therapy for modern use. On weekends, you may find her volunteering at the local farmers market where she shares Chinese nutritional advice and recipes with patrons. Dr. Tian travels to further develop her understanding of different medical systems while regularly practicing Qigong. Dr. Tian works and volunteers for various acupuncture societies in both the United States and China and participates in international Oriental Medicine conferences to ensure she bridges cutting edge findings with the ancient wisdom of this profession.

To schedule an appointment, please contact 301.530.5308 at her Bethesda location or 202-660-7775 at her Sibley Integrative Medicine location.

with Eva & Meera

The purpose of this workshop is to promote communal growth. We will experience a fusion of mystical preserved practices and a modern twist of curated poses designed to enhance togetherness. Experienced meditators and beginners alike will come away with deeper insights into the reality of “no self.”

Sufi whirling is an active form of meditation that the extraordinary poet and spiritual teacher Rumi practiced and shared with his disciples. Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy defined as a support for healing that uses hands-on technique for channeling healing energy.

We are all worthy of healing. Come as you are to awaken your senses and be fully present through intentional gentle movements and guided touch routines. We will utilize breathing, dancing, stretching, touch, and postures to access the love within us and enhance the connections between all people. We will explore vulnerability, share the energy we awaken, and receive energy among each other. Hot tea will be served at the end.

Facilitated by Eva and Meera. Eva is a Reiki II healer on track to becoming a Reiki master and Meera has a background in dance healing as well as OSHO meditation.

Presented in partnership with Cancer Support Community

This workshop will raise awareness among patients and caregivers about diagnoses, treatment options, managing side effects, coping with the psychosocial impact of neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors, and fostering constructive dialogue with their healthcare team.

Presenters will include Dr. Giuseppe Esposito, Chief of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT and Professor of Radiology at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, and Dr. Jaydira del Rivero, endocrine oncologist in the Pediatric Oncology Branch (POB) at the National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research.

Enrollment space is limited and we expect this workshop to fill quickly, so register early to guarantee your place! To RSVP, please click the link at the top of this page, call 202.483.8600 or email programs@smithcenter.org.

About Giuseppe Esposito, MD, MBA

Giuseppe Esposito, MD, is board certified in nuclear medicine. He sees patients at two MedStar clinics the Reservoir Road clinic in Washington, DC, and the Olney, Maryland clinic. Dr. Esposito is the Chief of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT and Professor of Radiology at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. His specialties include PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging of tumors, cardiac diseases, epilepsy, dementias and Parkinson’s disease.

In his clinics, he also performs diagnostic imaging and treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism, prostate bone metastases, radioembolization of metastatic liver cancers, and PRRT treatment of Neuroendocrine tumors. Dr. Esposito is very active in research and in conducting clinical trials. He is also involved in the professional Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. He serves as a peer reviewer for multiple medical journals, including Frontiers in Oncology, Frontiers in Cancer Imaging and Diagnosis. Dr. Esposito enjoys talking with his patients and answering their questions. Many patients are not familiar with nuclear medicine, so he takes great care to explain the procedures to make patients feel comfortable educating them on the benefits and the potential side effects.

Dr. Esposito is a native of Italy and has lived in the U.S. since 1992. He travels to Italy frequently, with his wife and two daughters, to see the rest of his family in Naples.

About Jaydira Del Rivero, M.D.

Dr. Del Rivero earned her medical degree from the University of Veracruz in Veracruz, Mexico and completed her internship at General Hospital Institute of Security and Social Services for Government Employees, also in Veracruz. Following a year of field service at the Center of Studies and Health Services at the University of Veracruz. Dr. Del Rivero completed her internal medicine residency at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center/NYU-Langone Medical Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Del Rivero completed a fellowship in endocrinology at The Inter-Institute Endocrinology Training Program (IETP) at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) where she was part of a research team developing clinical trials for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, rare tumors that form within and outside the adrenal glands and are linked to a range of inherited syndromes. She then joined as Assistant Professor at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care (MECCC) where she focused on all endocrine tumors such as thyroid cancer, parathyroid tumors, advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, adrenal tumors, pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and other endocrine malignancies.

She subsequently completed a second fellowship in oncology at the National Cancer Institute with a research focus on endocrine malignancies such as medullary thyroid cancer. Dr. Del Rivero is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and board eligible in Oncology.

She is developing the Rare Tumor Natural History study and Rare Tumor Clinic to: 1) serve as an umbrella protocol for patients with rare solid tumors of interest to the CCR and for patients who may be candidates for CCR early clinical trials and, 2) to provide the basis for the development of therapeutic interventions, prevention/screening guidelines, endpoints for future clinical trials, and patient-reported outcome measures.

She is also working on tumor immunology and the development of novel immunotherapy approaches for medullary thyroid cancer and targeted therapies for other endocrine malignancies such as advanced pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma.

With Kiersten Gallagher, RYT 200

Enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing and enhanced energy in our gentle yoga classes. Learn various yoga postures, techniques in progressive relaxation, breathing practices, and meditation to help reduce stress, as well as balance mind, body, and spirit. Our classes are specifically designed for adults facing stress, cancer, or other illness and are open to anyone interested in attending. All levels are welcome.

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.

Kiersten’s Gentle Morning Yoga Classes Meet Weekly on Thursdays from 10:15am – 11:30am.

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.

Suggested Donation for 1 Class: $10

Suggested Donation for 1 Month of Classes: $25

About Kiersten Gallagher

Kiersten Gallagher, RYT 200 and Certified Herbalist has studied yoga for over 25 years. Over the last decade, Kiersten has developed yoga programs and has provided a place for healing in the cancer community, in underprivileged neighborhoods, for special needs children, for teens and adults with drug addiction and for those struggling with body image.Kiersten invites you on a journey of healing to help guide you to a place where yoga will make a real difference in your life. Kiersten’s goal for you is that you feel better when you leave class- mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually, than you may have felt when you stepped through the door to begin your practice.

with Jenna Perkins, RN, WHNP-BC

Please join us for a discussion as we explore the ways that a cancer diagnosis can affect your sex life. You can expect to learn about tools that can help prevent and treat common conditions that contribute to discomfort with intercourse. We will discuss both medication and lifestyle management options. Come prepared with questions you and your partner have but haven’t had the opportunity to discuss with your healthcare providers. Patients and partners are welcome to attend!

About Jenna Perkins

Jenna Perkins, RN, WHNP-BC, is a board certified WomenGÇÖs Health and Gender Related Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Detroit, MI, Jenna completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She worked on a number of research studies as an undergraduate and became a clinical trials research nurse after graduating. In this role she worked on infectious disease protocols including Gene Therapy trials investigating the cure for HIV. She went on to complete her Masters in WomenGÇÖs Health and Gender Related Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania Jenna joined the MFA as the Pelvic Floor Nurse Practitioner. She manages all areas of female urology. Among these are frequent UTIs, Overactive Bladder, Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pelvic Pain, and Female Sexual dysfunction. She provides non-surgical treatment for these conditions and offers alternatives to medication management where available. Jenna also provides teaching for clinic patients helping patients to learn things such as self-catheterization and correct kegel exercise. Jenna is an active member of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) and Nurse Practitioners in WomenGÇÖs Health (NPWH).

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Tag: Health