hosted by Kiersten Gallagher and Olivia Gonyea

Join us for a 1/2 hour virtual information session and learn how we have supported and continue to support individuals through integrative healing programs, both virtually and in-person. We offer opportunities for healing that are filled with compassion, kindness, and effective tools for nurturing wellness, and bringing hope to those living with cancer and their loved ones.
We know that everyone has their own path to healing and we invite you to come meet some of our staff and learn what supportive programs are available to meet your own personal needs. We look forward to meeting you and to welcoming you to our community.
You are welcome to stay after the 30 minutes to ask any questions you may have about our services.

To RSVP for the information session, please click the RSVP button above or email programs@smithcenter.org. You can expect to receive the Zoom invite to join the session the morning of the program.

Kiersten Gallagher – Cancer Support Programs Director

About Kiersten Gallagher – Cancer Support Programs Director

kiersten@smithcenter.org

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 facilitating yoga, visual arts, and writing programs 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; Compassion Cultivation Training – CCT™ an 8-week program developed at Stanford University, with insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice; Mind Over Matter a 5-session program that uses evidence based strategies to help decrease feelings of anxiety and depression and increase a sense of well-being, and she is also a certified herbalist and holds her Reiki Level One certification. She believes in a holistic approach to healing, human relationships and is grateful for each and every day. 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, dogs Pablo and Beans, and turtle Chip.

Olivia Gonyea – Cancer Support Programs & Retreat Coordinator

olivia@smithcenter.org

Olivia Gonyea has been active in the cancer community for over 11 years as a childhood cancer survivor. She is also the founder of her own nonprofit organization that she created to support young people affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses at home in Buffalo, New York. Olivia never forgot the way that arts and creativity supported her during her experience with cancer and this inspired her to become involved with Smith Center. Olivia served as a Cancer Support Programs Intern in the Fall of 2021 and worked with Smith Center on her senior capstone project that focused on planning, implementing, and evaluating a photography-based program. Olivia received a degree in Public Health and International Studies from American University in DC and came on as a full-time staff in July 2022. She is excited to explore her interest in art and create connections with participants. Meet Olivia when you walk into Smith Center or want to learn more about programs and/or retreats!

We are pleased to announce our In-Person Retreat will be held at Hallowood Retreat Center, in scenic Frederick County, Maryland from June 9-11.

Join us for an information session from 7-8pm ET on Zoom to learn more about the upcoming Transform Cancer: A Healing Retreat.

Julia Rowland, our Senior Strategic Advisor and one of Smith Center’s most seasoned facilitators, will share what one can expect at a retreat and answer any questions you may have.

To RSVP for the information session, please click the button above or email retreats@smithcenter.org.