Tag: YACS

Part 4/4. This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. Please email programs@smithcenter.org if you would like to join this series.

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

with Kiersten Gallagher and Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

SC Writes for YACS

SC Writes for YACS

Welcome back to SC Writes for YACS, where we will deepen our writing and sharing in a safe and supportive environment. No writing experience required. Activities will include mindfulness practices, writing exercises, and reflective practices.

 

Stay tuned for the theme of this SC Writes series.

Group members are encouraged to attend all sessions, but missing one session is fine. This series has limited capacity and therefore attendance is important. To illustrate, we use all sessions to foster community and build an open space for sharing.

SC Writes for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) is a 4-part program series. We will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:00pm ET, starting on July 5th, 2022.

Program Dates:

  • July 12, 19 & 26
  • August 16

Suggested Donation: $10/session or $35/series

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. 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 Hooper and Pablo.

About Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

Mindy Brodsky

Mindy Brodsky specializes in trauma-informed, strengths-based counseling with a passion for integrative health and healing. Mindy honors her clients as the experts of their lives, and she strives to provide a supportive and safe environment.
After a career in social justice advocacy and her own challenging health journey, Mindy aspires to meet her clients where they are to help them achieve their goals.

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 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 Julie McCarter

Expressive Photography and Mindfulness

In this workshop, we will begin with a practice of visual mindfulness and then we’ll get right to creating images with prompts that will spark your creative voice.

 

This workshop will give you the tools to develop your own “practice” of mindful image-making that will be both nourishing and life-balancing. you will also have the experience of creating images that reflect your unique vision/voice that is often deeply meaningful.

Join us to discover new ways of being, seeing and expressing with mindfulness and your camera.

 

Please select one meaningful object for the workshop. Any camera, including a cell phone, is perfect for this workshop.

Suggested Donation: $15

About Julie McCarter

Julie is a fine art photographer and therapist, offering workshops that blend her two worlds of creative expression and emotional wellness. She is based in the Greater Washington DC area. Her photographic work may be viewed at: http://juliefischermccarter.com

Contact email: jfm@juliefischermccarter.com

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 1/2. 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 programs@smithcenter.org.

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

with Eileen Powers, MFA

Expressive Self-Portrait by Eileen Powers

For as long long as there have been artists and makers, there has been the creation of the self-portrait.

 

Whether it’s realist, abstract or performative, the act of situating and picturing the self often springboards the artist to self-awareness and insight. This interactive, two-session program focuses on the many ways we can use creative and expressive activity as a stepping stone to reclaim our identity and balance.

 

The program opens with a short talk about the medium and the context of self-portraiture, followed by exercises using simple materials. We will employ the language of color, collage, pen, pencil and photography to help us explore our internal and external selves. Participants are encouraged to investigate class concepts through a take-home assignment that will be discussed in the second session.

 

The program is open to all levels and all experiences. Participants should bring pens, pencils, paper, markers or any materials of their choice to participate in exercises, and a willingness to share their experiences.

Variations of You: The Expressive Self-Portrait will be offered as a two-part virtual program series on the following dates:

  • Saturdays, September 10th & 17th from 10:00am – 12:00pm ET

Suggested Donation: $20 (series)

About Eileen Powers, MFA

Eileen Powers

Eileen Powers is a Cape Cod-based photographer, designer and self-portrait artist whose Can you make hair for me? collaborative art project has been featured in exhibitions, podcasts and news media around the country as well as in The Boston Globe. A forthcoming book about the project is currently in the works. She has a MFA in visual arts, and is on staff at the Photographic Resource Center in Cambridge, MA. She has led workshops at the Griffin Museum of Photography, Creighton University and the Nantucket Atheneum among others. A video about Eileen and Can you make hair for me? can be viewed here.

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 Kathleen O’Toole

Writing through the Seasons

Writing Through the Seasons

Harvesting the Fullness of Summer

Among the Cross Quarter Days in the old Celtic Calendar is Lammas or the Feast of the First Fruits, celebrated in Ireland and England on August 2. For those of us not reared in rural areas, we are caught in the mixed emotions of enjoying the pleasures of summer fruitfulness − corn and tomatoes, road trips to nearby shores and mountains or more exotic locations. Yet we’re aware of the lessening of the light, the passing of time and the certainty in nature and our hearts of all we’re about to let go of.

 

With this in mind, in our time together, we will explore short poems, seasonal images and writing practices that allow us to breathe in what is nourishing to us this time of year, and harvest in our own hearts the connections we feel to what is happening in the natural world. Participants who sign up early may get the benefit of a few poetic teasers and some images to turn over the soil in preparation for our writing time together!

Find a comfy chair or a window seat and bring writing material.

Kathleen O’Toole is a poet whose work with haiku and other short poetic forms is deeply rooted in attention to the natural world. These three workshops will guide participants through poetry forms and writing practices that invite us to explore the ways season changes bring special opportunities for healing and creativity. The ancient Celts celebrated cross-quarter days as moments of magic and openings to spirit and ritual; we’ll mark our own seasonal awareness.

Writing Through the Seasons: The Healing Power of Nature will be offered as a program series, spread over the seasons, beginning in Fall 2021.

Program Dates: 

  • Saturday, August 6th, 10-11:30am EST – POSTPONED

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

About Kathleen O’Toole

Kathleen O'Toole

Takoma Park Poet Laureate Kathleen O’Toole is the author of 4 books of poetry (find her at https://kathleenotoolepoetry.com). She has taught writing at Johns Hopkins University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. As evident in her longer work, she often seeks inspiration and consolation in nature. For more than thirty years she has been writing haiku as a spiritual practice of attention, and to deepen her experience of the natural world.

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 Susi Wyss

Writing for Healing

Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!

Suggested Materials: 

  • Favorite pen
  • Unlined paper or journal to write on
  • Plain paper
  • Your favorite art materials (anything will do, including pencil or pen)
  • A candle and matches

Suggested Donation: $10

About Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.

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 Susi Wyss

Writing for Healing

Led by a therapeutic writing facilitator, this session is designed for self-care and taking time out to tap into the healing benefits of writing. Join us for a session that includes a brief meditation, writing prompts, and creative exercises in a playful and supportive environment. No writing experience necessary, just an open mind!

 

Suggested Materials: 

  • 2 sheets plain unlined paper
  • favorite writing pen 
  • Art/drawing material such as oil pastels, colored markers, pastels, colored pencils or crayons
  • Pair of scissors
  • scotch tape

Suggested Donation: $10

About Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss

Susi Wyss is a public health professional, author, therapeutic writing facilitator and—most of all—a believer in the healing power of words. Her public health career has spanned more than 25 years, mostly addressing women’s health in Africa. She is the author of The Civilized World, a novel set in Africa that was named “A Book to Pick Up Now” by Oprah Magazine. In addition to her collaboration with the Smith Center, she has led writing-for-healing workshops at the DC Rape Crisis Center and Crossings Healing & Wellness.

This event will be held in-person at Hope Connections for Cancer Support in Bethesda, MD. Please register below to attend.

In Partnership with Hope Connections for Cancer Support, Life with Cancer and Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

YACS

Join other young adult cancer survivors for an in-person meet up.

Hope Connections, Life with Cancer, and Smith Center are hosting an in-person get-together for young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. This gathering is an opportunity to connect with your peers who truly get this experience. Come for good conversations, fun, and light refreshments. 

REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5Q3JgwMjt8HxAnDvfvUHhI6mYioW_QLgwA8CBAB-tjJS9VQ/viewform

Social Distance and Mask Policy

For this event, we will be outside the entire time and encourage participants to maintain adequate physical distance during the program. We encourage those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask while participating. For those that are vaccinated, masks are optional based on your comfort level.

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.