Tag: YACS

This program is hosted virtually via Zoom. No prior registration required.

In Partnership with Susan Salek. Hosted by IMCW.

Come together as an LGBTQIA+ community for a weekly morning meditation sit. 

We will settle in for a few minutes, then meditation (guided and silence) for 20 minutes and end with around the virtual circle with a few words of gratitude.

Join Zoom meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87127603045?pwd=WnRxdE43VWI3bDFjdVIyS1grOVBhQT09

Meeting ID: 871 2760 3045
Passcode: 108108

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87127603045#,,,,*108108#US (Washington DC)
+16465588656,,87127603045#,,,,*108108#US (New York)

Note: Because this is an online sit, participants are encouraged to find space of relative quiet, limiting the amount of interaction with others in the environment as much as possible. Participants may join by internet or via phone. 

For more information, please visit:

https://events.imcw.org/event/?eventId=752&startDate=2021-07-20T11:30:00.000Z

This program is hosted virtually via Zoom. No prior registration required.

In Partnership with Susan Salek. Hosted by IMCW.

Come together as an LGBTQIA+ community for a weekly morning meditation sit. 

We will settle in for a few minutes, then meditation (guided and silence) for 20 minutes and end with around the virtual circle with a few words of gratitude.

Join Zoom meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87127603045?pwd=WnRxdE43VWI3bDFjdVIyS1grOVBhQT09

Meeting ID: 871 2760 3045
Passcode: 108108

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87127603045#,,,,*108108#US (Washington DC)
+16465588656,,87127603045#,,,,*108108#US (New York)

Note: Because this is an online sit, participants are encouraged to find space of relative quiet, limiting the amount of interaction with others in the environment as much as possible. Participants may join by internet or via phone. 

For more information, please visit:

https://events.imcw.org/event/?eventId=752&startDate=2021-07-20T11:30:00.000Z

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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Nourishment for Life with Chefnurcian Laura Pole

Join Chef, Oncology Nurse and Musician (Chefnurcian) Laura Pole on Wednesday, June 15 from 12-1:30pm for a program tailored to anyone who has received a Metastatic Breast Cancer diagnosis. We’re going to have a great time exploring how foods and eating habits can nourish you and help you nurture a body that’s less hospitable to cancer.

 

Chefnurcian Laura will tailor the class to your questions and interests about nourishment. She will also present a food prep demo based on what most of you are interested in learning. Please send in your questions and recommendations ahead of time to programs@smithcenter.org.

Suggested Donation: $10

About Laura Pole, RN, MSN, Chef

Laura Pole

Laura, Director of Smith Center’s Nourishment Education Programs, has served as the head retreat chef and nurse consultant since 1997. She is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years experience in caring for people with serious illness. She is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef, professional musician and Nia body-mind fitness instructor. Her popular cooking classes are centered on culinary translation: that is, helping  participants translate a diet prescription to a plate of nourishing delicious food. Laura is the founder of “Eating for a Lifetime,” a consulting business dedicated to teaching individuals and professionals about health supportive eating and food preparation. In addition to Laura’s work with nourishment, she is the co-coordinator of Smith Center’s Patient Navigation Training in Integrative Cancer Care. Laura also serves as coordinator of the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv.

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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Theresa Walker

Writing pen pals

Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely pursuit. Grab your cup of coffee or tea and pen and notebook (or laptop, iPad) and join fellow writers for a meeting of Pen Pals.

 

The facilitator will offer writing prompts on the topic of “Celebrating My Life.” We will focus on strengths we have gained through the challenges we have faced in our lives.

 

There will be time for personal writing, discussion, laughter, and kind responses. No critiquing, just writing and support.

Suggested Donation: $10

About Theresa Walker

Theresa Walker is a registered SoulCollage® facilitator and has led groups since 2011. She is a certified expressive arts facilitator, trained at Salve Regina University in writing and visual arts, and she is a graduate of Shalem’s Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups program.

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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Heather Chorzempa

Fertility Preservation

Receiving a cancer diagnosis and/or transitioning is likely to be overwhelming – there is a lot to figure out. Because of this, something like fertility preservation can seem both unimportant and confusing. Many doctors give limited information on the subject since it isn’t their area of expertise.

 

If you do choose to freeze sperm or eggs, you might only receive information about the current process, and not about the long-term potential for actually having kids with or without a future partner. I have noticed that patients doing fertility preservation for medical reasons could use extra consultation as they make decisions for fertility preservation in the early stages of cancer treatment and/or transitioning.

 

You may have already gone through treatment to freeze sperm or eggs, or you may not have even thought about it yet. I look forward to providing information for those at any stage of this process in a short presentation, and answering specific questions you might have.

About Heather Chorzempa

Heather Chorzempa

Heather Chorzempa grew up in Minnesota, and now works in an IVF lab in Germany. Her grandmother fought cancer six times over almost twenty years, so Heather is passionate about helping others who might be going through something similar. A close friend also went through four rounds of IVF, and through her support of this friend her interest was sparked to pursue a career in the field.

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 carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Nina Ritrovato. In partnership with Unite for HER.

Unite for HER Wellness Program

The Unite for HER Wellness Program provides healing and restorative therapies and services to breast and ovarian cancer patients nationwide.

After attending a Wellness Day virtual seminar, participants can choose to receive services like nutritional counseling, meal deliveries, professional counseling, yoga, Reiki, and more, at no personal cost. To learn more, visit uniteforher.org.

About Unite for HER

Unite for HER

When Unite for HER founder Sue Weldon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, she began searching for information on therapies that would complement the medical treatments she was receiving. What she discovered was a lack of easily accessible resources on topics like nutrition, acupuncture, massage, yoga, counseling and other ways for breast cancer patients to enhance their wellness and care for their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.

Since its establishment as a nonprofit organization in 2009, Unite for HER’s cornerstone has been to bridge that gap for breast cancer patients, focusing on wellness initiatives that will positively impact their health, as well as the health of all women and girls.

About Nina Ritrovato

Nina Ritrovato

After volunteering with Unite for HER, Nina started her full time career with Unite for HER in 2019 as the Wellness Day Program Manager. She coordinates with our hospital partners and internal staff to deliver the Wellness Day program and events to the women in our program. She received her Master in Public Health with a concentration in Integrative Health from West Chester University in 2013 and lives in Avondale, PA with her husband and children.

This program has been postponed. Please check back for a future date.

with Kathleen O’Toole

Writing through the Seasons

Writing Through the Seasons

Breathe in All That’s Blooming

Just after Mayday (Beltane in the Celtic world), we’ll gather in words and verse the hues, fragrances and shapes of all that is blooming and coming to life in the world around us. A great time to capture the lengthening days and the increased activity of birds, insects, and other creatures, and play with words and images in ways that allow our hearts to sing. Sketchbooks and notebooks, recent walks or favorite flowers & images are great resources.

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, May 14th, 10:00-11:30am ET

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 series is now full. Please email carla@smithcenter.org to be added to the waitlist.

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

*Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland*

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.

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 May 4th – June 1st, 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. Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland.

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

Program Dates:

  • May 4, 11, 18 & 25
  • June 1

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.

This program series* is now full. Please email carla@smithcenter.org to be added to the waitlist.

*Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland or North Carolina. Registration will be closed at 8 participants. Before registering, be sure that you can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions.

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

with Erin Price, LICSW, OSW-C and Mindy Brodsky, LCSWA

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors Group*

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy is largely based on the work of existential psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl and was developed for those facing illness. Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy aims to decrease feelings of sadness and increase hope by teaching participants how to focus on creating, experiencing, and keeping a sense of meaning in life. Research shows that MCP is very helpful to those who have experienced cancer. During this 8-session weekly group, participants will learn:

  • To cope better by finding and creating a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
  • How sources of meaning can be used to help you during hard times. 
  • New ways to face and overcome the challenges caused by your illness. 

 

MCP is meant to help participants look for meaning in their past, present, future and everyday life through teaching, answering questions together, doing homework assignments, and discussions with the group. MCP helps participants use meaning in life to gain a greater sense of purpose. 

 

This group is meant for Cancer Survivors finished with their main treatments or those living with metastatic disease and is offered in partnership with MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Survivors* will be offered as a closed group program from May 2nd – July 11th, 2022 via Zoom.

*Participants MUST be located in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland or North Carolina. Registration will be closed at 8 participants. Before registering, be sure that you can commit to attending at least 7 of the 8 sessions.

Program Dates:

  • May 2, 16 & 23
  • June 6, 13, 20 & 27
  • July 11

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 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.

PART 4/4. This program series is being offered virtually through Zoom. If you missed the first sessions, please email carla@smithcenter.org.

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

with Jodi Kanter, PhD

Your Body's Story - Cancer Body Image

Body image may shift in cancer patients due to the presence of a tumor, breast asymmetry and size related to treatment and surgical intervention, changes in weight, or alterations of the skin. “Your Body’s Story” is a place to explore your relationship with your body in the past, present and future.

 

Our exploration will utilize a variety of creative media: improvisational movement, improvisational conversation, writing, and visual art.

Our goal will be to achieve a more integrated sense of our somatic experiences as they have changed and will continue to change throughout cancer survivorship.

 

Most research into trauma-informed approaches to wellness suggests that processing the trauma is central to healing. Expressive arts therapies provide aesthetic distance from trauma, even as they encourage representation of the trauma.

In particular, drama therapy allows us to intervene in our traumatic experiences in ways that were impossible at the time of its occurrence. Drama therapy also enables us to actively project into and thereby shape our experience of trauma moving forward.

Your Body’s Story is open to female-identifying cancer patients and survivors at any stage in their journey. The series will be offered as a 4-part program series on:

  • Fridays, April 1, 8, 22 & 29, 2022, 1:00 – 3:00pm EST

Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions. Please let us know in advance if you are unable to attend all sessions.

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

About Jodi Kanter

Jodi Kanter

Jodi has been involved in theater since she was ten years old. She grew up acting and studying performance in American theater’s “Second City,” Chicago Illinois.  She is currently a professor of theatre in the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University, where she has been on faculty for nearly fifteen years. Her academic work in theater includes her book, Performing Loss: Strengthening Communities Through Theatre and Writing (2007). Jodi’s focus on performance as a tool for individual and social healing and change has led her to create workshops, events and productions in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, schools, and prisons. Most recently, she co-created a four-month diversity and inclusion program for members of DC’s fourteen Neighborhood Village associations using the methodology of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed. Jodi holds a PhD. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in dramatherapy at Lesley University.