Weekly Programs
We offer a variety of ongoing weekly programs designed to support the body, mind, and spirit. Explore educational, creative, and movement-based programs such as Feldenkrais (Make Friends With Your Body), Knitting, Rest to Heal, Qigong, Yoga, Creative Writing, Mindfulness, and more. Each program offers a welcoming space to learn, create, move, and connect. More information can be found below.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.
Confidentiality
All of the confidentiality norms and expectations of the standard Cancer Connection Confidentiality Agreement for participants and facilitators remains in effect for telephone, online, or in person activities. We ask all participants to keep confidential the identity of others they meet in group activities, and not to disclose any personal information that is shared in a support group or program to anyone outside of that meeting. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.
Registration
Registration requirements vary by program. Please see below for details on each of our programs and information on how to join them.
Like all our services, Cancer Connection offers programs free of charge for people living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and caregivers.
In addition to our ongoing weekly offerings, we host a variety of workshops, limited series and seasonal programs throughout the year—covering topics such as cooking for nutrition, art, sexuality, journaling, sound healing, survivorship, and nature-based practices. Visit our Special Workshops and Seasonal Programs page to discover what’s coming up or visit the calendar to see the complete schedule.
On-Going Weekly Programs
* Once registered, you are welcome to attend program classes on a drop-in basis, with no requirement for weekly attendance.
Embodied Dance & Movement Wellness
Embodied Dance & Movement Wellness with Margaret Bowrys
Meets every Thursday, starting January 15th, 11 am - 12 pm
A gentle, restorative in-person movement program designed for individuals impacted by cancer- during treatment, recovery and beyond. This trauma-sensitive class integrates therapeutic dance, somatic practices and breathwork to support healing, emotional well-being and body confidence.
Movements are fully adaptable- seated, standing, or lying down and accessible to all abilities. Each session fosters connection, self-expression, and resilience ending with grounding practices including, body scans and guided visualization.
Participants are invited to cultivate relationship with their bodies and build community through shared experience.
In-person only. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
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Margaret Bowrys is a multidisciplinary movement educator specializing in inclusive, trauma-informed movement for cancer survivors and individuals living with chronic conditions. As a cancer survivor and thriver, she brings deep empathy and lived experience to her classes. Margaret has a rich history of community dance, performance, and collaborative arts experience which informs her work. Margaret’s training spans four decades and includes Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Expressive Arts Therapy, Authentic Movement, Tai Chi, QiGong, Body-Mind Centering, Mindfulness, and other somatic, body awareness and energy disciplines. She has studied with leading experts in dance and embodiment.
Margaret has taught in cancer-supportive environments as a Certified Livestrong Trainer. Margaret’s training includes the Moving For Life Teacher certification program, a physician-supported somatic movement system for cancer recovery, as well as Yoga Teacher certification program with a focus on social justice, trauma and addiction recovery.
Margaret’s intention is to support each person in discovering the movements that make them feel whole.
Rest to Heal
Facilitated by Ilana Beigel, using remote technology
Meets every Monday - 11 am to 12 pm
Each Rest To Heal Program Session provides the participant with a guided meditation experience of Yoga Nidra allowing the body to fall into deep relaxation in a state between wakefulness and sleep. Yoga Nidra provides refreshing rest and healing for body and mind. Sleep and rest can be difficult for those with a diagnosis as well as for caregivers. Yoga Nidra can ease pain, relieve anxiety, reduce sleep issues, and bring you to deeper levels of calmness.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Ilana Beigel
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Ilana has been devoted to the transformative power of holistic health for over 25 years. She not only believes in, but has experienced first hand, the benefits of integrative therapies including yoga, mindful movement, breathwork, visualization, meditation, massage, and yoga nidra.
She teaches throughout the Pioneer Valley and also at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshires. As an Ayurvedic yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, and yoga teacher trainer, she has dedicated her life and career to sharing modalities that heal body, mind, and soul. In her “other life”, she is a medical speech therapist working with adults rehabilitating from various illnesses including stroke, brain injury, dementia, and cancer. A mom of three, Ilana has been a resident of Amherst for nearly 20 years.
Her aim is to share practices that offer deep and profound healing. She is honored to support you in your wellness journey and is thrilled to offer the Rest to Heal program at Cancer Connection.
For more information, please go to ilanab.com
Feldenkrais: Make Friends With Your Body
Facilitated by Michelle Huber , using remote technology
Meets every Monday - 1:15pm to 2:15 pm
Cancer, cancer treatments, and being a caregiver can all create stress and discomfort in our physical selves. This class is a place to practice making friends with your body again using the wisdom of Feldenkrais. Through gentle movement in supported positions, we will shift ingrained patterns in the nervous system to help you breathe easier, sit taller, and have more capacity for doing what you love.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Michelle Huber
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Michelle Huber is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and Circling Facilitator in Northampton Massachusetts. She loves leading groups and working with individuals. In 2024 she also began offering Book / Support groups on ‘How to Break Up with Your Phone.’
She is happiest when she is creating spaces to go deep, discover insight and be in the never-ending learning process of life with others. She intends to offer people a way to be in their bodies and relationships that is curious, non-judgmental and deeply self- connective. She cares deeply about practices to be more present, loving and truthful.
More information: www.MichelleHuber.me
Mindfulness Program
Facilitated by Mariah Freemole, using remote technology
Meets every Thursday - 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This program is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. The quality and practice of mindfulness can open you to a greater sense of connection to your inner life and the life around you, as well as a calmness that will help you better cope with stress, pain, illness, and worry, during the meetings and at home between sessions.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Mariah Freemole
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Mariah Freemole has been living and teaching mindfulness in the Pioneer Valley since August 2018. In addition to working with children, Mariah enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and traveling. She practices in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and is a graduate of the Engaged Mindfulness Institute’s teacher certification program.
“My aspiration in teaching mindfulness is to serve as a facilitator for the ‘uncovering’ of your innate wisdom and insights into what will bring more ease into your life. In my teaching, I strive to offer a variety of different approaches to help you access your inherent peace. Whether you have been thinking about trying a mindfulness class, would like to ask questions about mindfulness, or simply share with others your existing practice, please know you can ‘drop in’ for any class at any time. I would be delighted to have you join us!”
Qigong Infused Yoga
Facilitated by Lynne Smith, in-person only
Meets Tuesdays - 2:50 pm to 3:50 pm
Qigong Infused Yoga is a gentle mind/body practice that includes fun breathing exercises, calming movements from Qigong and Gentle Yoga, Balancing Postures, and Meditation. The infusion of Yoga and Qigong is both energizing and relaxing and offers the powerful benefits of BOTH within one practice- including supporting the nervous system affected by chronic illness, anxiety, stress and facilitating healing by inducing the relaxation response in the body.
The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Lynne Smith
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For twenty years, Lynne has been integrating Qigong into all of her Yoga classes and has witnessed many testimonials of the powerful benefits of the practice when Yoga and Qigong are integrated together. She is a Senior Trainer with the Institute of Integral Qigong and T’ai Chi and produced a Qigong Infused Yoga DVD in 2018. She leads online teacher training programs training other instructors from around the world. She is passionate about and committed to Qigong as she continues to experience the powerful benefits and deep transformation that the practice offers.
Learn more about the practice and our instructor here.
Spirit of the Written Word
Facilitated by Pam Roberts, using remote technology
Meets every Tuesday - 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Open yourself to the transformational power of writing as a tool for healing and connecting with yourself and others. Pam provides “prompts” (perhaps a word, phrase, or object) as inspiration and starting point for writing. Writing within the safe, confidential confines of the group feels therapeutic, but we focus on our writing.
Currently meeting using remote technology. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Pam Roberts
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Pam Roberts is a writer, artist, and certified yoga teacher. A longtime breast cancer survivor, she leads Spirit of the Written Word writing workshops and yoga classes for people impacted by cancer and for the general population. She has been leading the Spirit of the Written Word writing workshop at Cancer Connection since 2003. She also facilitates 1 in 8: The Torso Project, a hands-on healing art experience for women affected by breast cancer consisting of workshops, exhibits and a book.
Stitched Together:
A Handcraft Group
Facilitated by Cheryl Case, MSW, hybrid options
Restarting September 14th, and will meet every Monday, 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Knitting and needle crafting can offer a calming, creative way to spend time during a cancer or caregiving journey. This welcoming group combines the comfort of supportive conversation with the shared enjoyment of needle arts.
Participants are invited to learn basic knitting skills, including how to knit and purl, at their own pace. No experience is necessary. Those who already enjoy handwork are welcome to bring knitting, crochet, quilting, embroidery, or any other needlecraft project to work on alongside others in a relaxed and creative setting.
Come for the craft, the conversation, or simply the chance to be with others who understand.
Currently offering both in person and remote meeting options. The program is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 to register.
Cheryl Case, MSW
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Cheryl learned to knit in the Cancer Connection’s knitting group, following her treatment for endometrial cancer in 2017. She is mostly retired from 35 years as a clinical social worker specializing in EMDR. She loves to knit and brings enthusiasm to this group which has provided inspiration, companionship , and support to so many over the years. She is joined by a few lifelong knitters in teaching the basics of knitting and understanding knitting patterns. In her semi-retirement she enjoys outdoor activities, swing dancing, and being with family.
Cheryl is a semi-retired clinical social worker who practices part-time in Amherst. Her clinical focus has been EMDR, especially with children and adults with trauma and medical conditions. Her own cancer journey was in 2017, and she is grateful to all those who helped her through that experience, including Cancer Connection. She enjoys outdoor activities, swing dancing, knitting, and being with family.
Learn more about our other services
Befrienders
Befrienders are trained staff and volunteers who listen and support both those who have been diagnosed and caregivers through challenging times.
Integrative Therapies
We offer therapies that treat the symptoms of cancer and offer stress relief and comfort to those living with a diagnoses and the effects of treatment
Support Groups
Support groups offer a place where we can laugh, cry, celebrate, and use humor to find relief in the universality of our experiences.