Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Throughout the year, we offer workshops, talks and short-term programs to nurture, restore, and connect—supporting body, mind, and spirit. These workshops and series explore topics like cooking for nutrition, art, sexuality, journaling, sound healing, nature-based practices and thriving after cancer.
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 workshops and seasonal programs, we offer weekly and once monthly classes that foster connection, creativity, and well-being all year long. Join body and movement practices like Embodied Dance & Movement, Feldenkrais and Qigong Yoga, or explore creative and reflective programs such as Gratitude Journaling, Knitting, Creative Writing, Rest to Heal (Yoga Nidra) and Mindfulness.
Visit our Ongoing Weekly Programs page for details, or check our calendar for the full schedule.
Workshops & Seasonal Programs
Mirrors: Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop
Mirrors Equine Assisted Mindfulness Workshop with Colleen Campbell and Cris Carl
Sessions are held twice a month on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, from 10am- 11:30am.
Choose from one of these dates (participants can attend multiple sessions, space permitting):
August 22
September 12 & 26
October 10
Spend time at the Heroes, Horses & Hounds farm in Sunderland learning from and connecting with one of the wisest, most patient and forgiving teachers around, Horses. This workshop focuses on finding peace with your body, connection with yourself and others, sharing and processing lessons learned while going through treatments and finding not only joy but simple fun. Rediscovering play as a way of healing and building resilience. The workshop will consist of mindfulness and journaling exercises, hands on time with the horses and group sharing time. These workshops often help bring clarity and a shift in thinking. Helping people regain a part of themselves that may have been lost along their journey through cancer.
Mirrors takes place outdoors on a farm, so appropriate clothing and footwear will be required. Program details will be provided upon registration. Space is limited. Priority will be given to those that have not attended an Equine workshop before.
This program is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or is a caregiver and is free of charge. Registration is required. Call Cancer Connection to register: 413-586-1642 x104
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Colleen Campbell is a certified trainer with the IAABC (international association of animal behavior consultants) and a graduate of UMASS Amherst with an Equine studies degree. At two years old she began asking for a horse. Needless to say Colleen was born with her passion of working with animals and has spent her life following that dream.
Mirrors and Paws for Joy equine and canine assisted therapy and service dog training programs have been developed from years of observations of and working with human and animal teams.
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Cris Carl, LADC1, is a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma, addiction and grief. She has been studying the brain and the effects of trauma and how the brain heals from trauma for over 25 years. Cris has a wonderful way of sitting with people and allowing them to open up in their own time. Allowing people the space they need to feel comfortable sharing whatever they want to share.
Cris loves the animals and has experienced the healing power of horses in the Mirrors program herself, originally starting as a student of the program in 2019. Then lending her gifts to help transform Mirrors into what it is today.
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play
Gratitude Journaling: An Invitation to Creativity and Play with Sharon Rudnitzky
Every 3rd Saturday of the month. Next class: Saturday, August 15th, 10:00am - 12:00 pm
Discover the uplifting power of gratitude, creativity and play in Gratitude Journaling—a unique, hands-on workshop designed to nourish your spirit and bring more lightness into your life. Rooted in the proven benefits of gratitude journaling for mental and physical well-being, this class goes beyond words to engage your senses and spark your inner artist.
These workshops invite you to explore gratitude journaling as a practice for healing and emotional well-being. More than just writing, this joyful approach includes words of thanks, along with photos, colors, doodles, stickers, and inspiring quotes. It's a personal sanctuary you can return to again and again for comfort and delight.
Gratitude Journaling offers a nourishing blend of community connection and personal reflection. We’ll gather in a welcoming, relaxed space to share inspiration and creativity. There will be guided prompts, time to create, and gentle encouragement to help you get started—no experience necessary.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
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My name is Sharon and I moved to Florence 27 years ago and now I live in Haydenville with two daughters and four very friendly cats.
I seamlessly incorporate many of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) principles and values (i.e. Curiosity, Care, Consideration, Play, etc.) in my workshops.
I love being in nature and I enjoy reading and writing poetry. I am also a photographer and especially enjoy taking close-up pictures of flowers. And, of course, I LOVE to look through and add to my gratitude journals!
Creative Wellness: Nature-Based Art & Relaxation
Creative Wellness: Nature-Based Art & Relaxation with Beth Montemagni
August Session: Decoupage Art in Look Park!
Friday, August 28th, 11 am - 12:30 pm. In person
Join us for a creative decoupage workshop inspired by nature! Using cedar planks, nature-themed napkins, Mod Podge, and vintage buttons, participants will design a unique decorative piece. We’ll also paint small wooden shapes as flowers and butterflies, adding texture and a charming three-dimensional effect.
Nature-Based Art & Relaxation is a gentle, restorative program designed to support emotional well-being through creative expression and calming, nature-inspired practices. In a welcoming and supportive space, participants are invited to slow down, engage in simple art-making, and reconnect with a sense of ease and presence.
Sessions are designed to reduce stress, support mindfulness, and foster a quiet sense of connection—with oneself, with others, and with the natural world.
Each session incorporates guided relaxation techniques alongside accessible, nature-based creative activities. Optional reiki support is woven into the session.
This program is free and open to individuals in treatment, recovery, or caregiving roles, and requires no prior artistic experience. Registration is required: 413-586-1642 x104
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With over 20 years of experience as a stained glass artist inspired by nature, Beth combines creativity, mindfulness, and holistic practices to support healing and well-being.
After a 30-year career in the medical field, she expanded her work into art therapy and Reiki, recognizing the powerful connection between creative expression and emotional restoration.
Today, Beth serves as an Art Therapy Practitioner at the Veterans Hospital in Leeds, MA, and as a Reiki Practitioner and Co-Facilitator at Cancer Connection. Through nature-inspired creative experiences, she helps participants reduce stress, reconnect with themselves, and experience the restorative power of art and mindful presence.
Mindful Movement in Nature
with Lynne Nicole Smith
Mindful Movement in Nature
1st & 3rd Fridays, May 1st through through September 18th, 1:00-2:10pm. In person
Join our Mindful Movement in Nature summer program where you can enjoy a gentle mind/body practice along with the beauty of the trees, water and sun! Join Lynne at Amethyst Brook parking lot on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month The session includes a 10-minute walk to a shaded labyrinth by beautiful sunlit streams and water. We will then practice Qigong which often mirrors movements in nature. Depending on interest from the group, we will change locations in June and July to add some variety to our experience outdoors. Standing practice only. Beginners welcome!
Note: Once registered for the class, you can come to as many of the classes as you wish- attendance to all is not necessary.
This program is free of charge, but registration is required. Call Cancer Connection at 413-586-1642 x104 to register.
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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.
All Out Adventures programs
Join a program at All Out Adventures and Cancer Connection will pay your fees. This summer season they will have paddling, cycling, hiking, and pickleball.
These activities are a great way to move your body, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of summer in good company.
Call us on 413-586-1642 to find out how to join an All Out Adventures program for free
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.