Embracing transformation together through gentle yoga, guided meditation, & art therapy.
Autumn Virtual Health & Wellness Retreat:
Take some time to enjoy the changing seasons at our Autumn Virtual Wellness Retreat* on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM Pacific Daylight Time. The theme of the retreat is "Transformation."
Navigating life with neuroendocrine cancer—whether as a patient or a supporter—can often feel overwhelming and isolating due to the unique challenges of this rare condition. This retreat offers a welcome opportunity to step away and center your focus beyond the diagnosis.
This supportive, interactive experience brings together gentle movement, mindfulness, and creative expression. Together, we will explore the meaningful personal transformations—emotional, mental, social, and behavioral—that emerge along the way.
The retreat will take place on Zoom (a two-way stream), meaning everyone will be able to see and interact with one another during the activities.
Retreat Activities:
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Chair Yoga with Julie Wolinsky: Gentle and accessible yoga for all levels, focusing on breath and movement.
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Art Therapy with Angie Madama: Let your creativity and emotions bloom through a guided artwork creation.
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Guided Meditation with Ruth Q. Wolever, PhD, NDC-HWC: Be mindful and tranquil during a guided meditation session.
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Reflections, Connections & Sharing facilitated by Victoria Ramirez ACHP-SW
This special event* is offered at no charge to neuroendocrine cancer patients and caregivers. *Limited spots are available.
*Please note that registration does not guarantee a reserved spot. To help prepare for the art therapy session, please ensure you reply to emails from Heather Davis at Heather@NCF.net. Participants attending from outside the United States will require special accommodations.
If your plans change and you are unable to attend, kindly provide at least 72 hours' notice.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS & FACILITATORS
JULIE WOLINSKY
Registered Yoga Teacher
Julie Wolinsky is an Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher who has taught a variety of in-person and online yoga formats, including Chair Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Yoga with Weights and Cardio, and Yin Yoga, for nearly ten years. Passionate about helping others to live their healthiest and happiest lives, Julie has taught yoga to cancer patients, senior citizens, those in wheelchairs, as well as professional athletes and teenagers. She is certified in Reiki Second Degree Natural Healing, and is working toward a certification as a professional coach.
With a MBA from Harvard Business School, her professional background is in international development, business strategy and entrepreneurship, and includes living and working in Spain and Latin America. She loves languages and has taught yoga in Spanish and Farsi.
Julie developed 5M Yoga, a transformational program for anyone with limited mobility. Through Movement, Meditation, Music, Message & Massage, her students receive a powerful work-out and work-in, along with the tender loving attention they need and deserve. She is inspired to motivate, guide, and learn from her students and believes movement and mindfulness are medicine.
ANGIE MADAMA
Art Therapist
Angie Madama was inspired to form "Reach heART" in March 2020, when the pandemic began, to offer art lessons for kids through Zoom that combine her passion for the arts and mindfulness (she prefers to call it "presentfulness"). It was her intention to provide a safe space to create, physically and emotionally, in addition to supporting an outlet for social engagement, as well as to encourage a sense of connectedness--to think of and support others in our community through our art.
Her background stems from a degree in technical Theatre (Costume and Scene Design), the entertainment industry, her love for the arts, yoga, sports (both playing and coaching), and being a parent herself. She has a constant thirst for creativity and learning, particularly in the field of social and emotional development, neuroscience, and the various ways we all can cultivate a practice of BEING present.
RUTH Q WOLEVER
PhD, NBC-HWC (CST)
Guided Meditation Facilitator
Ruth Q. Wolever, PhD, NBC-HWC serves as Interim Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt and the Director of Vanderbilt Health Coaching. She is an Associate Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with secondary appointments in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Meharry Medical College. Ruth is the Chief Science Officer for eMindful, Inc., is a founding member and was the inaugural President of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. A clinical health psychologist and nationally-board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC), Ruth has over 25 years of experience training and mentoring medical and allied health professionals in behavioral medicine, emotional health and coaching. She also has over 25 years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior change programs for medical patients and those at risk for chronic disease.
Internationally recognized for her expertise on mindfulness and health coaching, Ruth studies mindfulness-based approaches to self-regulation and lifestyle change. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NCCAM – now NCCIH, Office of Women’s Health, NHLBI, NIDCD, and NIDDK), the United States Air Force, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, industry, and philanthropy. Ruth is particularly interested in the intersection of mindfulness, behavior change, and inter-professional training.
VICTORIA RAMIREZ, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Victoria Ramirez, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience supporting individuals navigating cancer, chronic illness, grief, and major life transitions. She specializes in working with patients and families impacted by oncology diagnoses, as well as those coping with loss, anxiety, and unexpected life changes.
Victoria earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and is licensed in California. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing primarily from client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to meet each individual’s unique needs. She is known for creating a calm, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences.
With a warm and empathetic style, Victoria collaborates with clients to set both short- and long-term goals, adapting them as needs evolve over time. She is deeply committed to helping individuals build resilience, gain clarity, and feel supported throughout their healing journey.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor
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