Adult Programs, Classes & Activities
Wellness House programs are designed to empower our members, families, and their caregivers in coping with the challenges of life with cancer.
Our Full Class Schedule
Services and classes are offered weekdays and evenings, Monday through Thursday. Through the generosity of our community, all programs/services are offered completely FREE of charge to our members.
Click here to view the complete quarterly program guide!
Health & well-being programs
Holistic Programs to Support our Members, Families, and Their Caregivers in Healing
The adult health and well-being programs at Wellness House of Annapolis are designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals on their cancer journey, offering holistic support, empowering resources, and a compassionate community to nurture both body, mind, and spirit.
New Offerings!
(In-Person) Horse Time- Spend some time with the retired horses of Chesapeake Dressage Institute behind the Wellness House. We will give them nose pets and carrot treats!
(In-Person) Forest Bathing- Join a guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy for a walk to learn to engage the senses and appreciate the benefits of being immersed in a natural environment. Slowing down and spending mindful time in nature is proven to regulate your blood pressure, increase immunity, and reduce production of stress hormones. Expect to feel relaxed, refreshed and connected to nature after this guided walk. The total walk distance will be approximately 1 mile and we will be seated for a couple of short periods.
(In-Person) Death Cafe- At a Death Cafe, we gather to eat cake, drink tea, and discuss death. Our objective is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite), magnificent lives. A Death Cafe is a group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.
(In-Person) Womb Healing Circle- Reiki • Sound Bath • Meditation • Rite of the Womb Initiation. This special gathering offers a nurturing circle for women on the cancer journey to reconnect with their inner healer and receive deep energetic nourishment. The “Rite of the Womb,” a gentle ceremonial practice supporting healing, release, and reconnection with the feminine spirit, is shared as part of this restorative experience.
(In-Person) Artistic Expressions- Join us each month as we discover a new art form. Complete a project to take home and possibly release a new passion!
Yoga/Exercise:
All yoga classes at Wellness House are open to all levels, gentle, and emphasize working at your own pace:
(Online) Wake-up Gentle Stretch- Join us as members are guided in a gentle morning stretch routine. This class will be led from a seated position or chair. Please have a strap, belt, or towel available for an extra good stretch. Give your body a treat to start your week.
(In-Person) Yoga with Kathleen- Come join Kathleen as we explore the fundamentals of yoga practice. Class will begin with centering, breathwork and gentle movement to release the day and bring awareness. Modifications will be offered in a safe and supportive environment. Final relaxation and reflection will follow. This is an all-level class designed to help reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and connect to inner peace.
(Online) Oncology Yoga- The class is designed to address the specific needs of cancer patients and survivors. The practice helps mitigate side effects, support the immune system, and meet healthcare guidelines for movement. Our goal is to provide an empowering experience to participants.
(Online) Yoga Nidra- Yoga Nidra is a series of mind, body, and awareness techniques that allow you to disengage from your mind by entering the space between waking and sleeping. It is an excellent tool for stress as it trains the body and mind to disconnect from stress-producing thoughts and helps to balance excess tension in the body.
(In-person) Evening Yoga- This gentle yoga class is designed to help you relax, stretch, and strengthen your body through slow, mindful movements and deep breathing. Perfect for all levels, it promotes relaxation and well-being while honoring your body’s needs and limitations.
(In-Person) Walking Group– This group is an active social group that gathers members to meet, motivate, and support each other. It will promote mental health, emotional health, positivity, and interaction with others. For the winter months, we will meet at the Annapolis Mall in the food court in front of the Chick-Fil-A.
Meditation:
Creative Art Therapies and Discussion Groups:
(In-Person) Healing Art with Christalene- Christalene Karaiskakis is well-known in our community for bringing creativity, love and light to the cancer experience. In his therapeutic art time, you may find yourself painting a positive affirmation, meditating as you create a mandala, our laughing with others as she guides you in interactive play
(Online) Emotional Freedom Technique- Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as EFT or tapping) can help you. In an EFT session, you focus your thoughts on something that has upset or caused you emotional distress. Then, you gentle tap on certain facial and upper body acupressure points (no needles!). This quickly and effectively reduces the emotional intensity related to that experience, thereby reducing stress levels which promotes clearer thinking and peace of mind.
(In-Person) Musical Journeys for Healing- Come to our monthly music gatherings and immerse yourself into the power and potential of sound to influence your healing journey. Local music therapists from Annapolis Music Therapy and live music experiences with professional musicians from the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will also visit monthly provide different ways to experience the healing power of music.
(Online) Zentangle Meditative Art- Zentangle is a portable art that uses simple strokes to create patterns and beautiful designs. This elegant art form blends meditation with drawing. This method has been known to increase focus and creativity while mitigating insomnia and anxiety. No drawing experience or expertise is needed.
(Online) Living Above Your Diagnosis; Positivity Discussion Group- Join us getting inspired to explore the world of well-being and positivity! The facilitators will share insights and wisdom into the art of cultivating a strong positive mindset, embracing hope, and being your best self in any circumstances.
(Online) Spiritual Discovery Discussion Group- Join intern Minister SarahRuth Davis as we explore together the beliefs that ground us to our sense of being. Prepare to think deeply, love deeply, and laugh together. Conversations are interfaith and encompass a wide range of spiritual expressions. Let us learn together!
(In-Person) Artistic Expressions-Join us each month as we discover a new art form. Complete a project to take
home and possibly release a new passion! Facilitated by a variety of local artists
Individual Massage, Healing Touch, & Reiki:
Click here to view our full class schedule
EDUCATIONal Workshops
Tools for Healthier Lifestyles and Enhanced Coping Through the Cancer Journey
These programs empower our members, families and their caregivers by providing valuable information and practical tools to develop stronger healthier lifestyles, expand self-care, and enhance coping skills while navigating a journey through cancer.
Educational Workshops:
(In-Person) Estate Planning Essentials: Join Annapolis-based attorneys, Leanne Broyles and Faith DeNoble of Frost Law to learn the essentials of Estate Planning. Your presenters will discuss planning for incapacity (Powers of Attorney and Medical Directives) and planning for death (use of Wills and Trusts). Attendees are welcome to ask questions.
(In-Person) Better Breathing: Nourishing Wellness Through Breath: Learn the basic techniques to nourish your wellness through better breathing practices. Tame stress and anxiety; improve sleep quality; lower blood pressure; and build immunity with simple, accessible practices that are easily adapted to your wellness routines.
(In-Person) Yoga 101- This workshop is the perfect introduction for beginners looking to explore the fundamentals of yoga. In this workshop, participants will learn basic poses, breathing techniques, and foundational principles to help build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. This supportive and welcoming class will guide you on your journey to improved well-being and relaxation.
(In-Person) Conscious Cooking for Healing:
Discover how to shop mindfully, choose foods that fight cancer and inflammation, and cook with intention. Enjoy a live demo (soup, side, or dessert) while exploring how cooking and eating can be a healing experience. Participants will also receive a free consultation!
(In-Person) Where Words Meet Grace: A Workshop for Life’s Most Meaningful Chapters- The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a gentle, reflective book that invites readers to explore the meaning of connection, memory, and the stories we leave behind. In this 4-part workshop series we will invite reflection on some of the letters in the book and work to identify our own “correspondents,” creating messages, journals, or recordings that capture our hopes, wisdom, and love. This book becomes a springboard for meaningful legacy work, providing language and creative prompts that help Wellness House members express what matters most and live each day to the fullest. Members do not need to attend all four workshops to receive benefit from one offering.
Click here to view our full class schedule
Social Support
Wellness House offers a safe place for connections between people experiencing cancer as patient, caregiver, or family member. These activities and gatherings are spaces for fun times and friendship where “people just get it.”
Social Support Offerings:
(In-Person) Tea Time- Members (new and established) are invited to come to the Wellness House to pour their favorite cup of tea and connect with one another. This is a time to learn more about Wellness House services, converse with other members and ask questions.
(Online) Book Club- New members are always welcome! For more info about the Wellness House Book Club, please email: admin@annapoliswellnesshouse.org
(In-Person) Flower Arranging Workshop- Create a flower arrangement with the help of the Four Rivers Garden Club. Please be prepared to bring clippers with you.
(In-Person) Bingo, Brushes, & Bubbly Night- Join us for an evening of Bingo, Painting and Cheer at Wellness House! Get out of the house and enjoy good company and fun. We will be joined by Donna Ruokonen ,our Game Time facilitator, who will guide us in a few games of Bingo. You will also will have a chance to get creative on a pre-drawn canvas, all while enjoying some wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail.
(In-Person) Knitting Group- Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned knitter, this group is designed to bring together fiber enthusiast of all skill levels. We hope to enhance knitting skills through shared learning, build meaningful connections & give and receive support for each other.
(Online) Prayer Circle- A non-denominational prayer time for sharing positive energy. Join in to listen and share the celebration, cares, and concerns of our members.
(In-Person) Therapeutic Art- Jewelry Making– Join us to create a different piece of jewelry each month.
Click here to view our full class schedule
