Wellness
Patient Programs and Services
Wellness Mission Statement
To improve the health and well-being of individuals through increased availability and coordination of information, services and education related to the healing process, maintenance of health and prevention of cancer.
Wellness Department Staff
Frederic Kass, MD, Medical Oncologist and Program Director
Christine Pickett, MS, RD, Wellness Manager
Lisa Hashbarger, Health Education Coordinator
Stephanie Bélinge, MS, RD, Dietitian
Sam Howland, Resource Library Coordinator
Annette Aguirre, Administrative Assistant
Wellness Class Facilitators
Rick Stich, Art Instructor
Deborah Breedon, Art Instructor
Kat Conners-Longo, Yoga Instructor
Jason Handler, Qi Gong Instructor
Matt Pesendian, Qi Gong Instructor
Anne VandeWater, Yoga Instructor
Cheri Clampett, Yoga Instructor
Nicole Inglish, Yoga Instructor
Perie Longo, PhD, MFT, Registered Poetry Therapist
Dana VanderMey, RN and Mark Collier, Magician and Improv Comedian
Mary Ann Evans, PhD, Mindfulness Meditation Instructor
Personal Trainers from the Santa Barbara Athletic Club, Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club and Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, Wellfit Program Facilitators.
Wellness –Patient Programs and Services
Our patients have told us that there is a range of healing that must be addressed, separate from just treating the physical illness. While clinical expertise is a key component in caring for our patients, their emotional and spiritual needs are just as important in the healing process. Just as individuals have different tastes in food and music, they also have different needs for what makes them feel better. Treating the whole person means respecting the individuality of every patient. This is the philosophy we have taken in creating our Patient Wellness Program.
Wellness…a body in healing
The Patient Wellness Program reflects our commitment to helping individuals take an active part in understanding and choosing options that are right for them so that they may experience healing and wholeness. The Wellness classes we offer are designed to help people adjust emotionally, spiritually and physically to living with cancer. Through participation in these programs, patients will experience and gain knowledge about stress management, relaxation, mind-body awareness and nutrition.
Who can participate in patient Wellness classes/services?
The Patient Wellness Programs are open to all cancer patients, regardless of where they are receiving treatment. The Well-Fit Exercise Program, massage and nutrition counseling services are the only exceptions (please see descriptions for further details). Participants do not have to be referred by a physician, but they are encouraged to inform their healthcare providers about any Wellness classes in which they engage. We are also pleased to be able to offer several classes that are open to family members and caregivers of those currently in treatment.
Exploring Wellness
Since each person has somewhat different needs and that these needs can change at any point in time, we offer a variety of wellness opportunities. Some programs are like a class while others provide greater opportunity for self-expression, feedback and sharing. We encourage everyone to explore one or more of our programs and to attend several sessions to determine if it is helpful.
Over 50 classes and activities are offered each month. All of our Wellness classes are taught by qualified facilitators, many of who are cancer survivors and former Cancer Center patients. Most of the programs and services are offered at no cost.
Quotes from Wellness Program participants
“It was important to me to learn how to relax and regain the strength I had lost as a result of my treatment. These classes have helped me tremendously.” Kurt, lung cancer survivor.
“These Wellness classes take me away from cancer and help me to find peace of mind so that I can heal.” – Sarah, breast cancer survivor.
