Knowledge
empower
creates space for open dialogue and shared wisdom. Through expert-led discussions and health education, this space empowers individuals with the knowledge, connection, and confidence to navigate their wellness journey.
Dan Ripley
From Root to Remedy: The Power of Figs for Health. and Home
In this cooking demonstration, you’ll discover the healing power of figs—a true superfood! You’ll also learn how to make a quick and easy fig butter that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Figs are naturally sweet and satisfying, but they also offer incredible health benefits. High in fiber, they support healthy digestion and can aid in weight management. Rich in antioxidants, figs help fight oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They’re also an excellent source of calcium and vitamin K—both essential for strong bones.
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Dan Ripley has been growing fruits and vegetables for over 20 years. The last 10 years have been especially focused on his favorites — the fig tree. During the day, Dan is a husband and father. A few years ago, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and thankfully, she recovered very well. But that season changed everything for Dan and his family. They became even more intentional about what they eat and how they live. That journey led him deeper into natural healing, backyard gardening, and preparing simple, nourishing foods. Dan is a YouTuber who features delicious, easy recipes and gardening tips on his channel.
Kristin Gianelis
DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, WHNP-BC, MSCP, CNE
More than Surviving: Finding Whole-Body Wellness in the Real World
Wellness is not a destination, nor is defined by perfect health. When your body has changed or your priorities have shifted, mainstream "wellness culture" can feel unrealistic, narrow, or even exclusionary. In this honest and affirming talk, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner offers real-world perspectives on whole-person wellness -- grounded in compassion and clinical insight. Together, we'll reframe what wellness means to you and explore practical tools to support your journey - whatever reality looks like today.
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Kristin Gianelis is a dual board-certified Adult and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of clinical experience. Kristin has worked in various settings including Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and General OB/GYN, caring for women (and men too!) across the lifespan. Kristin is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and focuses her current private practice on Menopause and Sexual Medicine. Kristin approaches health coaching and care from a person-centered, reality-based perspective. She is thrilled to bring her skills and knowledge to the Gloria Gemma community!
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Dr. Stephanie Fernandez
The Magic of Plants: Herbal Teas
Herbal teas and medicine date back to ancient medical history and are currently applied in pharmaceuticals, Chinese medicine or are used as alternative remedies. The variety of plant medicines discussed in this workshop, will be tailored towards scientific evidence on how the herb's biology helps the human body for various conditions. Some of the conditions that will be discussed include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, pain management, cardio health, allergies, immunity-deficiency and stomach issues.
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Dr. Stephanie Fernandez is a family-oriented RI native with a diverse background and experience. Her career background for the past 20 years has been working in higher educational leadership and administration. Throughout her career ladder, she started in Providence at Johnson & Wales University, then spent 16 years working in Miami, Florida possessing titles of Chief of Public Safety and Dean of Administration at Miami Dade College. She recently moved back to RI to be closer to her family, only to discover that her husband was diagnosed with stage-4 colorectal cancer one month later. Throughout 28 years of her life, she has focused on practicing and developing herbal holistic remedies or "potions". She now focuses on medicinal plants and cannabis medicine full-time and aims to help the cancer community through therapeutic remedies. She has a doctorate, master's and bachelor's degree, along with four college certifications, including in medicinal plants and cannabis medicine. She loves cooking and spending time in nature, particularly at the beach, watching a full moon and stargazing, and going on nature walks. Dr. Stephanie believes in providing intentional healing and peace through her practice that will allow people to beautifully illuminate within themselves.
Holly Brown
13 Skin Secrets You'll Wish You Know Sooner for a More Beautiful You
Unlock the glow you didn’t know you were missing! In 13 Skin Secrets You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner, we’ll reveal game-changing tips for healthier, younger-looking skin—no filter needed. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a beauty buff, these insider secrets will leave you feeling radiant and refreshed.
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Holly Brown suffers Multiple Sclerosis and Sarcoidosis maintaining stability through chemotherapy infusions. As an esthetician, suffering a severe rash with no help, she became Oncology trained. In 2013, Holly formed Looking and Feeling FAB, Inc. (LFF) a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Public Charity to treat skin side effects from cancer treatment.​
Holly created FAB 4-hour Certified Oncology Training for Estheticians and co-authored a peer-reviewed scientific study highlighting LFF case studies showing reduction in side effects when pre-treating skin prior to radiation. Lastly, Holly is Assistant Director, official judge for Compassionate Category of The Skin Games, holds a bachelor’s degree in business and nonprofit management, is a sought after educator and inspirational speaker, helping to create our future industry leaders.
Motion
empower
invites participants to reconnect with their bodies through gentle movement, energizing fitness, and joyful expression. From yoga and dance to stretching and restorative flow, this studio celebrates the power of physical movement in healing and thriving.
Clara LaFrance NASM-CPT
Join The Circus
Join Clara, a professional trapeze artist and breast cancer survivor, as she leads a 15-minute circus and movement session! We will ground and warm up our bodies, then use props often seen in circus arts, such as hula hoops, juggling scarves and more, to touch on range of motion, mobility, and strength through the fun of circus! All ages and all bodies are enthusiastically welcome!
Clara LaFrance is a trained aerialist, coach, and personal trainer. She has been performing professionally since 2010 and toured as an aerialist. She currently coaches youth and adult aerial at The Dancing Loon and works 1:1 as a personal trainer.
She is also a breast cancer survivor: through her diagnosis and treatment, she was determined to be in the air again. To achieve this goal, she patched together a recovery plan to regain strength, range of motion, and mobility, but found few exercise professionals to help guide her path.
Since her recovery, she has committed to using her background to help cancer survivors on their fitness journeys, encompassing the whole individual with empathy and compassion.
Clara is NASM-CPT certified personal trainer and CETI certified in Cancer Exercise Training.
Maya Breuer E-RYT 500
Breathe Better, Live Better
Join us for a 20 Minute Breathing Session. In this session, you will learn Pranayama/Breathing to reduce stress. Pranayama is composed of two parts, Prana or breath, and Yama which means control, restraint, or discipline. In this Breathing Session you will practice these methods to promote relaxation.
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Celebrated as one of America's distinguished Black Yogis by Black Enterprise Magazine, Maya is a preeminent Yoga instructor and practitioner, author, community activist, and consultant with a career spanning over three decades. She is the co-founder of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, and she founded the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color™ in 1998, to share the benefits of yoga and meditation with participants from around the world. Through her Santosha School of Yoga, Maya has provided training and certification for yoga teachers to continue carrying the torch of her vision for greater diversity in yoga. As cofounder and President Emeritus of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, and Emeritus Trustee of the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Maya continues to serve the yoga community. While participating in yoga research, Maya served as consultant and coauthor of the NIH sponsored study, “Back to Health: Yoga vs. Physical Therapy for Minorities with Chronic Low Back Pain” conducted by Boston Medical Center. Maya continues to study and promote the evolution, revolution, and contemporary perspectives of yoga.
Soul Line Dancing
Slide, step, and spin your way to fun with Soul Line Dancing—where Motown, R&B, pop, and jazz keep your feet happy and your soul smiling!
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Eleanor Borge, best known as “EJ” in the line dance community, has been teaching Soul Line Dance as the founder and creative director of Ocean State Soul Line Dance, a dance group in the Providence, RI area. EJ has over twenty years’ experience teaching line dance as well as organizing line dance events, fund raisers and group travel to line dance events in other states.
Line Dance, and more specifically, Soul Line Dance - is a fun and uplifting way to keep fit, travel, and make new friends. There are various levels from very beginner - those with no line dance experience - to advanced, so everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy. The music ranges from Motown to jazz, pop, and R & B, although the class does enjoy some country dances as well.
Eleanor "EJ" Borge
Sidy Maiga
Djembe Drumming Circle
Experience the joy and healing power of rhythm in this djembe drumming circle led by master drummer, Sidy Maiga.
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Sidy Maiga is a Djembe Master from Mali. As a teenager, he apprenticed under some of Mali’s
most renowned Master Drummers. He has been an active member of the local music scene, playing not only traditional Malian music, but also a fusion of Malian music with Latin, Blues, and Brazilian. His love for sharing his music and culture with the community inspired him to begin Afrika Nyaga, a West Africa Dance and Drum Festival. This festival brings together both local and international musicians and dancers to perform across Rhode Island. Maiga received the MacColl-Johnson Fellowship (2012), the RISCA Folk Arts Fellowship (2012 and 2022). Sidy has performed on stage with many international artists, and has released two albums, Maliden (2011) and Africa United (2014), which features musicians from across the world. He’s currently recording his third album. In addition, Maiga has pushed his craft further by completing his degree at Berklee College of Music (2020), where he studied music production, business, and composition. Sidy’s djembe that he played for over 20 years is currently being displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. For more information visit sidymaiga.com.
Within
offers a sanctuary for the soul, where guests can explore the calming benefits of meditation, breathwork, and sound healing. This space is designed for rest, reflection, and deep inner peace.
empower
Healing Sound Meditation
Loren Correia
Join us for the transformative power of sound to elevate the spirit and calm the mind. Participants are invited to recline in a serene setting, surrounded by gentle, nurturing sounds that create an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. The harmonious vibrations from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and chimes resonate deeply, helping to release tension and promote a sense of inner peace. This meditative practice not only enhances mental clarity but also fosters a profound connection to one's inner self, encouraging personal growth and emotional balance. Whether you're seeking stress relief or a deeper spiritual experience, Healing Sound Meditation provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
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Loren Correia is the owner of Nurture Holistic Wellness and a dedicated healer with over 20 years of experience guiding others on their journey to balance and well-being. A spiritual empath and intuitive practitioner, Loren is a licensed massage therapist, certified sound and vibrational healer, Reiki Master, and 200-hour certified Jivamukti yoga instructor. Her integrative approach draws from a deep understanding of the body, energy, and spirit, empowering clients to reconnect with themselves on a profound level. With a passion for helping others cultivate inner harmony, Loren creates a nurturing space for healing, transformation, and spiritual growth.
Guided Meditation
a cornerstone practice within these Empower areas, offers participants a tranquil journey inward. As you settle into a comfortable position, soothing melodies and gentle guidance help you release tension and focus your mind. Each session is carefully crafted to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace. By engaging in regular guided meditation, individuals can experience enhanced clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to their inner selves. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions provide a supportive environment for personal growth and transformation.
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Mary is a certified meditation facilitator. She became interested in meditation in 2016 while attending meditation classes at the North Providence library. She was impressed with how the group meditation made her feel so relaxed. A certificate program was offered that Mary signed up for. She has shared her passion for meditation at: Smithfield Senior Center, North Providence Mancini Center, North Providence Library, Lincoln Senior Center, North Smithfield Library, and most recently at the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Mary’s motto is, “Happiness, Joy and Laughter --- Today and Every Day!”​​
Mary Scannell
Creativity
empower
presents peaceful, inspiring spaces where art, writing, and other creative practices support emotional healing, self-expression, and resilience. Here, participants are invited to explore the healing power of creativity in a safe and supportive environment
Soul Prints: A Touch Drawing Experience with Healing Sound
Step into a quiet moment of connection and creativity. With soft healing sounds as your guide, let your fingers move freely across paper to create images from your inner world. No art experience needed—just your presence. This process invites emotional release, soul expression, and deep peace. Your drawing is yours to keep—a reflection of what your soul is ready to reveal.
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Debbee is a healing arts facilitator, educator, and founder of CreatIgo, LLC. She blends Touch Drawing, sound healing, Reiki, and spiritual journeying to guide others into deeper connection with their inner wisdom. Through intuitive and creative experiences, Debbee helps people express and heal the unseen parts of themselves—honoring the heart, soul, and story of each person she works with.
Debbee Radcliff M.Ed., RMT
Julie Cummings
Mandalas: Dotting Your Path
Mandala dot art is a form of painting that uses intricate patterns made entirely of colorful dots, often arranged in circular, symmetrical designs. Inspired by traditional mandalas, this art style is both relaxing and meditative.
Come dot your path with Julie of Cottage Dots. As you build this lovely design you will reflect on every step of your journey of strength and resilience with every dot you place.”
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Julie Cummings is a project manager who lives in Somerset, Massachusetts and has two grown sons. Her mandala journey began in early 2024 after a health scare. While her medical team healed her body, the therapeutic nature of mandala helped heal her soul. She has been teaching others this beautiful artwork since August 2024. Julie says, “I love watching my students step outside of their comfort zone and create something they didn’t think they could.”
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The Letting Well – A Community Storytelling Experience
Take a quiet moment to pause and visit The Letting Well. Dip your hands into the well and draw out a surprise message left by someone in the community. Then, write and leave your own message behind for a future visitor.
Some messages might be healing, others might contain a personal reflection or ask you to respond to a prompt—in this anonymous exchange, we remind each other that healing, hope, and connection can grow in unexpected ways.
Sussie Santana
The Esperanza Dress: A Collective Act of Care
Esperanza is the Spanish word for hope. Place a message on the dress for a woman who might be going through a challenging phase right now.
What actions come to mind when you think of hope?
What do you want someone else to hear and remember?
Your message is a quiet offering of support, strength, and solidarity.
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Sussy Santana is an arts and health practitioner and cultural artisan who uses writing as a tool for healing, she engages the public through “llamados” or calls—interactive performances that invite collective participation. She has led community-based arts and health initiatives and created artistic interventions in public spaces, including local health clinics. Santana is the author of several poetry collections and zines, with her work featured in various publications. She is a 2025 Global Arts in Medicine Fellow and a MacColl Johnson Fellowship recipient, her work weaves creative expression into public health and cultural initiatives.
Instagram: @lapoetera
www.sussysantana.com
Carol Ann Sylvestri
Cards by CAS
Take a moment to let your creativity flow and pay-it-forward by designing a heartfelt greeting card for someone going through cancer treatments. Your words of encouragement and support can make all the difference.
Who better to share hope than someone whose life has been touched by cancer? These special cards will be included in the Gloria Gemma Comfort Care Bags, lovingly distributed to newly diagnosed cancer patients. Your kindness can brighten someone’s day and remind them they are not alone.
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Carol-Ann Silvestri is a healing artist for the Gloria Gemma Foundation, a devoted single mom to twins, a high school science teacher, a caretaker, and the creative force behind CAS: Cards And Sweets, LLC in Rhode Island. At CAS, her initials reflect her passion for Creativity, Ambition, and Simplicity, which shine through in her unique, handcrafted designs made with paper, bling, and ink. Each creation is thoughtfully crafted with care and originality, embodying the values represented by her signature DAISY—family, persistence, alacrity, and a positive perspective—making every piece both meaningful and memorable.
Care
empower
offers free health screenings to participants and their loved ones, helping them take meaningful steps toward better health. Throughout the event, guests can visit select exhibitors providing important health checks—offering early detection, valuable insights, and peace of mind. It’s all part of our mission to empower you with the tools and knowledge to live healthier, stronger, and more informed.
Bliss
provides free mini spa services to help attendees reduce stress, ease anxiety, and experience a sense of calm. These holistic therapies are designed to help you feel better—mind, body, and spirit. Throughout the venue, enjoy soothing services such as Reiki, reflexology, massage, and ear seeding—all aimed at promoting relaxation and overall well-being.
empower
