Chair Massage with NovaCare  

NovaCare Rehabilitation (formerly Keystone Physical Therapy) is the area’s leading provider of outpatient physical, occupational, and hand therapy services. With over 70 locations in Western PA, therapists are dedicated to the communities they serve, and getting you back to activity, back to work, and back to life.  

Cooking with Holistic Personal Chef Peggy 

Chef has been studying Macrobiotics since 1993 and is a healing foods and wellness educator and a personal chef to clients with cancer and other illnesses. She has a passion for sharing the health benefits of seasonal eating, along with massage and energy-work therapies. Chef will demonstrate how to make Easy and Healthy Snacks. 

Garden Walk with the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden 

Learn about the plants and gardens at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. You will explore the trails, with a guide, learn about the Garden’s history, and visit various gardens including the award-winning Lotus Pond. This is an outdoor activity; please dress for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk on unpaved trails. The walk will take approximately one and a half hours. 

Gentle Yoga with Brynn 

This session is a gentle yoga sequence adapted for new or beginning yoga students. You will move slowly and with intention through a range of postures, incorporating breath work and ending with a short, guided mediation. Chairs will be made available. Brynn Daniels has been studying yoga in the iyengar tradition under the guidance of Sterling Painton (E-RYT 500) since 2007. She is currently obtaining her 200-hour teaching certification. 

Learn AromaTouch Hand Technique with Martha

The AromaTouch Hand Technique is simple, but powerful, and can be catered to each individual by using an oil that will best benefit the recipient’s particular need. The technique can provide stress reducing benefits, as well as, an introduction to the essential oils. Join Lisa Story, Executive Director of Hope Grows, and take home some free samples! 

Make a Dish Garden with Brynn 

This horticulture activity includes individual and group projects. Participants will work together to contribute to a "living wall" of succulent plants that will reside at Hope Grows. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to create and take home their own miniature succulent planter. Brynn Daniels is the horticulturist and facilitator of “Short Break” and "Take a Break" programs at Hope Grows. 

Make a Simple Sachet with Motria  

Create and take home a sachet (or two) for yourself or for a gift. A few stitches create the pouch. You will fill the pouch with dried flowers and enhance with doTERRA essential oils. Stamp the sachet to give it your personal touch. Motria is a craft enthusiast and a volunteer from UPMC for Life | UPMC Health Plan. 

Memoir Writing with Judy 

Caregivers often become so absorbed in the world of caring that they often lose sight of themselves.  This workshop gives you a chance to focus on your own life experiences, dreams, and impressions through memoir writing.  Participants will write from prompts during this workshop. Judy Soccio is a Certified Professional Ghostwriter. 

Art Project with Tanya 

Join Gypsy Artistry and Tanya Bashor for a stress-free crafting experience. You will create ceramic coasters by using permanent markers and alcohol. Accessible to all skill levels. All tools, supplies, and inspiration are included. Gypsy Artistry was launched into being when Tanya won the Pittsburgh Business Pitch competition in 2018. 

Find Peaceful Refuge in Meditation with Susan 

Breath in, breath out. Let yourself be cared for, nurtured, and guided by meditation teacher, Susan Spangler, LCSW. Let yourself be, and relax, into the simple peace of the present moment. Be free from agenda, expectation, and judgment. No previous experience necessary. Susan is herself a caregiver, as well as, a psychotherapist and mediation instructor. 

Create Wearable Word with Lisa 

Finding and creating your meaningful and inspirational word is a fun, simple, and empowering experience! Once you find your word, you will create it as a bracelet, one that is sure to be noticed and get the conversation going in any setting. No previous creativity required! Everything you need will be provided. Lisa Story is Executive Director of Hope Grows and a licensed professional counselor. 

Learn How Music Affects You with Michelle 

Come learn how music affects you and use that knowledge to create intentional playlists for you, the caregiver, and those for whom you provide care. Intentional use of music will reduce stress and help create connection. Michelle Montgomery Muth, founder of M3 Music Therapy, is a board-certified music therapist, certified music educator, and drum circle facilitator.