Wellness Week 2024 | Governors State University

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2024 GOVSTATE WELLNESS WEEK

Integrating and experiencing wellness in our routines contributes to our overall satisfaction and quality of life. If we want to live a more healthy, happy and fulfilling life, we need to practice psychological and physical habits that support our wellness.

If you are interested in registering for an expo table on Thursday, 9/19 from 12 - 3 pm please click link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F9L3HDJ

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

All workshops will be hosted on the GovState campus and are open to students, faculty, staff, and local community members. Schedule is subject to change.

Handouts : (click on workshop title to see if handout is available)

No sign up or registration is required.

Monday, September 16

Group Wellness Walk
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Across Campus

Dr.Tim Pedigo Ph.D – "Mindfulness and Well-Being"

Mindfulness is the ongoing awareness in the present moment of what is going on within us and around us, with acceptance. As we practice mindfulness we become aware of our reactivity and triggers which cause us experience stress and conflict or ill-being. By working with deeply with triggers we can eventually experience greater well-being and improved relationships. In this workshop participants will be introduced to the practice of R.A.I.N. (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture). Participants will learn use mindfulness and the steps of R.A.I.N. to improve their well-being.

12 - 1 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Dr.Frank Czuba DrOT, OTR/L – “Re-imagining Health for Your Future Self. Incorporating Strategies to Live a Long and Healthy Life”

This workshop will introduce participants to the eight dimensions of wellness that support longevity, health-span and happiness. Explore strategies that will make your future self thank you for how you lived.

1 - 2 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Dr. Sharon Black LCPC, Psy.D -“Emotion in Motion: How the Mind – Body Partnership is the Best One Available”

In this workshop participants will learn a dynamic method that transforms basic walking into a powerful tool for your wellness tool box. This technique is not only safe and effective, it is also fun. You will learn the technique itself, and the science behind it. Participants will gain an increased understanding of the powerful roles; the brain and body have in mental health and overall wellness.

2 - 3 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Grace Bette OTS, Nikayla Gordon OTS, Rachel Peterson OTS, Jennifer Winge SWS, Lauryn Perry CHS, Leslye Williams CHS - "The Hunger Strike - Designing Balanced Meals on a Budget to Address Food Scarcity"

This workshop explores how awareness of food scarcity highlights health disparities, economic burdens, and social inequities in impacted communities. Participants will learn how to use available resources to make a healthy meal on a limited budget every night. Come join us for this fun, interactive and educational workshop. Prizes will be awarded.

3 - 4 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Kennedy Blackwell OTS, Kelly Dunn OTS, Rachel Paw OTS, Stephanie Gardner SWS, Yasmin King CHS - "Mind Over Matter - Gentle Chair Yoga"

This workshop requires no previous yoga experience and participants are encourage to join in at the level they feel most comfortable. Participants will learn ways to focus and calm their thoughts while clearing tension in the body guided movements that connect mind over matter. Leave this workshop relaxed and rejuvenated.

4 - 5 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Tuesday, September 17

Group Wellness Walk
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Across Campus

Christopher Dignam CEHD, Frank Czuba CHHS, Robert Garcia COB, Miwa Ito CAS, Amy Kelly CEHD, Somi Nagaraj CHHS, Lisa Pennington CEHD, Uday Shinde COB, Illeana Ungureanu CEHD, Megan VanGorder CAS - Institutional Wellness Committee Panel – "Come talk with us and tell us how we can support your wellness"

12 - 1 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Jessica Love Jordan Ph.D, LCPC, NCC, CADC – “Self-Care and Preventing Burnout”

This experiential workshop will explore strategies for managing stress with goal of preventing burnout. Participants will examine the biological and psychological impacts of stress and the signs and symptoms of burnout. Participants will also review healthy coping, self-care, and stress management practices for fostering an increased sense of well-being.

1 - 2 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Dr. Kim Major-Ford Psy.D, M.S. Ed – “The Power of Words: Transform Your Life with Positive Affirmations”

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes. This workshop will explore the ways affirmations can have a healing power and will include exercises to guide participants in creating their own.

2 - 3 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Eric Garcia OTS, Rachel Hinkel OTS, Martina Youssef OTS, Denise Clemente SWS, Barbara Broschat CHS

- “Ingredientsto a Better Mental Health”

This workshop explores how our mental health can be affected by big or small things in life regardless of whether we have a diagnosed condition or not. Participants will learn simple techniques to help promote positive mental health in their lives. Learn stress relieving techniques to incorporate into your daily life.

3 - 4 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Jacob Jackowski OTS, Kenna Kleinert OTS, Liu Yuanqin OTS, Sonya Hoard SWS, Shanice Jennings CHS, Amber Mulder CHS - “Connectand Cultivate”

This workshop is an opportunity to come and have a great time and meet new people with participants engaging in mindfulness meditation and fun activities interacting with other GovState community members. Participants will learn how relationships are essential for physical health and psychological well-being while getting an opportunity to jump start new relationships within the community.

4 - 5 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Wednesday, September 18

Group Wellness Walk
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Across Campus

Institutional Wellness Committee – “Outlive:The Science and Art of Longevity”

Wouldn’t you like to live longer? And better? In this operating manual for longevity, Dr. Peter Attia draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health.

Regardless of whether you have read the book or not, please join us for an interactive discussion about how to incorporate these strategies into our lives.

12 - 1 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Renee Garbe Ph.D, LMSW – "Building Resilience"

This workshop is designed to provide participants with practical tools and insights to strengthen emotional resilience in both personal and professional aspects of life. Through interactive activities, guided exercises, and case study discussion, participants will learn strategies to manage stress, support the important people in their life and develop a resilient mindset.

1 - 2 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L, "Living Sensationally"

Your individual sensory patterns affect the way you react to everything that happens to you through the day. By understanding your own sensory patterns, you will be able to strategize on ways to keep you in the "just right" moment.

2 - 3 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Alyssa Kraus OTS, Kaley Sheehan OTS, Stacy Tokarz OTS, Monika Thomas SWS, Stephanie Miles CHS -“Let’sTalk About (Safe) Sex”

This workshop aims to educate those who are sexually active or want to be sexually active about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Participants will learn about STIs, how to prevent them, and resources on where to find support. Come with an open mind and leave your judgement at the door. This will be a judgement free zone.

3 - 4 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Chandler Mahood OTS, Alicia Watson OTS, Emmie Stanifer OTS, Tyla Walton SWS, Christina Khoury CHS -“Mental Wellness: A Journey Toward a Happier You”

This workshop will explore different health techniques to address stressful situations and improve overall cognitive function with the use of vagus nerve stimulation. Participants will increase their awareness of serious mental issues within our community and how effective holistic strategies and techniques can be implemented to help us become happier, healthier versions of ourselves.

4 - 5 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Dan Buettner, bestselling author and founder of Blue Zones explores the science and lifestyles behind longevity. "Live to 100 – Secrets of the Blue Zones"

This entertaining and informative documentary travels around the world to investigate the diet and lifestyles of those living the longest lives.

5 - 6 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Live to 100 – Secrets of the Blue Zones continues

This entertaining and informative documentary travels around the world to investigate the diet and lifestyles of those living the longest lives.

6 - 7 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Thursday, September 19

Group Wellness Walk
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Across Campus

Dustin Hogan MOT, OTR/L– "Cultivating Spiritual Wellness through Pathways of Compassion and Connection."

In this session, participants will explore how engaging in compassionate acts and nurturing meaningful connections can foster spiritual wellness.

12 - 1 p.m.
Engbretson Hall

Wellness Expo Local vendors, community and student organizations, service providers

12 - 3pm

Hall of Governors

Dr. Jessica Bonner Ph.D, CCC-SLP, Nicole Bing, PhD., CCC-SLP - “Surveying the impact of an animated infographic with interviews on the awareness of stroke signs and symptoms”

An animated infographic video with stroke survivor interviews was developed to help the community understand what a stroke is, signs/symptoms, what to do, importance immediate care, and how to prevent stroke. A survey follows the infographic. The impact of this media on awareness of stroke will be explored and a stroke awareness and prevention toolkit will be unveiled.

1 – 2 PM

Engbretson Hall

Dr. Tonya Roberson PhD,MPH,DTR, Terri Chairse -- “Service Providers-Empowering Patients Through Shared Decision Making”

This workshop provides an introduction to shared decision makeing (SDM) and patient decision aids,. Participants will be able to explain how patient decision aids can support evidence that SDM increasees patient knowledge and involvement in decisions, improves risk perception, and reduces decisional conflict and uncertainty.

Choose a Proxy Guide
Conversation Project
How to Talk to Your Doctor
  Medical Situations and Treatment
  SDM Preposition Survey
   Medical Decision Maker Quiz
Patient Values Questionaire

2-3PM
Engbretson Hall

Wellness Expo Local vendors, community and student organizations, service providers

12 - 3pm
Hall of Governors

Dr. Jan Figa Ph.D, MSLIS-- “The Library as a Rejuvenating and Contemplative Space and Place”

Contemporary libraries have moved away from a passive collection-based space to an active space for experience, involvement, empowerment, and inspiration, as well as a local meeting point (agora, bazaar & piazza). This intentional transformation is a design model based on four different overlapping ‘spaces’: the inspiration space, the learning space, the meeting space and the performative space. These four spaces’ overall objective is to support the evolving needs of a varied patron base.

Engbretson Hall
3 - 4 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Alexis Golden OTS, Paige Oliver OTS, Colin O’Donnell OTS, Kajal Patel OTS, Madison Mauss SWS, Marwa Hulais CHS, Julieanne Ortiz CHS - "Preventing Tragedy: Opioid Education"

This workshop aims to educate participants about substance use, specifically opioid misuse and addictions. Participants will engage in breathing activities, watch a short video about opioids, text their knowledge of the causes of overdoses and how to prevent them in the community and learn some helpful coping techniques.

4 - 5 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Friday, September 20

Group Wellness Walk

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Across Campus

Uday Shinde – “What Spirituality can bring to Higher Education: A Practical and Research Based Perspective”

This workshop/session will be about the impact of spirituality in the higher education community, its implications for students, faculty and staff. The potential to further DEI goals will also be explored. Finally, a meditation session will be held to end the session.

12 - 1 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Julia McDonald - "Yoga: Techniques to Enhance Mindful Movement for Healthy Living"

This session requires no previous experience and is meant for all bodies. Learn ways to focus and calm your thoughts while clearing out tension in your back, hips and shoulders. Participate at any level you are comfortable using guided movements that link mind and body. Leave feeling refreshed and restored. Most movement will be seated in a chair or standing if able.

1 - 2 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Tom Peterson – “Preparing yourself to be Fiscally Fit”

This workshop explores the basics of personal finance – budgeting, protection, accumulation. Building your “financial house” to provide mental and fiscal well-being.

2-3pm

Hall of Honors

Jeshua Banks OTS, Landry Ludwig OTS, Nayeli Orozco OTS, Alexis Hamilton SWS, Kathleen Red CHS - “AmI Considered a Substance User or Misuser?”

This workshop will educate participants on the difference between substance use, misuse and addiction. Participants will participate in mindfulness breathing, learn when substance use becomes misuse, and the prevention methods / treatment for substance use disorder. Come with an open mind and leave your judgement at the door. This will be a judgement free zone.

3 - 4 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Sandra Pisarek OTS, Katie Slager OTS, Janhvi Sheth OTS, Andrew Snider SWS, Journey Hurd CHS, Carlee Lankford CHS -Substance Misuse - “SleepHealth – Catching ZZ’s”

This workshop will explore healthy sleep management and how unhealthy habits can negatively impact our sleep. Participants will learn about the importance of sleep and practice mindfulness techniques and healthy habits to support their nightly sleep routine.

4 - 5 p.m.
Hall of Honors

Presentors Biographies

Sharon Black, LCPC, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and body image doctor. With nearly 30 years of experience working in mental health, Sharon maintains a group practice of mental health providers as well as a robust clinical practice. Dr. Black has a wide breadth of experience working with individuals across the life span, cross culturally, and presenting with diverse issues. This large body of work has culminated in a great appreciation for the roles of both the mind and the body in processing experience. Dr. Black’s current creative passion is her novel program integrating her life’s work in mental health with a somatic approach. Her program helps participants achieve wellness by cultivating a healthy relationship of self through effective self-communication and movement. She is currently working toward education and curriculum around body image and self-repair.

Jessica Bonner Ph.D, CCC-SLP, is the current Chair in the Department of Communication Disorders, and in years prior served seventeen years as faculty. Her teaching and research focus has been neurologic and swallowing disorders in adults and children. Most recently, her work is in interprofessional education. Dr. Bonner has organized and participated in interprofessional activities in the College of Health and Human Services bringing together students across disciplines to discuss their roles/responsibilities, and to discuss case studies. Dr. Bonner currently leads a Stroke Support Group on GSUs campus that is interdisciplinary (and includes students and faculty from Communication Disorders, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy programs).

Terri Chairse, BSN, MSN, RN is Director of Clinical Education for the nursing department. Have a Professional Register Nurse licensed in Illinois and Indiania, with 24 years of nursing experience. Several years of successful and diversified work experience in a variety of medical environments including management, mobile healthcare van outreach programs, outpatient specialty clinic, education curriculum, post-anaesthesia, Mental Health, Nursing Leadership and post-operative and recovery.

Frank Czuba DrOT, OTR/L is assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy department at GovState. His research focuses on health promotion, wellness and prevention. He has practiced as an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years and currently treats private clients using an integration of longevity strategies, manual therapies, functional-based exercises and life skill development to address both acute and chronic physical, mental and psychological issues.

Jan Figa Ph.D, MSLIS is Dean of the University Library at GovState, is passionate about facilitating belonging and wellness. His passion projects span food insecurity, housing instability, and trauma in correctional settings.

Renee Garbe Ph.D, LMSW is an Assistant Professor and BSW Program Coordinator in the Department of Social Work at GovState. She earned her MSW from the University of Iowa’s School of Social Work and her PhD in Social Work from Arizona State University. Her previous experience as a medical social worker in a non-profit accountable care organization influences her research and teaching interests, which include the impact of social determinants of health on later-life health and mental health outcomes.

Dustin Hogan MOT, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist and a University Lecturer in the Occupational Therapy department at GovState. He also has a background in ministry and leading service-learning experiences abroad.

Jessica A. Love Jordan Ph.D, LCPC, NCC, CADC is a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the state of Illinois. Based in the Chicagoland area, she is an Instructor and Program Coordinator in the Addictions Studies graduate program at Governors State University, and a Psychotherapist at Cultivate Your Essence, LLC. As a counselor & educator, Dr. Love Jordan is passionate about helping clients, clinicians and community stakeholders enhance their knowledge, skills, and capacity for effectively addressing substance misuse, mental illness, and other behavioral health concerns. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies from Governors State University.

Kim Major-Ford, Psy.D. M.S. Ed is currently the Interim Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center. She also served as the Assistant Director from 2020-23. She specializes in working with college students focusing on individual and group therapy, grief & loss (particularly homicide loss and violent death), relationship issues; mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment challenges, life transitions, stress, coping skills, substance abuse, and spirituality/religion. She believes a genuine, authentic, and empathic relationship is key to fostering trust, collaboration, and a safe empowering space for change. Her approach integrates client-centered, psychodynamic, and interpersonal therapy, with cognitive-behavioral techniques, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness, all while maintaining a strengths-based perspective.

Julia McDonald BFA, MOT, OTR/L is a yoga teacher of 16 years with specialized training in yoga for therapeutic applications and special populations. She graduated GovState in 2021 and has since been working as a pediatric outpatient therapist. Julia uses a developmental approach when working with all clients, understanding the significance of mind-body connectivity from the earliest life stages. When treating clients, she emphasizes the importance of motor (body) development towards greater social-cognitive (mind) development and vice versa.

Tim Pedigo Ph.Dis licensed clinical psychologist and practice for 37 years working with trauma and dissociation and couples. He is also an associate professor in psychology at Governors State University where he teaches and publishes in mindfulness, compassion, and well-being. He a coordinator of Matteson Shambhala Mediation Center and is a certified instructor in Cognitive Based Compassion Training and Depth Psychology and Spirituality.

Tom Peterson CFP, ChFC, CLU, CAP, MSFS, BSAfter the premature death of my father at age 51, I joined the financial services profession to be able to help protect families from the uncertainties of life while helping them accumulate for the future. I have worked in my current role as a Financial Planner through Eagle Strategies LLC (a wholly -owned subsidiary of the New York Life Insurance Company) for 16 years. I provide financial planning, insurance, and investment services to individuals.

Tonya Roberson PhD, MPH, DTR is a Community Psychologist working as a University Lecturer / Director of Community Engagement at GovState in the CHHS. She is the CEO / Founder of Helping Communities Help Themselves: It’s A Family Affair NFP. Dr. Roberson is a public health expert with vast knowledge in clinical nutrition, biomedical research, culturally tailoring initiatives, community engagement and practice, and recruitment capabilities. She is committed to giving generously of her time and talents through her community organizing efforts and outreach work to educate, empower and inspire individuals to be their own health advocate.

Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L has been an Occupational Therapist for over 35 years. She has worked in the GovState Department of Occupational Therapy for over 15 years. Caren is considered an expert in Sensory Integration/Processing with a focus on Self-Regulation.

Uday Shinde Ph.D, MS pursues an active research agenda, and his work has been published in peer reviewed journals such as The Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business (2022), Accounting Education (2021), the Journal of Human Values (2018), and the Journal of Organizational Psychology (2015). He has also presented in several peer reviewed academic conferences including those held by the Western Academy of Management and the Southwest Academy of Management, where he has in the past served as Track Chair for the Division of Social Responsibility and Ethics. Dr. Shinde’s research interests include eclectic topics such as Spirituality in the Workplace, Mindfulness in Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics, and Social Responsibility. Full Professor of Ethics, Management and Entrepreneurship, College of Business. Dr. Uday Shinde earned a Master of Science in Sociology from Indiana State University before he earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University. Prior to Governors State University, Dr. Shinde taught at Colorado Mesa University and St. Mary of the Woods College.

Interprofessional Education Student-Led Workshops from the following professions:

Community Health: The pursuit of a Community Health (CHS) degree allows students to develop critical thinking and analysis skills necessary to support the health and well-being needs of individuals and communities. Community and public health professionals work in multidisciplinary teams across public and private organizations, communities, and society to improve our quality of life.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational Therapy is a licensed, healthcare profession that uses meaningful engagement in client-centered daily activities and occupations to foster recovery, enhance health and wellness and restore optimal performance in life using evidence-based interventions.

Social Work: Social work is a professional field dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being and address challenges in their lives. Social workers provide support, advocacy, and resources to those facing difficulties such as poverty, mental illness, abuse, and social injustice. They work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, and non-profits, to promote social change, enhance quality of life, and ensure access to essential services. Social work emphasizes the importance of human rights, social justice, and empowering people to overcome adversity.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions regarding Wellness Week 2024, please contact Dr. Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, at fczuba@govst.edu.