Agenda Overview
8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Welcoming Remarks
9:15 a.m. Circle of Trust
10:15 a.m. Healing Hues of Color - Art Workshop
11:45 a.m. Chair Pilates & Mindful Meditation
12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. Tumbling Thoughts - Writing Workshop
2:15 p.m. Closing Remarks & Group Photo
Iowa Rejuvenate | Saturday, May 17, 2025
Hosted by the Midwest Region Iowa Market of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the Rejuvenate One-Day Retreat offers a transformative experience focused on self-expression, reflection, and healing. This complimentary program is designed specifically for ovarian cancer survivors. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who understand your journey and to discover effective coping strategies in a warm, welcoming setting.
We will host our program at the beautiful Reiman Gardens Conservatory—Hunziker House, located just south of Jack Trice Stadium on the Iowa State University campus. This 17-acre public botanic garden features an exotic butterfly exhibit.
Renew, Reclaim, and Relax with Us!
Renew your energy, reclaim your spirit, and relax your mind while enjoying the tranquility of this special day! Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Location: Reiman Gardens Conservatory, Hunziker House, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. CST
Space is limited—RSVP today to secure your spot!
Shonna Swartz
Volunteer Iowa Market Manager
Midwest Region of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Iowa Market
For more information, contact Shonna Swartz at (515) 289-0871 or sswartz@ovarian.org.
Pamela Banning, LISW, APHSW-C, OSW-C
John Stoddard Cancer Center
Circle of Connection
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Survivors will come together in a safe and supportive space to share experiences, reflect on their healing journey, and support each other. This interactive session will foster a sense of community, allowing participants to connect with one another on a deeper level.
Pamela Banning, LISW, APHSW-C, OSW-C, is an oncology social worker who supports patients and their families with the practical, social, and emotional issues related to a cancer diagnosis. Pamela joined John Stoddard Cancer Center in August of 2022. Before joining the John Stoddard Cancer Center team, she was a palliative care social worker with John Muir Health in Concord, California. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and graduated with a master's degree from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She has been working as a social worker in healthcare settings since 2011.
Pamela has additional certification in Advance Palliative and Hospice Social Work (APHSW-C). The intent of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for patients living with a serious illness, such as cancer. She is also certified in Oncology Social Work (OSW-C), which represents an advanced level of competence, commitment, and experience in the field of Oncology Social Work. Pamela also provides free short-term counseling services for patients and their support system in person or through virtual care through the John Stoddard Cancer Center Counseling Services.
Molly Sutton, LMHC, ATR-BC
Healing Hues of Color, Art Workshop
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
In this supportive group setting, you’ll explore mindfulness and creative expression at your own pace using a variety of art materials. The group begins with a guided mindfulness meditation to help promote relaxation and centering. Following the meditation, you’ll have the opportunity to create a personal mandala using colors, symbols, and imagery that reflect your unique journey of renewal and reclaiming strength. A brief time of observation and discussion concludes the session, offering an opportunity to share your insights and growth.
Molly Sutton, LMHC, ATR-BC, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist practicing in Clive, will lead this session. Originally from Spencer, Iowa, Molly graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 with a dual degree in Studio Art and English. After working in research for a few years, Molly moved to Norfolk, Virginia, to complete a Master’s of Science in Art Therapy and Counseling at Eastern Virginia Medical School, graduating in 2011. She began her career as an in-home therapist in North Carolina before transitioning to an acute inpatient behavioral health setting in Flagstaff, Arizona. Missing the Midwest, Molly returned to Iowa in 2020 and settled in the Des Moines area. Molly uses a trauma-informed approach that integrates art therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based models. Passionate about the transformative power of art therapy, Molly believes that creative expression offers a unique way for clients to approach challenges and find healing. In her free time, Molly enjoys reading, painting, cooking, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Macy McAllister, Client Experience Representative and Pilates Instructor
Breathe Physical Therapy and Wellness
Chair Pilates & Mindful Meditation
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
This empowering retreat session is specifically designed for cancer survivors. It focuses on promoting physical and emotional healing through mindful practices. The session blends Chair Pilates and Mindful Meditation, offering a gentle, restorative approach that meets the unique needs of cancer survivors, regardless of their current physical fitness levels.
Throughout the session, the instructor will provide individualized support and modifications, ensuring that all participants can engage at their own pace. This retreat session is not just about physical healing; it’s an opportunity to connect with others, honor your journey, and embrace the power of mindfulness and movement.
Macy McAllister is a Client Experience Representative and Pilates Instructor at Breathe Physical Therapy and Wellness. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Minor in Psychology from The University of Iowa and is a certified MAT Pilates Instructor.
Having studied both health sciences and psychology, Macy sees Pilates as a perfect way to integrate the two, promoting mindful movement that benefits both the body and mind. With her primary goal being comfortable movement for every participant, she remains attentive and observant while instructing to ensure proper form and engagement.
Ana McCracken, Founder
Ames Writers Collective
Tumbling Thoughts - Writing Workshop
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Using poetry to inspire our writing, we will write together as fast as we can, pen never leaving
the page. By writing quickly, we quiet the inner critic—allowing our stories to tumble upon the
page. After we write, participants will be invited to read aloud. This therapeutic technique is a
wonderful way to jumpstart any writing practice or project.
Ana McCracken, Founder of the Ames Writers Collective, received her B.S. and MFA in Creative Writing from Iowa State University. Since 2021, the Ames Writers Collective has provided outreach writing programs to cancer patients and survivors, adolescents, and adult 50+ writers. Her writing and poetry is published in literary journals and anthologies.
