Dempsey Center

Fitness for Life [Lewiston]
2025-10-30 10:00 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch. Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.

This series will be taking place at the YMCA located at 12 High Street (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Connect + Experience: Acupressure for Everyday [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Discover how the gentle art of acupressure can support your health and well-being in daily life. In this interactive class, you’ll learn simple techniques to relieve stress, ease common discomforts, and restore balance to body and mind. No prior experience is needed -just your own hands and an openness to connect with your body’s natural ability to heal. Through guided practice, participants will explore key acupressure points and ways to incorporate mindful touch into everyday moments. Whether you’re seeking calm, better sleep, or gentle relief from tension, these practices offer practical tools you can use anytime, anywhere. Join us to connect, care, and carry home skills that nurture resilience and peace in your daily life.

Led by Michelle Small and Tricia Gilbert

Open to the public ages 12+.

Cooking for Health + Healing [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 14:30 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Improve your skills in the kitchen and discover the role of food as it relates to overall health during and after cancer treatment. In this 4-week series, you will learn how food can be used to support health, regain strength, reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses, while discovering new ways to add nutrients to your diet. Each week, clients will participate in preparing recipes with assistance from our nutritionist.

Featured weekly topics include:

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eating for a Healthy Heart
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Adding Color to Your Plate

Led by Judy Donnelly, RDN, CSO, LD, Nutrition Program Manager.

Open to all Dempsey Center Clients.
Participants are strongly urged to attend all sessions.
Registration closes August 26.
Please note that this class does require participation, which may include standing and moving about our demonstration kitchen. Sign up requires a telephone consult before attending.
Participants must bring their own containers to transport prepared food home.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-29 14:30 - 16:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space . This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C and Jennifer Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Rudy [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop in and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Stretch + Strengthen [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 12:30 - 13:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Join us in-person for a 6-week progressive series that combines Pilates and Yoga principles to enhance core strength and stability to promote better balance. We will also focus on improving flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, posture, and alignment.
No experience required.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor and Certified Pilates Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to lay on their backs and transition from floor to standing.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-29 11:30 - 13:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.

Led by Christine Brome, LCSW, OSW-C and Linda Coupe, LCPC.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Advanced Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-29 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.
Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Living a Balanced Life [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 09:30 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
This four-week series focused on balance and the impact it can have on daily life. Throughout the series, we will outline the benefits of PT intervention for cancer survivors in various stages of survivorship, discuss how cancer-related conditions can impact balance, conduct a fall risk screening, and provide hands-on balance training for those who need it.

• Week 1: Educational Discussion – Discuss physical therapy intervention for balance impairments secondary to cancer and cancer-related conditions.
• Week 2: Fall Risk Screenings – (15-minute sessions) This screening is required to participate in Week 3-4. Screenings are meant to challenge your balance with your safety in mind through various physical tests. Please wear supportive shoes and comfortable clothing.
• Weeks 3 + 4: Balance Classes – Join us for hands-on, interactive balance training! Each participant will remain in appropriately distanced stations equipped with a chair for support if needed. Our balance classes are evidence-based and designed to target each of the major balance systems while maintaining safety at all times. You will be supervised by a physical therapist and leave with suggestions and tools to help improve and maintain your balance on your own.

Led by Cam Willette of Maine Strong Balance Center.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients in active or post-treatment, as well as their primary care partner.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2025-10-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Therapy dogs can help to provide emotional support, alleviate stress, improve moods, and help boost confidence. We are proud to encourage the animal-human bond through our teams of Dempsey Dogs, trained and registered by Pet Partners.
Drop into our Rock Row center and say “hi” to our Dempsey Dog Teams. No sign up needed!

Interested in spending some time with one of our Dempsey Dogs teams individually? Call 877-336-7287 to schedule your private Paws Together appointment with one of our therapy dog teams.

Guided Meditation + Massage [Lewiston]
2025-10-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Experience a serene session of guided meditation and restorative massage. Allow yourself to be guided through tranquil meditation while our massage therapists offer soothing hand, foot, back, and neck massage. This distinctive blend provides an opportunity for deep relaxation, comfort, and rejuvenation.
Led by Dempsey Center Staff.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

This workshop will take place at 17 High St. in Lewiston.

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Afternoon [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Connects
If you are living with an advanced cancer diagnosis, this is a safe place to explore ways to cope with the challenges of living with advanced illness and continue to find meaning and hope through discussion and connection.

Led by Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C and Jen Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to Dempsey Center clients living with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Series [Rock Row]
2025-10-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based program that empowers participants to manage stress, pain, and illness through the practice of mindfulness. Together, we will explore practical skills and techniques that can enhance overall well-being. This series integrates mindfulness meditation, discussion, gentle movement, and stress reduction techniques to help individuals handle challenges like stress, illness, and pain more effectively.

Led by Mary Bitterauf, Nationally Board-Certified Health + Wellness Coach and MBSR Certified.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.

TaiChi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-28 14:00 - 14:45 | Dempsey Connects
Tai Chi is a movement therapy that promotes the flow of energy in the body to improve health. Suitable for all ages, this class will emphasize the practice and cultivation of different exercises that provide benefits such as improved balance, range of motion, and core strength, as well as pain management and decreased stress and anxiety.

Led by Jason Ames, founder and owner of Maine Center for Taijiquan & Qigong.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

Heal: Yoga + Cancer [Rock Row]
2025-10-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
This series includes yoga postures, flowing movements and focus on breath to help students achieve relaxation and mobility in everyday life. Conscious effort to link breath with movement helps relieve tension, helps students gain flexibility and improve mobility and strength in the body. No yoga experience necessary.

Led by Jamie Navarro, Yoga in Action Certified Yoga Instructor.

Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Lewiston]
2025-10-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.
Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.
Open to Dempsey Center clients in active treatment or post-treatment and their primary care partner.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

This series will be taking place at the YMCA located at 12 High Street (CMMC) in Lewiston.

Rock Row Cancer Support Group Series [Rock Row]
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:15 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Meet in person at our Rock Row location with others impacted by cancer in this 12-week support group. Whether you were recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or are now with no evidence of disease, this group is a place to discuss your diagnosis and its lingering impact with those who truly understand.

Led by Jennifer Keefe, MSW Intern.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients with a cancer diagnosis at any stage.
Participants must be residents of Maine.

Morning Guided Meditation [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-28 08:00 - 08:30 | Dempsey Connects
Start your day with presence of mind and improved focus through a guided meditation session. These ongoing series will help you incorporate meditation as part of your daily routine and is designed for both beginners and those looking to establish a more consistent practice.

Led by Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Dempsey Connects
If you are a care partner to someone with an advanced or metastatic cancer diagnosis, we welcome you to this space. This group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one and yourself. Together, we can find ways to help you reduce isolation, worry, and fear as you provide emotional and/or physical support throughout the journey.
Led by Jen Dimond, LCSW, OSW-C and co-facilitated with Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, Judi Stevens.
Open to adult Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Participants must be residents of Maine.
Online sign up is not available for this group. A telephone consult is required before attending. Please call us at (877)336-7287 or email registration@dempseycenter.org to request your consult.

The Next Chapter: Support after Cancer [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-27 12:30 - 13:30 | Dempsey Connects
Do you have questions about navigating life post cancer treatment? Are you looking for ways to care for your physical and emotional well-being after treatment has ended? Do you want to connect with others who ‘get it’?

Join us for this 4-week series to learn techniques for coping with the new physical and emotional reality of your post-treatment cancer journey. While connecting with other survivors, learn the importance of eating well coupled with strategies to optimize your diet; identify how movement and fitness can care for your body and mind; and explore how complementary therapies can improve your well-being.
Attendance at all four sessions is highly recommended.

Week 1 – CONNECT: Meet with others in a similar place in their cancer journey.
Week 2 – FEEL WELL: Discover new ways to move your body and learn about how complementary therapies can care for your body and mind.
Week 3 – EAT WELL: Learn how to optimize your diet and eat well through survivorship.
Week 4 – FEEL: Discuss the emotional realities post-treatment.

Led by Allison Burt, LCSW, OSW-C; Judy Donnelly, RDN; Tish Caldwell, Certified Oncology Fitness Instructor; Liz Como, LMT; Michelle Hayes, LCSW, OSW-C.

Open to Dempsey Center clients who are no longer receiving ‘active’ treatment (ex. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, etc.)
We acknowledge that the ‘end’ of cancer treatment can look very different from person to person. If you are not sure if this program is right for you, please contact Allison Burt, LCSW at aburt@dempseycenter.org to learn more.

Strength After Breast Cancer [Rock Row]
2025-10-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Strength After Breast Cancer (SABC) is an 8-week exercise program open to clients with any cancer diagnosis in active or post-treatment. Presented by Seacoast Hand Therapy, this series is designed to teach individuals about the benefits of slow, progressive exercise and how it can reduce the onset and/or severity of lymphedema. SABC is also designed to improve strength and energy through safe upper and lower body stretches and strength exercises. Please note that this class is not restricted to clients with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Led by June Leary PT, CLT.

Open to Dempsey Center clients with any cancer diagnosis in active treatment or post-treatment.

Care Partner Support Group Series [Rock Row]
2025-10-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
If you are providing emotional and/or physical support to someone with cancer, this is the place for you. This 10-week group provides a safe, comfortable place to find the support, information, and understanding you need to continue caring for your loved one. We will discuss how to reduce isolation, worry, and fear.

Led by Sarah Kelley, LMSW-cc

Open to Dempsey Center clients who are care partners to a loved one diagnosed with cancer.

Yoga for Cancer Care [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Reduce stress, manage treatment side-effects, and aid cancer recovery through a unique evidence-based yoga method specifically for those diagnosed with cancer. Through movement, breathing, and mindfulness, this practice aims to provide benefits such as muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, and improved posture.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to all Dempsey Center clients.

Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2025-10-27 09:30 - 10:15 | Dempsey Connects
Exercise can help fight fatigue, boost your energy level, support your immune system, relieve stress and tension, make your muscles and heart stronger, improve balance and help you sleep better. This 45-minute class will provide you with all the fundamentals of an exercise program, adapting it to meet the needs of varying levels of fitness with a warm-up, aerobic activity, core and strength training exercises, and finishing with a cooldown/stretch. Please wear comfortable clothes and supportive shoes or sneakers and have a sturdy chair available on a non-skid surface and small handheld weights.

Led by Tish Caldwell, Dempsey Center’s Movement + Fitness Manager, Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor, and Livestrong Cancer Exercise Trainer.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Reiki Level 1 Training [Rock Row]
2025-10-25 09:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Learn the basics of Reiki in this Level 1 class. Explore energy principles, hand positions, and techniques for self-healing and treating others. No experience needed—ideal for beginners seeking personal growth and stress relief. Participants will receive a Reiki Level 1 Certificate at the end of the class.

Led by Marteen Santerre.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.

Dempsey Center Group Orientation [Rock Row]
2025-10-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Visit our Rock Row space, located at 11 Rock Row, Westbrook ME, to receive a tour, and connect with others impacted by cancer while learning more about all the services available to you, and you loved ones. Following the orientation and tour, if requested, our staff can assist you in scheduling a 1×1 consult to meet with a Client Journey Navigator, to discuss personalized recommendations to get you started.

Led by Jen Stenberg.

Open to the public. Registration is required in advance for all attendees.

To register for a group orientation at our Rock Row Westbrook location, visit https://www.dempseycenter.org/registration-forms/maine-registration-form/.

DIY Zen Sand Tables for Mindfulness [Rock Row]
2025-10-24 09:00 - 10:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Come and explore the ancient art of creating a Zen sand table – a miniature landscape designed to promote relaxation, focus, and mindfulness. Zen sand tables, inspired by traditional Japanese Zen gardens, use sand, stones, and small rakes to create serene scenes that encourage contemplation and calm.

Participants will be guided through the process of designing their own unique tables, learning techniques to shape patterns in the sand that reflect inner peace and balance. This mindful activity is a wonderful way to quiet the mind, release stress, and cultivate tranquility.
All materials will be provided. This class is perfect for anyone seeking relaxation, creative expression, or a gentle introduction to mindfulness practices. No artistic experience is necessary!

Led by Tricia Gilbert.

Open to adult Dempsey Center clients.
