Dempsey Center

Chair Yoga [Rock Row]
2025-11-12 09:45 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and 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.
This workshop will have both a virtual and in-person audience. You are signing up to attend in-person at Rock Row.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Louise Cheese [Rock Row]
2025-11-12 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.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Meadow [Lewiston]
2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, 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!

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.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Series [Rock Row]
2025-11-11 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.

Heal: Yoga + Cancer [Rock Row]
2025-11-11 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.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-10 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.

Good Vibes Sound Bath [Rock Row]
2025-11-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Relax into an age-old healing modality, known today as a sound bath! In this vibrational sound immersion, we will bask in the power of music and frequency – shown to reach deep into the brain to induce theta-wave meditation—to soothe, de-stress, and receive a myriad of other health benefits. Enjoy Tibetan and Chakra tuned Crystal Singing Bowls, Native American Flute, Solfeggio Chimes, and more!

Led by Rev. Myra Robinson, Interfaith Chaplain and Sound Healer, who is a Cancer survivor and former client of the Dempsey Center.

Open to all Dempsey Center Clients.

Knitting Group [Lewiston]
2025-11-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Join our group of survivor and care partner volunteers who gather to replenish our knitted and crocheted comfort item inventory, including such items as pocketed wraps, hats, and knitted knockers.

Led by Michelle Small.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.

This program will take place at our new location at 17 High St in Lewiston in the 1st floor conference room.

Do you prefer to volunteer knit or crochet from home? Please call Michelle Small at 207-376-9669 or email msmall@dempseycenter.org.

The Next Chapter: Support after Cancer [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-10 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]
2025-11-10 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]
2025-11-10 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.

Fitness for Life [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-10 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.

Honoring Choice: Being Mortal Screening + Discussion [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
Conversations surrounding death and dying can be difficult. Medical providers often struggle with these conversations, as well. Dr. Atul Gawande shares his own path, as a physician, in this 60-minute documentary, and urges us all to look closely at our cultural understanding of the dying process and how we can support one another better. In this 2-hour workshop, we’ll view the 60-minute documentary with additional time for questions and discussion. Attendance at other Honoring Choice workshops is not required.

Led by Allison Osgood, Hospice Liaison, of Beacon Hospice.

Open to the public. Sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Muscle Tightness, Cording, and Fibrosis: Managing Post-Treatment Symptoms [Rock Row]
2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States
Presented by Seacoast Hand Therapy, this workshop explores the potential long-term soft tissue aftereffects of cancer treatment, with a focus on Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome and Axillary Web Syndrome (aka cording). Participants will learn about risk reduction strategies, explore options for short-term relief, identify changes they may already be noticing, and gain tools for lifelong management.

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

Led by June Leary, PT DPT, Certified Lymphedema Therapist

This program will have an in-person and virtual audience. You are enrolling for in-person at Rock Row.

Muscle Tightness, Cording, and Fibrosis: Managing Post-Treatment Symptoms [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Dempsey Connects
Presented by Seacoast Hand Therapy, this workshop explores the potential long-term soft tissue aftereffects of cancer treatment, with a focus on Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome and Axillary Web Syndrome (aka cording). Participants will learn about risk reduction strategies, explore options for short-term relief, identify changes they may already be noticing, and gain tools for lifelong management.

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

Led by June Leary, PT DPT, Certified Lymphedema Therapist

This program will have an in-person and virtual audience. You are enrolling for virtual.

Yoga for Cancer Care - Evening [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-06 17:30 - 18:30 | 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 Heather Edgerly Certified Oncology Yoga Instructor.

Open to all adult Dempsey Center clients.
Please note that participants must be able to transition from floor to standing.

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Bruce [Rock Row]
2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:00 | 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!

Connect + Experience: Navigating Peer to Peer Mentorship [Lewiston]
2025-11-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (17 High Street), 17 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Facing cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. This program will empower you to learn how to find a trained peer mentor match with someone who’s been there or we can guide you in becoming a supportive mentor for others newly diagnosed. Through shared experience, compassion, and understanding, you can navigate the journey together.

Led by Michelle Small.Open to the public.

Chair Yoga [Lewiston]
2025-11-06 11:00 - 11:45 | Dempsey Center – Lewiston (12 High Street), 12 High Street, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Join us for a gentle, accessible form of yoga, open to all levels of experience. Chair Yoga utilizes both seated and standing poses using a chair for support to provide all the benefits of a traditional yoga practice. We will use movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve muscular strength, bone density, immune support, flexibility, energy, sleep, and 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.

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

Virtual Cancer Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Connects
Meet virtually with others impacted by a cancer diagnosis in this weekly support group. Whether you were recently diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or are in remission, this group is a place to discuss your diagnosis and its lingering impact with those who truly understand.

Led by Paige Moore, LCSW, CAGC, OSW-C.

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

Dempsey Dog Meet + Greet: Forest [Rock Row]
2025-11-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Advanced Cancer Support Group - Morning [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:30 | 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 Kailie Sullivan, LCSW, OSW-C and Judi Stevens, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator.

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

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.

Tai Chi + Qigong for Energy + Health [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Fitness for Life [Lewiston]
2025-11-06 10:00 - 10:45 | 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.

Cooking for Health + Healing [Rock Row]
2025-11-05 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]
2025-11-05 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]
2025-11-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Dempsey Center – Rock Row, 11 Rock Row, Westbrook, ME, 04092, United States

Stretch + Strengthen [Rock Row]
2025-11-05 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.

Cancer Related Grief: Myths + Misconceptions [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Dempsey Connects
Navigating a cancer diagnosis involves dealing with grief, in one form or another. Whether it be anticipatory, grief related to changes in executive or cognitive functioning, or the death of a loved one; grief is a shared experience.
Join us for a 60-minute educational overview of some of the different ‘types’ of grief, as you learn how to identify them, discuss some common misunderstandings around grief and grieving, and connect with others who get it.
Led by Allison Burt, LCSW, OSW-C.
Open to the public. Public sign up at https://www.dempseycenter.org/services/classes-workshops/public/.

Advanced Cancer Care Partner Support Group [Dempsey Connects]
2025-11-05 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.
