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Thirteenth Annual Wellness Expo

April 13 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free
Georgian Court University Wellness Expo

The Department of Integrative Health and Exercise Science at Georgian Court University is thrilled to present its 13th Annual Wellness Expo at GCU! Join us for a free, daylong showcase of integrative health presentations and exhibitors. From acupuncture and acupressure to chair yoga and meditation, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Over 50 wellness related products vendors and practitioners of all types.

Free workshops every 30 min.

If you have any questions, please contact Sachiko Komagata, Ph.D., PT.

Schedule of Events

TimeTitlePresenter NameSession DescriptionsPresenter Bio

Casino Ballroom

11amGender RevolutionJennifer O’HaganWe will share a brief overview of embryology, which helps us to appreciate all the wonderful anatomical reproductive variations that naturally occur, and the many factors that might influence someone’s gender identity. You will leave this workshop wondering why you were never taught this information in school!Jennifer O’Hagan, RH(AHG), LMT, had a very active practice for over 30 years specializing in abdominal therapy and herbal consultations. Now retired from private practice, she is teaching classes internationally for the Abdominal Therapy Collective in Abdominal Therapy and Maya Spiritual Healing. In addition to above classes, she offers various lectures and presentations on Gender Inclusion, Plant Consciousness, and a variety of other topics.
11:30amIntegrated Energy Therapy, Emotion Code and Body CodeMarilyn Zein El-AbidinDuring this talk, you will learn what Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) and the healing system of Emotion Code and Body Code. IET was developed by Steven Thayer over 30 years ago. Emotion code and Body Code are based on Dr. Bradley Nelson’s work which informs us about “trapped emotions” in the physical body and how to heal.Marilyn Zein El-Abidin received MA in Integrative Health at GCU and BA In Anthropology from Monmouth University with concentrations on middle eastern studies and a minor in Spanish.
She is an experienced energy healer with 20 years of practicing IET (integrated Energy Therapy), Reiki, and for the past 7 years has integrated astrology, Emotion Code and Body Code into her sessions. She is also a Poet, aspiring musician, Littoral volunteer and creator of Earth Love green living greeting cards.
12:00pmA New Hero’s Journey: From Other to Self to SoulSuzanne McMurray & Marissa WintersThrough personal story telling and guided meditation, Suzanne and Marissa will explore a new view of the Hero’s journey, one that offers a new vision for the future.Suzanne McMurray is a retired Registered Nurse and Marissa Winters is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Both have private practices as integrative self-care coaches, Reiki Master Teachers and Master Akashic Records Channels.
12:30pmThe Science of Happiness: An Integrative Approach to a Happy LifeDanielle BilderWe all would like to be happy, but how? This talk will take a dive into the psychology of happiness and explain what it means to be truly happy.Danielle Bilder works as the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Success at Georgian Court University. She is a candidate of Master of Arts in Integrative Health at Georgian Court University (May 2024), and in her free time she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with loved ones.
1:00pmThe Healing Within: Unveiling Inflammation as the Body’s Natural Pathway to HealingVincent ChenDiscover the vital role of inflammation in the body’s healing process. This talk unravels the complexities of how our bodies respond to inflammation and distinguishes between its beneficial aspects and the harmful effects of chronic inflammation due to lifestyle factors. Learn practical approaches to enhance the body’s natural ability to handle inflammation, transforming it into a powerful tool for health and recovery.Dr. Vincent Chen is an assistant professor of exercise science at Georgian Court University. He holds a Ph.D. in Health and Kinesiology from Texas A&M University. His research focuses on the physiological adaptation of exercise and nutritional interventions. In 2010, he received Michael Pollack Award from American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) on his research on how dietary lipids improve health in elderly with exercise training.
1:30pmMindful Munching: Food in Life vs. Food for LifeSheila McNeilThe French have lower instances of heart disease compared to Americans despite the consumption of a similarly heart-unhealthy diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Based upon this finding, this current research examines if one’s relationship with food has a greater effect on health than the food itself. A six-week intervention was designed to measure the hypothesis that decreased food stress and improved food relationship would increase participant’s perception of overall health.Sheila McNeil received her MA in Integrative Health from GCU in December 2023. A Certified Reiki Master, animal communicator, and CYT 200 with a focus on food as medicine, Sheila helps individuals connect with and achieve their best selves. When she’s not in service to others, she can be found out in nature gardening, hiking, fishing, or kayaking.
2:00pmRevisiting Tai Chi for Knee OsteoarthritisMike WortleyIn 2010, the presenter completed his dissertation on the effectiveness of Tai Chi for managing knee osteoarthritis in seniors. The results were mixed, finding an improvement in mobility of the participants but no change in the symptoms. In this presentation, we’ll take a look back at that study in light of the 14 years of research published since.Dr. Michael Wortley is an avid runner who likes to compete with himself, and often loses. He has a Ph.D. in Exercise Science and teaches biomechanics and coaching as an assistant professor and Chair of the Department of Integrative Health & Exercise Science at Georgian Court University. He is passionate about teaching running as both a research topic and a practical endeavor.
2:30pmStress Management: An herbal approachJoshua BurnsA presentation on the science and strategy of an herbal approach to stress management. Dr. Burns will be presenting his recent publication on common herbal approaches to stress management and discussing the current science and covering basic strategies for how to use four common herbs for stress.Dr. Joshua Burns is an assistant professor of integrative health at Georgian Court University and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National University of Health Sciences in Florida and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the National University of Health Sciences in Illinois.
3:00pmHospice’s Evolution Through the Love of Robust Staff and Volunteer SupportVellus CampbellIn this talk, Vellus will explore how the end-of-life journey, has evolved through the kindness and broadness of staff and volunteer support. She will discuss how common and alternative therapies such as end of life doula work, reiki, massage, pet, and music therapy, focus on making one's end of life care more honorable, for each person and their family.Vellus Campbell is the Volunteer Coordinator for Holisticare Hospice. She previously worked as an Activities Director at a long-term care facility, specializing in program development, and quality of life support for those in the nursing care setting. She also studied herbology and is the owner of Sweet Bayou Lou LLC, a business that focuses on providing plant-based health care products, along with classes. In her spare time, she enjoys being in nature, cooking, and all things arts and crafts related.
3:30pmSound Bath MeditationDeborah KehoeThe power of vibrational healing is like no other. Whether it be the healing of Mozart perfectly aligning with our brains, or a variety of tones from bowls to gongs connecting directly with our bodies at the cellular level, sound can heal. Join Deborah for a session which includes an array of instruments which will relax or refresh you, bringing whatever you need to your body, mind, and spirit.Deborah is an English, Special Education, and Social Emotional Learning teacher, pursuing her Masters in Integrative Health at GCU. She also holds teacher/facilitator certifications in Mindfulness, Sound Therapy/Healing, Remo Health Rhythms, Qoya, Qi Gong, and Yoga. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher and a Shamanic practitioner.

Outdoor Activity Sessions

11amEmerging Roots: Gentle Yoga for Springtime GroundingLarissa RanglinJoin this 30-minute yoga class where we'll focus on grounding poses that may be helpful in supporting mind and body connection. Through the use of slow movement and mindful breathing, we can deepen our awareness. You'll learn physical postures focusing on balance and stability. This class is suitable for beginners. Larissa Ranglin is the founder of Evergroundz. Rooted in her own journey and intentional practice to be more present in her life she developed the community Evergroundz. Based in Northern New Jersey, she cultivates a holistic approach to teaching, helping students balance body, mind, and spirit. She offers classes, workshops and private sessions locally and virtually. Her mission is to help people reconnect with their inner power and live life from the place of a human "being" rather than a human "doing". She finds joy in supporting individuals through yoga, meditation and wellness practices to integrate their practice on and off the mat. Larissa is a Registered Yoga Teacher certified in vinyasa and yin styles. You can connect with Larissa at www.evergroundz.com or on IG @evergroundz
NoonExperience Shamanic DrummingJamey Stofko & Kaitlin LongIn shamanic tradition, everyone has an animal spirit guide or power animal who accompanies them through life. Join us as we create the circle and journey to encounter our power animals. This experience is designed to give you a taste of what it is like to be a part of a part of shamanic drum circle and begin a journey of self-discovery.The founding members of The Cranes Lair all studied under Shamaness, Dr. Kasmira McCann. We are now honoring her legacy by sharing her teaching with others who want to live a life of balance as our ancestors did. Participating in today's drum circle are Bethany Stofko, Francisco Rodriguez, Jamey Stofko, Kaitlin Long and Theresa Stocko.
1pmQigongDarren Orr, D.M.Q., Doctor of Classical Chinese MedicineThis brief demonstration of Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing art, science, and health care system, is the perfect opportunity for those who are curious to try the practice. Qigong is a great self-cultivating practice for anyone to promote healing, a sense of well-being, and stress reduction. The demo is open to everyone; you do not need previous qigong experience to join in. Come join us for a great time!Dr. Darren Orr is a doctor of classical Chinese medicine in medical qigong therapy. He is also a Daoist priest, nationally certified massage therapist, Reiki and Qigong master, meditation teacher, and sound healer. Dr. Orr is an A to Z practitioner specializing in life-altering illness, palliative care for the terminally ill, bereavement services for family, cancer, PTSD, fibromyalgia, addiction, mental/emotional imbalances, chronic pain and stress management, as well as preventative medicine.
2pmShinrinyoku (Forest bathing)Sachiko KomagataShinrinyoku is a Japanese health practice which is translated as “forest bathing. It is a simple practice of being outdoor, taking time to stop, breathe, and appreciate the nature that surrounds us. It is one of the cost-effective health promoting practices. Please join this experience at our beautiful arboretum at Georgian Court University.Sachiko Komagata is a Certified Wellness Coach, a Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (American College of Sports Medicine), a licensed physical therapist, and an associate professor of integrative health and the program director of Integrative Health, the Department of Integrative Health and Exercise Science at Georgian Court University.
3pmTBD

Details

Date:
April 13
Time:
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Event Categories:
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Venue

Georgian Court University
503 Ninth Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701 United States
Phone
732-987-2700
View Venue Website

Organizer

Integrative Health
Phone
732-987-2663
Email
skomagata@georgian.edu
View Organizer Website

Deposit Deadline Extended to June 1

Georgian Court University has extended the deposit deadline to June 1 in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcement concerning delayed data availability from the revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, deposits are also refundable up to June 1. Click here for more information about the deposit extension.