Northeast Ovarian Cancer Community Education Program
Monday, June 1, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721
Ample Parking Available; Once you have parked, you will be transported to the Celebration Tent overlooking
Agenda
| 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Breakfast & Registration |
| 10:00 am - 10:15 am | Welcome |
| 10:15 am – 11:15 am | Plotting the Journey, Finding Commom Ground |
| 11:15 am – 11:30 am | Wellness Break |
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | The Art of Mindful Mending |
| 12:30 am - 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm | Movement for Renewal |
| 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | Sound Healing & Emotional Freedom Tapping |
| 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm | Closing Remarks |
| 3:30 pm | Close | Reflective Walk (optional) |
*Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change.
Session 1: Plotting the Journey, Finding Common Ground
This experiential activity invites women to move beyond the isolation of their individual cancer experiences and into the strength of shared resilience. Through a thoughtfully guided, movement-based exercise, participants reflect on their journeys across milestones of healing and hope—discovering, in a quiet and meaningful way, how deeply their stories connect with others in the room. The session closes with a powerful moment of unity, where “my story” transforms into “our story” and each woman is reminded that she is never walking this path alone.
Presented by: Nicole Monteserrato, RN, NC-BC, CBCN
Nicole Monteserrato RN, NC-BC, CBCN
Good Samaritan University Hospital
Nicole has been an RN at Good Samaritan University Hospital for 18 years in various specialties. As an ovarian cancer survivor herself, she made the professional move 7 years ago to work at Good Sam’s Women & Imaging Center to support and navigate women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Nicole has found such power in her NOCC support groups that 3 years ago, she took on the role of facilitating the Good Samaritan University Hospital Breast Support Group to help other women heal in their cancer journeys. She recently became Board Certified in Nurse Coaching and is a strong advocate for health and wellness for her patients and coworkers.
She has developed a hospital Wellness Program and a “Nursing the Nurse” workshop to teach and coach fellow nurses to prioritize their health as caregivers by creating a healthy lifestyle and work environment that supports, nurtures, and retains both present and future nurses.
She also has a private coaching practice called “Rejoice in Wellness,” where she offers individual and group coaching opportunities as well as local wellness retreats.
Session 2: The Art of Mindful Mending
The traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi honors imperfections by highlighting, rather than hiding what has been broken. Inspired by this art form, this session invites you to create a meaningful symbol that reflects what has been broken, released, and overcome on your journey. Together, we will recognize how your experiences have shaped your strength and resilience, offering a space to gently mend, piece together, and reclaim your sense of self.
Presented by : Evelyn Capistrano
Evelyn Capistrano
Evelyn Capistrano is an ovarian cancer survivor and a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She also serves as a facilitator for the NOCC’s Northeast Teal Hearts Network Newly Diagnosed support group.
In addition to her work in health and wellness, Evelyn is a certified Design Thinking Workshop facilitator, a User Experience Designer, and has served as an adjunct design professor at several universities.
With her diverse background and experiences, Evelyn is dedicated to supporting fellow survivors by helping them cultivate a strong mindset and nurture resilience throughout their journeys.
Session 3: Movement for Renewal
This restorative session invites participants to experience gentle yoga, tai chi-inspired movement and reiki energy practices that encourage relaxation and renewal. This session nurtures the mind, body, and spirit while cultivating self-love as a spiritual practice. All practices are offered in a supportive environment and can be adapted for participants of all experience levels.*
Presented by : Karina Saade
*Please feel free to bring a yoga mat or beach towel for Sessions 3 & 4
Karina Saade
Northwell Health Center for Wellness & Integrative Medicine
Karina Saade is a wellness instructor at Northwell Health and an ordained Interfaith Reverend. She integrates Reiki, sound healing, yoga, Pilates, and lifestyle medicine training into her work, bringing a comprehensive, faith-centered, and evidence-informed approach to care.
Grounded in daily self-care practices such as meditation, volunteering, journaling, and grounding, she embodies the wellness principles she teaches and offers a diverse, integrative skill set to support the community.
Session 4: Sound Healing & Emotional Freedom Tapping
This immersive Sound Healing & Emotional Freedom Tapping session is designed to help participants gently release stored emotional stress while restoring balance to the nervous system. Through guided EFT tapping and vibrational sound therapy, survivors will experience a safe and supportive space to process emotions, cultivate inner resilience, and reconnect with a sense of peace and empowerment.
Presented by : Gena Bradshaw Vitale
*Please feel free to bring a yoga mat or beach towel for Sessions 3 & 4
Gena Bradshaw Vitale
Founder, Holistic Human Performance
Gena Bradshaw Vitale is the Founder of Holistic Human Performance and a spiritual wellness mentor dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their inner power through holistic wellness, somatic healing, breathwork, sound therapy, and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
Her work bridges science and spirituality, guiding others to regulate their nervous systems, release stored emotional trauma, and step into a more empowered and aligned life. Gena creates transformational experiences that feel both deeply nurturing and powerfully activating.
Organizer
For more information, please contact Stefanie Taylor, Senior Manager, Programs and Community Engagement.
staylor@ovarian.org or (631) 938-2020
Thanks to our dedicated sponsors for their support!
This program is made possible by individuals and partners dedicated to providing
learning opportunities and a platform for our TEAL community to be inspired.
National Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Local Sponsors
Hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Northeast Region, this complimentary educational program is created especially for ovarian cancer survivors.
This program brings our community together to share knowledge, build meaningful connections, and provide practical tools to support individuals at every stage of their journey.
Attendees will engage in holistic wellness activities that nurture physical and emotional well-being while strengthening strategies for coping and resilience.
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Together, we move forward—stronger, informed, and supported.