The Lotus Project

Workshop Details​

Date:

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Location:

Karme Holistic and Wellness Center
3501 North Rolling Road
Windsor Mill, MD  21244
Time:

12:00pm: Gates open

12:15-12:45pm: Welcome & Gathering

1:00pm: Program begins

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What to Expect

• Karme gates will open at noon on Saturday, November 2nd.

• justBe will provide notebooks, pens, and colored pencils for jotting down thoughts and doodling.

• Light refreshments will be served including water, tea, and seasonal fruit.

• This program references self-care in terms of the body, mind, soul, and spirit.

• We honor all beliefs but will be referencing spirituality per the presenters’ viewpoint as pertains to their experience with integrative techniques.

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Preparation Suggestions Before Workshop

• We strongly recommend everyone to bring a support person. Please have your guest register individually.

• Wear comfortable clothing. This will be a very laid-back afternoon.​

• Come as you are.​​

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Suggestions for After-Workshop Self-Care​

• Plan for a quiet evening.

• Give yourself plenty of water, rest, and relaxation.

• Surround yourself with people or pets that love and support you.

• Acknowledge thoughts and feelings. Continue to write, doodle, and express your thoughts and feelings.

• Practice your self-care techniques.

• Determine a friend or loved one who would be a great listener should you need someone to talk to after the workshop.

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About the Lotus Project Staff​

Donna Audia, Co-Founder of justBE

Donna Audia is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Integrative Care Team Lead in a large tertiary care center in Baltimore, Maryland. Donna develops and implements integrative care plans for patients and their families, and she provides staff education on integrative care. Some of the integrative modalities that Donna employs include Reiki, aromatherapy, acupressure, breath work, guided imagery, pediatric therapeutic touch, and sound therapy. Donna has completed advanced aromatherapy certifications from the Tisserand Institute and serves as co-chair of the Clinical Committee of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists.

 

In 2016, Donna was voted one of Baltimore’s Best Nurses in Baltimore Magazine, and was nominated as a Daily Record Health Care Hero in 2011. Donna has been a featured lecturer at University of Maryland Medical Center, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma, American Society for Pain Management Nurses, the American Holistic Nurses Association Chesapeake Bay Chapter, and Liddle Kidz Foundation’s 2021 virtual lecture series “Re-imagining Pediatric Healthcare” streamed live from Tokyo. Donna’s prior positions as a critical care nurse and as a pain service nurse enable her to share her 20+ years of experience providing patient-centered care and integrative self-care modalities in both the hospital and community settings.

Michelle Cohen, Co-Founder of justBE

Michelle Cohen holds a BA in English from Ithaca College and an MA in Professional Writing and Publishing from Emerson College. Michelle is a licensed massage therapist, certified pediatric massage therapist/infant massage teacher, and a clinical aromatherapist. She works as an Integrative Care Specialist in a tertiary care center in Baltimore, Maryland, where she provides integrative care and education to patients, their families, and staff.

As a Global Ambassador for the Liddle Kidz Foundation’s International Therapeutic Exchange Program, Michelle has traveled to India with a team of healthcare practitioners to provide evidence-informed pediatric touch therapy and education to children and healthcare providers in orphanages, schools, and residential care settings. Michelle was guest speaker for Liddle Kidz Foundation’s 2021 virtual lecture series “Re-imagining Pediatric Healthcare” streamed live from Tokyo.

Michelle is a board member of the Aromatic Research Quality Appraisal Taskforce (ARQAT) and serves as a co-chair with Donna Audia on the Clinical Committee of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Michelle’s 20+ years’ background in providing and teaching integrative care modalities, coupled with her self-compassion training, enables her to share trauma-informed care practices in both the hospital and community settings.

Jenny Bolster

Mary “Jenny” Casto Bolster was raised in a devoted Catholic family with a long history of military service. Jenny’s exposure to all manner of community outreach, and a tireless work ethic, fostered her own call to service. Raised as an only child, she developed a natural comfortableness with adults of all ages. Her high school volunteering at the Jackson Memorial Hospital became a natural doorway to a 3-year nursing program after which she joined the Navy. Upon honorable discharge she pursued a BS in health sciences from Florida International University, a Master’s in Psychology and Counseling from Barry University, and became Board certified in Adult Psychology and Infection Control.

Her notable career was marked by Hospice Care, Adult Psychology, Research and Education in Infectious Disease, and the creation of multiple educational programs including the development of stress reduction programs for the staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s 11 intensive care units. Notable too, was her position as Deputy Chief of Local HIV Aids and Prevention for the State of Maryland where she created statewide educational programs for all medical professionals for their required annual training. During this time she became interested in the use of Integrative Medicine modalities for relaxation techniques for trauma patients.

Jenny’s spiritual life was fostered not only by her parents and extended family, but
also a Catholic education. Later she would take part in formal Bible studies, and work at the affiliated University of Miami’s Newman Center in Coral Gables, Florida. She eventually became a Eucharistic minister and a lay pastoral minister for the Archdiocese of Miami.

In 1976 while volunteering in a clinic in Tabasco, Mexico serving indigenous people, she met Barbara Brunk, a volunteer Physician Assistant. A long and enduring friendship developed. It was through Barbara’s prayer group that she met Jean Wehner. During this time Jenny became a listening support for Barbara as she was providing support to Jean’s memory-recovery process. Jean’s memories were initially a great challenge to Jenny, but eventually shape-shifting from puzzlement, to a realization of the truth of Jean’s memories. The anger and hurt in the church system that had allowed all of this to happen was overwhelming and resulted in a renting of Jenny’s beliefs. Her faith-walk of the last 30 years has been radically affected by the Catholic leadership betrayal of Jean and all the other Keough persons.
Jenny remains deeply committed to providing compassionate listening to all victims of trauma and sharing modalities for self-care.

 

Barbara Brunk

Barbara’s 16 years of Catholic education culminated with a BA from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and a position at the Johns Hopkins University Immunogenetics Lab performing clinical research and tissue typing for the Hopkins Kidney Donor Program. Exposure to the world of medicine led to a BS and Physician Assistant (PA) certification at the University of Alabama. She subsequently became the 10th Physician Assistant to be licensed in Maryland.

 

Her 40 year PA career involved various positions beginning as a PA-C at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center; Administrative and Clinical Director of Dr. Michael Mardiney Jr.’s Brooklyn Park Allergy and Immunology office; Preceptorship of Hopkins PA students as an Affiliate Staff of Johns Hopkins Hospital; Assistance in Tabasco, Mexico in a mobile medical unit; General Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corporation at Wyman Park; with her last 18 years in Orthopedic Surgery and lead PA at Kernan Hospital’s Med/Surg unit, where in 2011 Barbara was presented with Kernan’s Allied Health Professional of the Year Award

 

In the mid-1990’s, an unresolved health issue led to an acupuncture treatment. Its amazing effects opened her world to Integrative Health Care after which she experimented with various Integrative modalities including Sound Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Massage, Cranial Sacral Work, Acupressure, The “M” technique and workshops with Deepak Chopra, Marion Woodman, Sobonfu Some’ and Suzanne Scurlock.

 

In 1992, Jean Wehner began slowly and painfully to recover memories of abuse. Barbara, a long time friend, became one of her confidants. Concern for Jean led Barbara into the world of trauma. While volunteering at the University of Maryland’s Integrative Medicine Center, she was introduced to the philosophy and teachings on trauma at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. At one of its Grand Rounds, its Director, Dr. Thomas Scalia, invited his staff to read Thomas Moore’s Care of the Soul in Medicine. The book shape-shifted Barbara’s profession from career to vocation. In 2014, during one of her nightly meditation/prayer/Reiki times, she experienced a prompting to do something. The project before you is the child of that prompting.

 

Barbara remains unwavering in her support for survivors of sexual abuse, especially those from Archbishop Keough High School.

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Beth Gallico

Mary Beth Gallico, raised Catholic, found her spiritual world enlarged when at age 18 she chanced a meeting with an enthusiastic young man who encouraged Beth and her friend to attend a lecture on twelfth century Japanese Buddhism. It was a transformative experience that would affect the rest of her life. Born with natural empathic and organizational abilities and an artistic eye, she could rearrange any setting into a calming and visually pleasing delight. Her innate talent to organize led her into the administrative side of the work world. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and a University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate School Certificate in Research Administration, allowed her to serve for 30 years in various positions. During this time, most notably, she served as the Division Manager for the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. Beth, happily married for 28 years, has raised three children while working and continuously learning and growing.

 

At age 38, Beth developed a debilitating illness. Medical work up after medical workup failed to uncover the etiology of the condition. After so faithfully serving this medical world, Beth encountered its arrogance. Not knowing the cause and unable to admit such, Beth was told her condition was “Psychosomatic” — end of discussion. Betrayed by the very institution she had so faithfully served, she began her own search. In so doing and amidst many discoveries, she came to experience the reality of “Food as Medicine.” This not only aided her recovery, it led her to becoming a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and in 2023 a Health Coach in Nutrition and healthy Lifestyles.

 

Today there is a name and understanding of the condition that so robbed Beth of years of her life. It is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which resulted from her being infected by the Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Today, not only is there a vaccine for the virus, currently there is ongoing research and public awareness campaigns to better understand the chronic fatigue symptoms that are associated with this virus. Her health crisis has given Beth a sensitivity, compassion, and caring for those oppressed by power, betrayed, and harmed. Her gentleness, knowledge, sensitivity, and organizational abilities have shaped this project into what it is today.

 

While exploring alternative therapies for treating chronic fatigue, Beth was introduced to the University of Maryland’s Center for Integrative Medicine. Her experience with alternative therapies was life-changing and helped her get back on a healthy path to recovery. During this time she was introduced to Donna Audia, Michelle Cohen, and Barbara Brunk. Meeting them has led to beautiful and loving friendships that continue to this day. As health care practitioners, their commitment to healthy mind, body and spirit has made a profound influence on Beth.

 

Neal Gallico

Not a Baltimore native but a transplant from the New York area, Neal Gallico arrived in Baltimore to start his undergraduate education at the Johns Hopkins University as a natural science major; completing his four-year tenure with a BA in Humanities and a major in Art History (his true interest). That degree was followed by formal training and an MFA in painting from the Mt. Royal Graduate School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art.

Since that time, Neal has been involved with a number of fine art and commercial art projects, exhibiting his paintings and drawings in three commercial galleries in Baltimore as well as several annual “First Thursday” art exhibitions within participating businesses in Baltimore City. He has also been invited to mount solo exhibitions and to participate in national juried shows at regional non-profit art venues that have included exhibitions at the Rosenburg Gallery, Goucher College, Maryland Art Place, School 33 Gallery, Arlington Arts Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Connecticut and the Maryland Biennial at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

In addition to his personal paintings, Neal has always maintained a strong interest in the value of public art projects and the community engagement process that is a key part of the creative process. As one of the original muralists in the revived Baltimore City mural program, he produced seven murals and one billboard design commissioned by the Baltimore Mayor’s Office. On a separate occasion, the Mayor’s Office selected him as the lead designer for a public art demonstration project at Artscape. While working for the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), he volunteered as the artist for the production of a World Aids Day mural in support of UMB’s Adolescent HIV Program, directing a group of ten adolescents in a participatory mural project for an East Baltimore community center. On a separate occasion on the west side of the city, he volunteered as the art director for the federally funded UMB program, “Focus on Kids”, a West Baltimore health care program directed by Dr. Bonita Stanton. And later he was commissioned again by the City to function as a mentor for the “Blue Chip In” apprenticeship program for Baltimore City youth. Working with one of the programs select high school art students, they painted a two-hundred-foot-long mural together over one summer that received a “Best in Baltimore” award from the Baltimore City Paper.

 

During this time, the trajectory of Neal’s life changed with the tragic early death of his second son, Ian. While his vision of the future became darker, Neal’s subsequent collaboration with UMB’s SIDS Institute (producing seven paintings that were presented as the Cobey Award to an honored speaker at the annual SIDS Research Symposium) provided a unique opportunity to honor Ian’s death and to work with an equally passionate group of scientists and healthcare professionals. With this experience, Neal decided to join UMB. And he continues to work at UMB where his dual paths of art and science have intersected with a number of remarkable people.

 

It was during his tenure as the administrative director for UMB’s Institute for Integrative Medicine that he was introduced to Donna Audia, Michelle Cohen and Barbara Brunk, and through their guidance, to a holistic approach to health and trauma recovery. There have been other tragic and traumatic experiences since the death of Ian, but his spiritual journey continues to evolve and the creative value in the balance between art and science becomes clearer. With the Lotus project, his collaborative circle with Donna, Michelle and Barbara has widened to include Jenny, Jean and his wife, Beth.
Neal continues to paint.

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​Resources

​Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

24 Hour Hotline - 988

www.988lifeline.org

 

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)

24 Hour Hotline - (800) 656-4673

www.rainn.org

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SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priest)

Toll Free Number (877) 762-7432

www.snapnetwork.org

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Psychology Today: Find a Therapist

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

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Pro bono Counseling

Hotline (410)-825-1001

www.probonocounseling.org

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Maryland State Attorney General Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Hotline (410) 576-6312

report@oag.state.md.us

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Self-Care Resources

Soft Landing​ Meditations​

Here are four soft landing meditations from the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion Instagram account that you may add to your self-care practice.

“The beautiful thing about self-compassion is that it embraces change. It’s not a form of positive thinking where we want everything to be wonderful all of the time. In fact, it’s a way of welcoming the unpleasant, the painful, but with love.” Dr. Kristen Neff

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1. Soft Landing (How can I support myself today?)

The soft-landing exercise is designed to help us identify any difficulties we might be experiencing. It’s just focused on soothing. And so, giving yourself the gift of that today in whatever way that you are able. And really asking the question of your body—just genuinely asking with curiosity—what is it that you need to support you right now? Would lying back support you today? Would putting a pillow on your belly support you today? Would holding a certain object support you today? Maybe a blanket on your lap? Maybe putting your supportive hand over your heart? You might even ask yourself, would kind phrases like this help: “I need to stop and comfort myself.” “I know it’s difficult, but it’ll be okay.” “I deserve compassion, tenderness, and empathy from myself.” Would that support you today? So, I’ll just wait for a moment or so while everyone gets situated—really inviting care and tenderness with the body.

 

2. Soft Landing (Soles of the Feet Meditation)

This practice is done standing up if that’s accessible and comfortable to you, or sitting down and making sure that the soles or bottoms of your feet are in direct contact with the ground. Inviting you to bring your awareness to the soles of your feet and rocking forward and back, noticing any sensations that might be present here. And coming back to center, anchoring your attention in the soles of your feet. Taking a moment to check in, to see how you are. And whenever you’re ready, bringing your attention back to your space.

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3. Soft Landing (Giving and Receiving Compassion)

So, closing your eyes and settling into a comfortable position, coming home to your body… noticing perhaps the feeling of your body resting in the chair and your feet on the floor… and then noticing any internal sensations that may be arising right now. Just observing any sensations objectively, without judgement… And reminding ourselves that we aren’t just bringing awareness to our experience, but loving and kind awareness… Now, letting your awareness rest in your breath… gently breathing in and breathing out… and then paying particular attention to the in breath. Breathing in… receiving compassion. Note that as you breathe in, you’re giving yourself what you need in the moment. You are nurturing yourself with each in breath… And now pay particular attention to your out breath… gently breathing in and out. Breathing out… sending compassion to others in the room. Breathing in… receiving compassion for yourself. Breathing out… sending compassion to others in the room.

 

4. Soft Landing (Compassionate Friend Meditation)

This meditation is called Compassionate Friend. So, now I invite you to imagine that you are in a beautiful, peaceful, and safe place. And soon you’re going to receive a visitor: a warm, wise, and compassionate presence who we’ll call your Compassionate Friend. This ideal figure really embodies the qualities of strength, courage, knowledge, and especially unconditional love and acceptance. Know that your Compassionate Friend cares deeply about you and would like you to be happy and free from sufferings. Now see if you can allow yourself to let in this unconditional love and compassion. Receive this love and acceptance with a gentle smile within. And, realizing, of course, that your Compassionate Friend is actually part of you.​​​​