By
- Julie Washington, cleveland.com
- cleveland.com@expressdesk
Ohio — Wellness through the arts, the importance of resilience and practical tools for caregivers supporting loved ones through behavioral health issues are among the discussion topics for a Saturday symposium sponsored by NAMI Greater Cleveland and Courage to Caregivers
The Sustaining Wellness, Resilience & Recovery Symposium is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) East Campus in Beachwood. Courage to Caregivers is a Northeast Ohio nonprofit organization that strives to help caregivers support their family members
The symposium is open to people living with behavioral health conditions, family members, caregivers, peer supporters, behavioral health professionals and anyone interested in promoting mental wellness and recovery
“No one should have to navigate a mental health journey alone,” said Katie Jenkins, executive director of NAMI Greater Cleveland. “This symposium creates opportunities for individuals with lived experience, families, caregivers, peers and professionals to learn together, strengthen connections, and discover practical tools that foster wellness, resilience and recovery.”
The event is free, but registration is encouraged.Vendor table applications are available here
Topics and presenters include:
9:30-10:30 a.m
- “The Social Prescription: Arts, Connection, and the Path to Recovery” with Kate Berk, founder of the Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative. This session will explore how interventions such as the arts, movement, nature, and community connection can serve as powerful tools for wellness and recovery.
- “Recovery Is a Family Journey: Practical Tools for Wellness, Resilience, and Connection” with Margaret Juergens, founder of Inner Compass Coaching. Families and caregivers will gain practical tools to strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries and build resilience while supporting recovery together.
- “R.O.C.K. Your Wellness – Building Resilience One Step at a Time” with Tia Kline, chief learning strategist of STEP Learning Services. Participants will discover the R.O.C.K. Wellness Framework, a practical, strengths-based approach to building resilience.
10:45-11:45 a.m
- “From Surviving to Connected: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Families Through Mental Health, Substance Use, and Healing” with Melinda Gamez, executive director of The MILES Group. Learn trauma-informed strategies that strengthen communication, foster resilience, and maintain hope while supporting loved ones through mental health, substance use and recovery.
- “The Calm Advantage: Practical Wellness Tools for Caregivers, Families & Support Networks” with Shirley Pastore McCormack, founder of EquaTerra Wellness. Attendees will learn practical, trauma-informed mind-body strategies that reduce stress and support wellness.
- “Designing for Whole Person Health” with Liz Novy of Enjoy Living Wellness. Explore a whole-person approach to health by identifying strengths across the eight dimensions of wellness.
The symposium will also feature wellness activities such as art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, chair yoga, chair Reiki, chair massage and more. Local community organizations will share re
“Wellness and recovery happen in community,” said Kristi Horner, executive director of Courage to Caregivers. “This symposium was created to provide practical tools, meaningful connection, and renewed hope for individuals and families navigating behavioral health challenges.”
This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff
