Ease Stress for Widows of Genocide
Donation protected
Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist
Certified Movement Analyst
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher
Reiki III Practitioner
For almost 35 years, I have worked with people across the lifespan and across different abilities in psychiatric, medical, palliative care, and community based settings. The aim of my work has always emphasized a sense of wholeness, body-mind connection, and awareness, as well as a deep desire to get to understand the contexts of someone else’s life. I have conducted research, served as a clinician, taught and published in my field in hospital based settings nationally and internationally. My continued desire to learn and study holistic practices led me to become a registered yoga teacher and a Reiki III practitioner. All of these skills and experiences continue to inform my work and help provide the most comprehensive body-mind toolbox possible. Currently, I am a professor and the Clinical Education Coordinator in the graduate dance/movement therapy department at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York; and conduct a small private practice in my home office.
I fell in love with Rwanda in January, 2018. Never before have I encountered such humanity, resilience, and strength. I met inspiring people everywhere I went, including at AVEGA Institute in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It was there where a flame was lit deep in my heart to see if I could collaborate with professionals there to help widows of genocide heal from the trauma, loss and post traumatic stress associated with this devastating massacre in 1994.
From this intention sprung the concept of developing a training program with the counseling department at AVEGA. In January, 2018, thanks to all of you, we completed a successful 3-day training program for counselors from all 40 districts throughout the country. We collected preliminary data that demonstrated extremely successful outcomes for all participants about how the program itself eased stress. I came to learn that 95% of the counselors themselves are survivors or orphans from the devastating impact of genocide.
The partnership we have created with AVEGA continues to be strong and mighty. We are preparing for the next sustainable phases of this model. This will include another trip to Rwanda in January, 2020 to retrain selected counselors to promote this approach with Psychosocial Community Workers (volunteers who are survivors of genocide) in each district, who will then implement body-mind holistic tools to their clients, or beneficiaries. In addition, Rwanda communities are preparing to reintegrate genocide perpetrators into their communities after completing their prison sentences. Reconciliation discussions and interactions will also include body-mind elements to help support this sensitive and powerful transition.
The sustainability of this Ease Stress Holistically model is of the utmost importance. The numbers of people that we aim to reach is vast: 100,000 survivors, 80,000 released prisoners, and 390 Psychosocial Community Workers. It is my goal to provide training manuals and tool kit handbags for each and every community worker, as WE did for the counselors. Your contributions to this expansive goal would be GREATLY appreciated, beyond any words that could possibly convey.
Certified Movement Analyst
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher
Reiki III Practitioner
For almost 35 years, I have worked with people across the lifespan and across different abilities in psychiatric, medical, palliative care, and community based settings. The aim of my work has always emphasized a sense of wholeness, body-mind connection, and awareness, as well as a deep desire to get to understand the contexts of someone else’s life. I have conducted research, served as a clinician, taught and published in my field in hospital based settings nationally and internationally. My continued desire to learn and study holistic practices led me to become a registered yoga teacher and a Reiki III practitioner. All of these skills and experiences continue to inform my work and help provide the most comprehensive body-mind toolbox possible. Currently, I am a professor and the Clinical Education Coordinator in the graduate dance/movement therapy department at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York; and conduct a small private practice in my home office.
I fell in love with Rwanda in January, 2018. Never before have I encountered such humanity, resilience, and strength. I met inspiring people everywhere I went, including at AVEGA Institute in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It was there where a flame was lit deep in my heart to see if I could collaborate with professionals there to help widows of genocide heal from the trauma, loss and post traumatic stress associated with this devastating massacre in 1994.
From this intention sprung the concept of developing a training program with the counseling department at AVEGA. In January, 2018, thanks to all of you, we completed a successful 3-day training program for counselors from all 40 districts throughout the country. We collected preliminary data that demonstrated extremely successful outcomes for all participants about how the program itself eased stress. I came to learn that 95% of the counselors themselves are survivors or orphans from the devastating impact of genocide.
The partnership we have created with AVEGA continues to be strong and mighty. We are preparing for the next sustainable phases of this model. This will include another trip to Rwanda in January, 2020 to retrain selected counselors to promote this approach with Psychosocial Community Workers (volunteers who are survivors of genocide) in each district, who will then implement body-mind holistic tools to their clients, or beneficiaries. In addition, Rwanda communities are preparing to reintegrate genocide perpetrators into their communities after completing their prison sentences. Reconciliation discussions and interactions will also include body-mind elements to help support this sensitive and powerful transition.
The sustainability of this Ease Stress Holistically model is of the utmost importance. The numbers of people that we aim to reach is vast: 100,000 survivors, 80,000 released prisoners, and 390 Psychosocial Community Workers. It is my goal to provide training manuals and tool kit handbags for each and every community worker, as WE did for the counselors. Your contributions to this expansive goal would be GREATLY appreciated, beyond any words that could possibly convey.
Organizer
Susan Orkand
Organizer
Ringwood, NJ
