Wellness Week

Workshop (LUCC): Staying Present in a Distracting World; Exploring how to find joy and moments of relaxation

Take part in a psychoeducational, interactive workshop presented by the Lesley University Counseling Center. In this session, explore practical and mindful approaches to finding joy and embracing moments of relaxation in what can be a fast-moving world and/or day-to-day.

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– Join the session here.

Presenters: Rose Marsh, LICSW and Shawdee Sariri, LICSW

Rose Marsh, LICSW 
Rose is a University Counselor in the Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC).  She has a B.A from George Washington University and her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work.  She takes a relational approach, believing in the importance of understanding how relationship dynamics impact one’s mental health. Rose’s style is collaborative and considers various modalities that may be helpful for a student’s reason for reaching out, as well as the systemic and environmental factors that are at play. Rose recognizes that each student comes with a differing level of experience with therapy and works with students to identify goals and a pace best suited for them. Rose welcomes working with all students and has particular passion working with students navigating sexuality, family and relationship dynamics, and eating concerns. Outside of Lesley, Rose enjoys tending to her plants, finding new television shows, and walking her dog.

Shawdee Sariri, LICSW
Shawdee is a University Counselor in the Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC). She has supported young adults across community settings, especially those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related challenges, and the stress that comes with big life transitions. As a counselor, Shawdee focuses on helping students build confidence, strengthen their sense of self, and develop healthy coping strategies. She uses a strengths-based approach, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help students understand and challenge unhelpful thoughts, making room for more balanced and empowering perspectives. Shawdee strives to create an inclusive, and supportive space where students feel comfortable talking openly, asking questions, and exploring whatever’s on their mind. She recognizes that each student’s life experiences shape who they are and who they’re becoming, and she enjoys supporting them through each stage of their personal and academic growth. Shawdee’s goal is for students to leave each session feeling heard, supported, and more in control of their path. Her downtime is usually spent outdoors on a trail with her dog, in the kitchen trying out new baking recipes, curled up with a good book, or gathered with family and friends. 

OM Practice: Yoga for Tight Shoulder and Neck

Time: 12:30 - 1:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– see details below.
Instructor: Niki Saccereccia 

Join a FREE virtual yoga class for Lesley's Wellness Week, courtesy of HPHC and Ompractice. 

• Sign up for a free Ompractice account (no membership or trial required) and register for Niki Saccereccia's Yoga for Tight Shoulder and Neck Class on 4/21/26.  To access, visit: the Ompractice Community Corner: https://app.ompractice.com/community
• Want more class options? Discounted Individual Membership to Ompractice includes unlimited access and is available for Harvard Pilgrim members here: https://www.ompractice.com/harvardpilgrim/

Panel Discussion: Lesley University Disability Advocacy and Education Group (DAEG) 

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– Join session here.
Note: Closed captions and ASL will be available during this session. 

Disability × Wellness: This virtual panel will feature members of the Lesley University Disability Advocacy and Education Group community sharing perspectives and responding to questions about the nuanced ways they understand and practice wellness in their lives. DAEG works to challenge ableism by promoting awareness, visibility, and representation of disability across the university and beyond. DAEG fosters a supportive, judgment-free space where people with and without disabilities can learn from one another while exploring personal and systemic barriers. 

Presenters:
The Lesley University Disability Advocacy and Education Group works to challenge ableism by promoting awareness, visibility, and representation of disability across the university and beyond. DAEG fosters a supportive, judgment-free space where people with and without disabilities can learn from one another while exploring personal and systemic barriers.

Wellness Wednesday (SHS): Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)

Time: 12:00 - 12:30 PM EST 
Location: Zoom –– Join the session here.

In celebration of Earth Day and Wellness week, join me for a discussion on the many health benefits of Shinrin-yoku.  Whether you live in an urban or rural environment, a mindful presence in nature can bring you peace and relaxation.

Presenter: Ayse Atasoylu, MD, MPH 
Dr. Atasoylu is the director of the Lesley Student Health Services. She specializes in internal medicine, medical education, and mindfulness. She is a strong advocate of lifestyle medicine and promotes healthy lifestyle habits for college students.

Cordelia Chats with Rose Marsh, LICSW and Shawdee Sariri, LICSW

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
Location: Lesley University, in front of Sherill Library (89 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138)

Stop by to chat with Cordelia the Counseling Pug and LUCC therapists. You're invited to tell us about your day, ask questions about therapy, or get something off your chest! Cordelia also welcomes conversation and being petted. 

Workshop: Setting Boundaries (LUCC): The art of saying no; Exploring setting and communicating limits in your relationships with others

Time: 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– Join the session here.

Description: Take part in a psychoeducational, interactive workshop presented by the Lesley University Counseling Center. In this session, learn how to set healthy boundaries with others and express your limits in ways that support your well-being and strengthen your relationships.

Presenters: Rose Marsh, LICSW and Shawdee Sariri, LICSW

Rose Marsh, LICSW 
Rose is a University Counselor in the Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC).  She has a B.A from George Washington University and her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work.  She takes a relational approach, believing in the importance of understanding how relationship dynamics impact one’s mental health. Rose’s style is collaborative and considers various modalities that may be helpful for a student’s reason for reaching out, as well as the systemic and environmental factors that are at play. Rose recognizes that each student comes with a differing level of experience with therapy and works with students to identify goals and a pace best suited for them. Rose welcomes working with all students and has particular passion working with students navigating sexuality, family and relationship dynamics, and eating concerns. Outside of Lesley, Rose enjoys tending to her plants, finding new television shows, and walking her dog.

Shawdee Sariri, LICSW
Shawdee is a University Counselor in the Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC). She has supported young adults across community settings, especially those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related challenges, and the stress that comes with big life transitions. As a counselor, Shawdee focuses on helping students build confidence, strengthen their sense of self, and develop healthy coping strategies. She uses a strengths-based approach, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help students understand and challenge unhelpful thoughts, making room for more balanced and empowering perspectives. Shawdee strives to create an inclusive, and supportive space where students feel comfortable talking openly, asking questions, and exploring whatever’s on their mind. She recognizes that each student’s life experiences shape who they are and who they’re becoming, and she enjoys supporting them through each stage of their personal and academic growth. Shawdee’s goal is for students to leave each session feeling heard, supported, and more in control of their path. Her downtime is usually spent outdoors on a trail with her dog, in the kitchen trying out new baking recipes, curled up with a good book, or gathered with family and friends.

Wellness Fair

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Lesley University, South Campus

10:00 AM

• Wellness with the Ball (Led by Head Men’s Soccer Coach Andre Martins)
  Location: Basketball Court

10:00 AM-2:00 PM

• Kindness Wall Seeding with Love Pop Cards
  Location: South Patio

10:30-11:30 AM

• Tai Chi-Inspired Meditation in Motion with Nancy Jo Cardillo 
  Location: Lawrence Lawn

11:00 AM

• Mental Fortitude Exercise – Hitting Your Target Goals (Led by Head Baseball Coach Cody Mercier) 
  Location: South Campus basketball court 

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

• Exploratory Movement with Jules Roberts 
  Location: Lawrence Lawn

12:00-3:00 PM

• Chair Massage, Giveaways, & Games with Body One Massage
  Location: Washburn Sunken Garden

12:00-3:00 PM

• Breathing Techniques for Focus with Lucky Me Yoga
  Location: Kidder Lawn

12:00 PM

• Guided Stretch / Beginner Level Yoga (Led by Softball Program)
  Location: South Campus basketball court

12:30 PM

• Gratitude Cards (Led by Men’s Golf Program)
  Location: South Patio 

1:00 PM

• Dynamic Stretch & Bodyweight Legs Circuit (Led by Head Men’s Basketball Coach Alex Burt)
  Location: South Campus basketball court

1:00-2:00 PM

• Sound Healing with Sela 
  Location: The Chapel, South Campus 

1:30 PM

Info Session on Athletic Footwear (Led by Head XC/TF Coach Aidan Konhaus)
Location: 101 Brattle Parking Lot.   

2:00-3:00 PM

• Yoga Flow with llyssa Pearlman 
  Location: Lawrence Lawn

2:00 PM

• Minute to Win It Shooting Game (Led by Women’s Basketball Program)
  Location: South Campus Basketball Court 

3:00 PM

Arts & Crafts and Meditation (Led by Women’s Soccer Program)
Location: South Campus Basketball Court 

All day Tabling –– 10 AM-4 PM

• Harvard Pilgrim
  Tabeling (health insurance) & complimentary professional massage chairs

• New York Life
  Tabeling (Life & disability Insurance)

• TIAA
  Tabeling (retirement provider)

• HSA Bank
  Tabeling (Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) benefits)

• EmpiRX - Learn
  Tabeling (pharmacy-related questions)

• LinkedIn Learning
  Tabeling (professional development)

• Riverside Community Care
  Mental health activity (professional development)

  • Join us for an interactive CBT game designed to foster emotional intelligence and social skills.
    Combining a fun activity-based game with educational tools, this game will help
    people recognize, understand, and express emotions in a safe and engaging way.
    The game aims to promote empathy, self-regulation, and coping skills.

• Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC)
  Self-Care activities (student resources)

  • Self-care memory matching game: The objective of the game is to collect the most pairs of self-care practices in two minutes. Students will flip over two cards, aiming to find matching pairs. If they match, you keep going! Otherwise, you flip them back over. The goal is to find all the pairs in two minutes. There will be prizes!
    Ball throwing game: Students will throw a stress ball, aiming to land in one of the three buckets. If the ball lands in the “blue bucket” the student will be asked to name something they would like the Counseling Center to offer in the 2026-2027 academic year. If the ball lands in the “orange bucket” the student will be asked to name something they are looking forward to or something that has recently brought them joy. If the ball lands in the “green bucket” the student will be asked to name something that brought them stress this week and if/or how they managed it. If you make the ball in the bucket, you keep it!

• Student Health Services (SHS)
  Mindfulness & Gratitude Activity (student resources)

  • Color your own mandala design and reflect on someone who has had a positive impact on your life either here at Lesley or elsewhere. You can then write a letter to this person on the card you've colored and give it to the individual. This activity is a stress-relieving activity, and promotes creativity, positivity and good vibes.

• Lesley University Disability Advocacy & Education Group (DAEG)
  Tabling (student resources)

• Harvard Square Chiropractic
  Free postural checks
  Location: Washburn Sunken Garden

• Lesley University Threshold Program
  The Threshold Program is bringing art activities to the wellness fair! Check out our tables for 3 options that could benefit your holistic wellness! We will have Kindness Rock Painting, Bookmark Making, and a Lesley Community Puzzle Mural where you decorate your piece to build our final design. All materials are provided.  

  • Kindness Rocks - Inspired by the #kindnessrocksproject on Cape Cod, decorate a rock with a kind and punny message or a scene that makes you feel happy! You can leave your painted rock for someone to find and take the message they need OR pass it on to someone to spread positivity.  
  • Bookmarks - Design a personal bookmark with an affirmation or interest and use it to keep your place in a book you're reading! This can help encourage your healthy habit!
  • Puzzle Pieces - You're an important piece of the Lesley University puzzle! We can't be a community without YOU! Personalize a blank puzzle piece to represent you on our community mural! 

Workshop: Creative Tools for Resilience

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– Join the session here.

This workshop invites participants to explore emotions, stress, and coping through creative expression. Students will engage in visual and written arts-based activities to identify personal stressors, express emotions safely, and develop practical strategies for resilience. Activities are collaborative and reflective, designed to build self-awareness, creativity, and a supportive community.  

Presenter: Joselyn M. Carvalho
Joselyn M. Carvalho is a mental health professional and the founder of The Wellness Portfolio, offering creative wellness programs and workshops. She has led expressive arts programs in hospitals, schools, museums, and nonprofits to foster emotional healing and connection. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through voice, visibility, and the stories we choose to tell.

Workshop (LUCC): Managing Uncertainty: It’s okay to not know; Acknowledging the potential for change and increasing positive self-talk

Take part in a psychoeducational, interactive workshop presented by the Lesley University Counseling Center. In this session, learn how to navigate the discomfort of change and uncertainty with compassion while building a more positive, supportive inner voice. 

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom –– Join the session here. 

Presenter: Rose Marsh, LICSW
Rose is a University Counselor in the Lesley University Counseling Center (LUCC).  She has a B.A from George Washington University and her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work.  She takes a relational approach, believing in the importance of understanding how relationship dynamics impact one’s mental health. Rose’s style is collaborative and considers various modalities that may be helpful for a student’s reason for reaching out, as well as the systemic and environmental factors that are at play. Rose recognizes that each student comes with a differing level of experience with therapy and works with students to identify goals and a pace best suited for them. Rose welcomes working with all students and has particular passion working with students navigating sexuality, family and relationship dynamics, and eating concerns. Outside of Lesley, Rose enjoys tending to her plants, finding new television shows, and walking her dog.