Our Nervous Systems: Yoga and the Neuroscience of Stress, Anxiety & Depression

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Event Schedule

4:30pm - 5:30pm: Doors open for registration, refreshments and networking

5:30pm - 5:40pm: Welcome remarks and introduction

5:40pm - 6:10pm: Keynote by Sue Jones, President Sue Jones, LLC

6:15pm - 7:00pm: Panel discussion

• Sue Jones, Meredith Kolodze, Caroline Alaimo and Stephen Quinlan

7:00 - 7:20pm: Audience Q&A

7:20 - 7:30pm: Closing remarks and mudra

*Yoga in Action will provide a letter of attendance to participants in who may be eligible for continuing education credits in their respective fields. The event qualifies for 2 hours of Yoga Alliance CE credits for yoga teachers. Information will be provided on November 16th. Objectives:

1. Participants will understand the basic neurological mechanisms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress.

2. Participants will understand the benefits of yoga for improving anxiety, depression and stress.

3. Participants will demonstrate an understanding of tools to support individuals in dealing with anxiety and depression.

*Limited scholarships are available to those in financial need. Please contact rochelle.jewell@yogainaction.org to request financial assistance.

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About our Presenters:

Keynote Speaker: Suzanne Jones

Suzanne Jones is an award winning author and a leading voice on the subject of mind-body practices for addressing trauma, self-regulation, and empowerment. She has trained, inspired, and lead thousands of women who have taken her method into their work as yoga teachers, social workers, psychologists, advocates, medical providers, teachers, mothers, and community leaders. Her work has spanned the globe, empowering women across the U.S., Haiti, Tehran, Iran, Kenya, and Rwanda. Sue's life and work have been profiled by CNN, Fox News, and numerous publications including, Shape Magazine, The New York Times, Yoga Journal, Whole Living magazine, Elephant Journal, Body + Soul Magazine, Yoga International Magazine, and most recently by Rick Hanson for his Foundations of Well-Being Course. Sue’s award winning book, There is Nothing to Fix has received international acclaim.

Additional Panelists:

Meredith Kolodze

Meredith Kolodze, MSW, LICSW, RYT (she/her) received her Masters in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire in 2008. She received a post-graduate certificate in Palliative and End of Life Care at Smith College in 2018 and is a Doctor of Social Work student at Simmons University. Meredith is a private practice clinician located in South Berwick, ME, specializing in grief and loss, cancer, chronic illness, and anxiety. She also works for NAMI NH as the Older Adult Program Coordinator where she works with older adults, care partners, and providers to support older adults' mental health. Meredith has been a medical social worker for most of her career working in primary care and oncology. Meredith is a Registered Yoga Teacher and previously taught classes to individuals with cancer and their caregivers through Yoga in Action. She joined the board of Yoga in Action in August of 2021 after years of supporting Yoga in Action as both an instructor and a community member and is currently the Chair of the Governance Committee.

Caroline Alaimo

Caroline is currently a high school counselor, and has been working in the youth mental health field for the last eight years. She has her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of New Hampshire, and is a certified 200 hour yoga instructor, and Mindfulness teacher. She is passionate about Mental Health and Wellness awareness for teenagers and developed a high school course called Mindfulness for Teens. This course educates students on the benefits of mindfulness, and teaches them how to better identify and manage stress and anxiety in their own body. Caroline’s field of expertise is working with teenagers on the daily stressors they face, how anxiety impacts executive functioning and learning, and providing tools and resources for their own growth and development.

Stephen Quinlan

Stephen Quinlan is an author, psychotherapist, dad, and podcast host. Stephen has over 20 years of experience as a therapist and a specialization in working with anxiety. He currently has a private practice in Dover, NH. His book on Selective Mutism called "Raising Voices" came out in 2020 and is available on Amazon. His podcast is "The Anxious Child Podcast" which aims to help those working with (or living with!) anxious kids and teens. Stephen integrates aspects of mindfulness, neurology, and humor into his work.

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Make a day of it! Portsmouth is a picturesque and walkable city. While in town, you might visit the art exhibit at 3S Artspace and the on-site restaurant, Barrio. Within minutes you can see historic sites, find a variety of restaurants and shopping or make your way to the waterfront Prescott Park, Strawbery Banke and more. Parking: There is metered parking on the street and in various lots and garages in Portsmouth. Learn more about parking in Portsmouth.

About Yoga in Action: Yoga in Action is a yoga service organization which helps people navigate life's challenges by providing accessible yoga programs to individuals in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Yoga is a low cost, high impact modality that can support the mental and physical health of ANYONE. These programs are fueled by our dedicated staff, experienced teachers and the expertise of our partner organizations in the community.