All About Me
Members share their life stories. Pictures are encouraged. This has proven to be very cathartic for those who participate.
Art Class with Claire
Explore different styles using acrylic and watercolor paints, and still life drawing with colored pencils. So whether you are an accomplished artist or just draw stick figures join us, maybe learn something new, and share in the fun!
Claire Downing grew up in Connecticut. She moved to Rhode Island to work for a major computer company as a software troubleshooter. Upon retiring from that company, she found the MS Dream Center and has been sharing her hobbies of arts and crafts with the Center since then.
Book Club with Denise
We review one book a month. Come on a journey to be educated, inspired or entertained through the world of books. To date we've read close to 100 books.
Denise Riel has been living with MS for 25 years. She worked as a Clinical Social Worker with children, adolescents, and families before retiring. She lives in Scituate, RI with her partner and two dogs.
Chair Strength & Mobility Fusion with Brad
In 2009 Brad Lane received his personal training certification through The International Sports Science Association mastering training and coaching techniques. He opened the doors of It Starts Here Fitness, located at 380 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI in February 2014, to implement his master training and coaching techniques to fitness enthusiast clients.
Brain Builders with Kari and Lisa
A variety of topics such as cognition, speech, language, swallowing etc. will be discussed in an effort to improve thinking, memory, and communication skills. Tips and techniques on how to organize and remember information, recall peoples’ names, find the word on the tip of your tongue, speak clearly, and socialize with others, will allow you to use your brain in new and creative ways.
Lisa was born and raised in the Detroit, Michigan area. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Michigan. She has worked as an SLP for over 30 years in nearly all facets of the field: skilled nursing facilities, home care, acute care, transitional care, medical offices and schools.
Kari is a Speech Language Pathologist whose approach to speech and swallowing therapy is holistic. As a therapist with 30 years of experience, specializing in adult neurogenic communication disorders, Kari strives to provide high quality and personalized care that takes into account the whole individual and maximizes their quality of life.
Chair Exercise with Donna
Physical fitness has been Donna Wheaton's passion for most of her life. Seeing people benefit from exercise on so many different levels is truly fulfilling to watch. Participants always give it their best no matter what their hurdles may be!!! We all have a gift. Mine was to teach fitness and connect with people. We all must live our best life!!
Chair Exercise and Reiki with Tiffany
Tiffany’s friendly approach and compassion for others helps her clients feel at ease as they gain the confidence to try things they did not think were possible. Her passion for this line of work is only heightened when her clients are pleased with their own transformation and newfound self-confidence. Tiffany has over 16 years of experience in the fitness industry and holds a Personal Trainer Certification through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), a Mat Pilates Certification in The Method Pilates through Physicalmind Institute, and is a Usui/Reiki III Master. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge.
Reiki Therapist
Reiki is life force energy and promotes healing. Energy can stagnate in the body where there has been physical injury or even emotional pain.
A Reiki session with Tiffany aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks. Reiki can improve the flow of energy around the body and enable relaxation, relieve pain, speed healing, and reduce symptoms of illness.
Chair Yoga/Meditation with Michelle
Michelle Tremont began practicing Yoga 16 years ago. Her teaching style is born out of a genuine sense of laughter and love. Her many years of experience and a multitude of training brings a very safe and comforting sense to her classes. It is through a combination of humor and sensitivity that she is able to afford students the opportunity to heal and accept life in the ever changing moment to moment transition.
Chair Zumba with Michelle
Dancing in your chair, using Latin rhythms as a focal point.
Hi, my name is Michelle Calise! I’ve been an RN for 33 years, but my true passion has been teaching Zumba for 11 years. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance Fitness program, using music from all over the world. I love about teaching Zumba, because, it’s for everyone! I teach high impact to chair Zumba. The most rewarding thing for me, is seeing my students, gain more strength, endurance, flexibility and just love to move to great music. Exercise in disguise! You literally get lost in the music and forget, you are exercising! Total win!
Chair Zumba with Stephanie
Be prepared to laugh and leave with a smile on your face. No dance experience is needed and there are no wrong moves!
When Covid hit, I was at a loss with how to teach Zumba classes. Thanks for my great friend Michelle, after I took my Zumba Gold training, she brought me on board to work with her. I have been a licensed Zumba instructor since 2013 and this is the most fun I have ever had with Zumba®. When not dancing, I can be found hanging with my cat Zorro or out enjoying all of the great places in RI to eat and drink. No dance experience is needed and there are no wrong moves!
Dr. Jonathan Cahill, Q&A
Regular visits in an informal setting with our MS Neurologist and board member Dr. Jonathan Cahill.
Games
Wii Bowling, scrabble tournaments, Hi-Lo Jack, concentration and more. Lots of fun camaraderie and friendly competition that helps keep our cognitive and motor skills strong.
Gentle Yoga with Christina
Christina began practicing mindfulness and meditation in her late teens adding yoga to her practice twelve years ago. Yoga and meditation were not just a practice, but they became tools for her survival during the harder times in her life. She decided to pursue her love of yoga by diving deeper into her practice and completing a 200hr RYT teacher training, specialty in Chair yoga, and Level 1 Reiki training at Heartwood Yoga Institute in Bradenton, Florida. Christina teaches Hatha yoga and her classes are slower paced, grounding, and gentle. She continues her education in therapeutic yoga specialties and yoga philosophy to better serve her students by passing that knowledge onto them.
Informational Network
Guest speakers including medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, legal and financial advisers, mobility and other health and wellness related issues.
In this Moment: An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation with Michele
Mindfulness meditation is the practice of bringing nonjudgmental attention to whatever occurs in the present moment, and practice with a group in a supportive environment is an ideal way to develop this habit. Meditation can be invaluable for coping with self-doubt, chronic pain, insomnia, and negotiating difficult relationships, among many other benefits.
Michele Lataille is a long-time yoga practitioner and meditator and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and the University of Maine School of Law. Michele has practiced as a civil trial attorney for nineteen years and taught high school English for another thirteen.
Ladies in Motion
with Denise + Paula
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A virtual session for women in wheelchairs that will inspire candid conversations about various topics of importance.
Men's Group
A virtual session that encourages other men to open up to each other (or just listen), and speak freely about their own personal issues living with MS.
Movie Night
A once a month movie night that offers foreign and eclectic films, followed by a discussion after the movie. This program is run by member John Holloman, and his wife/care partner Kathleen Gerard.
MS Members Chat
Not a pity party, but rather an opportunity for members, both nationally and locally, in person and via zoom, to share what’s going on in their lives relative to all areas of their lives, MS and beyond. Discussion on medications, progression of the disease, difficulty with finances, divorce, housing, and social security are among topics reviewed.
Our Programs
Special Thanks To
Vigneron Memorial Fund
*All programs are free of charge
Our program leaders represent the core of our mission. They enhance the quality of life of our members through the activities they lead. Exercise to music, yoga, weight training, and chair zumba round out our schedule. Additionally, we are fortunate to have two qualified Reiki instructors available to us.
Chair ZOOM-ba with Michelle Calise
Chair Yoga with Michelle Tremont
Chair Exercise with Donna Wheaton
Chair Exercise with Tiffany
Occupational Therapy Program with Johnson & Wales
Gather and socialize with other members while learning about how Occupational Therapy can help you from Johnson & Wales OTD students.
Click here to view flyers made for the Dream Center by the J&W OTD students.
Reiki with Doreen
Reiki promotes healing, relaxation and decreases stress.
Doreen Beauvais is a Reiki Master and Retired Nurse.
Tai Chi with Charlie
Charlie Westcott has been teaching Tai Chi since 2003 and practicing since 1994. This class is structured as a seated exercise safe for all with a warm up, execution, and cool down in our 45 minute program.
Charlie has taught people from 6-100 in schools, offices and gyms. Safe and fun!!