July-September 2026

A message from CEO & President: Mary Jermann


As we enter the summer months of 2026, we are also celebrating Dr. Kelly Sullivan's signing of the first documents that established Wellness House of Annapolis 20 years ago. That's right. We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary! We regularly discuss our gratitude for our amazing community - who has made us possible for 20 years and counting. When I joined the organization 7 years ago this summer, it was 8 months before the pandemic stopped us in our tracks - but not for long. We re-imagined several approaches to providing the free therapeutic offerings both in-person and online.


Most recently, with the expansion of many of our programs, we grew our counseling department to support the increased mental health needs of those impacted by cancer throughout and beyond the challenges of the pandemic. Some people say it is magic. I say it is our amazing staff, volunteers, members, board and donors who have spoken loudly with their actions to proclaim their love and support of the Wellness House of Annapolis. We are committed to the support of so many within our community touched by cancer.


As I am writing this, I'm listening to the children who are playing outside and enjoying the second day of Summer Camp. So much laughter and fun - all the while navigating the challenging journey with the devastating effects of cancer. Our staff, including our child life specialists, counselors and volunteers, are truly incredible in the way they lovingly help the children and families. We hear often that we are part of your family, too.


We hope you enjoy your summer. And stay tuned in the coming months for more information about exciting happenings at Wellness House of Annapolis.


Lots of love,

Mary Jermann

Announcements

Hello Members!


Welcome to our first Member Quarterly Newsletter! We are happy you are here. You will find a variety of updates and information about all different areas of Wellness House as you scroll.


We wanted to share some highlights from last quarter with you. We had two successful social offerings with the Blue Angels Viewing party and Wellness on the Water. Beautiful days for both!


Our youngest members had a great time at our Paint Your Rainbow Summer Camp this June.


We have started some new programs with our Buddy program, Circle Groups and the Nutrition Ina® app.


April was Volunteer Appreciation Month so we gathered for some lawn games & cocktails with the best volunteers in town!


We also held a special expressive clay workshop as well as all our normal offerings. It was a full quarter.


Please check out the July-September program guide below to learn about this quarters upcoming offerings.


We hope to see you soon!


"Wellness on the Water was so much fun. It creates a sense of community and provides a chance to connect with others while bonding over a shared love of the water. Being on the water is peaceful and relaxing"


- Wellness House Member

Quarterly Highlights

Wellness on the Water


Join us at Eastport Yacht Club for lunch followed by a boat ride on a sail or motor boat. Limited Availability.


Facilitated by Eastport Yacht Club Captains & Staff


September 22

11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

(Invite one guest)

Ice Cream Social Lawn Party


Join us for an Ice Cream Social & Lawn Games Party! Bring your sweet tooth and fun spirit. Make your own sundae with all of your favorite toppings. Try a game or two with other members & guests

Please wear shoes appropriate for being on the lawn.


Facilitated by Volunteer Donna Ruokonen & Wellness House Staff


August 20

5:00-7:00 p.m. in-person

(Invite one guest)

New Wellness Offerings!


~Classical Movement


~Inner Healing Sanctuary



~Layered Visions Mural Group




Third Quarter

Educational Workshops


Feeding Your Demons


Better Breathing: Nourishing Wellness Through Breath


Where Words Meet Grace: A Workshop for Life's Most Meaningful Chapters-Part 3


Conscious Cooking for Healing

Therapeutic Workshop-

Movement for the Moment



Find peace, joy, vitality and creative expression in this therapeutic movement experience. Movement will be guided and adapted moment to moment to meet you where you are, offering an opportunity to feel kinship with your body and connection with other group members. Movement is a spectrum so all degrees of body connection are welcome, from seated stillness to standing, full-bodied movement.


Facilitated by Kristine Purcell, Dance/Movement Therapist


July 27, August 24, &

September 28

10:00-11:30 a.m. in-person

Due to the popularity of this group & the limited space, we use a waitlist registration system. If interested in this program, Sign-up below:

Horse Connections


For those members who can’t get enough of horses, join a fellow wellness house member for an intimate and relaxing opportunity to spend time grooming and enjoying Chesapeake Dressage’s healing herd.


Facilitated by Angie Burnett, Equine Specialist


July 6, August 5

11:30-12:00 p.m.


July 20, August 19 & September 21

1:30-2:00 p.m.



In-person

Children & Family News

Family Night!


Join us for our Wild Wellness End-of-Season Summer Party as we celebrate the close of an amazing summer together! Parents are invited to join the fun as we gather for connection, play, and community. We’re excited to welcome Annapolis Music Therapy for an interactive drum circle, along with our beloved pet therapy dogs. Expect a summer party—Wild Wellness style—filled with fun, laughter, and meaningful connection.


Facilitated by Meghan Siegel, Child Life Specialist, & Katie Jank, LCSW-C

August 5

5:30-7:00 p.m.

Children & Family Offerings

Wild Wellness Group


July 1, August 5 & September 2


5:30-7:00 pm


Healing with Horses


July 20, August 17 & September 21


5:30-6:30 pm


Parent Corner


July 1, August 5 &

September 2


5:30-7:00 pm


Family Horse Connections


July 6 & August 3


4:30-5:00 pm


Development News

Welcome Deborah Chin-Our New Director of Development & Communications!


Please join us in welcoming Deborah Chin, CAE. Deborah is a nonprofit executive dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and strengthening communities through philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and organizational leadership. With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and strategic development, she has helped mission-driven organizations build sustainable fundraising programs, launch new initiatives, and foster collaborative environments where inclusion, belonging, mentorship, and innovation thrive.


Deborah will lead the organization's fundraising, donor engagement, and development communications efforts to expand access to supportive services for individuals and families affected by cancer. The role is especially meaningful to her as her mother was a member of the Wellness House. During her mother's cancer journey, Deborah experienced Wellness House's profound impact on individuals and families facing cancer.


A Certified Association Executive (CAE), Deborah is passionate about building partnerships that create lasting impact and organizational capacity to fulfill a nonprofit’s missions. She is deeply committed to civic engagement and community philanthropy. She serves as Assistant Chair of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together’s DEIAB Committee and as treasurer of Collective Giving of Anne Arundel County. In March 2026, she was recognized as an Anne Arundel County Women’s History Month Michelle Obama awardee.

Wellness House in the Community

Surviving and Thriving


June is National Cancer Survivorship Month, and Wellness House was thrilled to see our friends and members at Maryland Oncology Hematology Survivorship Day on June 6th and Luminis Health Survivorship Day on

June 7th.


We also had a blast with Baltimore Washington Medical Center at Corks for a Cause on June 3rd at the beautiful Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. Guests enjoyed local wine and food while tickets supported the BWMC Next Generation Foundation.


On June 13th we joined Robin and Larry Sells at the Katherine Mueller Memorial Music Festival, an annual event in memory of Wellness House member Katherine Mueller. Funds raised from Katherines Light Foundation support Wellness House of Annapolis, along with other local organizations making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.

"The Wellness House is a place I feel understood and comfortable, like I really belong."


- Child Member

Wellness Corner

Curious how Wellness House programs can help you "Gestalt it"?


Check out our experiential healing offerings like Healing with Horses, Movement for the Moment, Feeding your Demons®, and Healing with Music.

Gestalt It


Gestalt, meaning "form," "shape," or "whole," is a type of experiential therapy founded in Germany in the 20th century. This approach teaches that the goal of the healing journey is to integrate—or make whole—those parts of ourselves that have become fragmented or disconnected.


Along the cancer journey, specific experiences, losses, or changes can cause us to shut down emotionally and physically. We may push away certain feelings or hold tension in our bodies. These are normal reactions to stress, but over time, they can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.


In Gestalt work, the first step toward healing after a difficult experience is allowing ourselves to feel and release "stuck" emotions. By tuning in to what our bodies are experiencing and finding healthy ways to express and release emotional pain, we can move toward greater awareness, healing, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Special Programs

Buddy Program

Looking to connect with someone who “gets it?” Wellness House’s new buddy program thoughtfully matches members with like experiences to support one another. Whether you are navigating cancer treatment, a caretaker, loved one, or in survivorship, this program brings members with similar stories together.


To find a buddy, share your information below so we can make the right match.


​To become a buddy to one of our members looking for support, fill out our survey.


All information gathered will be kept confidential and used only to ensure a great match.

Introducing Ina®!

The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant


At Wellness House of Annapolis, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support your health and well-being. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Ina®, your 24/7 nutrition sidekick, now available through our partnership with Savor Health.

Introducing Circle Groups-

a new type of group at Wellness House!


Circle groups at Wellness House are member lead gatherings that offer connection and support for individuals navigating similar cancer experiences. Depending on the circle group that you attend, activities will vary but the core purpose of getting to know other people who understand your story and want to develop lasting connections remains consistent across groups. Please see our current circle groups listed below and contact us to join a group. 


Interested in facilitating a circle group for your specific cancer experience? Let us know!


Current Circle Groups Available


  • Young Adult
  • Breast Cancer
  • Widow


Please reach out to us if interested in attending one of these groups


Community 
Resources


Prayer Shawls

Items available especially for Wellness House Members:


Prayer Shawls generously donated by St. Paul Lutheran Church


If you would like a prayer shawl, please email:


admin@annapoliswellnesshouse.org or stop by the house during our open hours.

Beach House Retreat

Justin's Beach House is a respite home free of charge for families with cancer. Offering time away from doctors and hospitals, Justin's Beach House is a place for the family to relax and unwind in beautiful Bethany Beach, Delaware.


For more information, go to:


https://justinjennings.org/

Make Life Easier with Exclusive Laundry Discounts!

Wash & Fold Laundry Service with Free Pickup & Delivery from Admiral Cleaners


Let us handle the laundry while you focus on what matters most — caring for your loved one. Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we’re here to ease the burden. Our team is committed to providing reliable, respectful service during this difficult time.


Easy Sign-Up:


Sign up for a $20 gift credit and an ongoing 10% discount on your route account. Simply mention "Wellness House" when you call or in the online comment section.


Get started in minutes! Scan the QR code, call (410) 267-8381, or email customerservice@admiralcleaners.com.

Tuition Assistance

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is a community arts center in Annapolis offering classes, workshops, performances, and exhibitions for kids and adults of all skill levels. From visual arts and dance to theater and music, Maryland Hall provides a welcoming space to explore your inner artist. Tuition assistance is available to help make arts education accessible to all.

Photography Resource

Honoring Your Healing Journey Through Portraiture


Healing looks different for everyone.


For some, it’s strength. For others, it’s vulnerability. For many families, it’s simply holding onto the moments that matter most.


As a Maryland-based photographer and U.S. Navy Veteran, I believe photography can be more than an image. It can be a reflection of resilience, connection, and love during life’s most meaningful seasons.


I am offering a Healing & Legacy Portrait Experience exclusively for Wellness House members. These sessions are designed to gently capture:


Family connections


Milestone moments


Personal healing journeys


Generational legacy images


Timeless black-and-white storytelling portraits


Whether you are celebrating progress, honoring strength, or simply wanting to preserve meaningful time with loved ones, this experience is centered around comfort, care, and intention.


Wellness House members receive 15% off this portrait experience.


If you would like to learn more or schedule a brief consultation, please visit:


https://lovejustbcause.mypixieset.com/

Contact Us:

2625 Mas Que Farm Road

Annapolis, MD 21403

410.990.0941

Admin@annapoliswellnesshouse.org


www.annapoliswellnesshouse.org

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