Preventive & Restorative Whole-Person Care
Integrative Healthcare Conference at Utica University
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
Conference Overview
The Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare seeks to create a new discourse on whole-person care to help people stay healthy as well as regain health following illness or injury by bringing together integrative healthcare specialists, scholars, students, and members of the community to exchange ideas. Our community comprises integrative healthcare practitioners, psychologists, anthropologists and sociologists, environmental scientists, living/working space designers, educators, and others — at local, state, and national levels.
Opening Keynote Panel: “Hurdles & Solutions to Healthcare Integration”
EXPERT PANEL PRESENTERS:
Ann Blaney, MSN, RN, PMGT-BC, Reiki Master
Coordinator of Integrative Therapies at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA.
Oversees a team of over 200 Reiki Nurses, aromatherapy training, music therapy, yoga and other holistic programming for patients and staff; travels the country speaking about the importance of self-care and sharing how to start integrative services/programing in healthcare.
Lauren Eadline, FNP, APHN-BC, RH (AHG)
Nurse Practitioner, Department of Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Primary care provider, clinical herbalist and plant medicine educator at University Internists East; background in botanical medicine, nutrition and holistic health, experience in internal medicine, Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, extensive training with the Institute for Functional Medicine, special interests include chronic disease management, infectious disease, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and inflammatory conditions.
Staffan Elgelid, Ph.D., PT, GCFP, C-IAYT, ERYT-200, RYT-500, NBC-HWC
Professor of Physical Therapy, Nazareth University, Rochester, NY
Physical Therapist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Certified Comprehensive Yoga Therapist; RYT-200; National NBC-HWC Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Author/Editor, Board of Directors Yoga Alliance 2015-2021
Reserve Your Place
Registration deadline:
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Early Bird Registration:
20% off with code EARLYBIRD in April and May
Pre-registration is required. All conference registrations will be handled online. Checks and all major credit are accepted.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Sign up today:
Continuing Professional Education
All attendees will receive a Letter of Completion verifying 10 hours of participation and a CEU Certificate.
Conference Details
CONCURRENT SESSION 1
- Sound Healing for Relaxation and Enlightenment
- Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Acupuncture for the Neck: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Food, Fire, and Desire: The Science of Nutrition and Sexual Health
- Person-Centered Integrative Healthcare for Residents with Dementia in Skilled Nursing Facilities (virtual)
- MY HEALTH, MY CHOICE: TAKING BACK THE NARRATIVE from Doctor Dictation to Self-Empowered Health
CONCURRENT SESSION 2
- Integrative Craniosacral Therapy: Experiential Insights for Holistic Healing
- From Isolation to (Therapeutic) Community: Social Connection and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
- Challenges of an Interprofessional Multinational Survey on Dietary Supplements (virtual)
- Restorative Whole-Person Care for Long COVID Patients: Lessons from Integrative Healthcare Perspectives
- Empowering Occupational Therapy Students to Engage in Health and Wellness During College and Beyond
CONCURRENT SESSION 3
- Equine-Assisted Support Group for Parent Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
- Have YOU played today? Embracing Play in Adulthood as Self-Care
- Healthy Kidneys for Life
- Amish Population and Health Landscapes of Central New York: Illnesses, Accidents, and Growth
- Third Year DPT Students’ Attitudes Towards a Health and Wellness Course in DPT Education
CONCURRENT SESSION 4
- Aromatherapy in Honduras: Enhancing Perioperative Care
- Creative Arts Therapy and Meditative Practice: Land Body Translation
- Social Determinants, Epigenetic Clocks, and Mental Health
- Perinatal Mental Health: A Call for Integrative Care (virtual)
- How to Implement an Integrative Approach to Care with a Navigator-Led Care Team
- Spiritual, not Spooky: How Prayer and Medicine Work Together to Bring Healing
CONCURRENT SESSION 5
- Healing in Nature: Eco-therapy for Veteran Mental Health
- A Qualitative Study Exploring Participants’ Feelings About an Online Pilates Exercise Program (virtual)
- Eating Disorders and College Students: The Importance of Education and Integrative Health
- Exploring Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Maternal Care
- Shaping the Future: Integrating Health Concepts into Occupational Therapy Education
POSTER SESSION
- Cancer Rehabilitation: An Integrative Approach to Survivorship
- Reimagining Recovery: The Future of Integrative Health in Substance Use Disorder Treatment (virtual)
- The Effects of Virtual Reality for an Adolescent with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Performance Isn’t Just Participation: Differentiating Return-to-Sport vs. Return-to-Performance in AC
- Recharge, Recover, Resilient Forever: The Boost Needed for Whole-Person Care
- Foot Pressure and Knee Health: Predicting Risk Through Dynamic Movement Analysis
- Integrative Health Approaches to Handling Excessive Heat in a Warming World, A Review
- Houseplants: Good for the Mind and the Body
- Attitudes and Practices Related to Dietary Supplement Use in Iran (virtual)
- Demonstration of the New York Integrative Practitioner Database
- Meet the 2025-2026 Institute Faculty Fellows
In-person attendees are strongly encouraged to use the Whova (HOO-vah) smart phone app to access conference materials, including agenda, campus maps, presentation rooms, presenter information, etc.
Virtual attendees will access all session links through the Whova web portal.
Attendees must log into the app and the webpage with the same email address used to register for the conference.
Session Descriptions
The finalized list of conference presenters will be released on June 1, 2025.
New this year: a monetary award will be given to the Best Student Oral and Poster Presentations.
CONCURRENT SESSION 1
Sound Healing for Relaxation and Enlightenment
Rebecca Austill-Clausen, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Complementary Health Works, Inc., Downingtown, PA
"Sound Healing is a marvelous way to start the conference, provide a mid-day break, close the conference, or be a separate presentation. Research studies demonstrate music-based interventions can reduce stress, decrease pain, and diminish the emotional distress caused by suffering. Sound healing can shorten the use of pain-relieving medicines. Music helps neurotransmitters and hormones in our brain dilute emotional reactions, clear difficult memories and challenging feelings, along with facilitating social bonding experiences. Sound healing is relaxing and therapeutic. It’s a lovely way to provide a pleasant experience during conference. A variety of instruments are played and demonstrated including Crystal Singing Bowls, a 34” Wind Gong, Angel Wings Bar Chimes, Freenotes, a percussion hand drum called the Hang, Ocean Wave Drum, Tibetan Bowls, a Cactus Rain Stick, and a Zenergy Woodstock Chime. Instruction on using these easy to play sound healing instruments will be interspersed amongst a multitude of sound healing experiences.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore a variety of sound healing instruments and experiences.
- Discover easy-to-learn techniques and instruments to use with clients or during educational-based services.
- Enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and increase JOY."
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Michael Kowalski, D.Ac., 5 Element Institute, Jacksonville, FL
Attendees will learn about the acupuncture research my team and I have conducted in collaboration with Utica University. They will learn of the roles of the collaborators from Utica University, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, the RAND Corporation, and the 5 Element Institute.
I will present evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for neck pain that resulted from our study.
This was a ground-breaking study which filled a necessary gap in the research literature. I will discuss the potential impact of this study, and future research directions made possible by this study.
Food, Fire, and Desire: The Science of Nutrition and Sexual Health
Christine DeLozier, M.S, MSAOM, L.Ac., CNC, Needle & Herb Acupuncture, Rochester, NY
Can the foods we eat really impact libido, arousal, and overall sexual well-being? The answer, according to emerging research, is a resounding yes. This engaging and science-backed presentation explores how nutrition influences hormonal balance, blood flow, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory processes—all critical factors in sexual health.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- Nutritional Strategies for Sexual Vitality: Key nutrients that support testosterone, estrogen, and oxytocin production.
- Blood Flow & The Endothelial Connection: How diet affects nitric oxide levels and vascular function for optimal arousal.
- Gut Health & Libido: The role of the microbiome in mood, stress, and hormone regulation.
- Inflammation & Sexual Dysfunction: The impact of chronic inflammation on performance and pleasure.
- Practical Dietary Interventions: Science-backed food recommendations to optimize sexual health naturally.
- Using a lively, irreverent, and evidence-based approach, this session will blend cutting-edge research with real-world application. Attendees will leave with actionable insights for integrating sexual wellness into whole-person healthcare approaches—whether in their own practice or personal lives.
Join us for a fun, engaging, and enlightening discussion that proves food isn’t just fuel—it’s foreplay.
Person-Centered Integrative Healthcare for Residents with Dementia in Skilled Nursing Facilities (virtual)
Samantha Marocco, PT, DPT, MS, EdD, Entry-Level and Transitional Physical Therapy Programs, Utica University, Utica, NY
Patient-centered care (PCC) is one of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) core competencies for meeting the needs of the 21st century health care system. Patient-centered care in skilled nursing facilities (SNF's) is required by the Nursing Home Reform Act and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While many aspects of the care provided in SNF's are patient-centered, the care provided to those with dementia may not meet the IOM’s recommendations for PCC.
Integrative healthcare is inherently person-centered and is vitally important for improving the quality of life of individuals with dementia. An integrative healthcare model has also been found to have a positive impact upon the stress levels of caregivers. While the inclusion of exercise, art, music, nutrition, and acupuncture into traditional dementia care models has support in the research literature, not all SNF's provide these services. Integrative healthcare approaches should be integrated into residential care for those with dementia. Future research is needed to further support the shift to an integrative healthcare model in residential dementia care.
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will:
- Defend the importance of person-centered integrative healthcare for individuals with dementia.
- Review the evidence in support of an integrative healthcare model.
MY HEALTH, MY CHOICE: TAKING BACK THE NARRATIVE from Doctor Dictation to Self-Empowered Health
Crystal McClung, DNM, DSM, MBA, Array of Light, LLC, Charlotte, NC
Many of us are disconnected from our bodies not truly understanding what ails us, let alone what can improve our health. By utilizing a few simple practices that connect our minds to our physiology, we can begin to identify what harms or helps our overall Being. This empowers us to take ownership of our health, participating in decisions with health practitioners rather than simply complying.
Learning objectives:
- the four determining causes of disease which result in various forms of ‘stress’ and psychophysiological impacts
- stress response pathways: SAM and HPA axis
- three options for connecting our minds to our physiology for health management: meditation, mindful movement, biofeedback
Supporting evidence includes: natural medicine texts, clinical case studies, and audience-participation (a 10-minute live volunteer biofeedback session with a 3-minute guided meditation)
Conclusion and Future Directions: Taking accountability for our own health is the beginning of a healthier world, however, knowing what to do does not always make doing it easier. Establishing routines and a holistic practitioner network can increase the efficacy of healing efforts. Resources will be provided to conference members for self-led practice in meditation and for obtaining personal biofeedback equipment. Discounts to workshops and biofeedback sessions through Array of Light, LLC.
CONCURRENT SESSION 2
Integrative Craniosacral Therapy: Experiential Insights for Holistic Healing
Carol A. LaTeer, CASAC, OTD, Program Manager of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Community Health and Behavioral Services, Utica, NY
This project presents an experiential training session designed for therapists to explore the role of craniosacral therapy (CST) in holistic, integrative healthcare for anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress. The session focuses on understanding how CST reduces physical discomfort by rebalancing the body’s fluids, tissues, membranes, and nervous and sensory system. This rebalancing facilitates a shift from dysregulated “fight/flight” or “freeze” states to a regulated state, thereby enhancing emotional and cognitive engagement in psychotherapy. Participants will learn of perceive subtle bodily rhythms and employ gentle touch techniques that release congestion and tension, ultimately alleviating neurological stress, pain, and mental and physical health symptoms. Through evidenced based research and detailed experiential case studies spanning adult and pediatric contexts, the session illustrates how CST supports overall well-being and resilience. The training underscores the benefits of reducing physical discomfort to optimize psychotherapeutic outcomes and emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care. Future directions include further exploration of advanced neuro-craniosacral techniques and their integration into broader treatment strategies across diverse patient populations.
From Isolation to (Therapeutic) Community: Social Connection and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Jarrett Rose, PhD, Community & Behavioral Health Program and Department of Sociology, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY
Recent psychedelic research has largely focused on individual experiences in clinical settings, neglecting the role of group dynamics. In contrast, mid-20th-century studies explored communal settings in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), highlighting the social dimensions of these experiences. This shift has left a gap in understanding how social connectedness emerges in group psychedelic use and its therapeutic effects. This presentation addresses that gap by analyzing interviews with participants from a weeklong, group-based PAT retreat, supplemented by ethnographic data. It demonstrates how collective psychedelic experiences foster deep social bonds and contribute to therapeutic outcomes. This presentation also emphasizes the importance of integrating sociological theory into psychedelic research, thus bridging psychedelic science and the social sciences by revisiting Emile Durkheim’s concept of collective effervescence and illustrating how shared altered states create powerful social cohesion and transformative potential in psychedelic settings.
Challenges of an Interprofessional Multinational Survey on Dietary Supplements (virtual)
Deanna Errico, PT, DPT, ATC, Post-Professional Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, Utica University, Utica, NY; Samantha Marocco, PT, DPT, MS, EdD, Physical Therapy Department, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY; Terri Provost, RD, PhD, Department of Biology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Utica University, Utica, NY; Lucia Corriette, PT, DPT, MBA, Post-Professional Transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program, Utica University, Utica, NY; and Maryam, Hashemian, PhD, Department of Biology, Dietetics & Nutrition, Utica University, Utica, NY
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize challenges creating a survey respecting culture.
- Discuss challenges implementing a multinational supplement use survey.
- Identify strategies to improve multicultural research considering cultural influences.
An interprofessional research group faced challenges creating a survey that considered restorative and preventative supplement use in multiple countries. This cross-sectional study regarded cultural influences, supplements used, languages, and recognized survey format needs required in U.S., Caribbean, Canada, and Iran.
Supporting Evidence: Differences in regulatory frameworks, supplement and herbal availability, and cultural perceptions of health and nutrition complicate standardization of survey instruments and data collection methods. Language barriers, health literacy, and attitudes toward supplementation impact survey design and response validity. Ethical approvals, participant recruitment, and data harmonization across regions pose logistical obstacles.
Conclusions: The researchers considered culture, supplement use, and adapted data collection, and language to address differences.
Future Directions: Enhance cross-cultural comparability and reliability of multinational surveys by:
- Developing a core questionnaire with standardized questions while allowing region-specific adaptations to accommodate cultural and regulatory differences.
- Using a unified approach for data collection.
- Engaging with local regulatory bodies early in study design to streamline ethical approvals and ensure compliance with region-specific research regulations.
- Using targeted recruitment methods tailored per region.
Restorative Whole-Person Care for Long COVID Patients: Lessons from Integrative Healthcare Perspectives
Helen Blouet, PhD, Department of Sociology and Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare, Utica University, Utica, NY
Learning Objectives:
- Provides overview of scholarship on integrative and whole-person care in relation to long COVID patients
- Shares author’s personal experiences and observations with integrative healthcare in treating long COVID symptoms
- Explores ways in which long COVID integrative care can contribute to larger models and approaches to healthcare for a variety of patients and needs
Supporting Evidence, Conclusions, and Future Directions:
This presentation provides an overview of supporting evidence in scholarship on integrative and whole-person care for long COVID patients in order to share how integrative healthcare has been used by long COVID patients and their practitioners. Data discussed also include the speaker’s personal experience with long COVID and various integrative treatments used. Information shared points to possible contributions that long COVID integrative treatment may provide to systems change in healthcare delivery and education. Overall, long COVID care has the potential for healthcare providers and communities to transform broader structures and systems of care to meet patient and community needs, at least in part, through more comprehensive systems of integrative healthcare.
Empowering Occupational Therapy Students to Engage in Health and Wellness During College and Beyond
Cicily Talerico, OTD and Trista S Richardson, OTD, YRT500, Department of Occupational Therapy, Utica University, Utica, NY
After this session, participants will identify life stressors that affect occupational therapy students’ academic and fieldwork performance.
After this session, participants will identify steps to teach occupational therapy students strategies to support mental health and well-being.
Mental health concerns within the United States are increasing, and college students are part of the census. Students are reporting increased stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. According to a survey supported by the American Psychological Association, Lipson et al. (2022) reported that a 2021 national survey revealed that three-quarters of students reported moderate to severe psychological distress. This distress can be translated into fluctuating energy levels, difficulty with concentration, dependability, and mental ability, all of which can hinder performance in academics and fieldwork experiences. One key to mental wellness is not avoiding stress, negative feelings, and problems but instead being equipped to cope with life stressors and situations as they arise. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental well-being as a state in which the individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the everyday stresses of life, can work productively, and can contribute to their community. Students can benefit from increased social support and self-care to assist with improved mental well-being (Popova et al., 2023).
This study aims to assess the effects of mental health and well-being strategies embedded into the occupational therapy curriculum to improve student outcomes in academics, fieldwork, and post-graduation. This program evaluation collected data from a pilot group of students. Data collection included pre and post-wellness self-care tests during semesters two and three and a fourth-semester student check-in the survey. The results of the pilot group showed a mean gain of 23 positive points on their health and wellness post-test. 84% of students reported carrying over strategies they learned in the first and second semesters into their fieldwork and fourth semester of graduate school. The results support the curricular changes and demonstrate students made health and wellness activities part of their daily habits and routines.
CONCURRENT SESSION 3
Equine-Assisted Support Group for Parent Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
Dr. Anna Jordan, OTD, MS, OTR/L, Child's Play Occupational Therapy, PLLC, Owego, NY and Chang Dae Lee, PhD, OTR/L, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, attendees will be able to:
- Describe risk factors for stress among parent caregivers of children with disabilities
- Identify key features of EAS
- Understand the outcomes and implications of the program
Supporting Evidence: Caregiving is a public health concern, and evidence suggests equine-assisted services (EAS) could be an option for addressing this crisis. Previous studies show that EAS can improve stress management, self-care strategies, perceived social support, and quality of life. Additionally, EAS provide opportunities for social connection and physical touch, which can have a healing effect.
Conclusions/Future Directions: Following participation in the program, all participants experienced a reduction in self-perceived symptoms of stress. Participants also articulated the unique value of connecting with other parent caregivers, better understanding their children, taking time to rest, and feeling at peace with the horses. All participants expressed a desire for the program to continue beyond the six-week pilot. This study demonstrates the value of peer support, the potential effectiveness of equine-assisted interventions, and the need for further research with a larger sample size.
Have YOU played today? Embracing Play in Adulthood as Self-Care
Melissa Racioppa, PhD, MHA, Child Life and Family Science Department, Utica University, Utica, NY
Have YOU played today? Embracing play in adulthood as self-care.
Learning Objectives: Participants will:
- Better understand the value of play in adulthood and recognize its use as self-care.
- Reflect on their play history to rediscover activities that brought them joy and comfort in childhood.
- Identify the eight different play personality types and assess which one(s) they identify with.
- Develop potential play strategies they could use for self-care.
This presentation explores adult play as a self-care strategy for helping professionals. It will review research on play’s role in coping with stress, fostering joy, and building resilience while addressing the limited understanding of play in adulthood. Activities inspired by Brown’s (2009) work will help participants reimagine play and develop personalized self-care approaches.
Healthy Kidneys for Life
Jenna Henderson, ND, Holistic Kidney LLC, New Paltz, NY
Kidney health is often taken for granted until damage to the kidneys is severe. While diabetes and hypertension are the most common reasons for chronic kidney disease other lesser-known factors can influence kidney health. This presentation looks at new ways to support kidney health. All claims have references to peer reviewed studies.
- Why is maintaining a healthy weight so important to kidney health?
- What can be done about age-related kidney decline?
- What is the connection between insomnia and chronic kidney disease?
- What are best foods to support kidney health, and what are the worst foods that should be avoided?
- Why is low magnesium detrimental to kidney health?
- What is the best way to detoxify without stressing the kidneys?
- How does emotional stress impact kidney health?
Most kidney patients are told there is little that can be done to help kidney health. With a pro-active approach, people can support their kidney health before there is extensive damage. A kidney-friendly diet and lifestyle can help people maintain kidney function throughout their lives.
Amish Population and Health Landscapes of Central New York: Illnesses, Accidents, and Growth
Annette Mackay, PhD, Owen Matthews, Molly Miller, and Kaiden Ring, Department of Sociology, Human Services, and Crime Studies, SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, NY and Alex Thomas, PhD, Executive Director of PLACES Institute, SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, NY
Since 2000, the population of Amish settlements has flourished in Central and Eastern New York. The Amish are an ethno-religious group whose faith and plain lifestyle direct their daily lives, often contrasting with modern medicine and technology. They are descendants of small European Anabaptist settlements and practice endogamy, which leads to the presence of certain 'founder effect' genetic traits. Key cultural features include non-modern work methods, horse-and-buggy transportation, and general vaccine hesitance. These increase the risk of accidents, burns, and communicable diseases in Amish communities. This research utilizes population data from Amish church directories, a key resource in locating and creating demographic profiles of Amish communities. Narratives of illnesses, injuries, accidents, births, and deaths reported in correspondence newspapers and police incident reports provide context for Amish health practices and accidents. These data advise outreach programs in health and safety to plain communities.
Third Year DPT Students’ Attitudes Towards a Health and Wellness Course in DPT Education
Staffan Elgelid, PT, PhD, GCFT, NBC-HWC, C-IAYT, Department of Physical Therapy, Nazareth University, Rochester, NY; Kim Davis, DPT, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; and Natan Anderson, DPT, Lattimore Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation, Brighton, NY
Learning objectives:
- Understand the barriers to teach more about multidimensional health in DPT programs
- Understand the importance of teaching health promotion and wellness to future health professionals.
Background:
Incorporating health and wellness courses in a DPT curriculum allows physical therapists to guide patients towards making lifestyle choices that will support their overall health and wellness. Physical therapists can promote lifestyle changes that facilitate an active lifestyle, as well as help patients overcome barriers to their health and wellness. The purpose of this research was to identify third year DPT students attitudes towards health and wellness courses in DPT Education.
A survey was sent to program directors of DPT programs for distribution to 3rd DPT student. 81 participants completed the survey.
Results: ~50% of students believe health promotion should be emphasized in a stand alone health and wellness course . The main perceived barrier was limited emphasis on health and wellness content on the board exam thus programs are not prioritizing this topic.
Conclusion: There must be a greater emphasis on health and wellness topics and coverage within the DPT curriculum to prepare future physical therapists to address both their personal and patient's needs within the scope of practice."
Keynote Panelist Biographies
Ann Blaney, MSN, RN, PMGT-BC, Reiki Master
Coordinator of Integrative Therapies at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA
With over 25 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership, Ann is a passionate advocate for holistic care and the well-being of caregivers. A highly respected nurse leader, Ann brings a wealth of expertise in pain management, team development and patient centered care. As a Reiki Master, and an expert in integrative healing practices, Ann bridges the gap between traditional and holistic are to promote physical , emotional, and spiritual well-being. Her unique approach focuses on empowering health care professionals to cultivate resilience, prevent burnout, and deliver exceptional care. Dedicated to the mission of “caring for Caregivers”, Ann has inspired countless healthcare professionals through her mentorship, workshops, and keynote speeches. Her insights are grounded in compassion, personal experience, and an unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and sustainable environment for caregivers everywhere. Ann lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband and 4 children. When not at work, Ann enjoys time with her family, reading and vacations. Today, Ann invites you to join her in exploring how intentional care for ourselves can transform the way we care for others.
Lauren Eadline, FNP, APHN-BC, RH (AHG)
Nurse Practitioner, Department of Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Lauren Eadline is an integrative primary care provider, clinical herbalist and plant medicine educator at SUNY Upstate Medical University. She is also the founder and director of Syracuse Herbal Study Group, a collective in the CNY area focused on accessible education in herbal medicine, community health empowerment and environmental justice. She is a board-certified Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse (APHN), a registered member of the American Herbalist Guild and has spoken at conferences nationwide on topics in botanical medicine. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate is SUNY Upstate and her first book, the Herbal Diagnostic Handbook, is set for publication through Storey Publishing in 2026. Lauren lives in Baldwinsville with her family.
Staffan Elgelid, Ph.D., PT, GCFP, C-IAYT, ERYT-200, RYT-500, NBC-HWC
Professor of Physical Therapy, Nazareth University, Rochester, NY
Dr. Staffan Elgelid is a Professor of Physical Therapy at Nazareth College. Dr. Elgelid has been a Physical Therapist for 30+ years. A native of Sweden and graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, Dr. Elgelid has worked in a wide variety of settings, including owning his own clinics, and has presented at conferences on a wide variety of topics such as Complementary Approaches to Health, Guided Imagery, Healthy Aging, Mentoring, Awareness, Core Strengthening, and Feldenkrais, both in the US and Internationally. Dr. Elgelid has produced videos on different approaches to core strengthening, and Yoga for different sports. Dr. Elgelid is currently serving as on the advisory board of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and advisory board member of the EDUlearn conference in Spain, is a former chair of the APTA health Promotion and Wellness Network, is a former board member the Yoga Alliance, International Association of Yoga Therapists and The Feldenkrais Guild of North America, and on the editorial board of several journals. Dr. Elgelid edited “Yoga Therapy: Theory and Practice” and is the co-author of “Yoga for Stress and Anxiety” and “Yoga for Active Adults.” His latest book is “The Feldenkrais Method. Learning Through Movement.”
“Integrative Approaches to Maternal Health” Special Interest Panel
The special interest panel on “Integrative Approaches to Maternal Health” will bring together experts to discuss key issues in maternal healthcare, emphasizing the need for advocacy and education. The discussion will feature Utica University faculty sharing their research and advocacy in the Utica area on addressing community resources and disparities in maternal healthcare; exploration of the relationship between mental health and maternal health, myths, and stress normalization strategies; and outreach efforts, strengthening practitioner-patient relationships, and identifying gaps in maternal healthcare services. Additionally, community resources, including information on doulas and NY IVF services such as acupuncture and yoga, will be shared with the audience.
The discussion will be structured with pre-prepared questions tailored to each panelist’s area of expertise, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
This panel aims to empower attendees with knowledge and strategies to advocate for improved maternal healthcare while fostering meaningful dialogue among professionals, practitioners, and the community.
Mary Siniscarco, M.S., OTR/L
Associate Professor of Health Studies, Utica University
M.S. in Health Education from SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY
B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Utica University, Utica, NY
Mary Siniscarco is an Occupational Therapist with over 34 years of clinical experience, many of which have been within the realm of pediatric care, inclusive of infant/child/family education. Mary greatly appreciates the importance of advocating for all, particularly for those who are marginalized due to racial, ethnic, and economic disparities. Additionally, Mary created the Healthcare Advocacy and Navigation minor at Utica University in addition to the “Educate to Advocate” initiative, whereas the Health Science faculty along with the student body of Utica University, offer a series of free educational forums to address the goal of decreasing maternal and infant mortality by educating birthing people about ways to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. All presentations are based on utilizing a variety of evidence-based resources, specifically addressing the topic of "Urgent Maternal Warning Signs" as per the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM).
Deborah Pollack, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Utica University
M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology & Clinical Psychology (resp.) from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
B.A. in Psychology & Philosophy from St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD
Dr. Deborah Pollack is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Utica University and a licensed clinical psychologist. She also holds faculty, teaching, and clinical supervision appointments at SUNY Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University. In her research and clinical practice she has focused on promoting and developing psychotherapeutic approaches that incorporate techniques from experiential-dynamic therapy to help mothers face and accept maternal ambivalence. Since 2021 she has published three papers demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in individual and group therapy for mothers with postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). Dr. Pollack is currently President of the Central New York Psychological Association, President-Elect of the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association, an Associate Editor of the Journal of Contemporary ISTDP, and on the Board of Directors of the Samaritan Counseling Center of the Mohawk Valley. She is a member of the 2025 class of the American Psychological Association's Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology.
Kaylee Seddio, Ph.D., CFLE, PMH-C
Associate Professor of Psychology, Utica University
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, specialization in Human Development from University of North Texas, Denton, TX
B.A. Psychology - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Dr. Kaylee Seddio is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Utica University. She is a certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) and holds an additional certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). Dr. Seddio’s research in maternal care focuses on early care-giving practices (i.e., breastfeeding, safe sleep with infants), goodness-of-fit’ between infant temperament and maternal characteristics, and maternal mental health. She teaches classes related to developmental psychology, measurement and methodology, and a seminar course on the Psychology of Extremism. Her work has been published in the American Journal of Public Health, Family Relations, and Development and Psychopathology, among others.
Helen Blouet, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology, Utica University
M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
B.A. in Anthropology from The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA
More Information
REGISTRATION
Registration will be open from TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025 to MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025.
Early Bird discount: 20% off from April 1 to May 31 with code EARLYBIRD
The conference fee includes attendance at all conference sessions, conference materials, and CEU certificate. For those attending in-person, the conference fee also includes continental breakfast, lunch, breaks, and reception. For conference registration, please see our registration form.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
- FREE for Utica University current and active faculty, staff, and students
- $100 for Utica University Alumni and any virtual attendees
- $125 for Standard In-Person Registration (June 1 and thereafter)
WHOVA SMARTPHONE APP
Attendees are encouraged to use the Whova app to access conference materials, including agenda, campus maps, presentation rooms, presenter information, etc. You must log into the app and the webpage with the same email address you register with.
In-person attendees should download the Whova app to their mobile devices. For download and user help, click here.
All materials presented at the Integrative Healthcare Conference on September 13, 2025, including all virtual zoom presentations, slides, written and oral presentations, posters, and other materials displayed, shown, or otherwise published during the conference and poster sessions, are protected by copyright and may not be publicly displayed or republished without the express written consent of the presenter/copyright owner.
Photography, video, audio recording, and all other forms of recording of a presentation, or poster are prohibited. In addition, virtual Zoom presentations will not be recorded. Attendees are expected to abide by the request of the presenter or exhibitor as a matter of scientific and professional courtesy.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Requests for refunds must be made on or before September 1, 2025. No refunds will be issued after this date. To request a refund, contact the Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare at (315) 792-3537 or email integrativehealthcare@utica.edu. Utica University reserves the right to cancel this program at any time.
Utica University monitors and follows all public health guidelines relative to the COVID-19 pandemic as they relate to college and university campuses. At this time, Utica University is not requiring masks, nor are we checking the vaccination status of external guests. However, we are a mask-friendly campus and do encourage those that are more comfortable wearing masks to do so. Registered attendees will be notified of the University’s COVID-19 protocol prior to the conference should there be a change in policy.
DIRECTIONS / CAMPUS MAP
Driving directions to Utica University, as well as a detailed campus map and other useful visitor information can be found on our Campus Visit pages.
PARKING
Parking will be available at no charge in Lot A (see campus map). When arriving on campus, please follow campus signage.
Hotel Block
An Institute Conference hotel block is being saved at the Burrstone Inn, located less than two miles from campus, for Friday, September 12, 2025 for $119 per night plus taxes and fees. When booking your stay, please use this link:
Local Hotels and Restaurants
For a convenient list of recommended local establishments in the area, visit our Hotels and Restaurants page:
Conference attire is business casual. Please consider wearing comfortable shoes since concurrent sessions will be located at various locations on campus. Conference attendees may also want to bring a sweater or jacket, as temperatures in conference rooms and auditoriums vary.
I would like to see logins and resources for:
For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.