We Are Going To Be Okay: Reducing Stress Through Radical Acceptance in a Time of COVID

Diane Schlaufman is an Information and Assistance program manager. In addition, she has been a yoga teacher since 2007 and is currently in working towards certification in yoga therapy. Diane became passionate about yoga while juggling work responsibilities along with being a single mother of two boys, one with severe autism. Yoga became her lifeline and enabled her to view her situation from a lens of gratitude and acceptance, rather than a focus on overwhelming challenges and responsibilities. Diane enjoys spending time in nature. You are likely to find her either in the garden or hiking with her dog

Cynthia Balfour is the Manager of Data and Information Systems at Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability in Nashville, Tennessee. She is responsible for aging database that contains data on thousands of consumers served in their thirteen county region. She holds a master's degree in Education and is a licensed trainer of the Chronic Disease Self-Management program. She is married and the mother of four beautiful active children one of which was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. She enjoys quilting and playing games such as Farmville2 and Sudoku in her limited spare time.

Christine Mather is an Aging and Disability counselor for the Greater Nashville Regional Council, Area Agency on Aging and Disability. She has been in I&A services for 5 years. Christine recently completed lay leader training for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. In her theater work, she taught acting exercises designed to reduce tension. As the mother of two teenagers, one with autism, Christine is passionate about stress relief.

Shannon Lewallen is a Nashville native who holds a degree in Commercial Art from Nossi College of Art with over fifteen years of experience in graphic design and print media. She currently serves as Creative Services Manager for the Greater Nashville Regional Council where she leads the creative and marketing efforts for the organization and ensures brand consistency throughout all communications. In 2019, she served a vital role in the rebranding of GNRC. As a result of her leadership and creative vision, GNRC earned several awards for outstanding contributions in the community. When she is not pursuing creative projects for work, she enjoys making art, music, traveling, hiking, photography, and spending time with her family. Having a child on the Autism spectrum has taught her the importance of maintaining balance in an ever changing unpredictable world.