Annual Health and Wellness Fair and Expo
Dates: October 13-15, 2026
Times: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
About
Integrating health and wellness into our daily routines contributes to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Our Annual Health and Wellness Fair and Expo features three days focused on stress management, prevention, and wellness through workshops, activities and resources.
Workshops are open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members!
The Health and Wellness Fair and Expo is a collaboration between the College of Health and Human Services and the Counseling and Wellness Center at GovState.
Registration Information
Free Kidney & Diabetes Screening!
The Kidney Mobile from the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois will be on campus Oct. 15 from 10am-2pm.
Jewel Osco Vaccination Station
Vaccinations will be offered on campus on October 15 in Engbretson Hall.
Free HIV Testing
Free rapid HIV testing will take place in the Hall of Honors on October 15 from 10am-4pm.
Free Massages
Participants can sign up for free massages on Oct 15 with Chiro One Wellness Centers in Hall of Governors.
Event Schedules and Vendor Lists
The Annual Health & Wellness Fair and Expo will be from Oct 13-15 with each day hosting a unique set of events, workshops, presentations, and vendors that reflect that day's theme.
- Tuesday, October 13: Health Promotion and Stress Management
- Wednesday, October 14: Health Promotion and Prevention
- Thursday, October 15: Health Promotion and Wellness
Use the accordions to view the schedules for each day and read more about the presenters and their workshops below.
Tuesday, October 13
| Workshops | Events |
| 10:00 am – 10:50 am | Test Anxiety Workshop – Sharon Holmes Hall of Honors | |
| 11:00 am –11:50 am | “Finding Balance in a Busy World” Joy Grange, LCPC Hall of Honors | De-stress calming activities (i.e. coloring, calming jar creations, study – CWC Staff Engbretson Hall |
| 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm | Opening Plenary: Thriving Together - Building a Culture of Health and Wellness Dr. Timothy Harrington PhD Dr. Cathy Balthazar, PhD, CCC-SLP Dr. Kim Major-Ford, PsyD, MS, Ed Dr. Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L Hall of Honors | De-stress calming activities (i.e. coloring, calming jar creations, study – CWC Staff Engbretson Hall |
| 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm | Massages – Tina David, Melanie Martell-McCoin: Engbretson Hall
Stretch Lab – Dr. Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L and OT Grad Students Engbretson Hall | De-stress games and music– CWC Staff Engbretson Hall |
| 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm | Massages – Tina David, Melanie Martell-McCoin: Engbretson Hall
Stretch Lab – Dr. Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L and OT Grad Student Engbretson Hall | De-stress games and music– CWC Staff Engbretson Hall |
| 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | “Mindfulness, Stress, and Well-Being” Dr. Tim Pedigo Engbretson Hall | |
| 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm | “Mindful Movement- Tap into Your Body’s Inner Strength” Dr. Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L Engbretson Hall | |
| 5:00 pm – 5:50 pm | Yoga – Julia McDonald, MOT, OTRL Engbretson Hall
|
| Wednesday, October 14 | Workshops | Events |
| 10:00 am – 10:50 am | “Inner Cartographies: Mapping Burden, Identity, and Meaning Through Reflective Experiential Simulation” Dr. Jan Figa, MSLIS, PhD. Engbretson Hall | |
| 11:00 am –11:50 am | "We are what we eat: How food choices inform our health, wealth, and future." Dr. Uday Shinde, PhD, MS Engbretson Hall | |
| 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm | Institutional Wellness Committee Book Club: “The Caring University, by Kevin McClure” Dr. Candace Smith, Ed.D Dr. Laura Honeggar, PhD, LCSW Engbretson Hall | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm | Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Fair Hall of Governors Anew: Building Beyond Violence YWCA Metro Chicago GSU Title IX Office Montrose Behavioral Health Crisis Center South Suburbia Arab American Family Services ICADV Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence Guardian Angel Community Services- Groundwork Vet Center Rosencrance States Attorney Victim Witness Attorney General's Office Ascend Justice Apna Ghar Obsidian Holistic Services, LLC Graceful Growth Cook County Health Mujeres Latinas en Acción Legal Clinic PFLAG: Tinley Park | |
| 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm | Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Fair – Continues: Hall of Governors Domestic Violence Panel Discussion with hors d’oeuvres and dessert Hall of Honors Anew: Building Beyond Violence Crisis Center South Suburbia Arab American Family Services Guardian Angel Community Services- Groundwork Apna Ghar | |
| 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Fair – Continued: Hall of Governors Domestic Violence Panel Discussion – continued: Hall of Honors | |
| 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm | “Being Present: Mindfulness and Compassion, The Art of Communication” Dr. Amy Bala, Ed.D, DPT, WCC, CWS, FACCWS Hall of Honors | Wrap-up of Domestic Violence Awareness Events |
| 5:00 pm – 5:50 pm | OPEN Hall of Honors | Wrap-up of Domestic Violence Awareness Events |
Thursday, October 15 | Workshops | Events |
| 10:00 am – 10:50 am | “Personal Mission, Vision and Purpose Creation” Dr. Cornelius Rogers, MD D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Medulla – Cynthia Rodriguez, Free Massages. Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County: D1497 |
| 11:00 am –11:50 am | Dr. Renee A. Garbe, PhD, LMSW D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo- Continued: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks Continued: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County Continued: D1497 |
| 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm | “Understanding How Our Sensory Systems Impact the Health of Our Mind, Body and Spirit” Jillian Rancatore, DrOT, MOT, OTR/L D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo- Continued: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks Continued: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County Continued: D1497 |
| 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm | “Always Becoming: The Role of Spiritual Formation in Whole-Person Wellbeing” Dustin Hogan, DrOT, MOT, OTR/L D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo- Continued: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks Continued: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County Continued: D1497 |
| 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm | OPEN D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo- Continued: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks Continued: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County Continued: D1497 |
| 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm | OPEN D1496 | Health and Wellness Expo- Continued: Hall of Governors Register for events under "Registration Information" Vaccinations, Kidney Clinic, Health Checks Continued: Engbretson Hall HIV Testing – Will County Continued: D1497 |
| 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm | “Headache: What is it and how do I treat it?” Dr. Scott Getsoian, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT D1496 | Wrap-up of Expo Events |
| 5:00 pm – 5:50 pm | “Brain Health” Dr. Maryleen Jones, PT, DHS, CLT, NCS, CSRS D1496 | Wrap-up of Expo Events |
GovState Welcomes the 26' Presenters
Dr. Scott Getsoian
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, Governors State University
Workshop Description: This workshop will explain the evolution of headache in human society. It will focus on our current understanding of the main headache types and provide general treatment descriptions for them. This workshop is geared toward those who suffer from headaches, have family or friends who have headaches, or want to learn more about the subject.
Speaker Bio: Scott Getsoian is an Associate Professor at Governors State University in the Physical Therapy department. He teaches classes on orthopedics, functional anatomy, medical imaging, and research. His research interests include headache, spinal movement and conditions, and general orthopedics.
Dr. Jan Figa
Dean of the University Library, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Inner Cartographies is an interactive workshop introducing an AI-supported reflective simulation that uses symbolic object selection, contemplative labyrinth journeys, and guided reflection to explore burden, identity, resilience, and meaning. Participants experience practical strategies for fostering mindfulness, reflective practice, and wellness applicable to healthcare, education, and professional development.
Speaker Bio: I grew up in a village of about 700 in Denmark to parents whose educational prospects had been destroyed by WWII. I remember at age eight, after a long day at work, my father coming home and putting old newspapers and magazines on the floor, and the nearby barber gladly paid my father in exchange for tall tales. I would promptly use small scissors to cut out stories and articles and sort them by my own categorization scheme — yes, a strange kid already trying to be a librarian... organizing for relevant retrieval and clearer comprehension. Fast-forward a few years with a few science degrees to come full circle with a degree in librarianship. So, you might say that I have a scientist’s mind and a humanist’s heart. More info at https://www.archium.space
Dr. Dustin Hogan
University Lecturer, Occupational Therapy, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Every day, our habits, routines, relationships, and experiences shape who we're becoming. While our daily choices influence this process, many wisdom traditions suggest that formation is not solely something we do, but also something we receive. This interactive workshop explores spiritual well-being through the lenses of meaning, purpose, vision, and personal formation. Participants will reflect on what is shaping their lives, consider the kind of person they hope to become, and explore how they can more intentionally participate in the ongoing work of becoming.
Speaker Bio: Hi, I'm Dustin Hogan, and I'm looking forward to meeting you in this workshop. As an Occupational Therapist and educator, I've spent years supporting the well-being and growth of others through teaching, mentoring, and exploring questions of meaning and purpose. I believe we're always becoming someone, and that we're better when we create space to reflect on the highest aims of our lives and encourage one another along the way. I'm also a dad of two who enjoys a good book, football, walks, and bike rides with my dog and friends, and a good cup of coffee.
Dr. Frank Czuba
Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Discover the power of mindful movement through a blend of gentle Tai Chi and yoga-inspired practices designed to enhance strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. This interactive workshop introduces accessible movements that promote body awareness, reduce stress, improve posture, and cultivate a deeper mind-body connection. Participants of all experience levels will learn simple techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines to build resilience, increase energy, and support physical and emotional wellness.
Speaker Bio: Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L, is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Governors State University. With more than 25 years of clinical, leadership, and educational experience, he teaches courses focused on clinical reasoning, leadership, rehabilitation practice, and professional development. His professional background includes acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, home health, community practice, and international healthcare experience in Australia. Dr. Czuba's occupational therapy practice currently focuses on integrating health and wellness strategies into daily occupational routines to foster health span and quality of life for everyone.
Dr. Cornelius Rogers, MD
Salaam Community Wellness Center
Workshop Description: This innovative workshop explores the importance of having a personal mission, vision, and purpose in life to be used as a motivator to make good/healthy decisions, particularly concerning the following of preventive health guidelines.
Speaker Bio: Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, where he graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and later attended Northwestern University in Evanston. There, he earned a BA in Chemistry and later graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago, where he also completed his internship and residency. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and practiced as a partner in a medical group for 38 years. His focus has been on preventive care and wellness. He is certified in massage therapy and has integrated Life Coaching into his practice. That practice is currently at the Salaam Community Wellness Center on 67th Street in Chicago, which, incidentally, is directly across the street from the house where he was born.
Dr. Timothy W. Pedigo
Professor Emeritus, Psychology, Governors State University
Workshop Description: In this workshop, we will explore how mindfulness leads to well-being by examining how it can alleviate ill-being stemming from the stress we experience in our minds and bodies. Through several mindfulness practices, including analytic meditation and relational mindfulness, participants will have the opportunity to increase their well-being.
Speaker Bio: Timothy W. Pedigo, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus at GSU, formerly a tenured professor in psychology, teaching and researching in the area of mindfulness, attachment, and self-compassion. He continues to teach mindfulness as an adjunct and provides presentations when requested. He lives with his wife in Flossmoor and leads a free meditation group on Friday mornings and co-teaches a Contemplative Prayer Sunday school, both at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Flossmoor.
Dr. Jillian Rancatore
Alum and Adjunct faculty of Occupational Therapy, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Our senses guide our interaction with our environment, but have you ever considered how they facilitate your ability to participate in your daily life? Join me as we further explore how your sensory preferences promote your understanding of your body, enhance or inhibit your physical and mental health, and advance your ability to connect with your spirituality.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Jillian Rancatore is an Occupational Therapist with over ten years of pediatric experience. After graduating with her Master’s in Occupational Therapy in 2015, Jillian has worked primarily as a School-Based Occupational Therapist in addition to her work as an Early Intervention Therapist. While pursuing her Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree, Jillian began teaching as an Adjunct Professor, which strengthened her passion for educating others, including the future generation of Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Dr. Rancatore’s research focused on exploring coaching strategies to promote sustainable practices, and she is committed to expanding these strategies to facilitate occupational participation and wellness for all individuals effectively.
Joy Grange
Mental Health Clinician with the Counseling and Wellness Center, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Feeling like there’s never enough time to slow down, recharge, or simply breathe? When life gets busy, it’s easy to feel tired, overwhelmed, and disconnected. This interactive workshop explores the impact of stress, common barriers to managing it, and practical strategies for finding greater balance. Participants will learn simple tools to manage stress, reconnect, and create moments of calm—even when life feels hectic.
Speaker Bio: Joy Grange, MA, LCPC is a Mental Health Clinician with the Counseling and Wellness Center at Governors State University. She earned her M.A. in Community Counseling from Governors State University in 2009 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2017. For more than 20 years, Joy has dedicated much of her career to empowering survivors of sexual assault, promoting healing, and addressing gender-based violence. She serves as the Coordinator of Advocating for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP).
Dr. Kim Major-Ford
Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Governors State University
Workshop Description: Dr. Kim Major-Ford will share a few words highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the three-day event and the importance of creating opportunities for our campus community to connect, learn, and engage with practices and resources that support overall health and well-being.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Kim Major-Ford is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Governors State University, where she leads initiatives that support student mental health, well-being, and success. Her work focuses on creating inclusive, accessible care that empowers students to navigate life’s challenges and thrive academically and personally. Specializing in grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions, Dr. Major-Ford brings compassion and expertise to her practice. Through her leadership, she advances a holistic approach to wellness, helping students build resilience, overcome barriers, and achieve their goals.
Dr. Laura Honegger
Assistant Professor of Social Work, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Join colleagues for a thoughtful discussion of The Caring University by Kevin McClure, a timely exploration of how colleges and universities can cultivate healthier, more supportive workplaces. Through engaging conversation and reflection, participants will examine themes of employee well-being, workplace culture, burnout, belonging, leadership, and institutional care. This book club offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share perspectives, and consider practical strategies for fostering a more caring and sustainable academic community.
Speaker Bios: Dr. Laura Honegger is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Governors State University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before entering academia, she spent nearly a decade working in mental health settings with children, adults, and families experiencing a range of behavioral health needs. Her teaching, research, and professional work continue to center on mental health, trauma-informed practice, and the support of individual and community well-being. She is especially interested in practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches that help people strengthen well-being, connection, and resilience.
Dr. Candace Smith
Assistant Professor, College of Education and Human Development, Governors State University
Workshop Description: Join colleagues for a thoughtful discussion of The Caring University by Kevin McClure, a timely exploration of how colleges and universities can cultivate healthier, more supportive workplaces. Through engaging conversation and reflection, participants will examine themes of employee well-being, workplace culture, burnout, belonging, leadership, and institutional care. This book club offers an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share perspectives, and consider practical strategies for fostering a more caring and sustainable academic community.
Speaker Bios: Dr. Candace Smith is a professor at Governors State University with over 20 years of experience in education. Her work focuses on whole child development, community-centered practice, and strengthening connections between schools and families. She co-hosts Second Look Education, a podcast exploring the realities of teaching and learning.
More coming soon!
Volunteers Needed!
Interested in volunteering? Contact us!
Vendors and Exhibitors
Interested in being a presenter or vendor? Click below for more information and steps for registration.
Get Involved
Join Our Wellness Book Club!
Interested in being a part of the Wellness book club? Click below for more information.
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Contact Us
Dr. Frank Czuba, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy
- College of Health and Human Services
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- fczuba@govst.edu