The Block Center Complementary Care Specialists
Mind-Body Stress Care
Penny B. Block, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Block Center and Director of Integrative Services
Penny B. Block is a leading authority in designing, implementing and evaluating complementary care programs in a medical and hospital setting. For almost 30 years as an educator, author and lecturer on integrative medical treatment, she has presented seminars on complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) in lay and scientific conferences and teaches in university settings. A graduate of Cornell University with a Masters from Northwestern University, Ms. Block completed her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago with a research focus in Behavioral Medicine and Psychosocial Oncology. In one-on-one and small groups counseling, she is guided by her keen understanding of the unique challenges that cancer and the recovery process present to all patients. Respecting each patient’s need to feel better informed and empowered for health recovery, Ms. Block designs full integrative strategies and individualized programs using approaches such as cognitive-behavioral and logo therapies along with meditative and relaxation practices. Working in partnership with patients, her ultimate aim is to help each person identify and marshal their own inner resources for optimizing vitality and health – in its broadest sense in every dimension of their life.
Laurette Ferraresi, Ph.D.
Dr. Ferraresi is a licensed clinical psychologist trained in the Block approach with a background in health psychology-behavioral medicine. For ten years she has worked extensively with patients --- and their families --- who suffer from chronic and acute physical ailments. She trained alongside medical interns and residents while doing her graduate work and postdoctoral fellowship at Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Ferraresi has worked as a hospital staff psychologist in Racine, Wisconsin, and as Director of Behavioral Medicine for a multidisciplinary pain center in Libertyville, Illinois, prior to going into private practice. She incorporates cognitive- behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques to the Block approach and teaches Block Center patients how to cope with cancer and its associated stressors.
Scott Thompson, M.S.W, L.C.S.W.
Scott is a licensed clinical social worker trained in the Block approach with fifteen years therapeutic experience working in a variety of settings, including employee assistance, corporate human resources and health, hospital based care, outpatient care, and adolescent residential treatment. During his career, he has devoted considerable time studying and practicing mind-spirit disciplines aimed at increasing well-being and quality of life. This has included intensive therapeutic, meditation, and yoga training drawing on a variety of approaches all of which he incorporates into the Block approach. Scott received his Bachelor Degree in Chemistry from North Park University and his Masters in Social Work from Loyola University, both in Chicago. He completed advanced coursework in biochemistry and genetics and worked for five years in health and safety research for a large Midwest pharmaceutical firm.
Sheilla Shanes, B.A., Instructor of Asian Fitness Systems
Sheilla is a Certified Hatha Yoga and QiGong Instructor trained in the Block approach. She also holds a certification in Adult Fitness from the University of Illinois, Chicago. A member of the Block Center since 1997, she teaches Be-Fit Bio-conditioning exercise classes, as well as provides patients with individual and group sessions in Yoga, QiGong and meditation, adjusting and modifying exercises and routines to meet the specific needs of each patient.
