Holistic & Complementary Cancer Care Specialists | Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care

Penny B. Block, Ph.D. (c), Block Center Executive Director/ Director of Integrative Services,

Penny 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 in 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 is currently completing her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago with a research focus in Behavioral Medicine and Psychosocial Oncology. In one-on-one and small group 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, she 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 and in every dimension of their life.

Dr. Ferraresi is a licensed clinical psychologist with a background in health psychology/behavioral medicine. She has worked extensively with patients and their families suffering from chronic and acute physical ailments. She trained alongside medical interns and residents while doing her graduate work and postdoctoral fellowship. Dr. Ferraresi has worked as a staff psychologist for a large hospital in Racine, WI and as the Director of Behavioral Medicine for a multidisciplinary pain center in Libertyville, IL before going into private practice. She draws from a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback in her approach to teaching patients how to cope with cancer and its associated stressors.

Susan Mosher is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of experience counseling families coping with life threatening illnesses. For the last 6 years she facilitated support groups and educational programs for Wellness House, a cancer support program in Hinsdale, IL. In addition to her master’s degree, Susan has completed the two year post graduate certificate program “Families, Illness, and Collaborative Health Care” from The Chicago Center for Family Health, and will finish the certification program in Interactive Guided Imagery from The Academy of Guided Imagery this coming November. Susan knows that cancer affects the whole family as well as the patient, and she offers patients and their loved ones supportive counseling, stress reduction techniques, guided imagery, and other mind/spirit methods for improving the quality of life during cancer.

Sheilla is a Certified Hatha Yoga and QiGong Instructor. She also holds a certification in Adult Fitness from the University of Illinois, Chicago. A member of our team for over five years, Sheilla teaches our Block Be Fit Bio-conditioning exercise classes. She also provides our patients with individual and group sessions in Yoga, QiGong and meditation. Sheilla enjoys sharing her skills and compassion towards enhancing patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual life. Sheilla adjusts and modifies exercises and routines to meet the specific needs of each patient.

Mind-Body Stress Care