Between the Folds: Being a Paper Folding Volunteer at Penn Medicine

Posted May 28th, 2020

Jongi-jeobgi, the Korean art of paper folding (often called origami), was introduced to me as a child by my mom. She was a watercolor artist at the time, so naturally she attempted to teach me how to sketch. However, she soon realized that I was more interested in folding the paper in front of me […]

Our Playlist for Support

Posted April 20th, 2020

I studied classical music, and one quote from Beethoven always stands out to me, “Music can change the world.” It is such a simple statement, yet so powerful. How does music have the ability to know exactly how we feel sometimes before we even know what we feel? The power of music has never ceased […]

My Experience as the Music Volunteer at Penn

Posted April 2nd, 2020

From the time I started my graduate degree in Music therapy, I knew I wanted to do work within the medical setting. The very first class I ever took was based on methods in medical music therapy and immediately something clicked for me. I realized I wanted to be the person who brought music to […]

Fern Nibauer-Cohen

The Art of Healing

Posted February 1st, 2016

Close your eyes for a moment and think about a piece of art that calms your mind. Maybe it’s a classic impressionist painting or perhaps it’s a black and white photograph that evokes a pleasant memory. Art takes on many forms and can be extremely therapeutic for cancer patients and their caregivers to engage in […]

Fern Nibauer-Cohen

A Change of Seasons and your Activity Level

Posted May 7th, 2015

As we shift from a cold, dark winter to the bright warmth of spring, you may be seeing a lot of activities taking place all around you. This is the season for 5K runs, bike rides, and fitness challenges, all geared toward the shedding of your winter layers to achieve the goal of having a […]

Fern Nibauer-Cohen

Staying Grounded during the Holidays: Taking Yoga Off of the Mat

Posted November 19th, 2014

When you find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, give yourself the gift of “instant yoga” by practicing these quick and simple techniques.

Fern Nibauer-Cohen

Going on Retreat

Posted March 13th, 2014

A retreat is a time and place set aside for your own self. This is a time for self appreciation, self enjoyment and self respect.

Fern Nibauer-Cohen

Getting Back to the Basics: Yoga for All

Posted February 24th, 2014

There is a tremendous value to incorporating acts of “simplicity” during the course of the day. Many people hear the word “yoga” and shy away from the practice thinking they will be asked to bend and move into complicated shapes that are acrobatic and unnatural.