1. Please introduce yourself! What are your pronouns? Where are you located? And what do you do here at Cactus Cancer?
Well, hello there! My name is Lauren, affectionately known as “Programs Lauren” here at Cactus Cancer Society. My pronouns are she/her. I am a young adult cancer survivor of Hodgkin Lymphoma, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and an active duty military spouse! I currently live in North Carolina, but I’m actually moving back to my home state, California, at the moment (shout out to the West Coast – Best Coast!). I am the newly appointed Senior Program Coordinator here at Cactus Cancer Society. I help grease the wheels, so to speak, so that programs run smoothly for our community. I will be assisting the programs team to facilitate, deliver, and develop programs for our YA cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and cosurvivors! I also own a small private practice, providing psychotherapy to folx navigating oncology and chronic illness.
2. How did you first learn about Cactus Cancer Society?
I first learned about Cactus Cancer Society online while I was in active treatment. I initially discovered some of their art programs through Instagram and attended drop-in programs with Christina and Stephen a few times. When I attended my first Cancercon in 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a live art workshop with Mallory and Aerial, where we broke pots and then glued and painted them onto a canvas. I vividly remember doing mine in the kintsugi style. I fell in love with the work that Cactus Cancer does, and when I saw that Cactus Cancer was hiring, I jumped at the opportunity to join such a wonderful nonprofit whose values deeply align with my own!
3. What are you most looking forward to about this position?
I think I am most excited about leading programs and making an impact on the YA cancer community through shared community building! I am deeply passionate about community building, not just as a clinical social worker, but as someone who has seen firsthand how vital connection is to survival and healing. From my own lived experience, I know the difference it makes to feel held by others in moments of grief, uncertainty, and pain. I own and operate a small private practice providing specialized trauma and grief therapy to oncology and chronic illness folks as well. That background has taught me that having a strong community isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a protective factor against isolation, burnout, and mental health exacerbation. I hope that as I continue to learn from the excellent team here at Cactus Cancer, I can help support the mission through continued grassroots community-building work, resilience-building initiatives, and possibly even develop one or two programs. (I love group work!!)
4. What is your favorite program you’ve attended so far?
Honestly, I’ve taken something from almost every program I’ve attended with Cactus Cancer, but I think some of my favorites are the ones offered by Jean Rowe. I’ve attended one multi-week journaling program and a few of her drop-in offerings, such as the 30 Minute Tune-Up, and I absolutely love the space she helps nurture and create. I love to write, especially poetry, and Jean’s programs always help get my creative brain running. I hope to continue attending more events and, one day, take some of my work to local poetry slams in my new hometown, San Diego.
5. We’ve heard you have some pets at home. Please tell us about them!
Oh, my favorite topic, my fur-babies! I have two dogs who are the absolute joys of my life. My soul dog, Rocky, is a nine-year-old terrier-boxer mix. Rocky is my emotional support animal without ever having any training; he naturally provides deep pressure therapy by lying on my chest when I am upset or when I am experiencing a flare of my chronic pain disorder. He is deeply in tune with my emotional world in a way that truly helped me get through chemotherapy. He has taught me a lot about what it means to be truly present with someone while they are in pain. Rocky is a fiend for all things chicken, adores fetch with tennis balls, and is hands down the best cuddler in our home.
My baby girl and the newest addition to my family is my almost two-year-old black lab, Luna (as in Luna Lovegood). Luna was a gift that my husband got me after I finished treatment and was officially declared NED. Luna is still very much a puppy, and I am enjoying learning about her personality, watching her grow, and training her. Luna gives the softest kisses and is definitely similar to me in a lot of ways: she enjoys lying across pillows (vibes), loves to explore the outdoors, and can be a lil’ bit sassy! Luna helps me slow down during my workday, and I appreciate that about her so much.
6. If you have a day that’s totally free on your calendar, what’s your ideal way to spend it?
Oh, I love this question! Depending on my social energy level, I’d probably choose to spend it with friends or family. Being a military spouse has given me many gifts, but one complex area is that I often live very far away from some of my favorite people. Because I’m moving back to the state I grew up in, I could see myself picking up two of my best friends or my mom and going for a drive along the beach. One of my favorite places in the world is Torrey Pines Beach in San Diego. I’d want to take a walk and watch people on the glider port in the early morning with an iced coffee in hand, accompanied by my friend(s)/mom. Afterwards, I’d want to grab lunch somewhere I’ve never been–preferably something with seafood! After lunch, I’d probably want some downtime on my own and head home to read a fantasy book, do some art (acrylics preferably), or play with my pups. In the evening, I’d want to spend time cooking dinner at home with my husband. I’d end the night with a bath and some deep self-care, including face masks, Epsom salts, candles, and relaxing music.
7. Tell us about the last TV show, movie, or book series that you loved.
Recently, I’ve been watching Orphan Black, and I’m addicted. I love how it explores identity, morality, and autonomy. Watching one actress bring so many characters and perspectives to life makes me think a lot about the different “selves” we all carry and how the context of our environment shapes who we are. Outside of that Netflix binge, I’ve been wanting to jump on a trend I’ve been seeing on social media–creating your own curriculum! I love to learn and really enjoyed being a student during my time in college. I miss having opportunities to deepen my curiosity and follow a structured curriculum.
Here’s what I’m thinking for my October curriculum: a balance of creativity, spooky nostalgia, and redecorating in my new home. My reading list is simple but intentional: The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron to guide me through morning pages and creative rituals, and Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur to strengthen my financial confidence. On screen, I’ll mix learning and nostalgia with TED Talks like Emily Esfahani Smith’s There’s More to Life Than Being Happy and Hayley Levitt’s Who Decides What Art Means?, alongside seasonal favorites like Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, and The Craft. To feed my interest in a few side quests, I’ll be leaning on YouTube: Proko for art tutorials, Knees Over Toes Guy for mobility work, and Design with Canva for digital design tricks. My primary “hands-on activity” will be remodeling my new space by teaching myself how to resurface and paint cabinets, install backsplash, and thrift my way into a curated, cozy home.
8. What is your secret talent? It can be anything – a magic trick, always finding the best parking spot, or something else entirely.
My secret talent is turning whatever’s in the fridge into a full meal. It’s basically my own version of Chopped with less pressure, more butter, and no judges (okay, maybe my husband would be the judge!) I love the art of cooking, and throwing odds and ends together feels a bit like painting for me. I get to listen to the nuances of the flavors and follow their story. I’m also a total sucker for competition cooking shows, especially Top Chef or Chopped, so it feels like I get to play in that world a little bit! But for me, food is more than just cooking; it’s how I connect with others. I grew up in the kitchen with my dad making soups, stews, or meatloaves. Making meals has always been a language of love in my family, and we have big traditions on the types of foods we make around the holidays. Cooking is how I show up for the people I care about, and I love that it’s a way to share culture, companionship, and comfort.
9. What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten came from my mom when I was a teen. At the time, I was on the school newspaper and struggled to juggle that responsibility with school, part-time work, and socializing. My mom told me that nothing is worth the expense of my mental health, and if something costs me my sanity, it’s too expensive. At the time, it felt almost too simple, but it’s something that has stayed with me and continues to prove true, no matter the season of my life. That advice helps me recognize when I’m drifting toward burnout and reminds me to realign with what matters most. I’ve learned that joy isn’t optional in my life; it’s something I need to actively schedule, especially during challenging seasons like treatment or the uncertainty of frequent military moves. Making space for joy keeps me steady and reminds me that my mental health has to come first if I want to show up fully for others, whether that’s in my work as a therapist or in the nonprofit world. Protecting my well-being isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation that allows me to keep doing the work and living the life I care about.
10. Finally, shamelessly brag about one thing you’re really proud of!
I’m deeply proud of my education and background in social work. As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to earn a master’s degree, I view education as a privilege that has opened many doors and shaped the way I navigate the world. My education and training provided me with more than just credentials. They gave me a sense of community, perspective, and the opportunity to align my work with my values. Along the way, I made lifelong friends, found my academic footing, and learned what it means to create a positive impact in both big and small ways.
One of my proudest moments was being invited to serve as the keynote speaker at my undergraduate graduation, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services. I delivered a speech to thousands of graduates and their families. That experience showed me the power of using my voice and the responsibility that comes with representing my peers. Later, in graduate school, I poured myself into my capstone research, an area I once found intimidating because math is not my strong suit, and was honored with the Outstanding Research award among my Master of Social Work cohort. Both experiences reminded me that persistence and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone can lead to real recognition and growth.
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