Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center – Mental Health

11/01/2025

🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert!

Tune in to the latest episode, Mammograms: Myths, Misunderstandings & Must-Knows, Nimeet and guest host Tina sit down with Dr. Nikki Tirada, Director of Women’s Imaging at Adventist HealthCare. Together, they unpack common myths and expert insights to help you understand what to expect during your mammogram - so you can feel confident, informed and empowered about your breast health.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/4njbYlT

10/31/2025

From volunteering in the Labor & Delivery unit at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center to pursuing a career in dentistry, Amy’s story is one of compassion, curiosity, and commitment to helping others.

Over the years, Amy has dedicated more than 234 volunteer hours—building connections with patients, supporting nurses, and learning what it means to care for people during life’s most important moments. Those experiences inspired her to take the next step toward becoming a dentist, with hopes to one day serve communities around the world.

“I love the patient interactions and being able to see how the smallest act of kindness can make someone’s day better,” Amy shares.

Her story reminds us that volunteering isn’t just about giving your time—it’s about discovering your purpose.

https://bit.ly/474TwaF

10/31/2025

Don't ghost your breast health! One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime - even without a family history. Take our breast cancer screening assessment to learn your risk for breast cancer and know what screening actions you should take. Plus, be entered to WIN a spa gift package for two! https://bit.ly/4eNeSf3

10/30/2025

Did you know that genetic testing can help identify your risk for breast cancer – even beyond family history? In this episode of the “Adventist HealthCare & You” podcast, Dr. Courtney Ackerman, MD, medical oncologist and genetic specialist with Maryland Oncology Hematology at the White Oak Cancer Center and Shannon O’Connor, MD, medical oncologist and genetic specialist with Maryland Oncology Hematology at the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center, break down what genetic screening means, who should consider it and how Adventist HealthCare is making this resource accessible to our community. Tune in to learn more: https://bit.ly/4aRujBq

10/30/2025

Sorting fact from fiction shouldn’t be the hardest part of your breast cancer journey. Whether you're navigating routine screenings or facing a new diagnosis, reliable information is key. Dr. Shannon O'Connor, medical oncologist, at the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center breaks down some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to breast cancer.

10/30/2025

Last week, experts from Adventist HealthCare and Maryland Oncology Hematology came together at our Breast Cancer Symposium to share the latest advances in diagnosis, management and treatment.

Topics ranged from breast imaging and pathology to breast surgical reconstruction, genomics, genetics, medical oncology and radiation oncology skin changes.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Laurie Herscher, explored how integrative medicine can benefit breast cancer patients and those at a higher risk.

A heartfelt thank you to those who attended and to our speakers for helping referring physicians better understand approaches to breast cancer care. Together, we are making a difference in patients’ lives.

Dr. Kashif Firozvi, Dr. Nikki Tirada, Dr. Cynthia Plate, Dr. Surupa Sen Gupta, Dr. Courtney Ackerman, Dr. Christopher Fleury, Dr. Beltaifa, Dr. Denise Gooch and Dr. John Wallmark.

10/28/2025

Time is running out for your chance to enter to win a spa gift package for two! All you have to do is learn your risk for breast cancer. It takes less than five minutes, and you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about your health. Don't miss out! https://bit.ly/4eNeSf3

10/24/2025

Why do we walk? Earlier this month, Tiffany H., assistant vice president of cancer services, took to the street at the Susan G. Komen DMV Tri-State MORE THAN PINK Walk to catch up with some inspiring people. Hear the powerful stories of survivors, family members and supporters and what motivates them to walk toward a future without breast cancer. 🩷

We'd love to hear your reason. Drop it in the comments below!

10/24/2025

Meet Thant, one of our 2025 Junior Volunteer Scholarship recipients at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

Born in Myanmar, Thant’s early experiences shaped his deep commitment to helping others. As a volunteer, he’s given 179 hours of service in Guest & Visitor Services — greeting patients and families with compassion every Sunday morning.

His passion for service continues beyond the hospital walls, volunteering at a local homeless shelter and studying biochemistry at the University of Maryland to become a physician assistant.

We’re proud to celebrate Thant’s journey and the many volunteers like him who bring heart and hope to our mission.

https://bit.ly/4oe0iC2

10/24/2025

For today's series, we're back with Dr. Daisy Lazarous, a cardiologist and director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Program at Adventist HealthCare, and she's here to set the record straight! We asked her, what is a common myth or misconception you hear from your patients? Watch this video to learn more!

Interested in learning more about women's heart health and our special women's heart health program? Learn more at https://bit.ly/3J37j9U

Don't forget, if you have your own heart health question drop it in the comments below or DM us!

10/23/2025

There are a lot of myths surrounding breast cancer and we're setting the record straight. Dr. Courtney Ackerman, medical oncologist at White Oak Cancer Center, joined Jerry and Summer on WGTS 91.9 to debunk some come common breast cancer myths, encourage women to have annual mammograms and how to lower your risk for breast cancer. Tune in today!

10/23/2025

Meet Jordyn! As the Lead Teacher at the Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness, Jordyn brings patience, empathy, and a deep passion for helping young children grow. Every day, she works with 3 to 5 year olds, guiding them through big emotions and helping them develop the skills they need to thrive — inside and outside the classroom.

Jordyn believes that every behavior tells a story, and she’s dedicated to understanding rather than labeling — creating a space where every child feels seen, supported, and loved.

Discover how Jordyn and her team are shaping brighter futures, one child at a time, in this inspiring feature.

https://t.co/gMAUi4Gj2O

10/15/2025

Join our free six-week mindfulness skills workshop series and learn practical ways to manage stress and anxiety. Each session introduces a new technique and offers space to reflect, share and grow. Register here: https://bit.ly/4nIohZZ

10/10/2025

🧠💚 This World Mental Health Day, team members from our Mental Health Services are sharing an important reminder. Whether it’s you or someone you love who’s struggling, we’re here for you. You’re not alone. https://bit.ly/3Lo8VqA

09/03/2025

Everyone can be a life saver.🛟 Join our community partner EveryMind. for a free webinar and learn how the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline supports mental health with 24/7 counseling, local resources and emergency coordination. Register here: https://bit.ly/3I5ERDD

09/03/2025

💙 You’re not alone. The mental health services team at Shady Grove Medical Center stands with anyone going through tough times. If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, help is just a call or text away. Reach out to the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by dialing 988. ***dePreventionMonth

07/30/2025

Mental health matters. Every community deserves support, healing and understanding but too often, stigma keeps important conversations in the shadows.

In the African American community, this silence is amplified by systemic bias, cultural barriers and decades of underrepresentation in mental health care. It's time to break the cycle.

Let’s shift the narrative. Normalize speaking up. Celebrate seeking help. And amplify resources that empower and educate.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/44YkrFv

07/24/2025

Worried about substance use for yourself or someone you care about? You’re not alone, and help is here.

Recognizing the signs early is a powerful first step toward healing. Take our free, confidential online risk assessment to better understand what you're experiencing and explore your options.

💙 No Judgement. Just support.
👉 https://bit.ly/4o5q9ww

06/13/2025

A lush garden at our assisted living center, The Manor, provides nourishment, a sense of community and purpose for residents. By leaning into his green thumb, the center's supervisor has created a spot with therapeutic and nutritional benefits to the adults with chronic and severe mental illness who call The Manor home. 🌿🍅💐 Read more: https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/living-well/manor-garden/

05/14/2025

You are never alone. If you or someone you love is struggling, help is just a call, text, or chat away. Dial 988 to connect with compassionate, 24/7 support through the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out online at www.988LifeLine.org. No matter what you’re facing, you deserve help and hope. 💚

05/05/2025

Every step we take helps break down stigma and build up support for those affected by mental illness. Shady Grove Medical Center was delighted to sponsor this weekend's NAMIWalks Montgomery County event at Rio. Participants (and some cute puppies) walked for their loved ones, our patients, caregivers and so everyone knows it's OK to not be OK -- and there's a community to help.

04/23/2025

We're recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month by shining a light on our Substance Use treatment program, part of our mental health services. Clinical manager Nancy Montier and therapist Kelly Tuckwaite joined the Adventist HealthCare & You podcast to explore this impactful program and how they provide support to address substance use challenges. Discover more about their work and resources available to help: https://bit.ly/4lABkvT

Team members from the Chemical Dependency program, Nancy and Kelly, join Shanna and Nimeet to discuss the services and treatment they provide for patients entering the program.

04/19/2025

Our Behavioral Health courtyard's cherry blossoms are in bloom! 🌸 If you need a little mood boost, a walk under spring's flowering trees might be in order. A 2022 study found looking at flowers can reduce negative emotion, lower blood pressure and provide a distraction from stress. 🌷 Beautification of this space was made possible by donations to our hospital. Giving can also boost your mood:
https://www.adventisthealthcare.com/give/

04/17/2025

A group of our physicians have just returned from a mission trip to Honduras, where they provided life-changing care to underserved communities. Physicians including Drs. Pauliukonis, Lukula, Brodsky, Chester, and Bianchi completed nearly 76 surgeries, provided primary care, and educated local physicians. Shady Grove Medical Center and US Anesthesia Partners donated medications and supplies to the team. Their work is a powerful reminder of the compassion and dedication that defines Shady Grove's medical staff both inside and outside our hospital's walls.