Breathe, Bloom & Belong: A Caregiver Appreciation Event

About:  The day will start with a resource fair and refreshments where you can mingle and learn more about local Dane County resources. You will have several time options to choose from for a guided tour of the outdoor gardens (before or after speakers). At 1:45 PM we will give the official welome announcement, followed by a keynote presentation from Kristy Kuecken (She/Her/Hers) MA, SAC, RYT200, SEP-IT, Certified TRE Provider regarding: “The Gift of Receiving.”

 Kristy Kuecken is a somatic practitioner and addiction counselor with over 15 years of experience in the fields of mental health, addiction, and trauma. With a strong foundation in psychology and nervous system physiology, she brings a deep understanding of the mind-body connection to her work. Kristy’s approach is holistic and compassionate, integrating movement, somatic understanding, and therapeutic insight to support healing and personal growth. 

Her passion for the healing journey is matched by her commitment to lifelong learning. Driven by an endless curiosity about what it means to be human, Kristy continually explores new modalities and perspectives to enrich her practice. She is committed to creating a safe and empowering space for transformation. 

Contact her at: mindbodemotion@gmail.com 

Keynote: Caregivers are often skilled at giving—offering compassion, presence, protection, and support to others; yet many find it difficult to receive help, rest, appreciation, or care for themselves. Over time, this imbalance can contribute to chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and disconnection from the body's innate wisdom.

Together, we will explore receiving as a vital practice for sustainable caregiving through the lens of somatics, nervous system regulation, and co-regulation. Participants will learn to notice their body's signals of safety, activation, and ease, while developing greater awareness of how receiving support can foster resilience and well-being.

Through guided somatic practices, mindful reflection, gentle movement, breath awareness, and partner exercises, participants will experience how their body responds to both giving and receiving. We will investigate the power of co-regulation—the ways our nervous systems are supported by our environment and one another through attuned presence, compassionate listening, and authentic connection. The workshop may include opportunities for optional, consent-based touch exercises designed to help participants experience receiving support in a safe, respectful, and embodied way. Every touch practice is invitational, with alternative non-touch options available, ensuring that each participant can engage in ways that honor their comfort, autonomy, and boundaries.

After the keynote, we will have a small break. We will then have a session that focuses on the arts, conducted by Arts for All. Finally, the day will conclude with a local musical group, where all attendees (respite included) will be invited to enjoy and sing along.  

Respite will be available in the upstairs meeting room at Olbrich from 1:30-4:30 p.m. There will be professional caregivers, in addition to activity groups led by Occupational Therapy Assistant students from Madison College. There is an elevator to get to the 2nd floor, and bathrooms close by. Please note, if you opt in for a garden tour, which are outside of the 1:30-4:30 provided respite hours, you will be expected to bring your loved one along for the tour. 

What to know/bring: Half day session. Respite care is available based on need and with a prior registration for services.  This is a complimentary event, but preregistration is required.  Please contact Kayla Olson at (608)240-7400 for more information, or register online by clicking this link: https://countyofdane.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YV398wAkVoyMn4.