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Michelle Ogle joins Cancer Support Community as program director 

As program director, Ogle will work directly with the medical community and patients

Michelle Ogle, LMFT, The Cancer Support Community, California Central Coast

Michelle Ogle is the new Program Director for The Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast.

The Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast welcomed licensed marriage and family therapist Michelle Ogle earlier this month as the program director of the local nonprofit that serves cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with a range of services free of charge. Ogle will work directly with the medical community and patient populations as the community liaison and help create strategic planning in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties with community partners.

“I’m delighted to have someone with Michelle’s professional training and experience, including her most recent experience of being a cancer survivor,” said CSC Executive Director Christie Kelly. “She will bring a fresh perspective of integrative psychological and social support to our team.”

A licensed marriage and family therapist with more than a decade of experience, Ogle has managed her private practice in Grover Beach for the past six years. She has developed programs and presented seminars addressing various mental health topics and has led various support groups.

“I am both honored and excited to work with the Cancer Support Community and the patients we serve,” said Ogle, “and bring my unique experience to the existing programming that supports our cancer community.”

Along with the knowledge she has gained working as a therapist, Ogle’s personal journey with cancer will serve as a bridge to those seeking services at CSC. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2014, Ogle said her “world changed.” During her journey, which included surgery and radiation therapy, she found and understood the value of a community of support.

This type of support, she said, is keeping with the mission of the Cancer Support Community that no one should face cancer alone. Now cancer-free, she said her experience with being diagnosed, seeking treatment, and navigating the medical community gave her new insight into “the world of cancer” – something she feels it will help in her new role.

“After experiencing cancer, I know how valuable it is to remain in the moment and appreciate the little things in life as well as have a support team to navigate obstacles in cancer care,” she said. “This is just perfect timing for me professionally. I am eager to meet our patients, medical advisory board and community partners.

The Cancer Support Community values an integrative way of healing. Evidenced-based research, Ogle shared, shows that healing and well-being can be directly correlated to the level of support one has around them.

“Oftentimes, when first diagnosed, people may find themselves in a fog or they may not be able to tap into their feelings or emotions about all that is coming their way,” said Ogle. “An in-person group or peer supportive experience is powerful in the healing and walking through difficult situations in life.”

In her spare time, Ogle enjoys cycling and exploring the Central Coast with her husband.

More about The Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast provides ongoing education, navigation, counseling and support to the community at large including at-risk populations. Part of an international program, the local office is based in Paso Robles and helps to provide educational opportunities for the medical community with cancer specific programs, forums and awareness campaigns throughout San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties. All services are provided free of charge.

The CSC mission is to help those affected by cancer and their loved ones enhance their health and well-being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education in order to learn vital skills that will enable them regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of disease. Most importantly, The Cancer Support Community – California Central Coast provides a home-like setting for people fighting cancer to connect with and learn from each other. For more information, see www.twcccc.org, call (805) 238-4411, or stop by 614 13th Street in Paso Robles.

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About the author: Reporter Meagan Friberg

Meagan Friberg is a reporter for the Paso Robles Daily News and A-Town Daily News.