Da’Vie Guzman, MA

Responsibilities

As the inaugural program coordinator for the Simms Mann Center for Integrative Oncology, I am responsible for developing onsite and virtual programming that supports the psychosocial well-being of our patients and their loved ones as needed. Aside from connecting with patients who visit the studio, I work closely with the center director, clinical director, and other staff members to ensure that the programs we offer meet the needs of our patients and donors and reflect our model of culturally congruent care. I am passionate about the connection of our mind, body, and spirit to support our path to healing. I am grateful to have the opportunity to offer support, care, and compassion to the Simms Mann Center community navigating their cancer experience.

Training and Professional Experience

My academic journey began in 2015 at Mt. San Jacinto Jr. College where I received two Associate’s degrees in Arts and Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences. In 2017, I attended California State University San Marcos where I obtained my Bachelor’s in Sociology. Through my experiences at CSUSM, I quickly became interested in studying mental health for marginalized populations. In 2020, I received my RYT 200 (Registered Yoga Teacher Training) to begin teaching Hot Vinyasa Yoga. In 2023, I received my M.A. from San Diego State University in Women’s Studies. My graduate studies centered on how Black women have used cultural mindfulness practices to heal themselves as a response to repeated exposure to discrimination. I also worked as a graduate assistant at SDSU’s Women’s Resource Center, which enabled me to gain program coordinating experience facilitating healing circles for Black women.

Upon graduation, I began working at California State University Los Angeles, where I had the privilege of creating culturally relevant and educational programming centered on wellness and healing for the Pan-African diaspora. Through these experiences, I am able to combine my passion for social justice and healing through mindfulness practices. I am looking forward to building on my experiences and learning more through my role at the Simms Mann Center!

Selected Professional Publications

Guzman D. Enacting Black Girl Magic: Strategies for Self-Care and Feminist Development. [Order No. 30632489]. San Diego State University; 2023.

Personal Interests

I have a wide range of interests and creative hobbies that I frequently partake in. I love to connect with nature by spending time outdoors visiting the beach, going on hikes, and sunbathing/moongazing. I enjoy roller skating, teaching and taking yoga classes, and dancing to my favorite songs. I also like to crochet, go to concerts, eat delicious meals, write poetry, study astrology and tarot, and spend time with my loved ones.