Sleep is a powerful but often overlooked foundation of health. Poor sleep is linked to chronic disease, mental health challenges, and reduced quality of life, yet many people lack access to clear, trustworthy sleep education.

Sleep disruptions disproportionately affect historically under-resourced communities due to shift work, stress, and caregiving demands. Sleep and Health Across the Lifespan addresses this gap by bringing evidence-based sleep science directly to the community through an accessible, practical workshop series.

By partnering with the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sleep and Circadian Science, CWI empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to improve sleep, support mental well-being, and strengthen long-term health at every stage of life.

Our Featured Speakers:

Marquis Hawkins, PhD, University of Pittsburgh - School of Public Health, Assistant Professor, Faculty in Epidemiology

Dr. Marquis S. Hawkins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Biological & Health Program at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a behavioral epidemiologist whose work focuses on improving maternal health during and after pregnancy. His research examines how sleep and sleep-related behaviors (e.g., diet and physical activity) interact to influence cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health outcomes across the perinatal period. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions to optimize health trajectories of mothers and their families across generations.

Rachel Kolko Conlon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh - School of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Rachel Kolko Conlon, PhD, is a psychologist practicing at UPMC Western Behavioral Health Center for Eating Disorders. She received her bachelor's degree from Brown University and her master's degree and doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis.

Also Presenting:

Christopher Howard, MS

Chris received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from The University of Pittsburgh and his master's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as an Exercise Physiologist.

Sleep and Health Across the Lifespan

Session #2 Stress, Relaxation, and Sleep: Calming Your Mind for Better Rest