Introduction to Grief Support Series | Silent Grievers: Supporting Siblings After Infant Loss Through Honest Communication and Connection

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Silent Grievers: Supporting Siblings After Infant Loss Through Honest Communication and Connection

This webinar is part of an ongoing series that will provide a foundation of introductory information for anyone working with or providing support to children, teens, and families who may be grieving. This series is not progressive; sessions can be viewed in any order.

Siblings of infant loss are often the “forgotten grievers.” While parents receive the focus of support, children frequently navigate their grief in silence. Some spend months joyfully anticipating a new baby, only to have that hope shattered in an instant. Others meet their baby sibling only to say goodbye, while many never meet the baby at all yet still live with the weight of their absence.

This session equips professionals, caregivers, and parents with research-backed strategies to validate and support these siblings while fostering emotional resilience. A key focus will be on the language we use to explain death and how vague statements like “went to sleep” or “we lost the baby” can cause confusion, fear, and mistrust. Participants will gain tools for delivering clear, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate explanations that help children process their grief safely.

The session begins with “Through Their Eyes,” a reflective group activity where participants examine real-world vignettes and step into the perspective of grieving siblings. After exploring evidence-based principles for supporting siblings of infant loss, participants will engage in “Find the Words,” a hands-on exercise to practice reframing confusing or euphemistic statements into language that promotes trust, clarity, and connection.

Attendees will leave with practical tools, including language guides, sibling-support strategies, and memory-making prompts to help families foster open communication and inclusion. This session blends research and real-world application, giving participants confidence and actionable skills to better support siblings affected by infant loss.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the unique grief experiences of siblings after infant loss, including children “born into grief” after a loss.
  • Demonstrate clear, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate language when explaining a sibling’s death.
  • Recognize subtle signs of sibling grief and validate overlooked emotional needs, including shattered anticipation and lack of closure.
  • Create opportunities for siblings to participate in memory-making and ongoing conversations to foster inclusion and resilience.

 

Speaker Bios:

Michelle Cramer is the Founder and Executive Director of On Angels’ Wings, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic photography, grief support, and long-term wellness resources to families navigating infant and child loss or caring for medically fragile children. As an Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, Michelle has spent 18 years supporting grieving families and developing tools to foster healing. Her expertise lies in helping families, caregivers, and professionals validate and include siblings impacted by infant loss while modeling healthy communication and coping strategies.

 

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Talking with Children and Teens about a Death Due to Suicide

This webinar is part of an ongoing series that will provide a foundation of introductory information for anyone working with or providing support to children, teens, and families who may be grieving. This series is not progressive; sessions can be viewed in any order.

How do we best support children and families when someone in their life has died by suicide? Explaining a suicide death to children and teens is often a daunting task for parents and guardians navigating such a profound loss. Well-meaning adults want to protect children from the truth and from the painful emotions such as guilt, shame, and regret that often accompany a suicide death. Yet, avoiding honest conversations can leave children and teens feeling confused and isolated. Parents and guardians may feel overwhelmed as they struggle with their own grief while also trying to decide what to tell their children and how to support them. For caregivers, telling the truth may feel intimidating and provoke anxiety. This workshop will explore the impact of suicide loss on families, including the layers of stigma, silence, and unanswered questions that often surround a death due to suicide. Additionally, we will discuss the unique challenges that families grapple with after a loss to suicide. Participants will receive helpful tips and information about best practices for supporting families, with suggested verbiage and phrases to use when explaining a suicide death to children and teens. This will include examples of what to say and what not to say, as well as helpful responses when children have questions. There will be ample time for discussion in this interactive presentation.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the grief and loss experience of children and teens who have been impacted by the death of someone in their life due to suicide.
  • List practical tips and tools for supporting grieving children and teens affected by a suicide death.
  • Discuss examples of what to say and what not to say as when talking with children and teens about a death due to suicide.
  • Discuss societal stigmas and their impact on bereaved children and teens.

 

Speaker Bios:

Pamela Gabbay, EdD, FT – Dr. Pamela Gabbay is a nationally recognized author and trainer who has served the bereavement field in many capacities during her nearly 30-year career. Dr. Gabbay is part of the Youth Programs team at TAPS – The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and a member of the TAPS Advisory Board, as well as working closely with Coping After Suicide. Additionally, she is a National Trainer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and is the co-author, along with Andy McNiel, of Understanding and Supporting Bereaved Children: A Practical Guide for Professionals. Dr. Gabbay has served in a variety of roles in her career, including being the Director of Operations and Training for The Compassionate Friends, the Director of The Mourning Star Center for Grieving Children, and the Camp Director for Camp Erin-Palm Springs. Additionally, she served as Vice President on the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG). Dr. Gabbay holds a Fellow in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and earned a Master of Arts degree in Cognitive Psychology from Claremont Graduate University. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University/UMass Global.

 

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Create Engaging and Meaningful Activities for Individual and Group Grief Support

The development of activities that effectively address the topic of grief aids in the retainment of grief-related education. The incorporation of activities can enhance the learning, growth, and connection that grief support provides. Participants will learn how to design and implement activities that are both interactive and therapeutic, as well as see examples. In addition, they will better understand the importance of incorporating current interests of youth into the activities for further engagement. Attendees will explore the various types of activities, including physical activities, artistic expression, and mindful practices. Also, participants will learn various ways to measure the effectiveness of their activities in age-appropriate ways. The session will equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to enhance their grief care by incorporating activities into grief support.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Develop interactive activities for children and teenagers that facilitate productive discussion.
  • Identify relevant trends and interests of youth to incorporate into activities and maximize engagement.
  • Create activities that foster expression by incorporating various art mediums and levels of instruction.
  • Apply developmentally appropriate modifications to activities to maximize comprehension and effectiveness.
  • Utilize a variety of activity types to ensure different types of learners are engaged.

 

Speaker Bios:

Laurel Neitling joined the team in July 2023 as the Circles of Hope Program Manager. She previously graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in management, and she graduated with an MBA from Western Governor’s University in 2024. She previously volunteered with New Hope as a support group facilitator. She experienced the loss of her father as a young child, and that led to a passion for helping bereaved families get the support they need. Laurel has presented at numerous Grief Sensitivity Training sessions and the 2024 NACG Grief Conference. Laurel has had the privilege of watching many of our participants grow through their grief journeys, and she is grateful to work alongside such dedicated volunteers and staff members to offer grief support services to the bereaved.

 

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Providing Long Term Grief Support versus Crisis Intervention

This session is designed to discuss immediate grief during a crisis and long-term grief, with a particular emphasis on the transitional aspects of this process. Session attendees will learn how to collaborate effectively with local partners who are able to provide immediate support to children and families in moments of crisis. There will be discussion about the importance of facilitating engagement and ensuring that families are properly guided through the transition to long-term grief care when a crisis first occurs.

The session will explore best practices in collaborating with partner organizations who are equipped to provide immediate crisis interventions, and in turn, how to train these partners to refer to bereavement centers where children and families will receive extended support system that addresses their evolving needs over time. This includes learning about CBC’s “Self Care After Loss” workshops in order for session attendees to be prepared to assist communities after the immediate crisis and support for children, teens, and their families in the long term. The evidence based techniques discussed during the session will help attendees learn how to best guide children and families from crisis to healing, while maintaining emotional and psychological support throughout the journey.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the key characteristics of crisis intervention versus long-term grief support.
  • Explain how to build partnerships with organizations who are able to provide immediate crisis interventions.
  • Summarize the psychological and emotional processes children and teens immediately face in crisis versus overtime in the grieving journey.
  • Name self-care activities which can be practiced with children and teens in the months after a crisis.

 

 

Speaker Bios:

Julissa Reynoso, LMHC, serves as the Director of Programming for the Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC). She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor having received her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. In work with The Children’s Bereavement Center, she oversees the grief support group program and program development. Her trainings and collaboration with local community agencies has expanded grief support in communities of need.  As a licensed therapist, Julissa has worked with youth and adults providing individual, group and family counseling in areas of grief, traumatic loss, and other areas impacting individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Debra Albo-Steiger, LCSW, has 20 years of experience in education, advocacy, and social service administration and is currently the CEO of Children’s Bereavement Center located in Miami, Florida. Debra began her career in Chicago Public Schools as a School Social Worker supporting students largely impacted by gang violence in Spanish-speaking communities. While working at CPS, she implemented both School-Based Program Solving and Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) to help students succeed in school. On a daily basis she provided counseling sessions in individual, group, and family settings. Since returning to Miami-Dade County in 2005, Debra has worked to give a voice to the most vulnerable in our community, namely children, youth, and families experiencing trauma such as the loss of a loved one and/or homelessness. Within the Miami-Dade County Public School system, Debra broadened the scope of services through Project UP-START, the Homeless Education Program. And within the community, Debra helped to create and lead the Miami-Dade County Youth Homeless Initiative, the HOMY Collective (Helping Our Miami-Dade Youth), as well as founded and co-chaired the Youth Homeless Working Group through Miami-Dade County’s Homeless Trust. Along with national partners, Debra has presented to others about the unique and complex challenges faced by homeless children, youth, and families and collaborated with many stakeholders to make systemic changes in order to better serve this population. This includes being a sponsor for the 100-Day Challenge to end youth homelessness in 2018-2019.

 

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Why Evaluation Matters

In this webinar, we will discuss why program evaluation should be considered an essential practice for all childhood bereavement support agencies. If you are new to the field, you will learn about program evaluation in general and more specific applications for the bereavement field. We will also provide examples of how you may be included in the evaluation process, regardless of your role, and describe resources that can support evaluation work.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the purpose of program evaluation.
  • Understand your role in program evaluation.
  • Understand how to continue to grow evaluation.

 

Speaker Bios:

Maria Bartini, PhD, is the Evaluation Manager at Judi’s House/JAG Institute. With a doctoral degree in Life-Span Developmental Psychology from the University of Georgia, she has over 20 years’ experience teaching research methods, statistics, and child development at the college level. In her academic career, she also conducted evaluation research in schools, colleges, and youth sports organizations with the overarching goal of improving the lives of children and adolescents. In addition to heading the organization’s Childhood Bereavement Changemaker Initiative, Maria contributes to the evaluation and research activities at Judi’s House. Her work focuses on building evaluation/data utilization capacity in the field of childhood bereavement and evaluating the impact of Judi’s House services. She can be reached at mariab@judishouse.org.

Madeline (Maddy) Saunders, MS, works as a Research Associate at Judi’s House/JAG Institute. In her role she helps lead the Childhood Bereavement Changemaker expansion, collaborating with organizations across the country to support implementation of data-informed strategies in decision-making, program implementation, and evaluation. Maddy holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology with concentrations in Evaluation Research and Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She can be reached at maddyv@judishouse.org.

Introduction to Grief Support Series | NACG Resources

The NACG has created a diverse set of resources through its dedicated workgroups, designed to provide information and strategies for those supporting grieving children in various roles. These free resources are easily accessible on the NACG website, where they can be shared directly, downloaded, emailed, or printed. In this webinar, we’ll dive into the NACG Resource Hub to explore the tools available and how they can enhance your work with families and communities. NACG staff and members will offer insights into the development process, practical applications, and the wide range of topics covered. Join us to discover how these resources can support your outreach and care efforts.

Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Intermediate – This best describes a topic or issue that the audience likely has a theoretical foundation for understanding and/or a working knowledge.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Navigate various NACG resources on the website.
  • Utilize tools from the NACG Resource Hub in my work.
  • Understand the process of how resources are developed by the NACG.

 

Speaker Bios:

Megan Lopez, MSW, LMSW, joined NACG in 2014 and serves as the National Program Director. Megan has served as a Social Worker and Program Leader throughout her nonprofit career and has provided support to children, teenagers, and families in a variety of settings. Megan is an experienced presenter and trainer using an interactive style in her teaching and facilitating on a variety of topics related to program management, childhood bereavement support, grief in the school setting, and group facilitation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. Megan resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and two children.

Josephine Wheeler Ahart, MA, LPC, joined the NACG team in 2022 as the Marketing and Development Manager. Josephine has vast experience in marketing and communication from various industries, along with experience in counseling and grief work. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Applied Communication and a minor in Event Planning from Kent State University. She then received her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Akron and is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor. Josephine thrives on finding innovative ways to seamlessly bridge and integrate her marketing expertise with the insights gained from her counseling and grief experience. She is involved with Leadership Portage County as a member of their Board of Directors and Cornerstone of Hope Bereavement Center, including as a member of their Crisis Response Team. Josephine resides in Northeast Ohio with her husband and enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, getting creative, and cheering on Cleveland and Ohio sports teams.

 

Continuing Education (CE) Provider Information:

Refund/cancellation policy: If you need to cancel your registration, please contact Megan Lopez at megan.lopez@childrengrieve.org or at (432) 288-4688. Please note that no refunds will be given.

To request accessibility accommodations: The National Alliance for Children’s Grief is committed to providing universal access to all our events. Please contact Megan Lopez at megan.lopez@childrengrieve.org or at (432) 288-4688 to request disability accommodations. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Basics of Leading a Grief Group

This webinar will provide the basic tools to facilitate a grief group for children, teens, and adults. After attending this webinar, participants will be able to feel comfortable facilitating or co-facilitating a grief group. They will be given tools and ways to adapt to a quick-moving group atmosphere.

 

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only. 

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Provide leadership skills in leading a group of grieving children, teens, and/or adults
  • Practice and apply the skills of communication, awareness, and reflection
  • Apply self-care techniques better provide support for themselves to help others
  • Flexibility to adapt to a high-paced group environment

 

Speaker Bios:

Gabby Gauthier, MA, LPC, a licensed professional counselor and program director at the Children’s Grief Center, has been providing grief support for children, teens, and their families for 8 years. She facilitates groups for all ages to help families navigate their grief journey.

Gabby has a passion for encouraging the expression of grief, and teaching others how to feel comfort in the discomfort. She has provided training to volunteers at the grief center, as well as presenting at the National Alliance for Children’s Grief Conference.

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Grief-Tech: The Intersection of Grief and Technology

In today’s digital age, technology is reshaping how we experience and process grief. This webinar introduces new professionals to the evolving landscape of grief-tech, exploring its history, current applications, and future potential. We’ll examine how digital platforms and tools are being used to process and support grief expression and discuss the ethical considerations of using technology in grief support. The webinar will also explore practical ways to incorporate grief-tech into professional practice. We’ll conclude by considering the future of grief-tech, including developments in AI and machine learning for personalized grief support.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only. 

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the evolution of grief-tech and its current applications
  • Identify ethical considerations and best practices for implementing technology-based interventions
  • Explore at least three ways to incorporate grief-tech tools or platforms into your professional practice to enhance bereavement support

 

Speaker Bio:

Melissa Lunardini, PhD, MA, MBA, FT, is the Chief Clinical Officer for Help Texts and CEO of Radical Grief. Melissa has 20 years of experience in program design and development in grief, loss, and trauma for healthcare, academia, for-profit, and non-profit industries. She is an international speaker and trainer. Melissa strives to remain current with trends and research in the industry as a published researcher and peer reviewer.

 

Unique Challenges of Supporting Bereaved Children in Rural America

November 14, 2024 | A free education event honoring Children’s Grief Awareness Month

Rural America is facing a growing mental health crisis—strained resources, rising suicide rates, and an over-reliance on medication. Compounding this is the staggering number of children who are grieving: 1 in 12 will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18. Grief support professionals and bereavement centers in rural areas are working hard to keep up with the need but face unique challenges. We need to find new ways of supporting these communities that are informed of the challenges specific to rural populations. In this session, we’ll examine the intersection of rural mental health and children’s grief, shedding light on the specific barriers these communities face. Join us as we explore innovative strategies to improve support and take a closer look at the impact in your own region.

Presenter:

Dr. Kris Fulkerson is the founder of Coping 4 Kids, started in 2007, and co-founder of the non-profit Coping 4 Life in 2016 – after spending 13 years with a grief center. She has extensive training in grief/trauma, youth mental health needs, suicide prevention, and rural mental health. Kris has presented both nationally and locally, in person and online, including a national webinar on parenting teens during the pandemic through the NACG and most recently to Barry University in Miami on the rural mental health crisis afflicting the United States. Kris volunteers with both Experience Camps and TAPS providing clinical care to grieving children and adolescents around the country. She was honored with a 2011 NASW Social Worker of the Year award, a 2016 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the 2021 Horace Mann Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award by the Illinois Principals Association for her innovative mobile social work programs in rural schools. On a personal level, Kris is a widow raising her nine children with her amazing now husband, Jason, in Southern Illinois. Beyond her calling to help people, Kris kayaks, travels, raises her small army, and is the main blogger on Coping’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Introduction to Grief Support Series | Attachment Theory and the Enduring Impact on Grief

Attachment Theory offers profound insights into how individuals form and maintain emotional bonds, regulate their emotions, and adapt to change throughout their lives. From birth, our attachment style is formed within the context of relationships and influences our sense of self, identity, and values. When experiencing grief and loss, our attachment style directly impacts how we grieve and relate to others. Throughout this presentation we will discuss attachment styles across the lifespan, how those styles can impact grief reactions, attachment theory’s role in healing, and strategies and interventions to navigate grief within the framework of attachment theory.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only. 

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Target Audience: Students, interns, individuals entering the field of childhood bereavement, new staff members, new counselors, group facilitators, volunteers, anyone who wants to invest in their practice.
Instructional Level: Novice – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the four attachment styles and discern the potential difference in grief responses.
  • Identify how attachment styles can be utilized to promote healing.
  • Gain skills in applying attachment theory in therapeutic settings.

 

Speaker Bio:

Jordan Park, LMFT, received her Master’s Degree at Oklahoma State University in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2017. She has served in various roles throughout her 5 years of employment at Calm Waters, and is currently a full-time therapist, seeing individuals, families, and couples who have experienced a death and/or divorce. She is very passionate about healthy relationships and encourages individuals to know they are worthy of love and of being seen, heard, and valued.

Heather Gaglio, LMFT, received her Master’s degree at Oklahoma State University in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2012. She is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an Approved Supervisor through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Heather has over 10 years of clinical experience and has worked in non-profit and private practice settings. Heather has been involved in supporting research in the field of Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs as well. As the current Clinical Director at Calm Waters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Heather oversees a team of therapists and clinical interns who provide over 250 hours of grief counseling to nearly 150 clients each month. She is passionate about increasing access of grief support and educating the community about healthy and helpful ways to support children and families through grief and loss so that no one has to grieve alone.