Webinar: Counseling Bereaved Teens - Bridging the Communication Gap

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, including working very closely with bereaved children, teens, and adults. She was born on an Army post in Germany and spent her childhood living on military installations, as her father was career Army. Her sister also proudly served in the United States Army. Pamela 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. As part of the training corps of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Dr. Gabbay travels throughout the country conducting trainings on their behalf. 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. Dr. Gabbay holds a Fellow in Thanatology (FT) 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. Dr. Gabbay is a member of the TAPS Advisory Board.

Andy McNiel, MA

Andy McNiel is the Senior Advisor of Youth Programs for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). He is an author and trainer on topics related to grief, bereavement, and end-of-life. Andy has been an advocate for healthy children, teenagers, and families throughout his career. He brings his dedication and expertise to TAPS, where he oversees, develops, and facilitates programming for young military survivors. He is co-founder and an executive partner of The Satori Group, LLC, a national education, management, and consulting company focused on grief and loss. He is the former CEO of The National Alliance for Grieving Children, Executive Director of The Amelia Center at Children's of Alabama, and Director of Counseling Services for Hospice of Martin and St. Lucie (now Treasure Health) in South Florida. Andy is a trainer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; a co-author of Supporting and Understanding Bereaved Children: A Practical Guide for Professionals; and he previously served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). Andy holds an M.A. in counseling and a B.A. in religion.

Tina Barrett, EdD, LCPC

Dr. Barrett is Founder and Executive Director of Tamarack Grief Resource Center. Dr. Barrett specializes in companioning, stabilizing, and strengthening families following tragedy. Tina weaves stories and lessons from 25+ years of experience with grief programs, schools, hospitals, private practice, group homes, treatment centers, and nonprofits into her workshops. She serves on the Leadership Team for Project Tomorrow Montana, on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG), and on the Advisory Board for TAPS. Tina received the Community Educator Award from Association for Death Educators and Counselors (ADEC) in 2019.