We have a variety of sessions available throughout the weekend. Our workshop presenters are leading experts in the field of grief and loss, and you will have the opportunity to gain tools and resources for your grief journey. You may choose which workshops and activities to attend at your leisure.

Make sure to download the TAPS Events app. This mobile app puts advance details about the seminar right in the palm of your hand. Recommended session schedules for different grief programming and speaker information are all built into the easy-to-navigate app. There will be information about off-site activities, evening events and reminders for Good Grief Camp parents. 

You can also check out the seminar schedule and featured speakers. 

 

Workshop and Session Descriptions

---

Group Roadmap Sessions
Thursday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

These sessions are loss-specific and intended to help you ease into the seminar, get the most out of the weekend, and begin finding your tribe. You will also have the opportunity to see and meet TAPS staff, faculty, and Peer Mentors and connect with your peers in a loss-specific way.    

My loved one died by accident - Hosted by Bonnie Carroll and Franklin Cook
My loved one died in combat - Hosted by Kyle Harper and Terry Meyer
My loved one died by homicide - Hosted by Dr. Frank Campbell and Zaneta M. Gileno
My loved one died due to an illness - Hosted by Carole Hilton and Lalaine Estella
My loved one died by suicide - Hosted by Kim Ruocco and Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton
My loved one died of unknown causes - Hosted by Audri Beugelsdijk and Dr. Jon Reid

---

Block 1: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Friday, May 25, 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

1A: Grief 101: Rebalancing and Relearning  – Ben Wolfe
How do individuals and their families rebalance their lives after a loss, whether a death, traumatic event, or any crisis? The death of a family member, significant other, relative, or friend changes who we are. It provides us with a new "window" to look through, which we have never seen before. This workshop will cover transitions and what brings them about, how to rebalance and relearn our world, and strategies to help families and friends cope with the opportunities and struggles on the journeys of transition.

1B: My Child Is Attending Good Grief Camp: What Should I Expect? – Diana Wright
This workshop gives adults with kids at Good Grief Camp a chance to hear and discuss the activities planned and the reasoning behind the framework. Our Youth Programs staff will help you learn ways to support your camper throughout the weekend, help you put some worries to rest so you can focus during your time apart, and give you practical ideas for enriching the time you have together.

1C:  Info Session: Concerned Over Upcoming Changes to Survivor Health and Dental Benefits? TAPS Has Your Back!  – Jen Harlow and Kathy Moakler
Big changes are coming to survivor benefits, and we have the answers you need. This workshop will let you know what changes are being made and how to adapt. If you are unable to attend, don't worry. Our TAPS Casework department will be in the Resource Village all weekend. Feel free to stop by and make an appointment.

1D: Women’s Empowerment Part 1: Let the Journey Begin  – Erin Jacobson and Ashley Rao
As time goes on, the effects of grief can change. We often find that we've not only lost our loved one; we've also lost our sense of self. In this three-part workshop series designed for surviving women at least two years out from their loss, we will use a variety of activities and discussion tools to explore the lessons of the past, identify where we are in the present and step forward into the future with intention. Topics such as identity, gratitude, and purpose will be highlighted within a sisterhood as we become more empowered to live lives of meaning and joy. In Part 1, we will look at our past through a lense of gratitude for what has brought us to this point. This workshop will focus heavily on writing and discussion.

1E: How to Grieve Like a Man (for men only)  – Dr. Frank Campbell and Don Lipstein 
In this interactive workshop, we will discuss the ways men may reveal their grief and share our experiences. Our goal will be understanding and insight, not changing the way others grieve. This is an ideal workshop for men in attendance who may be dating a survivor, as well as for men who are actively grieving the loss of a loved one.

1F: Sweat Is My Grief Work  (workout clothing recommended) – Emily Muñoz

1G: Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They're structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Surviving Spouses without Children  – Facilitated by Audri Beugelsdijk and Tabitha Bonilla
• Surviving Adult Children  – Facilitated by Ashlynne Haycock and Lalaine Estella
• I’m Married To or I’m Dating a Survivor  – Facilitated by Gabriel Rao and Kristen Whitchurch  

---

Block 2: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Saturday, May 26, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

2A:  Looking Below the Surface of Loss – Ben Wolfe
The "iceberg" theory gives us a helpful way to frame the challenges that exist prior to or after an expected, sudden, or traumatic death. We will discuss strategies and interventions that help individuals and families navigate opportunities and struggles on the loss journey. Emphasis will be on tools that help us move from coping and surviving to being transformed and thriving.

2B: Gaining Focus and Relaxation Through Mindful Practice – Heather Stang
In today's world, focus is elusive–especially when you are grieving. On a good day most of us are driven to distraction by technology, external factors, and internal rumination, which contributes to stress and anxiety. During this workshop, you will learn how to focus your mind on one thing at a time to cultivate relaxation.

2C: Info Session: Survivor Benefits and Education Questions? Let Us Help! – Jen Harlow and Ashlynne Haycock
No two stories of military loss are the same, and no two TAPS families deal with the aftermath of grief in the same way. Many of us face mountains of benefit paperwork at a time when we are still struggling to face the day. Perhaps your benefits are delayed, you are facing financial struggles, or you're looking for education resources. Whatever the situation, TAPS Casework is here to help as you navigate complex processes and unfamiliar requirements.

2D: My Loved One Died in Combat. Is My Grief Different? – Dr. Frank Campbell and Terry Meyer
This workshop is designed to explore many of the confusing ways traumatic grief affects individuals and families and discusses how the violence we see in everyday life can affect us. As Dr. Campbell describes how traumatic grief has characteristics different from the more traditional grief associated with death, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. The freedom to explore the varying emotions associated with combat-related death with be provided and supported.

2E: My Loved One Died by Accident – Dr. Heidi Horsley and Franklin Cook
Survivors often wonder if the way their loved one dies affects their grief journey. This workshop is designed to explore our feelings and experiences surrounding accidental death in all its forms and will provide participants with insights and practical tools for processing this type of loss.

2F:  Putting Up Resistance (bands workout) – Emily Muñoz

2G: Mind-Body Medicine for Healing Trauma  – Dr. James Gordon
The sudden death of a loved one is traumatic. It often causes anxiety and agitation and fills our mind with disturbing as well as loving memories and images. Sometimes we have difficulty moving ahead with our lives and with maintaining intimate connections with other loved ones. This workshop will provide participants with practical techniques for reducing stress, moving beyond emotional and physical stuck places, and balancing love and honor for the one who has died with a mindful embrace of present reality and future possibilities.

2H:  Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They're structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Suicide Loss – Facilitated by Terri Jones and Susan Carron-Demoreta
• Surviving Parents – Facilitated by Sue Sawyer and Don Lipstein
• Surviving Siblings – Facilitated Deb Lucey and Gabriel Rao 

Special Block 3 Offering: Inclusive Leadership and Team Building  – General Martin Dempsey

---

Block 3: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Saturday, May 26, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

3A: Addictive Behaviors and Healthy Coping – Franklin Cook and Deb Lucey
Addictive Behaviors and Health Coping is an interactive workshop in which the presenters tell about how addictive behaviors have affected them and their families – and participants are invited to discuss (1) what addictive behavior is, (2) why bereaved people engage in addictive behavior, and (3) why addictive behavior is problematic for people who are grieving. The presentation also covers ideas for coping with emotional pain and offers an overview of what bereaved people need to help them with their grief.

3B: Transformation Through Mask Making - Sharon Strouse
Back by popular demand! Did you know masks and mask making are powerful ancient tools used in the process of healing and the journey toward wholeness? Evidence of their use can be found on the walls of caves as far back as 12,000 years ago. In this session, you will harness your innate gifts of imagination and creativity and, like your ancestors, use the magic of mask making to explore aspects of your persona; find new ways to communicate hidden thoughts, feelings, and memories; reclaim joy; and reopen locked doors. Masks reveal, conceal, and forever memorialize all at the same time. During the workshop, you will create an authentic mask of your face. Vaseline will be applied to your face and then wet casting material will be overlaid. This will set and dry for a time and then be removed from your face. You will work in pairs throughout the creative process and share your experience at the end of the workshop. Your mask will dry overnight, and you will be able to decorate it the next day in the Artful Grief Studio.

3C: Info Session: Illness and the Death of My Loved One – Kathy Moakler, Walter Sweeney, Veterans Service Officer, and Paul Tschudi
Did your loved one's death by illness leave you with questions regarding benefits and support? Perhaps the death was due to cancer or a related illness and you are wondering if you should find out more. This workshop brings TAPS policy and casework teams together with a skilled community partner and grief expert to address your needs and share the latest information available.

3D: Women’s Empowerment Part 2: Looking Within – Erin Jacobson and Ashley Rao
As time goes on, the effects of grief can change. We often find that we have not only lost our loved one; we've also lost our sense of self. In this three-part workshop series designed for surviving women at least two years out from their loss, we will use a variety of activities and discussion tools to explore the lessons of the past, identify where we are in the present, and step forward into the future with intention. Topics such as identity, gratitude, and purpose will be highlighted within a sisterhood as we become more empowered to live lives of meaning and joy. In Part 2, we will explore our present using tools for reflection, including journaling, art, and poetry.   

3E: Healing Heartbreak With Action: Driven Remembering – Allison Gilbert
Taking intentional, positive steps to remember loved ones is key to healing. Individuals who honor the memory of family and friends and proactively keep them present in their lives almost always fare better emotionally than those who don't. In this interactive presentation, Allison Gilbert will support and guide our journey toward wholeness and healing after a loved one dies, sharing new, uplifting, and creative ways to remember those we miss most. Activities will be performed during the presentation, giving participants the opportunity to build new relationships while recognizing and paying tribute to their shared losses. Participants will leave this presentation feeling stronger and more connected to loved ones lost. They will also be happier knowing that absence and presence can so easily coexist.

3F: For Parents: Using Breathing & Mindfulness to Support Children and Teens Through Grief and Challenging Emotions – Nichole Bukowski
Breathing and mindfulness not only supports adults it can also have a profound impact on children and adults. In this workshop you will learn the reasons why it can support and multiple different techniques for doing mindfulness and breathing with your children and teens.

3G: Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They're structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Accident Loss – Facilitated by Kellie Hazlett and Sarah Greene
• Open to All – Facilitated by Audri Beugelsdijk and Carole Hilton
• For Men Only – Facilitated by Don Lipstein and Gabriel Rao 

---

Block 4: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Saturday, May 26, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

4A: Strengthening Relationships and Marriages After Traumatic Loss – Dr. Shauna Springer
Traumatic loss can severely strain committed relationships. At the same time, some couples become much closer in the wake of life-changing loss. The impact of traumatic loss on relationships will be discussed and explored using a private reflective exercise. We will examine the most common ways relationships get stuck after loss. Most important, participants will gain insights that will allow them to navigate loss in ways that may create a relationship that is stronger than ever before.

4B: Sibling Grief: The Forgotten Mourners – Dr. Heidi Horsley, Glenn Weaver, and Gabriel Rao
Losing a sibling turns your world upside down. Your sibling is part of your past, and you expect this relationship to continue throughout your lifetime. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Horsley will discuss what helped her after the death of her 17-year-old brother and what has helped the thousands of bereaved siblings she has worked with. She will also address the unique aspects and challenges of sibling death and get feedback from participants about issues they are struggling with and ways they've found hope without their brother or sister.

4C: The 411 on Professional Grief and Trauma Counseling: Clinical Support and Helpful Interventions – Dr. Jon Reid, Katherine Castelo, and Stephen Stott
Have you wondered if you should see a professional grief and trauma counselor? Has the therapist you are seeing or friends you have met suggested certain types of therapy? Drawing on years of experience and expertise, this workshop will explore the signs and symptoms that may warrant professional support. We will also discuss some of the most common and evidenced-based techniques of therapy to help you feel more at ease about the therapy process and make an informed decision.

4D: Reflections on Meaning Making: An Explorative Experience – Franklin Cook
This workshop is designed for those at least a year into their grief process. After basic concepts are presented regarding the role of meaning making as part of the grief process, we will engage in writing exercises to reflect on changes we have experienced since the time of our loss. We will then be encouraged to support one another as we share our personal observations.

4E: When the Grief Wave Hits: A Survivor Perspective - Kim Burditt and Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton
Wherever we are in our grief journey, grief can surprise us. It can feel like ocean waves on the beach: Some waves splash our ankles a bit, startling us. Others come up a bit higher to our knees or thighs and stop us in our tracks for a moment. And some waves come out of nowhere, much bigger than they looked rolling in, and take our feet out from under us. Join us for practical, in-the-moment ideas to get through those waves, wherever and whenever they come.

4F: Yin Yoga and Creating Space in Mind and Muscles – Nichole Bukowski
As we grieve our bodies can respond with tension and pain. During this workshop you will be guided through self-massage techniques, stretches, and ways of breathing that can shift how your body feels.

4G: Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They're structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Surviving Fiances and Significant Others – Facilitated by Kyle Harper and Chantel Dooley
• Surviving Moms – Facilitated by Terri Jones and Kristin Whitchurch
• Surviving Spouses with Children – Facilitated by Susan Carron-Demoreta and Carole Hilton

---

Block 5: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Saturday, May 26, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

5A: Of Metaphors and Men (for men only) – Dr. Frank Campbell
Metaphors are one way men communicate what is going on inside their emotional response to stress. We are often more willing to describe through analogy than in terms of feelings. This can lead to challenges when others share by using emotions or appear to react emotionally to their story. This workshop will provide the opportunity for men to metaphorically "peel back the onion that is their grief."

5B: A Mindful Moment, A Powerful Intention – Heather Stang
We are all interdependent with one another, but sometimes it's hard to get along! Together we will explore the power of intention and have the opportunity to explore how you relate to yourself and others. We will practice an ancient meditation technique designed to cultivate compassion and loving kindness for all beings–especially yourself. Come experience the many physical and emotional benefits to setting intention and practicing this type of meditation, including reduced irritability, anxiety, and fear, plus an increased sense of connection.

5C: The Magic of Six Piles: Sorting Through Belongings – Rachel Kodanaz
This workshop offers a practical approach to sorting through our loved one's belongings. Whether you have no idea where to begin or have sorted but still run across items from time to time, this workshop is for you. Join us for a session of caring and sharing of your loved one's private and personal belongings, including clothes, workrooms, digital material, collections, and more.

5D: My Loved One Died by Suicide –  Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton
When someone we love and care for dies by suicide, it can be overwhelming and call forth many emotions and questions. While we may never fully understand the exact thoughts in the mind of our loved ones at the time they died, specialists in the field do know a great deal about the suicidal mind. Understanding more about this subject can often help survivors in the grieving process as they struggle with the self-directed questions of blame, guilt, doubt, and regret. This session will address some of the prominent theories about why people die by suicide. It will also explore some of the contributing factors and risk factors that can come together in forming the "perfect storm" that leads to suicide and how survivors of loss can continue to heal with this knowledge.

5E: What Men Want Women to Know (for women only) – Franklin Cook and Gabriel Rao
If you are curious about what goes on in the "men only" workshops or find yourself wondering if men who aren't grieving like you even grieve at all, this workshop is for you! Franklin will share the key things men would like women to know about grief and the male experience. Key staff, including our own women's empowerment team, will support his efforts. Sorry, guys, but unless you are presenting, we are going to ask you to sit this one out.

5F: Pound It Out – Emily Muñoz 
It's time to bring a different sound to your grief...and that is the sound of noise! We won't be tiptoeing quietly around our feelings, we'll be using weighted drumsticks to create a connection between music, movement, and everything you want to let go. Bring your feelings, your frustrations, and readiness to sweat. Modifications exist for all fitness levels.

5G: Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They're structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Illness Loss – Facilitated by Carole Hilton and Lalaine Estella
• Girl Talk: Intimacy and Dating – Facilitated by Jennifer Burns and Susan Carron-Demoreta
• In-Laws and Grandparents – Facilitated by OB and Linda O’Brien and Don Lipstein

---

Block 6: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Sunday, May 27, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 

6A: God Winks – Bonnie Carroll
Some people call them "God Winks"; others call them signs, messages, or after-death communication. No matter what they're named, signs from our loved ones can be very present in our lives. Stories and experiences of the presence of our loved ones will be discussed in this open-minded and intimate sharing session.

6B: Covert: What Going Undercover Taught Me About PTSD – Bob Delaney and Gabriel Rao
At the height of the "Godfather" era, Delaney wore a wire and lived among wiseguys. His undercover work was a success, but he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and traces of Stockholm syndrome after getting too close to those he investigated. Therapy helped him come to terms with what he'd endured, and he later became well-known and respected as an NBA referee. An author and supporter of TAPS, he hopes his presentation will exemplify the Dalai Lama's words, "There is a growing appreciation of understanding one's emotions, how they operate, and how to manage them." Please note that Delaney will share some stressful experiences that may be difficult for some attendees.

6C: Mindfulness and R.A.I.N. for Managing Difficult Emotions – Heather Stang
Difficult emotions are hard to shake. Ignoring them doesn't really make them go away, and rumination just fuels the fire of suffering. During this workshop, you will learn how the physical sensation of emotion can be your ally during tough times and even provide you with inner wisdom and insight. This technique can be applied during a regular meditation practice or on the spot in real-life situations when you feel overwhelmed. Having some previous meditation experience is suggested for this workshop.

6D: Supporting My School-Age Children Throughout the Grief Journey – Dr. Jon Reid and Katherine Castelo
Although not all bereaved children and teenagers need professional mental health care in order to cope with the death of a loved one, some will need such help in order to cope successfully. This speakers will share tools to help you support your children through their grief and practical tips for determining when professional support is needed.

6E: Resilience After Loss:  The Reflection Effect  – Allison Gilbert
This session will focus on the new science of nostalgia and its surprising capacity to make us happier, less lonely, more creative, and more connected not just to the past but to family and friends in our present. The discussion stems from Gilbert's latest book, Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive. This is the perfect workshop for individuals hoping to stay connected with loved ones who have died and will follow a similar outline to her session that took place earlier today, in case you missed it.

6F: Motions and Emotions: Creating Inspirational Space and Journaling the Mind/Body Connection – Make your own inspirational yoga mat! *Chakras  – Nichole Bukowski
This inspirational and inspiring workshop gives you the opportunity to decorate a personal yoga mat with powerful self-affirmations. Then you will be guided through yoga postures, stretches, and breathing that align with energy centers in your body. You will also journal about how the postures, stretches, and breathing feel in your body and support your overall self-care.

6G: Sharing Groups
Sharing groups are smaller and more intimate than workshop sessions and offer an opportunity to share your own story, experiences, and feelings while listening to others who have a similar story and relationship with their service member. They’re structured by relationship, circumstance, or sometimes both. TAPS offers a wide range of groups with something for every survivor.

• Combat Loss – Facilitated by Terry and Genia Meyer and Chris Shank
• Surviving Parents – Facilitated by Don Lipstein and Sue Sawyer
• Surviving Spouses and Significant Others – Facilitated by Susan Carron-Demoreta and Robin Leininger

6H: Utilizing A Trauma Healing Diet – Dr. James Gordon
Psychological trauma disturbs every aspect of our physiology as well as our psychology. Emotional distress compounds the disturbance to our GI tract and to every aspect of digestion. This workshop provides an overview of the damage trauma does to our brain and our gut and offers practical, evidence-based ways to use food, supplements, and herbs to repair the GI tract and restore resiliency to our brains.

---

Block 7: Workshops and Sharing Groups
Sunday, May 27, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

7A: From Caregiver to Griever: Coping With Death Due to Illness – Paul Tschudi, Kathy Moakler, and Walter Sweeney
We will explore the factors that affect the journey following death due to illness, such as what others don't understand and the lonely and haphazard road of caregiving during a loved one's prolonged illness. We'll discuss thoughts on reconstructing life after loss and the myth of closure. Although this is a grief-specific workshop, our TAPS policy and casework staff will be on hand.

7B: How Can We Turn Our Pain Into Purpose? – Franklin Cook
In an effort to make meaning of our loss, we are often brought to a position of wanting to help others in their pain. This workshop will explore the factors peer helpers need to be aware of as they embark on the journey of helping. Participants will be encouraged to share their concerns and struggles regarding making meaning of loss through service to others.

7C: Women’s Empowerment Part 3: Looking Forward – Erin Jacobson and Ashley Rao
As time goes on, the effects of grief can change. We often find that we've not only lost our loved one; we've also lost our sense of self. In this three-part workshop series designed for surviving women at least two years out from their loss, we will use a variety of activities and discussion tools to explore the lessons of the past, identify where we are in the present, and step forward into the future with intention. Topics such as identity, gratitude, and purpose will be highlighted within a sisterhood as we become more empowered to live lives of meaning and joy. In Part 3, we will incorporate lessons from the past and present as we look towards the future.  We will explore our value system and our vision through journaling and art. 

7D: When Things Get Real: Loss and Shifting Family Dynamics – Dr.  Heidi Horsley and Zaneta M. Gileno
Following the death of a loved one, survivors are often surprised by the fact that family dynamics change dramatically. We will explore what happens when the casseroles stop coming and the neighbors go home and how we can come together and find common ground in the face of struggle.

7E: Grief and the Workplace: Navigating the Waters of Employment After Deep Loss – Rachel Kodanaz
Following the loss of a loved one, navigating your way through your "new life" is often emotional and confusing. Returning to the workplace means interacting with co-workers, managers, and human resources personnel. There are many tools and techniques for the griever, co-workers, and management to help the newly bereaved with their transition back to the workplace and support their often-challenging situation. Join us for an open and frank discussion of how returning to the workplace can support you in your grief and how to work your way through your daily responsibilities, engaging with co-workers and "managing" your management.

7F: Strategies, Resources, and Tools for Nutritious Fueling – Nichole Bukowski
Sometimes we know what foods help us to feel our best but we need more support to make it happen. This workshop will support you with time effective strategies for nutritious fueling and ways to feel less overwhelmed by eating to fuel your body and mind for health and healing.

---

Block 8: Workshops
Sunday, May 27, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

8A: Sowing Seeds of Hope in the Garden of Grief – Zaneta M. Gileno
Hope is a key component to a rich and meaningful life, but what do we do when our world is turned upside down and it all seems lost? This interactive workshop will explore the value of hope, how we grow it, and the specific role it plays in our journey.

8B: Legacy Building: A Long-term Goal for Success  – Kellie Hazlett
What does it mean to leave a legacy? Can we continue the legacy of our loved one in effort to bring deeper meaning to their death and our loss? This workshop will shed light on the role of legacy building as a goal for success and give participants an opportunity to discuss their challenges and triumphs related to establishing a life of legacy following the death of a loved one.

8C: Crafting your Story of Loss for the Public: Safe and Strategic Sharing  –  Kim Ruocco
When a loved one dies, many times that death leaves a wake of questions, emotions, and challenges for their survivors. Many will spend a great deal of time trying to understand how this devastating event could happen to their family. Most will worry about how their loved one will be remembered and will want to find ways to honor the life lived. For many survivors, telling their story is an important first step in healing and making meaning out of the loss. Initially this storytelling may happen in more private contexts, but at some point, survivors may begin to tell their story with public audiences through speeches, presentations, media interviews, blog posts, and other means. This hands-on workshop will walk participants through a checklist tool that will help balance lessons learned on the look back, honoring the life lived and meeting the needs of the audience.

8D: TAPS, Always By Your Side: Our Core Services and the Road Ahead  – Audri Beugelsdijk, Brittany Bonin-Bruder, Stephen Stott, and Dr. Carla Stumpf-Patton
Are you worried about leaving the care and comfort of the seminar and heading home? This workshop is designed to prepare participants for success after the seminar. We will share our key services, once again reminding you that we are here to support you not just today but for all the days ahead. Survivor Services, Casework, Community-Based Care, and Suicide Survivor Support staff will be your light post ahead and will empower you with tools and realistic expectations to set you up for success.

8E: Easy Techniques for Grief Stress Reduction – Dr. Heidi Horsley
This interactive workshop is for those who are ready to transform their losses and find hope, healing, and joy again. You will learn tools and techniques for reducing bereavement stress and develop skills for healing after loss. Heidi and Gloria wills share specific tips and tools they have used in own lives and with their guests. You will leave feeling more energized and equipped with techniques techniques that can be used at home.

8F: Wellness Roundup – Emily Muñoz and Nichole Bukowski

8G: Finding Invictus: Conversations on Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are - Navy SEAL William Wagasy
Real-world examples, taken from history and from William Wagasy's experiences in training and combat as a Navy SEAL, form the basis of this interactive, introspective workshop. Participants will discover new perspectives, hidden strengths, and the power to reframe each day's "mission" as part of a larger purpose.