Open Art Studio — Dr. Jenna Preston | Jennifer Baldwin
The Open Art Studio is an "art making sanctuary," curated and hosted by skilled and compassionate art therapists. Visitors to the studio are invited to sit and take time to creatively explore, reflect, and express whatever form their grief is taking at that particular time. Whether you are a curious novice, a seasoned artist or someone who isn't sure where to begin, the studio will meet your ongoing needs throughout the weekend. No talent required, only the willingness to be with what is in your heart and mind. The studio activities may include masks, collage, memory stones, and more traditional art materials such as paints and clay. These heartfelt expressive images can generate conversation and make tangible our shared journey.

Managing Grief, Regret and Difficult Emotions — Andy McNiel
The death of someone in our life can bring mental and emotional anguish in great measure and depth like nothing else. This presentation will take a close look at the challenging emotions associated with anger, guilt, and sorrow that often accompany grief. We may feel a sense of responsibility for the circumstances leading up to a person's death. We might regret missed opportunities as we think back on our relationship with our person. We may have intense anger associated with aspects of their death or issues related to our relationship with them. Whatever it is that might influence these feelings, difficult emotions can be challenging to navigate. Join Andy McNiel, MA, Senior Advisor to Youth Programs at TAPS for a discussion about these three difficult emotions and ideas for addressing each of these experiences or supporting those walking this difficult road.

First Aid for the Grieving Heart — Dr. Denise Rollins
Who takes care of the person who takes care of everyone else? This session is for the people who've tended to everyone else's grief while overlooking their own. Participants will learn how to achieve Comfort, Peace, & Restoration as they face grief from both death and life.

Grief Can Do THAT? — Dr. Frank Campbell
This workshop is designed to describe many of the confusing ways grief will impact individuals and families. Our time together will also include opportunities to ask questions or present concerns from those attending. Descriptions of how Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are impacted and how vital self-care is for management of grief.

What to Expect When Your Child is Grieving — Dr. Robin Goodman
Parents and caregivers often search for guidance and on how to raise their children. But a manual for what to expect when your child is grieving can be harder to find and the landscape confusing to navigate. Understanding what grieving children may be feeling, what they might be thinking, and how they are behaving can help adults best support a grieving child. Using a developmental perspective, attendees will learn the ways children communicate their grief and how adults can address the key bereavement tasks. Translating a child's grief language enables caregivers to feel better equipped to walk with a child on a shared grief journey.

Building Emotional Resilience: Nurturing Inner Strength — Jesse Tubb
In this session, we will explore the concept of emotional resilience and learn practical strategies to cultivate resilience in the face of life's challenges. By developing emotional resilience, you can intentionally respond to adversity, adapt to change, and thrive in the face of difficulties, including loss. This workshop will provide you with practical tools and strategies to grow your capacity for resilience and stay buoyant during challenging times. We will cover how to acknowledge your experience, gain emotional clarity, prioritize self-care, show yourself grace and compassion, and use it as an opportunity for growth.

Adulting is Hard No Matter What And to Top it Off ... I Am Grieving — Vicki Jay
Are you a young adult feeling overwhelmed by the trials of adulthood, compounded by the weight of grief? We’ll explore the complexities of life while dealing with the emotions of grief and discuss the challenges of “adulting” in today’s world. This interactive session will offer practical coping strategies to deal with stress, uncertainty, and the pressures of adult life. We will leave you with tools that will help you navigate these tough times with resilience and grace.

Ten Things We Know Can Help After Suicide Loss — Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
Whether you are a suicide loss survivor, family member, friend, colleague, or are supporting someone grieving a suicide death, this presentation will highlight ten key concepts that can help with understanding the topic of suicide and coping with loss. In our time together, the session will explore truths around suicide loss, offer solace and hopeful guidance for the bereaved, and underscore the power of peer connections around the unique healing that arises from our shared understanding.

More Than the Way They Died — Lisa Zucker
Their legacy is in their stories - that's how we keep them here with us. Through memories and moments, we get to know who your loved one really was, because their life is not defined solely by how they died. We invite you to bring a story, picture, or anecdote about your loved one that you would like to share. Please keep in mind that while we have a constraint on time during the workshop and would like to hold space for all who wish to speak to do so, we hope this inspires stories to be shared throughout the remainder of the seminar and beyond. 

Capitol Hill Town Hall — Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
Come hear from Congressional Staffers from the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees on legislation impacting our survivor community. This is an opportunity for Congressional Staff to share the bills they are working on that impact TAPS Survivors as well as for our survivors to share ideas for legislation with Congressional Staff. Please note this is a non-partisan discussion. We look forward to your participation!

Sound Bath and Meditative Reset — Emily Muñoz 
After a hectic day of travel and settling in, this session is perfect for people who want to take some time to slow down and allow the body and mind a chance to align, calm, and reset. In this session, participants will be able to lie or sit to receive the powerful healing energy from sound bowls and to participate in guided relaxation. If you’re “talked out” or feeling numb or overwhelmed, in this session you’ll be invited into a space of silence where you don’t have to do anything except let yourself be where you are. Feel free to wear comfy clothes and/or bring a blanket. Yoga mats will be provided; you are also welcome to bring your own. Please note: to preserve the safety of the session and allow for full relaxation for participants, there will be no late entry. If you prefer some extra time to get settled before the lights are dimmed, please arrive twenty minutes early.

The Art of the Flag — Matthew Pavone
A specialized painting workshop based on color theory and developed by artist, Matthew Pavone, to showcase the connections between individual identity and familiar symbols. The workshop is taught as a guided lesson, in which participants develop uniquely personal artworks inspired by aspects of their own individual journey. It begins with a brief warm-up exercise in which participants will focus on a single source of inspiration and identify specific colors associated with the inspiration. Participants will then use a variety of provided materials to paint their American flag. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to present their flags and share about their inspirations underpinning the color schemes.

Morning Nature Walk — Rachel Hunsell
Nature isn’t just found in the wilderness. A growing body of research shows what we already know, the benefits of spending even short periods of time outdoors and connecting with green spaces, parks, trees, and gardens make an instant and measurable impact on our sense of well-being. Join Rachel Hunsell for a walk, some fresh air, and some tips on how to transform your life through connection with nature.

Strengthening Bonds for the Grief Journey — Jesse Tubb
Bring your family or come alone for this engaging and enjoyable workshop designed to foster deeper connections among friends, families, or colleagues. The interactive session is crafted to bring people closer, enhancing relationships through shared experiences and activities that promote understanding, trust, and communication. We will explore the concept of any group functioning as a team and how adopting a team mindset can strengthen relationships, increase connection, and foster a supportive and positive environment where everyone thrives. By reframing your relationships as more than just a group of individuals, and recognizing and embracing the experiences, strengths, and talents of each member, you can create a flourishing team. You'll take away practical strategies and a newfound appreciation for one another, creating a foundation for stronger, more resilient relationships. This workshop will include a team scavenger hunt requiring participants to work in small teams to find checkpoints in and around the hotel.

Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are — 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

Home Base Trauma Treatments: Program Briefing and Useful Coping Skills — Clare Stupinski
TAPS proudly welcomes special guest and partner, the Home Base Program of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation, to present on their Intensive Clinical Program designed specifically for survivors of military suicide loss. This presentation will focus on the understanding of traumatic loss, as well as learning and practicing skills that can support the grieving process. The session will include an overview of options for trauma-informed care and treatment focused on healing after a suicide loss.

Parenting the Resilient Grieving Child — Dr. Robin Goodman
Although it is not possible to protect all children from experiencing the death of someone special, it is possible to guide them in their grief journey. When grief enters a child's world, they need adults who can care for and comfort them. Attendees will learn what we know and how to help the grieving child and feel more confident in parenting. The workshop will address a framework for understanding grief, tips for when more help is needed, ways to foster resilience, and key parenting strategies to increase communication and memory making. This is for any adult wanting to build their caregiving toolbox to support a grieving child.

Women's Empowerment: The Love Work — Erin Jacobson
The pain of loss often ushers in hard questions about identity and purpose. As we work to integrate loss into our lives, we must also redefine who we are. At the heart of the Women's Empowerment (WE) program at TAPS, we provide spaces and tools to explore these complex topics through a lens of gratitude, resilience and kindness. In this interactive workshop, we will touch on some ways that we can begin the process of self-discovery as well as have the opportunity to meet other women on that same path. Our vibrant, compassionate community of surviving women is a place of support and inspiration, where we treasure opportunities to be each other’s teachers, confidantes, cheerleaders, and friends. Whether you have been a part of the WE sisterhood for a long time or are curious about the community, we welcome you!

Finding Your Voice Through Writing — Rachel Kodanaz
Would you feel more at ease if you were able to convey your pain by communicating your thoughts and emotions in writing? Are you looking for an outlet to be heard? Finding your voice through writing will provide tools and techniques to express yourself via written words while providing an opportunity to heal, grow, and feel empowered. Whether you would like to write a book, a blog, or an article for a magazine on a topic near and dear to your heart, penning words of your thoughts will help balance emotions and logic. Join in the conversation on how to get started, what topic is best for you, how to create an appropriate timeline, and ways to publish your written words if so desired.

First Aid for the Grieving Heart — Dr. Denise Rollins
Who takes care of the person who takes care of everyone else? This session is for the people who've tended to everyone else's grief while overlooking their own. Participants will learn how to achieve Comfort, Peace, & Restoration as they face grief from both death and life.

Supporting Suicide Bereaved Children and Keeping Them Safe — Dr. Mary Crenshaw
This session will open with updates from the Defense Suicide Prevenetion Office and the dedicated efforts towards suicide postvention with military families coping with suicide loss. More specifically, we will address the needs of bereaved children and ways to create emotional safety, such as managing the feelings involved around suicide, why and how to talk to children in developmentally appropriate ways, effective language to deal with stigma, the need for parental self-care, and unique ways that children grieve, cope, and heal.

Healing Invisible Wounds - Resilience, Self-Care, Trauma Awareness — Bob Delaney
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. Delaney's presentation will provide insights and a deeper understanding for navigating human emotions resulting from traumatic experiences. Please note this session may cause triggers to your own experiences that may cause reactions for some attendees.

TAPS Policy and Legislative Update — Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
Learn how the TAPS Government and Legislative Affairs team is advocating for ALL Survivors on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage and increasing Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to toxic exposure and suicide prevention. This is your opportunity to learn about how TAPS is fighting for surviving families, and for our Policy and Legislative team to hear what issues matter most to YOU!

Navigating a New Relationship with Family After a Loss — Rachel Kodanaz
Relationships with the parents and family of our loved ones come in all shapes and sizes. Family dynamics which were once complicated can become clearer as you all grieve the death of a central person in your lives or what was once a rock-solid relationship can become messy, complicated and hurtful. No matter what your relationship status is with your in-laws or family members there is a potential for perceived judgment on both sides; awkwardness regarding how and how often to speak about your loved one; and uncertainty about your future relationship as everyone's lives unfold post-loss. After 25 years of juggling in-laws, Rachel will share what she has learned about perception versus reality in regards to these relationships, as well as practical approaches for handling a wide variety of complicated family situations. This workshop will help you map out a path for a future with your in-laws or family members, no matter what that relationship looks like today.

Coaching Yourself Through Grief — Dr. Denise Rollins
What happens at 3 a.m. when your grief is overwhelming and there's no one to call? This session will provide you will tools and skills to help you examine your pain, take your power back, and learn a process to deal with it based on your unique personality and perspective.

Chair Yoga and Wellness for Beginners — Rayanne Hunter
Have you always wanted to try yoga to ease your grief, stress, and anxiety but thought it was too "out there" or that you would never be able to do it? Join Rayanne Hunter as she demystifies this ancient practice while guiding you through the many benefits of using yoga to create natural healing for body, mind, and soul. You'll learn that yoga doesn't have to be scary, how adaptable it can be for any body, and how it can complement other self-care practices. Bring all of your yoga questions and fears to this workshop. We'll explore them and broaden your understanding of yoga, building the foundation for your further exploration.

Having Difficult Conversations About Loss and Trauma — Lisa Zucker
Have I said too much? In this workshop, we will explore conversations about loss, from the stigma of suicide loss to sharing about the way our loved one died and knowing when it feels right to hold back. The goal is to learn more about setting your own boundaries so you can share in a way that is most comfortable to you. In addition to direct conversations with people, we will also discuss conversations about loss on social media and other large group settings.

Men's Grief (Men Only) — Dr. Frank Campbell
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.

The Stories We Tell: A Writing Workshop — Erin Jacobson
As we walk through the journey of loss & healing, stories help us make sense of it all. The stories we read, the stories we tell ourselves, the stories that show us we’re not alone and those that remind us to wonder at the world. In this interactive writing workshop, we will explore the place of story in our life, how it can create understanding, growth & healing. Through a series of prompts, we will spend the majority of the workshop writing and will have the opportunity to share with one another what is created.

Lightening the Load: Improv for Survivors with The Theatre Lab — David Aparicio  |  Terah Herman-Saldaña  |  Bryanda Minix  |  Madeleine Regina  |  Amal Saade  |  Kara Turner
Experience the healing power of laughter in this fast paced and accessible improv workshop led by teaching artists from The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatics Arts in Washington D.C. Participants will engage in theatre games and exercises that will focus on staying present, making bold choices, supporting one another, and finding moments of joy. Discover how humor and playfulness can be a powerful tool for coping with loss and fostering emotional release. No experience necessary, all are welcome!

Morning Nature Walk — Rachel Hunsell
Nature isn’t just found in the wilderness. A growing body of research shows what we already know, the benefits of spending even short periods of time outdoors and connecting with green spaces, parks, trees, and gardens make an instant and measurable impact on our sense of well-being. Join Rachel Hunsell for a walk, some fresh air, and some tips on how to transform your life through connection with nature.

Managing Personal Possessions: Sorting Through Your Loved One's Belongings — Rachel Kodanaz
Personal possessions tell a beautiful story of a person's life. This workshop offers a practical approach to sorting, thinning and repurposing our loved one's belongings. Whether you have no idea where to begin or you are pondering a few items, this workshop is for you. Join us for a session learning the Ten Essentials and the power of The Magic of Six Piles of caring and sharing of your loved one's private and personal belongings, including clothes, workrooms, digital material, collections, and more. Our loved one's possessions embody memories that should be saved, shared, and treasured in the hands of those who want to forever be connected.

Healing Invisible Wounds - Resilience, Self-Care, Trauma Awareness — Bob Delaney
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. Delaney's presentation will provide insights and a deeper understanding for navigating human emotions resulting from traumatic experiences. Please note this session may cause triggers to your own experiences that may cause reactions for some attendees.

Grief and the Preservation of Self After Trauma — Lisa Zucker
Self preservation is an instinct to keep ourselves from harm, or to survive. In grief, there are times where life only feels like survival. But the preservation of the self extends further as we navigate grief and understand the new world in which we find ourselves. During this workshop we will explore survival and self preservation as well as talk about what self care, mindfulness, and post-traumatic growth are and how you can practically apply them in your life.

Metaphors for Healing — Dr. Frank Campbell
This workshop will focus on the benefits of developing accurate metaphors to describe your feelings of loss. This approach to communication when grieving has proven helpful for getting support that is helpful from those who want to be able to provide support and have not had a loss comparable to your loss. This approach allows a different response to "how are you?" than the assumed a "I am fine" phrase many see as an expectation by society.

Chair Yoga and Wellness for Beginners — Rayanne Hunter
Have you always wanted to try yoga to ease your grief, stress, and anxiety but thought it was too "out there" or that you would never be able to do it? Join Rayanne Hunter as she demystifies this ancient practice while guiding you through the many benefits of using yoga to create natural healing for body, mind, and soul. You'll learn that yoga doesn't have to be scary, how adaptable it can be for any body, and how it can complement other self-care practices. Bring all of your yoga questions and fears to this workshop. We'll explore them and broaden your understanding of yoga, building the foundation for your further exploration.

Spirituality and Grief: A Conversation about Faith and Belief after Loss — Andy McNiel 
Faith, belief, and spirituality play a vital role in the lives of many of us after someone in our life dies. Many of us find strength through our faith as we journey through grief. While others of us may find faith to be difficult in the aftermath of loss. Spirituality can have complicated ebbs and flows as we navigate the many challenges that grief brings to our lives. Join us for this interactive session on spirituality and grief. We will discuss how our faith has brought us strength, how our faith may have been challenged by loss, and ways our grief may have impacted deeply held beliefs.

Managing Substance Use and Addiction After Traumatic Loss — Kaitlin Picard
This workshop is designed to build an awareness of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. We will review key signs and symptoms of problematic use and behaviors, as well as discuss the high prevalence of substance use disorders and addiction in those who are struggling with mental illness, such as PTSD and traumatic loss. This session will also highlight a variety of coping strategies and skills to manage cravings in the moment, as well as provide an overview of treatment options, including those available at Home Base.

Kindness, Mental Resilience, and the Courage to Be Where You Are — 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

VA/DOD Survivors Discussion — Ann Duff | Deb Skillman
Do you have questions, comments or suggestions for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DOD) about how they can better support survivors through their programs or would you just like to stop by and listen to the conversations? For an informal discussion, please join Ann Duff, Director of the VA's Office of Survivors Assistance and Deb Skillman, Program Director for DOD's Casualty, Mortuary Affairs and Military Funeral Honors.

The Physical Effects of Grief and Trauma — Lisa Zucker
This presentation offers insights into how grief and trauma affect your body, helping you make sense of the physical struggles you may be experiencing. Discover the connection between your emotions and symptoms like tension, sleep disruptions, and digestive issues, and learn practical ways to nurture both your emotional and physical well-being on your journey through grief and trauma. 

Creating Meaning After Traumatic Loss — Audri Beugelsdijk
This interactive workshop is for survivors exploring how they have (or want to) create meaning since their loss. Ideas about the role of meaning-making in the grief process are presented, such as Bob Neimeyer's assertion that loss "requires us to reconstruct a world that again 'makes sense,' that restores a semblance of meaning, direction, and interpretability to a life that is forever transformed." Participants engage in guided discussions to reflect on changes they have experienced, share personal observations about how meaning-making has played a role in their grief journey, and whether or not meaning is found or created.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Discussing Suicide — Alexander Silva
Suicide is a complex public health issue. This presentation will cover what we know about suicide as a cause of death, up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight suicide. Participants will learn about many of the common risk factors for suicide, how to notice some the warning signs, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and those in our community safe.

Godwinks — Bonnie Carroll
Some people call them “God Winks,” some call them signs, messages or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, 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.

Healing Beyond the TAPS Weekend — Jesse Tubb
This seminar aims to provide participants with practical strategies and tools to effectively integrate insights from this weekend into their lives. By building a solid scaffolding framework, participants will learn how to create a seamless bridge between lessons and tools learned throughout the seminar material and their daily lives. We will discuss how to maximize the impact of the weekend and foster long-term growth and transformation. Don't let what you learn here, stay here!

Using Your Voice for Change — Candace Wheeler | Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann
Learn how the TAPS policy team is advocating for you on Capitol Hill on a variety of issues from remarriage to toxic exposure. You will also learn how to advocate for yourself and your family. How to find and contact your Members of Congress. How to share your story in a productive way to create change. Your voice matters. YOU can and will make a difference!

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Who It Helps, When to Call, and What to Expect — Monica Johnson
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access with trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Some of the topics to be discussed will be: What happens when someone calls, chats, or texts with 988? Who can use 988? Who answers calls? How and where are the calls routed? What is the difference between 988, 911, and 211? How does contacting 988 help? This session is informational in nature, explaining more about 988 as a valuable resource for prevention that can be used and/or shared with anyone who may be in crisis or in need of emotional support.

Godwinks — Bonnie Carroll
Some people call them “God Winks,” some call them signs, messages or after-death communication. No matter what we call them, 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.

VOLUNTEER

General Volunteers help with set-up/breakdown, check-in, store sales, serve as airport greeters, and more. Sign up as a General Volunteer on Volunteer Match.  See also: How to register as a Military or Legacy Mentor and Peer Mentor classroom training.