Human beings are amazing in the depth of their body, spirit and soul. A person’s soul is individual, one of a kind, and sacred. A soul is personality, choices, emotions, will, and conscience. It is what makes a person unique.

The life of a soul is precious, so how can we be with each other in a way that restores a soul from wounds?

In this key note Lida will introduce you to souls. We will focus on the souls of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. You will learn about the sacredness of a soul, and how to nurture a soul. We will talk about how to help a person’s soul if they have been hurt in life. We will talk about the beginning and the end of life, and how the life of a person’s soul matters.

Keynote Speaker: Lida Merrill, Coordinating Pastor United Methodist Church

A panel discussion featuring four core members of the Heritage Christian Services Grief Support Team, speaking to the creation of the team and its values, purpose and ever-developing impact.  Further exploration of the multi-disciplinary team and their reach agency-wide will be done, with opportunity for questions and conversation.

Speakers:

Padraic Collins-Bohrer, Faith Community Inclusion Specialist

Stephanie Hawkins, M.A., CCC-SLP/L, Speech Language Pathologist

Shannon Seddon, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT, Dance Movement Therapist

Emilee Wolfe, MA LMHC, Mental Health Counselor

This presentation by creative arts therapists will discuss the therapeutic benefits of using art and music in supporting someone with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the grief process. Participants will also be provided with art projects and music experiences that can be used in their own work.

Speakers:

Sara Corona, ATR-BC, LCAT, Art Therapist

Amanda Dimino, MS, MT-BC, LCAT, Music Therapist

Every person is unique, and their reaction to the loss of someone they love will vary. In this presentation we will provide tools to help guide you through the process of supporting someone in grief.  This is a person-centered approach in which the caregiver becomes the student and the person grieving becomes the teacher.

Speakers:

Diane Sturmer, Faith Community Inclusion Specialist

Lauren Faggiano, MS, MT-BC, LCAT, Music Therapist

Anticipated grief occurs when a loss is expected and is often experienced when a loved one has a progressing or irreversible illness.  When loved ones are diagnosed with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s/dementia, late stage cancer, Parkinson’s disease or mental illness with suicidal ideation, family and friends experience a web of complicated feelings as they prepare for the inevitable loss.  Presenters will share tools and coping strategies to help people navigate changes with their loved ones and what they may experience from this type of grief.

Speakers:

Shannon Seddon, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT, Dance Movement Therapist

Lauren Faggiano, MS, MT-BC, LCAT, Music Therapist

As caretakers we give so much of ourselves as we care for others – especially when assisting people through grief caused by the death of a loved-one or other significant change in life.  It is important to pause for rest, reflection and rejuvenation to care for ourselves as we care for others who are grieving.   This presentation will provide strategies for self-care to be ready to care for and support people in need.  The presentation will include opportunities to participate in self-care practices.

Speakers:

Padraic Collins-Bohrer, Faith Community Inclusion Specialist

Lida Merrill, Coordinating Pastor United Methodist Church

This discussion will involve personal interviews with three people who have experienced loss. Each person will share their story and also the supports that helped them along the way. What worked? What didn’t work?  And how they are honoring their loved one today.

Speakers:

Alicia Lenahan

Fred Siegel

Diane Kandefer

Sherry Gricar, Faith Community Inclusion Specialist

Diane Sturmer, Faith Community Inclusion Specialist

Talking about grief can stir up complicated emotions.  Several conference moderators will hold the space to process and provide resources to help.