Art Therapy Studio — Dr. Jenna Preston | Jennifer Baldwin
The Art Therapy 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.

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!

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.

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.

Flanking Maneuvers: Unexpected Tactics for Engaging Grief — Emily Muñoz
In military strategy, fighting power is concentrated at the front line, the obvious areas of conflict. It is a zone of confrontation that is resource intensive and exhausting. The same may be true in our grief - we spend a great deal of energy trying to hold ground, maintain strength, and press forward. But in this workshop, we’ll use military strategy metaphors and unconventional activities to get us out of the emotional trenches and think differently about how we can move, where we can hold fast, and how we can draw on the courage of ourselves and each other to find unexpected positions of strength.

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.

First Aid for the Grieving Heart — Dr. Denise Rollins
Who cares for the caregiver? This session is designed for those who have supported others through their grief while neglecting their own. Survivors will explore ways to find comfort, peace, and restoration as they navigate the complexities of grief, whether it stems from loss or life's challenges.

Suicide-Related Grief and Trauma: Home Base Program Briefing and Skills Overview  — Dr. Megan Parmenter
This presentation will focus on 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.

What to Expect When Your Child is Grieving — Dr. Robin Goodman
Parents and caregivers may not know where to start when supporting a grieving child. Advice may be overwhelming or resources difficult to navigate. Understanding how your own grieving child feels, thinks, and behaves helps adults provide better support. This workshop uses a developmental perspective to explore how children communicate grief and how adults can address key bereavement tasks. By learning to translate a child’s grief language, caregivers will feel better equipped to walk alongside children on their shared grief journey, fostering healing and connection.

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.

Healing in Nature Foundations of Well Being — Jason Stout
There’s nothing more powerful than the time spent in nature. This morning walk invites you to immerse yourself in the natural world and experience its transformative power for your well-being. Through mindfulness and connection to the environment, you’ll learn techniques that not only foster resilience but also inspire growth and transformation in your life. Tap into nature’s deep healing potential, whether you're in the wilderness or simply surrounded by the natural elements in your everyday environment. By the end of the walk, you’ll carry with you accessible tools and practices that integrate nature and foundational health techniques, empowering you to continue your journey of transformation and growth, no matter where you are.

Coaching Yourself Through Grief — Dr. Denise Rollins
What do you do when the weight of grief feels unbearable in the middle of the night? This session will provide practical tools and skills to help you navigate those intense moments, empowering you to understand your pain, reclaim your sense of control, and develop a personalized approach to cope that aligns with your unique personality and perspective.

Understanding Grief and Trauma After Loss  — Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
Traumatic grief differs from traditional grief, often disrupting daily life, sleep, health, and well-being. This session will explore the unique aspects of traumatic grief and how they can complicate healing when misunderstood as "normal" grief. Survivors will gain insights and practical tools to navigate their grief journey more effectively. The session encourages survivors to ask questions and share personal experiences, fostering a supportive environment for learning valuable coping strategies and gaining new perspectives on managing traumatic loss.

Coping When Memories Hurt — Audri Beugelsdijk
Memories of our loved ones can bring both joy and pain. At times, we may push them away to avoid overwhelming emotions. This workshop explores coping techniques to help navigate these feelings, including ways to connect positive memories with difficult experiences. Together, we’ll learn how to embrace memories, even when they hurt, as part of the healing process.

Healing Invisible Wounds - Resilience, Self-Care, Trauma Awareness — Bob Delaney
Bob Delaney’s story, shared in Covert: My Year Infiltrating the Mob and Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope in Post-traumatic Stress, has been featured on ABC, CNN, ESPN, and more. From undercover agent to NBA referee and executive, Bob has spent over 40 years as a Behavioral Health Advocate, helping those who serve to navigate the emotional impact of their experiences. A TAPS Advisory Board member, Bob brings insights and hope to survivors. (Note: This session may trigger reactions; survivors are encouraged to prioritize self-care.)

Building Emotional Resilience: Nurturing Inner Strength — Jesse Tubb
This session explores emotional resilience and offers practical strategies to build it in the face of life’s challenges. Emotional resilience helps you respond to adversity, adapt to change, and thrive despite difficulties, including loss. Survivors will learn tools to stay grounded during tough times, including acknowledging experiences, gaining emotional clarity, prioritizing self-care, and showing grace and compassion. The workshop also highlights how resilience can foster personal growth, helping you navigate challenges with strength and intention. Join us to discover ways to cultivate resilience and find balance through life’s ups and downs.

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.

Women's Empowerment: Selfhood After Loss — Erin Jacobson | Emily Muñoz
Join us to explore the evolving landscape of selfhood after loss. This interactive and creative workshop explores how grief reshapes our sense of identity and invites us to reconsider who we are in new, empowering ways. Rather than feeling stuck in what’s missing, we’ll explore the possibilities of who we can become. This isn’t just about processing grief—it’s about reclaiming and reimagining our stories with curiosity, depth, and even a little playfulness. Come ready to engage, reflect, and connect as we explore the ever-unfolding questions: Who have I been? Who am I becoming?

Self-Care Does Not Mean Selfish: Creating a Healthier and Balanced YOU — Bob Delaney
"Not All Wounds Bleed" and "Self-Care Does Not Mean Selfish" are messages Bob shares to emphasize the importance of balance and well-being, especially during grief. This workshop explores self-care strategies to nurture physical, emotional, and mental health. Survivors will learn practical tools for setting boundaries, managing stress, and incorporating meaningful self-care into daily life. By prioritizing your well-being, you can build resilience, support others, and move forward on your grief journey. Join us to discover how self-care empowers you to create a healthier, more balanced life while navigating loss.

The Imprints of Grief, Trauma and Day-to-Day Challenges  — Sammi Hester
Each of us encounter moments in life that create stress, cause struggle and leave stripes. These moments often create anxiety and self-doubt. Navigating these challenges alone can be isolating. Join us as we discuss how grief, trauma and the challenges we face in the day-to-day can impact us (as Young Adults).

Stories We Tell Ourselves: Re-Constructing Our Grief Narrative — Rachel Hunsell
We are the stories we tell—about ourselves, our experiences, and our relationships. Loss and grief disrupt our narratives and challenge our sense of identity. Yet, storytelling allows us to reinterpret and reconstruct our stories, fostering resilience and growth. This experiential workshop invites survivors to explore their grief narratives through individual and group storytelling. Together, we’ll create space to reflect, share, and develop new perspectives, empowering participants to reshape their stories and find meaning in their journey.

More Than the Way They Died — Lisa Zucker
Their legacy lives on through their stories — this is how we keep them close. By sharing memories and moments, we honor who your loved one was beyond their passing circumstances. We invite you to bring a story, photo, or anecdote to share during the workshop. While time is limited, and we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak, we hope this session inspires continued storytelling throughout the seminar and beyond, keeping their spirit alive in our hearts and conversations.

Parenting the Resilient Grieving Child — Dr. Robin Goodman
While we cannot shield children from loss, we can guide them through their grief. This workshop equips adults to care for and comfort grieving children, offering a framework for understanding grief, strategies for fostering resilience, and tips for when additional support is needed. Techniques to enhance communication, create memories, and build confidence in supporting a grieving child will be discussed. For adults looking to expand their caregiving toolbox, this session provides practical tools and insights to navigate a child’s grief journey and foster healing and connection.

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.

Survivor 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!

Strengthening Relationships for the Grief Journey — Jesse Tubb
Bring your family or come alone to this interactive workshop designed to deepen connections among friends, families, or colleagues. Through engaging activities, we’ll explore how adopting a team mindset strengthens relationships, enhances communication, and fosters a supportive environment. Learn to reframe your group as a cohesive team by recognizing and embracing each member’s strengths and experiences. This session includes a team scavenger hunt, encouraging collaboration and shared fun as survivors navigate checkpoints around the hotel. Leave with practical strategies and a renewed appreciation for one another, creating a foundation for stronger, more resilient relationships.

Understanding Sibling Loss — Lisa Zucker
Sibling loss is a unique and often underrecognized grief experience. This workshop explores the emotional and relational impact of losing a sibling, including changes in family dynamics and the deep sense of loss that comes with losing a lifelong companion. Survivors will share stories, gain insight into their grief journey, and learn practical tools for navigating this unique loss. Whether you’re seeking understanding or connection with others who share similar experiences, this session provides a supportive space to honor siblings and explore paths to healing together.

Parenting While Grieving — Dr. Pamela Gabbay
Parenting through grief presents unique challenges as adults navigate their loss while supporting their children. This workshop will provide compassionate guidance and practical tools to help parents balance their grief with the needs of their children. Survivors will explore strategies for open communication, fostering resilience, and creating a supportive family environment during loss. Through shared insights and actionable techniques, this session aims to empower parents to navigate their grief journey while offering their children stability, care, and understanding, ensuring the whole family finds strength and healing together.

Chair Yoga and Wellness for Beginners — Rayanne Hunter
Chair yoga is an accessible and effective practice for all, whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi. It enhances flexibility, strength, and balance while offering a low-impact, seated alternative to traditional yoga. Originally designed for seniors, it also supports individuals with disabilities and physical limitations. Chair yoga helps reduce stress, improve mood, release tension, ease pain, enhance sleep, and increase body awareness—promoting resilience and preventing burnout. It’s a powerful tool for self-care, adaptable to daily life. Explore postures and breathwork that fit your needs, anytime, anywhere. Join us to relax, loosen up, and add this practice to your grief and life toolbox!

VA / DOD Survivors Discussion — Lisiane M.Y. Valentine, LTC (Ret.) | Ann H. Duff, Rear Admiral (Ret.)
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 Lisiane Valentine, the Program Manager for the Department of Defense's Office of Casualty, Mortuary Affairs, and Military Funeral Honors and Ann Duff, the Director of the VA's Office of Survivors Assistance.

Healing in Nature Foundations of Well Being — Jason Stout
There’s nothing more powerful than the time spent in nature. This morning walk invites you to immerse yourself in the natural world and experience its transformative power for your well-being. Through mindfulness and connection to the environment, you’ll learn techniques that not only foster resilience but also inspire growth and transformation in your life. Tap into nature’s deep healing potential, whether you're in the wilderness or simply surrounded by the natural elements in your everyday environment. By the end of the walk, you’ll carry with you accessible tools and practices that integrate nature and foundational health techniques, empowering you to continue your journey of transformation and growth, no matter where you are.

Tools for Transformation — Erin Jacobson
In our grief journey there are times where we feel powerless to change the way we feel. Studies have shown that there are simple actions which can improve your wellbeing by improving mood, decreasing stress, decreasing anxiety, decreasing depression and more. If you are feeling stuck, join us in this interactive workshop as we discuss and practice in real time practical steps you can take at any point in your journey through grief.

Creating Meaning After Loss — Audri Beugelsdijk
This interactive workshop invites survivors to explore how they have or wish to, create meaning since their loss. Drawing on ideas like Bob Neimeyer's assertion that loss requires us to "reconstruct a world that again makes sense," participants will reflect on changes they’ve experienced and meaning-making's role in their grief journey. Through guided discussions, participants can share personal insights about whether meaning is found or created, fostering more profound understanding and connection.

Chair Yoga and Wellness for Beginners — Rayanne Hunter
Chair yoga is an accessible and effective practice for all, whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi. It enhances flexibility, strength, and balance while offering a low-impact, seated alternative to traditional yoga. Originally designed for seniors, it also supports individuals with disabilities and physical limitations. Chair yoga helps reduce stress, improve mood, release tension, ease pain, enhance sleep, and increase body awareness—promoting resilience and preventing burnout. It’s a powerful tool for self-care, adaptable to daily life. Explore postures and breathwork that fit your needs, anytime, anywhere. Join us to relax, loosen up, and add this practice to your grief and life toolbox!

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Connection and Understanding — Terri Williams
Inspired by Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart, this workshop invites survivors to explore the emotions that shape their grief journey and how these feelings connect us to ourselves and others. Through meaningful discussion and reflection, survivors will gain tools to understand better and articulate their emotions, fostering deeper connections and compassion. This session offers a supportive space to navigate the complexities of grief while discovering the language and practices that promote healing, resilience, and growth. Together, we’ll create a map to guide us through loss toward connection and hope.

Family Dynamics: The Impacts of Loss On Our Family — Sammi Hester
Life after loss in an unknown. How does your personal grief journey impact the relationships around you? How does your family's grief journey impact you? The journey for each of us is different based on our own unique perspectives. Join us as we discuss and discover the impact of loss on family relationships, the shift in family dynamics and what we can do to support ourselves and each other.

Nature’s Path To Healing: Discovering Connection — Rachel Hunsell
Healing in nature doesn’t require long hikes or advanced skills. This workshop offers survivors an accessible, meaningful connection to nature through materials like flowers, twigs, and pebbles. Survivors will engage in activities encouraging individual reflection and group communication, fostering connections with themselves, loved ones, and peers. It provides a supportive space to explore grief, integrate tools gathered, and prepare for the journey ahead. This experience emphasizes that healing can be found anytime, anywhere, with the right tools and mindset, offering opportunities for personal discovery and shared understanding in the natural world.

The "START" Method: Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Training — Karl Wagner
Discover the "START" Method—an evidence-based framework designed to help survivors navigate stress, process trauma, and cultivate resilience. "START" stands for Stress awareness, Trauma understanding, Adaptive coping, Resilience building, and Transformative growth. This workshop offers practical tools and strategies to foster healing and empower survivors to reclaim their well-being. Through interactive exercises and guided discussions, survivors will learn to identify stress triggers, process emotions, and build adaptive coping mechanisms, ultimately enhancing their capacity for growth and recovery.

Caring for Grieving Children Ages 0 to 18 — Dr. Pamela Gabbay
Caring for grieving children can feel overwhelming, especially while navigating your grief. This workshop offers compassionate guidance for survivors supporting children ages 0 to 18 through loss. The session will use a developmental perspective to explore how children express grief at different ages and provide practical tools to address their emotional and developmental needs. Survivors will also gain tips to help grieving children succeed in school, including strategies for fostering resilience, enhancing communication, and collaborating with educators. This workshop provides a supportive space to equip survivors with the tools to guide children through their grief journey and academic challenges.

Dare To Lead^TM: Building Courage and Resilience — Terri Williams
Based on Brené Brown's groundbreaking work, this workshop empowers survivors to lead with courage, authenticity, and resilience in the face of grief and loss. Survivors will explore strategies for embracing vulnerability, building trust, and fostering connections within their families and communities. Through interactive discussions and practical tools, this session helps survivors develop the emotional bravery to navigate challenges and inspire others. Together, we’ll focus on turning grief into a source of strength and purpose, fostering a supportive space for growth, healing, and courageous leadership in personal and shared journeys.

Self-Care as a Young Adult: Who Has the Time?  — Sammi Hester
Grief and life’s challenges can be exhausting. We all need to find moments to replenish our energy and care for ourselves. Who has the time?! With so much on your plate already, how is self-care even possible and what would it look like? Join us as we explore what self-care means (for Young Adults) and how we can create avenues of well-being that work for us.

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!

Grief and the Preservation of Self After Trauma — Lisa Zucker
Self-preservation is our survival instinct, often guiding us through the most challenging moments of grief. As we navigate loss, it becomes a tool for rebuilding and adapting to a new reality. This workshop will explore survival and self-preservation while introducing practical approaches to self-care, mindfulness, and post-traumatic growth, helping you find balance and strength in your grief journey.

Meaning Making & Connection: Understanding Peer Support  — Cherie Castellano
Peer support is a unique and powerful approach to navigating grief, providing survivors with understanding, empathy, and connection from those who have experienced similar losses. In this workshop, survivors will explore peer support and why it plays a vital role in the healing process. By sharing experiences, survivors gain strength, validation, and a sense of belonging that fosters resilience and hope. This session will highlight the benefits of peer support, how it helps survivors feel less isolated, and practical ways to engage in and benefit from these supportive, transformative relationships.

Godwinks — Bonnie Carroll
Some call them “God Winks,” and 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.

Building Stronger Bonds: Healing Beyond the TAPS Weekend — Jesse Tubb
This seminar aims to provide participants with practical strategies and tools to integrate insights from this weekend into their lives effectively. 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!

Finding Life and Love After Loss — Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton
Grief can feel overwhelming, leaving little space for hope or joy. This workshop explores rediscovering purpose, building a fulfilling life, and finding love in its many forms after loss. Through reflection and practical strategies, we’ll embrace new opportunities while recognizing that healing and growth coexist with grief. With peer support, we’ll navigate the challenges of rebuilding, honoring our loved ones while moving forward with hope, connection, and resilience.

Parents of Good Grief Camp: Moving Forward as a Family — Andy McNiel
Grief is a journey of challenges, growth, and healing. In this session, we’ll explore what your child learned at Good Grief Camp and how to support their continued healing at home. We’ll discuss tools they’ve gained for understanding grief, milestones achieved, and ways to nurture their progress. We will reflect on your grief journey, highlighting lessons learned and how they provide strength and insight for moving forward as a family. This workshop offers a supportive space to connect, share experiences, and build strategies for navigating the future together after loss.

VOLUNTEER

General Volunteers help with set-up/breakdown, check-in, store sales, serve as airport greeters, and more. Please use the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp Volunteer Sign-Up form to sign up as a General Volunteer.

Current TAPS Peer Mentors assist staff as greeters, at the help desk, in the survivor sanctuary, in share groups, and more. To serve as a volunteer as a Peer Mentor, please complete the TAPS National Seminar Peer Mentor Volunteer Sign-Up form or email peermentors@taps.org.

See also: How to register as a Military or Legacy Mentor and Peer Mentor classroom training.