The National Alliance for Children’s Grief 28th Annual Symposium was held June 4–6 in Kansas City, Missouri, and we were grateful to have several WARM Place staff members in attendance at this meaningful, educational, and inspiring event. The symposium brought together grief support professionals, educators, clinicians, students, and volunteers from across the country—each united by a common goal: to better support grieving children and families.
This year’s symposium opened with a powerful plenary session led by Tina Barrett, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Tamarack Grief Resource Center. Titled “Building a Sense of ‘WE’: Trusting Conversations,” Tina’s presentation focused on cultivating reciprocal trust and entering conversations with integrity, compassion, and respect—essential themes for those working with children and families in grief.
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn from a diverse and phenomenal group of presenters. Topics ranged from inclusive programming and family grief camps to research in bereavement, compassionate curiosity, and the importance of authentic connection. Among those presenting were our very own WARM Place Executive Director Shelley Bettis and WARM Place Board Member Kim Brown, APR, who is also the Co-Founder of Story and Strategy PR.
Their session, Unlocking the Storyteller Within: Anyone Can Capture and Pitch a Compelling Story, drew over 40
attendees and centered on the power of storytelling as a tool for connection and advocacy. Shelley and Kim shared insights on how sharing personal and organizational stories can not only amplify the mission of agencies but also foster community, inspire action, and provide hope to others. Their message was simple but impactful: Storytelling is a mindset! Every person in this field witnesses powerful, meaningful stories every day—and everyone has the ability to be a storyteller.
It was a true joy for our team to be in community with so many passionate and dedicated individuals—from children’s grief centers, hospices, and youth programs to hospitals, mental health providers, funeral homes, and volunteers. The conversations sparked at this year’s symposium were filled with warmth, support, and a shared belief in the NACG mission that no child should have to grieve alone.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to the NACG staff for organizing such a meaningful event, and to the New York Life Foundation and all other sponsors who made the symposium possible. We returned home renewed and inspired, ready to carry forward new knowledge and connections in our work at The WARM Place.
