National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG)

This Child Life Month, we thank Child Life Specialists for their dedication to supporting children and teens who are grieving. We appreciate all you do to ensure no child grieves alone. 💙 The Association of Child Life Professionals, Inc.

Don't miss your chance to host a National Webcast on family dynamics and childhood bereavement. Registration closes in 2 weeks on March 14, and this is a great opportunity to engage professionals in your community in meaningful learning and conversation. Learn more & register today ➡️ nacg.org/webcast ✅ Benefits of Hosting: • Engaging, culturally-attuned content from nationally recognized speakers • Playback access – Share the recording with those who can't attend at no additional cost • Affordable way to connect staff, volunteers & community • Marketing materials included with registration • Opportunity to offer continuing education credits for attendees* *Please note: CEs can be purchased as an additional fee for attendees.

As we close the National Symposium on Children’s Grief, we are honored to welcome Dr. Donna Schuurman, FT, for our final plenary: Big Lessons from the Little Chairs. With 39 years of experience at Dougy Center—including 25 years as Executive Director, Dr. Schuurman has spent a lifetime listening to and learning from children, teens, and families who are grieving. She’ll share powerful reflections, unexpected lessons, and a call to action that challenges us all to rethink what it means to truly listen. Join us for an inspiring conclusion to the Symposium! Register for the National Symposium on Children's Grief ➡️ nacg.org/symposium. #childrengrieve #NACGSymposium 

Connect with leaders in childhood bereavement by becoming a vendor at the NACG National Symposium on Children's Grief! With options for every budget—including sponsorships, exhibitor spaces, book display, and attendee bag inserts—you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your organization, programs, or products to a highly engaged audience of professionals. Spots are limited—secure yours today for the best placement and visibility! Learn more and reserve your spot today at nacg.org/sponsors or email info@nacg.org.

Join us for our Creative Arts Half-Day Conference before the Symposium on June 3. Our first session will focus on Healing Through Symbolic Sensory-Based Play! This session, led by Dr. Stephanie Heitkemper, LPC, RPT-S, FT, and Meredith Hammond, LPC, RPT-S, ACS, will explore how play can create safe spaces for children to memorialize, learn, and maintain continued bonds with those who have died. Through sensory-based activities, attendees will gain hands-on strategies to support children who are grieving in a way that fosters healing and connection. Don’t miss this engaging, hands-on session! Register now: https://lnkd.in/g-Qgs3fg Already registered for Symposium and want to add on the Creative Arts? Please find your Symposium registration confirmation email. In the email, there is a link to the registration Portal. Once you sign in there, you can purchase the add-on by itself if it is applied to all tickets in the confirmation. If you have questions, please email us at info@nacg.org.

The National Webcast is just around the corner, and we’re excited to introduce our nationally recognized speakers who will bring valuable insights and expertise to this year’s event. These thought leaders are committed to culturally attuned conversations, ensuring your staff, volunteers, and community professionals gain meaningful, inclusive, and impactful education. Don’t miss this exclusive NACG member opportunity to learn from leading professionals and enhance your team’s ability to support children, teens, and families who are grieving. Register today to be part of this impactful event ➡️ nacg.org/webcast. #childrengrieve #NACGWebcast

Kicking off the National Symposium on Children’s Grief, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Tina Barrett, Executive Director of Tamarack Grief Resource Center, for our opening plenary: Building a Sense of “WE”: Trusting Conversations. Dr. Barrett brings decades of expertise in grief, trauma care, and organizational well-being, guiding us in fostering connection and trust in support spaces. This session will explore ways to navigate difficult conversations with integrity, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that we feel supported in the work we do. Register for the National Symposium on Children's Grief ➡️ nacg.org/symposium. #childrengrieve #NACGSymposium

In observance of President's Day, NACG Offices are closed today, February 17. Please allow additional time for responses to phone calls and emails. We will resume normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18.

Register for our "Integrating EMDR to Support Children Who are Grieving" live interactive webinar this Tuesday with Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, FT. This webinar is free for NACG Members and includes 1.5 continuing education credits for EMDRIA, NYSED, ASWB, and NBCC. To register, visit nacg.org/events.

🚨 Last chance! Early bird pricing for the National Symposium on Children's Grief ends TONIGHT at 11:59pm CT! Register today at nacg.org/symposium or at the link in our bio.