Below are descriptions of the workshops being offered over 2 sessions. You will make your selection on the next page.
Please note that all workshops with the exception of Sound Explorers and LEAD U are geared for adults. You will choose one workshop for yourself PER SESSION. You may then choose a workshop for your child or teen.
*All attendees must be 6 yrs of age and older*
OPENING SESSION
8:30 am - 9:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - 9:15 am - Opening Session
Presented by: Sheila Martello of Stephy’s Place
9:15 am - 10:00 am - Is My Kid Okay?
Moderated by Lynn Snyder of Common Ground Grief Center
This panel discussion will include grieving teens/young adults who have been past participants of the Common Ground Grief Center program. Come listen and learn from the experts on grief as they share how they have navigated their loss. They will offer insight and wisdom as to what’s been helpful and not so helpful for them.
BREAKOUT SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
You will choose 2 workshop sessions
Child/Teen
Sound Explorers: A Journey Through Sound, Play, and Connection
Presented by: Nicole Filippelli (ages 6-10)
Embark on a magical adventure with Sound Explorers, a program for children, introducing the joy of sound healing through interactive play and soothing frequencies. This unique program combines playful exploration, sound healing, and mindful connection nurturing creativity, curiosity, and calm.
Sound Explorers fosters a love for sound/music and mindfulness while promoting emotional regulation, sensory development, and creativity. By encouraging children to notice where they feel sound in their bodies and how it makes them feel, this workshop helps them develop self-awareness and a deeper connection to themselves and their world.
LEAD U (ages 6 - teens)
Presented by: JD Wilson and Shawna Lougee
Using the power of play through high energy and interactive activities, Lead U empowers and educates learners of all ages to find the leader within themselves. They engage participants as they play and reflect to help instill values such as kindness, resilience, smart decision making, communication, empathy, and much more!
Adult
Mindful Meditation for Emotional Well-Being (RM 19)
Presented by: Cynthia O’Connell, M. S. Ed, RYT200, National Trainer Yoga Calm for Children
This integrated approach to wellness and self-care embodies breathing techniques, mindfulness, movement, and meditation to empower one's ability to shift focus to present moment awareness ultimately developing more self-reliance and resilience. Participants will gain tools to implement immediately into their own daily practice creating greater focus, connection and an awareness of how to self-regulate. Learn how to establish the powerful skill of responding instead of reacting.
Give it a Try (RM16)
Presented by: Sheila Martello
We don’t always have control over what is thrown into our path, however we absolutely have control over how we can navigate through it. Things one may have tried in the past may not be suitable any longer. There are many more options to explore. Participants will learn about the many approaches to healing such as EMDR, Energy Work, Essential Oils, Radical Forgiveness, Grief/Mourning Rituals and more.
Connect & Rise (RM 28)
Presented by: Jodi Hope Grinwald, CPC, ELI-MP
Connect & Rise is a powerful experience designed to help you strengthen your mindset from the inside out. When you learn how to direct your own thoughts, focus, and intentions, the outside world loses its ability to shape how you see yourself. Through practical tools and guided reflection, you will identify what steadies you, what unsettles you, and what restores your sense of clarity. Participants will gain techniques to stay present and purposeful even in demanding moments and learn how intentional self-awareness builds greater self-esteem and confidence. You will leave with strategies you can immediately use to support clearer thinking, healthier boundaries, and more effective leadership in everyday situations.
The Mental Health Connection Between Food and Mood (RM 14)
Presented by Jennifer Clearwaters, LPC, RYT 200, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Reiki Master
This workshop will focus on the connection between food and mood and the power that nutrition has on mental health and wellness. Participants will enhance their knowledge of understanding food labels and be able to more easily identify chemicals, toxins, and ingredients that may impact mental health. They will also explore ways to incorporate food groups that help to boost energy, revitalize the mind, and improve life functioning. The ultimate goal of this session is to promote self-awareness. Participants will learn strategies and techniques that support other pillars of mental health including stress reduction, movement, sleep, routines, connection, and life purpose.
Experience Chair Reiki (RM 18)
Presented by: Dinneen Jackson, MA, NBC-HWC
** This session will be limited to 10 participants
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being.
Sustaining Healing: Grief Education and Activities for Adolescents (RM 20)
Presented by: Stephanie R. Bobbitt, Ph.D., LPC
Finding time and space to sustain healing following the death of a loved one can be quite challenging. For young people in particular, understanding death and their own grief while navigating the world around them can be particularly difficult. Without critical experiences and support to process and understand death and grief, adolescents can be left with unrelenting emotional wounds that carry into adulthood. In this session, attendees will develop a general understanding of grief in adolescence, and learn several key tools through specific, sustaining activities which help young people (and adults) navigate their experiences following a death in their life.
Truth Be Told, Tell the Truth - Talking with Children about Circumstances of Death (RM 22)
Presented by: Lynn M. Snyder, LPC, ATR-BC, FT
Talking with children about death can generally be an uncomfortable subject for parents and/or caring adults of the bereaved child. Talking with them about suicide, violent deaths, or deaths resulting from substance use can elicit more feelings of apprehension. But how much is too much information? How do we inform children about circumstances of death and what do we tell them? This workshop will explore ways to talk with children about death in age-appropriate ways and the language to use.
What's in Your Grief Closet? (RM 13)
Presented by: Susan Tellone, BSN, CSN, MSN
This workshop will explore the metaphorical space within us where we store the complexities of grief. Just as a physical closet can become overwhelmed with items, our emotional and psychological space can become cluttered with the emotions, memories, and experiences associated with loss. Participants will be guided through an introspective journey to understand and navigate their own "Grief Closet."
This workshop is designed for individuals who are navigating the complexities of grief, whether it be recent or long-term. It offers a safe and supportive space to explore, understand, and begin to heal from the impact of loss.
Building Your Mental Fitness Muscles: Your Mind Should Be Your Loudest Cheerleader…Not Your Harshest Critic (RM 25)
Presented by : Alison Soltis, Certified Life Coach, Positive Intelligence® Mental Fitness Coach, Positive Parenting Coach
In this energizing, science-backed workshop, Certified Mental Fitness Coach Alison Soltis introduces you to Positive Intelligence®, a proven approach that quiets the inner critic chatter that hijacks your clarity and confidence. Self-proclaimed Control Freak? Overachiever? Procrastinator? People-Pleaser? You’ll meet the full cast of “mental party crashers” — the saboteurs that derail you in a flash. Learn simple, practical tools to interrupt stress in real time, strengthen the calm and wise part of your brain, and build the mental fitness muscles that help you stay steady, focused, and self-supportive—even when life gets messy. Walk away feeling lighter, more empowered, and equipped with a daily practice that keeps your mind working for you, not against you. Imagine your mental real estate filled with calm, clarity, and wisdom.
The Uniqueness of Grief (RM )
Presented by: Nancy Sanders LPC, CDAC, MA
Grief is as unique as your fingerprint or a snowflake; no two are alike. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Our grief experience is shaped by the relationship we had with the deceased, the age at loss, our culture, circumstances of the death, and so much more. This workshop will explore our own individuality in our grief, the range of emotions that accompany grief, support systems, and the responses from those around us that can be helpful or not so helpful.
Pathways to Happiness: Nurturing the Grieving Self (RM )
Presented by: Stefanie Gargulio, LAC, MA
This workshop explores the science of well-being, meaning, and connection through a compassionate, practical lens. Drawing on positive psychology, life coaching principles, and real-life reflection, this workshop examines what truly contributes to happiness beyond external achievements. Participants are guided through core pillars such as personal growth, purpose, connection, gratitude, and self-compassion, with concrete strategies for applying these concepts both personally and in parenting. The workshop emphasizes resilience, mindfulness, and intentional living as pathways toward healing, fulfillment, and sustainable happiness.
CLOSING SESSION
12:10 pm -1:00 pm Closing
Message from Spirit
Presented by: Jenna Rose
Gather together for a heartful mediumship gallery to close our day. This meaningful experience offers messages from late family members, friends, and possibly even animals in spirit. While not everyone will receive a personal message, spirit's guidance will create a shared space of healing and connection, offering validation that love transcends all realms.
1:00 pm - Grab and Go lunch