24th Annual Fall Conference 2014

October 14 - 16, 2015

Geneva Park YMCA Conference Centre

Orillia, Ontario

Three Plenary Speakers combined with your choice of

3 additional informative and diverse workshops

...a unique educational conference within a retreat setting and atmosphere...

Bereavement Ontario Network 174 Oxford Street ~ Woodstock, ON N4S 6B1

519.290.0219

info@BereavementOntarioNetwork.ca

www.BereavementOntarioNetwork.ca

Registered as a Charitable Organization: (BN) 13932-2317 RT0001

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Bereavement Ontario Network (BON) is a diverse group of organizations and individuals throughout the province that work

in the field of grief, bereavement and mourning as professionals and volunteers.

The need for a network was first discussed in 1989 at a bereavement conference in Hamilton. The ideas, enthusiasm and

energy generated during that conference led to a meeting a year later at which a blueprint for the Bereavement Ontario

Network was developed. BON does no grief counselling nor does it provide any direct service. Instead, it fills a distinct void

by providing linkages between the various groups, counsellors and bereavement resources already in place.

Today Bereavement Ontario Network provides an opportunity to access knowledge, experience, wisdom, and sensitivity of

other members throughout the province. You can use BON to access this support for your clients, and yourself from across

the province.

Membership in the Bereavement Ontario Network is open to individual, volunteer organizations, small businesses, and

corporations. If your work brings you in contact with the bereaved, BON can help you help them.

BON offers an annual conference, a directory of members, a quarterly newsletter, a website, and the services of volunteer

regional representatives. These representatives reflect all areas of the province and are available to answer questions about

the organization, its resources and how it can assist you.

connect. learn. support.

Our Goals To encourage information sharing and networking among individuals and organizations who come in touch with grief,

bereavement and mourning.

To increase public awareness of death, dying and bereavement issues.

To identify service gaps on a regional basis and encourage service provision through advocacy and support.

Our Strategies To foster networking among the members throughout the year.

To promote public awareness and understanding of bereavement issues.

To establish a provincial clearing house for grief and bereavement with a mandate of training, research, and sharing.

To facilitate the development of educational materials.

To support and initiate regional events which promote networking in the bereavement community and to promote

networking opportunities within the regions.

To promote membership and attendance at the annual conference.

We invite you to become part of the Bereavement Ontario Network

As a member, you will receive: The Bereavement Ontario Network Directory, which puts you in touch with a network of others who work and

volunteer in the field of grief, bereavement and mourning. The Directory is updated on a regular basis.

A quarterly newsletter with current information on province-wide events about grief and bereavement as well as

related articles, book reviews and movie reviews.

Reduced Registration Fee for the BON Annual Fall Conference/Retreat. This conference offers plenary and workshop

sessions, networking and relaxation time, all at Geneva Park, Orillia.

Advertising Opportunities, upcoming events/notices can be sent to the BON office for electronic posting to the entire

membership list at any time as well as posting upcoming events and links on BON’s website.

The Services of Regional Representatives to bring you in closer touch with resources and opportunities within your

own area.

Registered as a Charitable Organization (BN) 13932-2317-RT0001

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Dr. John D. Morgan Student Scholarship

The Bereavement Ontario Network is pleased to offer

The John D. Morgan Memorial Student Conference Scholarship

named in memory of Dr. Morgan who died in the spring of 2005.

We are pleased to honour Dr. Morgan’s memory with a student scholarship to our upcoming

conference. The successful candidate will receive full registration including accommodation

for the conference and a one year membership to the Bereavement Ontario Network.

Email info@BereavementOntarioNetwork.ca for application.

Applications due September 18, 2015

Sponsorship Opportunities

Do you have a company or client that provides services for the bereaved?

Do you know someone who is bereaved that would like the sponsorship to be in honour of a loved one?

Your name, program or company will be publicized during the conference and in our post conference

newsletter.

Sponsor any of the following: Title Sponsor $2500

Plenary $750 ~ Student Bursary Fund $600

Workshops $300 ~ Self Care Activities $200

Bereavement Ontario Network Registered as a Charitable Organization (BN) 13932-231-RT0001

Contact info@BereavementOntarioNetwork.ca

Thank you!

Important ~ Please Note

Some Helpful Suggestions Consider Members Discount Prices Casual, comfortable dress is the norm during your conference stay Review workshop choices and indicate your preference on the Registration Form. Workshops will be

assigned on a “first come, first served” basis with a limit on number of attendees per workshop. Deadline for Registration Postmarked by September 11, 2015 - Early Bird Rate October 5, 2015- Last registration date Cancellation Policy Cancellation Fee is $100.00 - FINAL DATE FOR CANCELLATION IS OCTOBER 5, 2015 Certificate of Attendance A Certificate of Attendance will be provided to each participant Display Table If you would like to have a display table setup during the conference, please contact the BON office at

Info@BereavementOntarioNetwork.ca. Table fee will apply.

Information correct at time of printing

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Conference Schedule

Pre Conference Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Registration 8:30 am

9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Includes lunch.

Full Conference Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Registration from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

Welcome Dinner & Introductions 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Interactive Plenary Session Expressive Arts Therapy Paint Night

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Breakfast from 7:00 am - 8:30 am

Plenary and workshops run from 9:00 am to 3:00pm and include lunch

Dinner and AGM at 6:30 pm with Networking Reception and Silent Auction afterwards

Friday, October 16, 2015

Breakfast from 7:00 am - 8:30 am

Plenary and workshops run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm followed by lunch and wrap up

Full conference schedule will be provided closer to event dates.

We are pleased to have Mandala Book Shop returning to the conference and

offering their premier resources to our participants. Mandala Book Shop was

established to fulfill a need within London and the community for resources

related to non-mainstream pursuits. Whether you are looking for books,

spoken audio, music, meditation products or symbolic personal ornaments, an

eclectic selection of products for spiritual growth will be available.

Location:190 Central Ave., London, ON 519.432.9488

www.mandalabookshop.com

The Labyrinth will be available during the entire conference for people to

walk. The labyrinth is an ancient, walking meditation that helps you balance,

heal and connect with your inner higher self. Immie Manthei, a Labyrinth

Facilitator, will be on hand to assist newcomers to the process.

*Additional Opportunities

Morning Meditation Sessions before breakfast.

Guided Nature walk

Frisbee Golf tournament

connect. learn. support.

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Pre Conference Wednesday, October 14th

Evolution in Thought and Practice

Regarding Grief and Bereavement

Where we’ve been and where we’re

heading now

With clinical psychologist

Therese Rando Ph.D.

Thanatology - the study of dying, death, and bereavement - is at an exciting place in 2015.

Research and clinical practice has moved the field into new directions and have trans-

formed earlier understandings of grief and bereavement. This day-long workshop explores

current developments, anchoring them in what must be known by professionals, volun-

teers, laypersons, and the bereaved themselves. In the first half of the day, Dr. Rando ex-

amines one of the major shifts in the field – recognition of anxiety as a most underappreci-

ated, yet absolutely crucial, element of the bereavement experience. From this, she will

draw important clinical implications and outline strategies for intervention. In the second

half of the day, Dr. Rando will review how understanding and awareness of grief and be-

reavement has changed over time and how professional and peer support has evolved. She

will identify 12 major shifts that have impacted the field, and will use these to prognosti-

cate future trends in thanatology and to highlight approaches for effective advocacy for the

bereaved.

Therese Rando Therese A. Rando, Ph.D., BCETS, BCBT has

written over 80 works pertaining to the clinical aspects of thanatolo-

gy. Dr. Rando has consulted, conducted research, provided therapy,

written, and lectured nationally and internationally in areas related

to loss, grief, illness, dying, and trauma. Dr. Rando also serves on the

Editorial Boards of Death Studies and Omega.

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Interactive Plenary Speaker

Paint Night:

Exploring Self-care through

Creativity

Nicole Fantin, BAH, MA,

DTATI©

Wednesday evening, Oct. 14

On Wednesday evening, BON is pleased to offer the opportunity to relax, socialize and

explore your artist within at our very own Paint Night! In this interactive Expressive

Arts workshop we will be exploring the use of fluid elements aimed at connecting to the

nature of creativity and how it relates to personal self-care. Nicole Fantin, Hospice Wel-

lington’s Resident and Community Art Therapist, will lead us through an open discus-

sion as we explore the use of creativity as a self-care tool and introduction to the use of

Art Therapy. Attendees will be invited to use painting materials to re-connect to a sense

of play and therapeutic creative expression as they create their own unique work of art.

Nicole Fantin has been working with Hospice Wellington focused on program development.

Nicole has offered private individual and group programming supporting the grief and be-

reavement population throughout Wellington County, work-

ing with children, adolescent and adults towards emotional

well-being and collective growth. She had also offered group

programming to professional and volunteer caregivers, focus-

ing on the fundamentals of balanced self-care practices while

discussing the potentials of vicarious trauma and compassion

fatigue. Nicole has partnered with several organizations in-

cluding Child and Family Services, supporting community in-

terventions focused on adopting alternative coping strategies

while dealing with trauma and community crisis.

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Plenary Speakers

Back in the day dying, death, and grief were a community affaire. Death usually happened in the home,

and the entire community came by to say good-bye. Over the past 100 years we have changed where

and how we live and where and how we die. As a result we have lost some important ingredients of a

healthy and active community. This presentation will recapture some of the misplaced activities and val-

ues we have lost because of the medicalization and corporatization of dying, death, and disposition.

Along with his success, Stephen has faced tremendous loss and difficulty in his life. Stephen’s heart’s pas-

sion and life energy is focused on changing the conversation we have about death from one of fear and

denial to one of embrace and inspiration.

Back From the Past: Death can Bring Com-

munities Back to Life.

Stephen L. Garrett, MA

Thursday Morning, October 15th

Being Awake in this Moment: Developing Pres-

ence through Mindfulness and Mindful Listening

Rev. Andrew Blake

Friday morning, October 16th

At the crest in a wave of public interest into the effects of mindfulness practice, we will explore both the

neuroscience behind it and how to bring it to life in our everyday lives. When we are present, we listen

more deeply, not only to others, but also to our own experience, which prevents burnout and fatigue.

As the closing plenary talk, this session will provide a lively and experiential exploration of the roots of

mindfulness meditation, from personal to Eastern & Western perspectives.

Rev. Andrew Blake serves as a Buddhist chaplain, works as psychotherapist, and teaches as a mindful-

ness trainer and End-of-Life educator. Cofounder of Sarana Institute, a charitable organization, he is dedi-

cated to mindfulness and compassion education, support, and awareness in sustaining well-being as we

offer our care to the dying and their families. In collaboration with University of Toronto, he recently

launched a 13-month interprofessional program, Mindfulness & Compassion in End-of-Life Care.

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1. A Compassionate Communities Model: Moving Beyond The Bereavement Support Group

Rachelle McGuire, M.A., CT

McNally House Hospice’s Community Bereavement Program has expanded to include many local partnerships outside of the

hospice setting. These include cooking classes, yoga classes, book clubs, dialogue events at a local café, poetry & narrative ther-

apy workshops, gardening clubs & author series. This workshop will illustrate the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s and why’s of

the program and take participants through an exercise to consider how they may begin similar programs in their own commu-

nities.

Rachelle McGuire currently works as the Bereavement Support Clinician for both the Niagara West Palliative Care Team &

McNally House Hospice. She is an adjunct faculty member at Hood College in Frederick, MD, at George Brown College in

Toronto & a part-time faculty member at McMaster University in the Division of Palliative Care. Rachelle holds a masters de-

gree in Thanatology and is a certified Thanatologist

Workshop Choices

Thursday morning, Session 1

2. Dreams in Bereavement

Joshua Black, MA

Until recently, the topic of dreams in bereavement has been generally overlooked. This workshop will review findings from

studies on dreams in bereavement. Additionally, several approaches to dream interpretation which are helpful in working with

the bereaved will be explored.

Joshua first investigated the area of dreams in bereavement while in his Master’s of Arts program at Trent University. He is

currently in his PhD at Brock University continuing to investigate dreams in bereavement. Joshua has published scientific litera-

ture in the area and is considered one of the leading active researchers in this field. For the last 5 years, he has provided sup-

port to individuals who are bereaved.

3. The Therapeutic Alliance in Grief Counselling

Cindy Elkerton, RP

This workshop will explore the importance of the therapeutic relationship, how to maintain the therapeutic alliance and how

to repair a therapeutic break between you and your client. This workshop is intended for those who work with clients indi-

vidually and in groups.

Cindy Elkerton is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario (CRPO) and a Cer-

tified Specialist in Pastoral Counselling and Associate Teaching Supervisor in Pastoral Counselling Education with the Canadian

Association for Spiritual Care (CASC). Cindy has a private practice where she works with individuals, couples and families.

She has experience in health care, hospital and hospice. Cindy is Chair of the Board of Directors of Bereavement Ontario

Network.

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4. Care for the Caregiver: Sanctuary Meditation

Kerri Bailey

In this workshop we will follow a series of steps which open and expand chakras (energy centers), evoke 3 Sacred Geometries of

Creation to create an astral vehicle, and will enable you to safely and easily ascend through the dimensions of reality. This approach

will deepen one’s personal reflection and provide access to an intense sense of connectivity.

Kerri Bailey is a veteran Registered Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Practitioner/Teacher, a Teacher/Healer and Guide in the Modern

Mystery School and a Certified Hypnotherapist through University of Toronto.

Workshop Choices

Thursday afternoon, Session 2

5. Physician Assisted Suicide in Canada

Sherry Smith

Earlier this year the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Canadians have the right to physician-assisted suicide. This new ruling will

change the ways in which some Canadians are permitted to die. This workshop will take a neutral stance toward physician-assisted

suicide. It will examine some of the key concepts, events and issues related to end of life issues.

Sherry Smith is a sessional instructor for the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton. She received both

the B.A. and M.A degrees from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from McMaster University. She currently

teaches two thanatology courses: “Death and Dying: Comparative Views” and “Death and Dying: The Western Experience.” She

recently earned her Certification in Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement (CT) through the ADEC. She is also a regular volun-

teer at the VON Sakura House, a residential hospice.

6. Discovering the Forgotten Mourners: Reflecting on 25 years of Bereavement Support for

Children & Teens

Cara Grosset, MSW, RSW, CT

This presentation will provide participants an opportunity to learn about the evolution of grief support for children and teens from

1990 through to 2015, and to discuss the future of grief support in a digital age.

Cara Grosset, MSW, RSW, CT, is a social worker certified in Thanatology, and a PhD student at the Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid

Laurier University. Cara works in private practice as a bereavement counsellor and educator. Cara is the Consultant, Children’s &

Adolescent Programs for Bereaved Families of Ontario – South Central Region and the Clinical Director of BFO Family Camp.

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7. Understanding Chronic Sorrow

Mary Lee Felder

This workshop will assist the participant to better understand Chronic Sorrow, and how it differentiates from anxiety and depres-

sion. The ways that chronic sorrow manifests within individuals will be identified, as well as effective coping strategies to deal with

episodes throughout the lifespan.

After a career in print and television media Mary Lee returned to university toward supporting individuals and groups dealing with

change, transition and loss in private practice. Mary Lee has a degree in Thanatology, and has a certificate in death studies with Dr.

Alan Wolfelt, and she is certified with ADEC.

Workshop Choices

Friday morning, Session 3

8. Write it Out: A Creative Exploration of Changing Perspectives in Bereavement and Grief

Support

Maureen Pollard, MSW, RSW

As the field of bereavement and grief support has changed, one’s personal experience and ideas about bereavement and grief support

change as well. As a caregiver, there is value in reflecting on one’s own journey through loss. Using creative writing exerc ises, partic-

ipants will explore changes and developments in their own thoughts and beliefs about bereavement and how this impacts their provi-

sion of support to the bereaved.

With a Master of Social Work degree, Maureen is also certified as a compassion fatigue specialist through the Traumatology Institute

and as a compassion fatigue educator with the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. Maureen has received training in RTS Be-

reavement Training and helping professionals support bereaved parents at the time of pregnancy and infant loss. She is a certified

Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider.

9. Crying on the inside and outside: Grandparents Grieve Too

PAIL: Lynn Davis and Kemayla Fleming

This workshop will explore the generational differences in how grief is managed, how grandparents’ grief needs can be validated and

authenticated, while supporting their child’s loss. The importance of language will be discussed as well as the significance of creating

memories and moving a traumatic event to a place of reconciliation.

Lynn Davis is the Manager of Programs for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network and a mother to 2 children, 3 earthly grandchildren

and to 1 who lives in her heart. Lynn has been working in grief care for 5 years.

Kemayla Fleming, is the Executive Director of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network and the mother of 2 living children and 1 de-

ceased. She views her role with working with PAIL Network as a means of connecting community members to support one another.