The Campus Ministry Center - "When Grief Comes to School"

We have invited Liz Sumner, an experienced expert in the field of palliative care, to lead us in a seminar geared towards raising our awareness of the issues faced by teens experiencing grief and towards the formation of a pro-active ministry to assist them.

THERE ARE 3 COMPONENTS TO THIS SEMINAR:

For students: During the 1st period, 8:AM  Thursday morning [which actually is "Period 2" block meeting], there will be a session for students who have experienced grief and would like to understand its  short term and long term affects, learn some coping strategies and ask questions.

For teachers, campus ministers, counselors and administrators: from 9AM to 2PM there is a continuing education opportunity  to address the many layers of concern that we face "When Grief Comes To School." Students who are considering being part of  a peer ministry to those who face grief issues are also welcome to attend this session. There is a registration form for this part of the seminar only. There is also a reg fee to help defray the costs of the continuing ed aspect of this day-long session: Adults - $25 students - $10.

For parents, and other family members: an evening session to help those who must deal  with the difficulties that are part of the pain when everyone in the family is hit by grief.

Topics to be addressed:

Planning a Support group for teens

How to be a friend to someone who is grieving

Understanding developmental issues in grieving teens, what helps

How to support the classroom impacted by a death

How to support family impacted by a death- mobilize help and assistance

For parents: Talking to your kids about a death in the family or about grief

Liz Sumner is Director of the Center for Compassionate Care, a new division of The Elizabeth Hospice. She has been recognized as one of the pioneers of the field of pediatric and perinatal palliative care, having received the NHPCO’S “Heart of Hospice” award; the American Hospital Association’s Circle of Life; recognition from the AACN for her dedication to end of life nursing education. Liz is an accomplished author of articles, textbook chapters and many other publications including nursing curriculum development in end of life care for children and adjunct professor for the University of Illinois at Chicago-School of Nursing. She represents Elizabeth Hospice on multiple state and national councils and initiatives including: Pediatric subcommittees of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition of California; National Consensus Project; Ethics committee for the Palomar Pomerado Health; Editor for www.Embracingourdying.com of the California Catholic conference; standards committee for the Society of Pediatric Nurse;; national lecturer  in palliative and end of life  care for all ages; national faculty for the Pediatric ELNEC (end of life nursing education consortium); IPPC faculty (Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care); consultant on many state and national projects. She is certified as an RTS bereavement coordinator. Liz created and managed the regional Children’s Program of San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care for over 18 years which became a nationally acclaimed model for pediatric hospice care. She was appointed to the prestigious Institute of Medicine Committee that published the landmark report in 2002, “When Children Die: Improving Palliative and End of Life Care for children and their families.”