Superheroes and Traumatic Loss Origin Stories
Facilitator: Dr. Jill A. Harrington Superheroes and Traumatic Loss Origin Stories Description of Workshop: This workshop explores how mythological narrative of modern superheroes can be used to illustrate the ways traumatic loss profoundly challenges identity and shapes the potential for post-traumatic growth. When: September 23, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Recommended: Pen and Paper More About Our Presenter: Jill A. Harrington, DSW, LCSW, MBA, maintains an active clinical counseling practice in the Greater DC area – focusing her work on helping individuals and families cope with loss, stress, grief, and life transitions. She is a former Assistant Professor of Social Work at Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia and Adjunct Associate Professor for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus (TCSPP-DC). She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Association of Suicidology, and the Association for Death Education & Counseling, where she is also a former Board Member and Committee Chair. In her career, Dr. Harrington has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is the creator and lead editor of the novel textbook Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power […] ...
How We Are Shaped By Loss
Facilitator: R. Abby Spilka, MA, LHMC, FT How We Are Shaped By Loss Description of Workshop:In this interactive workshop, participants will understand death and non-death loss, how to recognize loss, and how these experiences shape our life story. Resilience and meaning making will be discussed. When: August 26, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Recommended: Pen and Paper More About Our Presenter: R. Abby Spilka, MA, LMHC, FT is a grief therapist and thanatologist. She is in private practice in Brooklyn, NY and serves as an adjunct faculty member at NYU Steinhardt, teaching Grief and Bereavement, Individual Counseling Lab, Practicum, and Internship in the Graduate Applied Psychology Department. Abby also provides crisis counseling in the community and training to organizations on such varied topics as difficult conversations at end-of-life and demystifying grief. Abby was a bereavement counselor at Calvary Hospital from 2018-2023, and led several support groups for the community including a Tween group, Young Adult Bereavement, Death of a Child, Death of a Young Spouse/Partner, and Death of a Parent Due to COVID. She also facilitated the Annual Bereavement Course for mental health professionals and […] ...
Navigating Grief Beyond the 5 Stages: Understanding and Applying Modern Grief Theories to your Lived Experience
Facilitator: Dr. Raman Kaur Mohabir Navigating Grief Beyond the 5 Stages: Understanding and Applying Modern Grief Theories to your Lived Experience Description of Workshop: Grief is often misunderstood as a linear series of stages—but it seldom occurs in tidy, predictable steps. This workshop explores modern grief theories that better reflect the complexity of the human grief experience. Together, we’ll explore prominent grief theories and frameworks that have emerged which offer language, validation, and tools that resonate with how grief actually shows up in your life. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own grief experiences, gain insight into how grief is shaped by numerous influencing factors, and leave with tangible ways to care for themselves and honor their loss—without pressure to “move on.” When: July 29, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page More About Our Presenter: Dr. Raman Kaur Mohabir is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New York, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California, and a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her MS. ED in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University and her […] ...
Our Bodies Hurt Too: Recognizing and Responding to the Physical Toll of Grief
Facilitator: Maria Georgopoulos, LMHC, FT Our Bodies Hurt Too: Recognizing and Responding to the Physical Toll of Grief Description of Workshop: Grief is more than an emotional experience—it’s something we feel in our bodies. From exhaustion and muscle tension to stomachaches and chest tightness, loss can show up in powerful ways we don’t always recognize. In this supportive and interactive workshop, participants will understand the connection between emotions and physical symptoms, identify somatic expressions of grief and learn simple, gentle ways to support the body as it moves through and adjusts to loss. Combining insights from somatic psychology and trauma-informed care, this session offers practical tools for personal insight and professional application. Whether you’re a clinician, caregiver, educator, or someone navigating loss, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how the body holds grief—and how to respond with empathy, awareness, and skill. When: June 24, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page More About Our Presenter: Maria Georgopoulos, LMHC, FT, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Fellow in Thanatology, whose work focuses on grief, loss, and trauma. She obtained her Master’s degree from New York University and […] ...
Loss of a Lifetime: Acknowledging the Significance of Sibling Loss
About the Event Join COPE in a special panel on sibling loss. Lynn, Molly and Alyson share their differing grief journeys, how finding each other and sharing their experiences changed the course of their lives. They’ve found value in each other and the sibling loss community they’re building. They will discuss, and emphasize the significance of, community and reassure anyone in doubt, that it is never too late to find your people. About our Facilitators: Lynn Shattuck When Lynn Shattuck was 24, her brother Will died from heroin and alcohol. Experiencing the loss of her only sibling altered her life irrevocably; while her peers continued to grapple with the usual ups and downs of young adulthood, she was catapulted back into her childhood home, paralyzed by grief. Lynn has been publishing essays on the topic of sibling loss for more than a decade. She was a paid columnist at Elephant Journal for ten years; several of her essays on the topic of grief and sibling loss have gone viral. Her writing has also appeared on The Huffington Post, Human Parts, Vice, The Fix and Al Jazeera. Lynn holds a Master of Individualized Arts from Goddard College’s Transformative Language Arts program. […] ...
Finding Meaning and Purpose After Loss
Facilitator: Susan Casey, MSW, MFA Finding Meaning and Purpose After Loss Description of Workshop: Please join Susan Casey, therapist, psychic medium, grief and loss coach, bereavement group facilitator, podcaster, speaker, and author of Rock On: Mining for Joy in the Deep River of Sibling Grief for a discussion on grief, loss, and healing. Through Susan’s personal experience of losing her younger brother in 2014 and through her professional work throughout the past 3 decades, Susan has learned that grief can be a gateway to experience and embrace our inner light in more a profound and life-changing way when we surrender rather than resist the deep and profound losses in our lives. In this presentation and interactive discussion with audience members, Susan will share her personal story of loss, followed by a talk that will cover grieving vs. mourning, types of grief people experience, strategies for coping with grief, and post-traumatic growth and healing. Please come prepared to engage in an informative and hopeful discussion about an often taboo topic in a culture where we often flash a smile to the outside world, while we grieve silently and hide behind closed doors where we feel isolated, alone, and in despair. When: […] ...
Camp COPE Bowl-A-Thon 2025
Strike up some fun and make a difference! The COPE Annual Bowl-a-Thon is more than just a night of friendly competition – it’s a chance to bring healing, hope, and connection to children coping with loss. All proceeds go directly to Camp COPE, a weekend long grief support camp that provides grieving children and teens with a safe space to express their emotions, build resilience, and connect with others who understand their journey. This year’s Bowl-A-Thon is happening on Tuesday, May 20 from 7-9pm at Frames Bowling Lounge NYC. Whether you’re bowling for strikes, cheering from the sidelines, or donating to support the cause, every contribution helps us provide this life-changing experience to youth in need. ALL ages are invited to join us, come for a night of family fun! Camp COPE is a weekend long grief support camp designed to help children and teenagers ages 7-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or someone significant in their life. It is a magical weekend of hope, healing, support, and community. Camp COPE combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Led by bereavement professionals and trained, compassionate volunteers, campers are provided a safe environment […] ...
COPE & Lifetime Syosset: Gentle Yoga
When: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Where: Life Time Syosset, 350 Robbins Lane, Syosset, NY 11791 Cost: Free! RSVP via email – mpappas@lt.life Mark your calendars for the next COPExLife Time Syosset class! You do not have to be a member of Life Time to attend – all are welcome! Please note, props and yoga mats will be provided. Just bring yourself, a water bottle, and ID—check-in at the front desk before going upstairs to the yoga room. ...
The Power of Food & Memory
Facilitator: Julie Ohana, LMSW Description: Participants joining the culinary art therapy workshop will engage with a delicious recipe that comes from Julie’s late grandmother. Participants are welcome to bake along with Julie, or simply engage in meaningful discussion about food and memory. (Feel free to keep the recipe to use another time if you’d like!) Participants will gain a better understanding of how to keep the memory of a loved one alive through their connection to food and the stories and memories that are shared through a recipe. When: April 29, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Recommended: “Diosh” Recipe (on the sign-up page) More about our Presenter: Julie has been cooking all of her life! Cooking has been a passion of hers since childhood. It started while baking family recipes with her grandmother, working as a prep cook while in high school and as the kitchen manager at her summer camp. As she developed a passion for cooking, Julie discovered a second love- helping people through therapy. Julie received her B.A in Counseling from SUNY Empire State College in 2001, and earned her M.S.W from […] ...
Connecting Through Nature; Sharing the Mud; Savouring the Sky
Facilitator: Earla Legault A Space for Caregivers to be Heard Description of Workshop: In the workshop, participants will explore the emotional journey of grief using the metaphors of “mud” and “sky.” Through nature, creativity, and reflection, attendees will reflect on their struggles and sources of hope, learning through examples of how nature and creativity can be powerful tools in creating coping strategies. Earla will share how using the zine format led to finding her voice to co-writing and illustrating a book about adult sibling grief. The session includes two interactive activities: reflecting on the “mud” and “sky” in our lives through writing and sketching and creating a mini-zine inspired by nature to express their emotions and share their story. Participants will also be able to share their experiences and learn ways to invite others into meaningful conversations about grief. The workshop aims to offer a safe, comfortable space for creative expression and mutual support, leaving participants with practical tools for moving along their path of grief. When: March 25, 7 – 8 PM ET Where: Online via Zoom Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page Attendee Materials Suggested: Simple art supplies of your choice, pieces of […] ...
26 March 2025
Yoga + Meditation for Grief: Healing Practices of Breath Work, Mantra, Movement, and Stillness
Yoga + Meditation for Grief: Healing Practices of Breath Work, Mantra, Movement, and Stillness with Elyce Neuhauser When: Wednesdays – March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025 | 7PM-8PM EST Where: Online Cost: FREE! Or with an optional donation to support COPE families. RSVP on our website! About the Event Week 1: What is Yoga, What is Meditation, and How Can They Help Me with Grief? We will greet the practice by entering into a conversation about what yoga and meditation are, and how the practice can be customized to each individual. This week’s session will be an introduction to meditation as a practice in both movement and stillness. Mantra (as positive affirmations), Pranayama (breath work), and Mudra (gestures of the hands and body) will also be discussed and gently introduced. Week 2: Grounding into Love and Ache We will practice standing (or sitting for some) with presence. Movement will be introduced in a gentle way. The focus will be on “standing up” for ourselves, “standing in our experience” and “standing on our own two feet” both physically and metaphorically through all the practices of yoga, breath work, mantra, and meditation throughout. Week 3: Flowing in Dynamic Movement This week’s practice […] ...
26 March 2025
Yoga + Meditation for Grief: Healing Practices of Breath Work, Mantra, Movement, and Stillness
Yoga + Meditation for Grief: Healing Practices of Breath Work, Mantra, Movement, and Stillness with Elyce Neuhauser When: Wednesdays – March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2025 | 7PM-8PM EST Where: Online Cost: FREE! Or with an optional donation to support COPE families. RSVP on our website! About the Event Week 1: What is Yoga, What is Meditation, and How Can They Help Me with Grief? We will greet the practice by entering into a conversation about what yoga and meditation are, and how the practice can be customized to each individual. This week’s session will be an introduction to meditation as a practice in both movement and stillness. Mantra (as positive affirmations), Pranayama (breath work), and Mudra (gestures of the hands and body) will also be discussed and gently introduced. Week 2: Grounding into Love and Ache We will practice standing (or sitting for some) with presence. Movement will be introduced in a gentle way. The focus will be on “standing up” for ourselves, “standing in our experience” and “standing on our own two feet” both physically and metaphorically through all the practices of yoga, breath work, mantra, and meditation throughout. Week 3: Flowing in Dynamic Movement This week’s practice […] ...