2026 National Symposium on Traumatic Loss & Grief Support

2026 National Symposium on Traumatic Loss & Grief Support

From Prevention to Recovery: School Trauma Response

November 5 - 6, 2026  ·  Cuyahoga County Public Library Administration Building

This two-day symposium will bring together practitioners, researchers, educators, clinicians, students, and community leaders from across the country to explore compassionate, evidence-informed approaches to trauma response, violence prevention, and long-term healing.


This year’s theme, From Prevention to Recovery: School Trauma Response, will focus on supporting schools and communities before, during, and after traumatic events. 


Sessions will provide practical tools, research-based insight, and collaborative strategies for professionals working in mental health, healthcare, education, ministry, social work, counseling, and crisis response.


12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, funeral directors, and nurses.

Speakers

Jim Adams

Jim Adams is the President of Rise 4 Solutions, a company dedicated to reducing violence and specializing in prevention and recovery from school shootings and other traumatic events.

Dr. Jillian Peterson

Dr. Jillian Peterson is the Executive Director of The Violence Prevention Project Research Center, forensic psychologist, professor of criminology and author of The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic.

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Agenda

Thursday, November 5
8:30 AM
8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Start the day with continental breakfast and take the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow attendees before the Symposium gets underway.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join Jim as he walks us through his book Preventing, Intervening, and Recovering from School Shootings and Other Traumatic Events. Together we will gain a deeper understanding of school shootings and learn about prevention and early intervention.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Enjoy lunch while connecting with colleagues, community partners, and conference attendees from across the region.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cooperatively, we will begin to explore Crisis Planning and Response, and Recovery as we learn more about Jim's one-of-a-kind plan on how to address a school shooting within the first minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years.
Friday, November 6
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Start the day with continental breakfast and take the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow attendees before the Symposium gets underway.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Presented by Cuyahoga County Public Library. Learn about the valuable programs, services, and resources available through our host library and how they can support your personal and professional growth.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Join Dr. Jillian Peterson as she discusses mental health and violence with evidence-based insights and practical tools for de-escalation, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and building supportive care teams.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Take time to recharge, reflect, and prioritize your well-being. Visit our Mental Health Lounge for a supportive space for self-care and access to wellness resources as we discuss school safety and violence prevention.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Enjoy lunch while connecting with colleagues, community partners, and conference attendees from across the region.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This multidisciplinary panel brings together professionals who have experienced the lasting impact of school-based traumatic events. These professionals will share their experiences and strategies for supporting a community affected by traumatic loss.
4:00 PM
4:00 PM