The Secondary Impact of Grief on Children
Understanding Risks and Building Resilience
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Registration & Breakfast at 8:00 AM)
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Montréal Midtown
6939, boul. Décarie, Montréal, QC H3W 3E4
This interactive morning will bring together leading experts in mental health, education, and child development to:
Examine the ripple effects of grief on children and youth
Share evidence-based strategies for fostering resilience
Provide practical tools for professionals across disciplines
CE Credits: Participants who register for a CE credit-eligible ticket will receive 3.5 CE credits upon successful completion of the workshop.
“By equipping professionals with the tools to understand and support grief, we’re not just changing practices - we’re changing lives for the children who need it most.”
Presenters:
Corrie Sirota, MSW, PSW
Corrie is a psychotherapist, author, and Clinical Director of Myra’s Kids Foundation. She has spent her career helping people understand grief and find ways to cope. We invited Corrie because she brings deep knowledge, compassion, and years of experience guiding children, families, and professionals through loss.
Dr. Damyan Edwards, PhD
Dr. Edwards is a psychologist and co-founder of D2 Psychology Clinic. He works with children and youth who face anxiety, depression, and trauma. We chose him because he combines research with real-life care and knows how to support young people in schools and communities.
Jesse Stong, MA
Jesse is an educator who creates safe spaces for young people to talk about bullying, safety, and belonging. We asked Jesse to join because his creative workshops help children and families feel seen and understood, and his approach makes hard conversations easier.
Meagan Reinish, MSW, PSW
Meagan is a clinical social worker who helps individuals and families through grief, trauma, and life changes. She was chosen because of her strong work with youth, especially those who are neurodivergent or exploring identity, and because she teaches tools that bring comfort and resilience.
Vivian Myron, MSW
Vivian is a senior social worker at Montréal’s Jewish General Hospital with more than 20 years of experience. She supports families during illness and loss and also mentors future social workers. We invited Vivian because she brings wisdom, care, and a lifetime of walking with families through grief.
Jon Reider, MBA
Jon is the Founder and CEO of Myra’s Kids Foundation. After experiencing the loss of his own mother at a young age, he dedicated himself to creating a safe space where grieving children can find hope and connection. We invited Jon because his vision, leadership, and personal story are at the heart of Myra’s Kids Foundation, and he inspires others to see how healing is possible after loss.
Event Commitee: Melina Atkinson, Michelle Belitzky, Carly Berlin, Dr. Damyan Edwards, Stu Guttman, Vivian Myron, Jon Reider, Meagan Reinish, Yasmine Sikender, Corrie Sirota, Jesse Stong & Jasmine Wong.
To learn more about our annual conference, to get involved or for sponsorship opportunities, please call our office or email donate@myraskids.ca.
We are sincerely grateful to the following sponsors who help us ensure that no child grieves alone.
