Beyond the Silence
Understanding and Supporting Individuals Experiencing Stigmatized Grief
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
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
Grief is already difficult. When a death is connected to suicide or substance use, it can become even harder to talk about.
Shame, guilt, blame, stigma and isolation can leave people feeling as though their grief is something they need to carry quietly. For professionals supporting them, knowing what to say, what to avoid and how to respond with care can make a meaningful difference.
Join Myra’s Kids Foundation for a half-day professional conference bringing together clinical expertise, current research and lived experience to explore the realities of stigmatized grief.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how stigma affects the grieving process, greater insight into what helps and what can unintentionally cause harm, and practical, trauma-informed tools they can bring back to their work with children, adults and families.
Because grief should never have to be hidden, and no one should have to carry it alone.
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:
Dr. Jamie Duggan, Ph.D.
Dr. Jamie Duggan is a registered child and adolescent psychologist, author and clinical supervisor whose work includes grief and loss, self-harm, suicide risk and emotional regulation. Known for making complex psychological ideas practical and accessible, she brings both clinical depth and a strong focus on helping children and families understand and navigate difficult emotions.
Jessica Gottlieb, MSW, T.S.
Jessica Gottlieb is a social worker, author and clinician with more than 20 years of experience supporting children, youth and families through complex emotional and mental health challenges. Her broad clinical background gives her a grounded understanding of how people experience pain, stigma and loss, and how professionals can respond with greater compassion, clarity and care.
Sarah Crotty
Jason Schwartz
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.
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: Carly Berlin, Michelle Belitzky, Sarah Crotty, Damyan Edwards, Vivian Myron, Jessie Reider, Bryanna Rothstein, Jason Schwartz, Jasmine Wong, Patty Xenos, Ann Zilberbrant
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.
