NFFF Events
2023 Parents & Siblings Retreat
Event Details
A great program is planned for parents and siblings of fallen firefighters to strengthen your abilities to heal.
This special retreat is open to parents and siblings of fallen firefighters honored or approved to be honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Our focus will be on the unique issues that come with grieving the death of an adult child or sibling, how the death impacts family relationships and traditions, and the positive effects of self-care after loss. We hope that you will join us for the 2023 Parents & Siblings Retreat, a time for fellowship, learning, and support surrounded by others who understand.
The retreat will begin with a welcome dinner on Wednesday, March 22. Thursday and Friday will include engaging workshops, open discussions, as well as opportunities to connect with other parents and siblings.
Facilitators
Susan Hannifin-MacNab, MSW, PPSC
Susan is a social worker, educator, and author who holds a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Education, and credentials as a teacher and school social worker. After the sudden death of her young husband, Susan founded A2Z Healing Toolbox®, a heart-based business that assists the bereaved in integrating authentic, practical, action-based tools into their lives while healing with intention. She facilitates workshops, trainings, healing retreats and gives keynote presentations internationally. Susan’s five-time award winning book, A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention, is used by mental health practitioners and bereaved communities worldwide. Susan serves as the Programs and Education Manager for Soaring Spirits International, a non-profit organization that provides programming, support and hope to the global widowed community, and works in support of surviving military spouses through Sugar Bear Foundation for Gold Star Families.
Vickie Taylor, LCSW
Vickie has served the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation since its inception as a trainer, behavioral health consultant, and coordinator of the NFFF Memorial Weekend Family Day activities. She has provided behavioral health consultation to Prince William County, Virginia, public safety agencies since 1985. She is currently the director of the Prince William Public Safety Resilience Center, a full-service counseling center dedicated to public safety personnel who are employed in Prince William County.
The NFFF will reserve and pay for three nights lodging beginning Wednesday, March 22. You should plan to arrive at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 22 and depart on Saturday, March 25. We will reimburse your travel expenses up to $350 (airfare or mileage) after your participation in the retreat. Meals will be provided, except for, Friday night’s dinner. This is your night; you will have an opportunity to spend time with other conference participants and enjoy a bit of San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk.
Registration will remain open until February 18 or until the event is full.
