Alternative Methods for Grief Care and Support

Continuing Education

Alternative Methods for Grief Care and Support

Traditional methods for grief care and counseling are effective for most who seek the support. However, sometimes alternative methods for support are a better option for certain individuals. This summit will provide attendees with resources and information about alternative methods for grief care and support.

This class is approved for 5.0 continuing education contact hours by the State of Ohio Counselor Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, approval #RSX011303 for social workers and approval #RCX052401 for counselors. The Ohio Board of Nursing allows nurses to claim CE credits from a CE activity that has been approved by an agency that regulates a health care profession or discipline in Ohio.

Class Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM – breakfast and registration
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Julie Olds speaking on traditional methods of grief care and support (30 minutes)
Traditional methods for grief care often work well for those seeking these types of support. However, traditional methods may not be the best option for support for some individuals. This presentation will review several traditional methods for grief care and support, including grief support groups and workshops, bereavement programs, individual counseling, and grief therapy.
9:30 – 10:30 AM – Andi Yates speaking on plant therapy for grief care (60 minutes)This program will explore horticultural therapy as a method for supporting clients in grief, as well as exploring practical ways to integrate horticultural therapy into a variety of settings. Participants will explore considerations for integrating horticulture into different settings including space considerations, and client populations.
10:30 – 10:45 AM – quick break
10:45 – 12:15 PM – Teresa Neill-Green and Carrie Capell presenting on music and art therapies (90 minutes)This presentation will explore the powerful combination of music and art therapy as meaningful tools in the grief process. Attendees will gain insights into how these alternative modalities can provide opportunities for emotional expression, promote self-awareness, and facilitate healing during times of loss.
12:15 – 1:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Elizabeth Miller presenting on yoga grief therapy (60 minutes)This one-hour experiential class is designed for professionals who accompany others through grief and loss. Learn how yoga therapy offers simple, body-based tools—such as breath awareness, gentle movement, and guided stillness—to support emotional regulation, embodied presence, and compassionate care. The class also offers space for personal reflection and renewal. No yoga experience necessary; come as you are.
2:00 – 2:15 PM – quick break
2:15 – 3:15 PM – Nikki Smith on what is a Death Doula (60 minutes)Death and grief don’t come with a manual, but a death doula can help light the way. In this presentation, we’ll explore how death doulas offer support during one of life’s most sacred and vulnerable transitions. From legacy projects and vigil planning to caregiver support and grief care, this talk will unpack what it means to "hold space" at the end of life. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how death doulas complement hospice and palliative care, reduce fear and overwhelm, and help families navigate loss with more clarity, presence, and peace.

Julie Olds

Certified Thanatologist and Certified Funeral CelebrantTraditional Methods for Grief Care and Support

Julie Olds is the Director of Community Relations and Education at Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service. Ms. Olds received her bachelor’s degree in allied medicine in 1993 from The Ohio State University. She then went on to receive her Master of Marketing and Communication in 2005 from Franklin University. In 2014, she became a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and received her Certification in Thanatology in 2018. In 2022, Julie Olds attended the InSight Institute for celebrant training and received her Certificate of Funeral Celebrancy.

Andi Yates

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Horticultural TherapistPlant Therapy for Grief Care and Support

Andi Yates is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and horticultural therapist. Andi has led a number of groups, professional development courses, and classes focused on horticulture as an alternative healing method, in addition to working with a wide variety of clients. Andi also works with individual clients using metaphor, writing, and live plants to assist in healing with trauma, grief, and loss.

Teresa Neill–Green

Licensed Professional Art Therapist and Licensed Social WorkerArt Therapy/ Creative Therapies for Grief Care

Teresa Neill-Green is a Licensed Professional Art Therapist and a Licensed Social Worker. With over 30 years of experience as a skilled facilitator, Teresa uses the arts as a therapeutic modality, providing individual and group support through their Community Loss and Healing Services program at OhioHealth. Teresa has presented and written articles around the impact Art Therapy holds and how art transforms lives.

Teresa enjoys being creative, volunteering at local homeless shelter and spending time with her precious grandkids.

Carrie Capell

Licensed Professional Music TherapistMusic Therapy/ Creative Therapies for Grief Care

Carrie Capell, LPMT, MT-BC (she/her) is a board-certified music therapist specializing in end-of-life care and grief support. Upon graduating from Ohio University’s School of Music (2017), she completed her music therapy internship at Four Seasons – Compassion for Life, a leading nonprofit hospice in Western North Carolina. Since earning her board certification in 2018, Carrie has devoted her career to hospice work across Central and Western Ohio, currently serving with Capital City Hospice.

In addition to music therapy, Carrie has served as a hospice Bereavement Coordinator—an experience that has deepened her ability to support individuals navigating the profound and complex landscape of grief. She also holds The Compassionate Bereavement Care Certification® from the Center for Loss and Trauma, MISS Foundation, and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Family Trust. Carrie is especially passionate about legacy work—helping patients preserve their stories and create meaningful keepsakes that bring comfort and connection to loved ones long after their passing.

Outside of work, Carrie enjoys time at home with her husband, Austin, their goldendoodle, Rosie, and a good crochet project.

Elizabeth Miller

Certified Yoga TherapistYoga Therapy and Practice for Grief Care

Elizabeth Miller is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) with a Masters in Practical Theology who specializes in supporting individuals and groups moving through the tender terrain of grief and loss. With more than two decades of yoga study and personal practice, Elizabeth offers a grounded, heart-centered approach to healing that blends therapeutic movement, breathwork, and mindfulness in a safe and compassionate space.

Elizabeth's work centers on the belief that grief is not a problem to solve, but a profound expression of love that deserves space, support, and embodiment. Through one-on-one yoga therapy sessions, group classes, and workshops, Elizabeth helps clients process emotional pain, regulate the nervous system, and gently reconnect with the body—at a pace that honors their unique journey.

With more than 20 years of experience in yoga and a specialization in grief support, Elizabeth offers supportive yoga therapy to help individuals navigate loss, reconnect with the body, and find steadiness in the midst of change. Certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), Elizabeth blends breathwork, mindful movement, and stillness in personalized sessions that honor the grieving process with compassion and care.

Nikki Smith

Certified Death Doula and Grief CoachDeath Doula Practice and Grief Support

Nikki is an INELDA certified death doula and a grief coach, serving the terminally ill, dying, elderly and their loved ones with dignity and respect. Her goal is to help others embrace the end of life and share open and honest communication with their loved ones. She can take the burden and hold space so you can focus on what matters most in your final days and leave this world at peace.

Cornerstone of Hope

Cornerstone of Hope offers compassionate and comprehensive grief support services for individuals and families. Their programs include grief counseling, support groups, spiritual care, memorial events, camps, school‐based programs, and educational workshops. They also provide professional trainings for caregivers and clinicians as part of their continuing education offerings. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Cornerstone of Hope is dedicated to helping people find purpose and healing through loss.

https://columbus.cornerstoneofhope.org/

VITAS Healthcare – Greater Columbus

VITAS Healthcare in Columbus brings holistic, patient-centered hospice and palliative care to the community, serving private residences, nursing homes, and assisted living. Their interdisciplinary team supports not just physical needs but emotional and spiritual well-being, offering services such as music and massage therapy, pet visits, and grief and bereavement support. Available 24/7, they are committed to dignity, comfort, and support for patients and families during end-of-life care.

https://www.vitas.com/locations-search/columbus

Continuing Education

Continuing Education Grief Summit