MORNING KEYNOTE
The Healing Power of Grief:
The Art of “Companioning” the Mourner
Presented by Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD, CT

Alan D. Wolfelt is a noted author, educator, and grief counselor known to thousands across North America for his inspirational teaching gift. Dr. Wolfelt is committed to helping people mourn so they can live well and love well. Recipient of the Death Education and Counseling’s Death Educator Award, he is Founder and Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado, and a faculty member of the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. The Oprah Winfrey Show, The NBC Today Show, and The Larry King Live Show, among others, have relied on Dr. Wolfelt’s insightful commentary on grief. His numerous publications include, Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart; The Journey Through Grief: Reflections on Healing; Healing the Bereaved Child; Healing a Spouse’s Grieving Heart; Creating Meaningful Funeral Experiences: A Guide for Caregivers; and When Your Pet Dies.

AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Moving Through Grief with Hypnotherapy
Presented by Bonnie Knobloch, RN, MEd, CHt

Bonnie Knobloch has over 40 years experience as a registered nurse, grief counselor and hospice administrator. She retired from the position as Executive Director of Carondelet Hospice and Palliative Care in June of 2010. Bonnie has a Masters in Counseling and has been studying hypnotherapy for 9 years. She graduated from the Hypnotherapy Academy of America in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2009 and is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. She has several publications in the area of grief and loss including research on the special spiritual experiences of the bereaved.
 

Taking Personal Breakdown to Breakthrough:
Undertaking the Journey of Spiritual Transformation
(Or I Think I’m On That Flight Too but Will This
All Fit in the Overhead? And, Hey, How Come
There Are No Upgrades Available?)
Presented by Allan J. Hamilton, MD, FACS, and
Jane F. Hamilton, PhD

After studying art in college, which earned him a career as a janitor, Allan J. Hamilton went on to attend Harvard Medical School, and to become the chief of neurosurgery and chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, where he currently holds a main appointment as a Professor of Neurosurgery and is the executive director of The Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center. Dr. Hamilton is the author of the award-winning book, The Scalpel and the Soul: Encounters with Surgery, the Supernatural and the Healing Power of Hope and a script consultant for Grey’s Anatomy.

Jane F. Hamilton is a licensed clinical psychologist, instructor,  psychotherapist, and is certified in clinical hypnosis as a well as equine-assisted therapy. She obtained her PhD in Psychology from Boston College and her Master’s Degree from Harvard University. Dr. Hamilton is the clinical director of Rancho Bosque, a small ranch facility that provides equine-assisted therapy programs and various clinical, supervisory, and educational activities. She also teaches graduate level classes in psychology, sociology, professional development and criminal counseling.

Advance Planning: Creating Peace of Mind
Presented by Evan W. Kligman, MD, MDiv,
Kevin Kinghorn, Cert. Estate & Trust Specialist, Tiana Ronstadt,
Financial Consultant, LUTCf, & Lisa Daniels, LCSW

This workshop identifies and explores benefits realized by individuals who complete Advanced Directives. Using the Five Wishes as a tool, panelists will explore with participants how sharing information with their loved ones and those involved with their care provides significant help to everyone. Participants will receive a copy of the Five Wishes as a part of the workshop experience.

We Appreciate Our Sponsors:

The following companies and organizations provided funding to assist Casa de la Luz Foundation in fulfilling our mission to educate the community about end of life care. These funds help make possible our annual high-quality end of life educational conference for health care professionals, caregivers, volunteers, and others working in the hospice environment, as well as members of the lay community interested in improving end of life care. For more info on becoming a Casa de la Luz Foundation Sponsor, please contact Carol Clark at (520) 544-9890.

Sponsored By:

The Past Conferences: