Speaking engagements that include our founder and CEO, Susan Whitmore, and other Board and/or Advisory Board members are also available. Please state your interest when inquiring.

To view previous engagements, please see comprehensive list.

To schedule Susan Whitmore for a speaking engagement,
please contact griefHaven at (310) 459-1789 or write to hope@griefHaven.org

Overview:

Susan Whitmore's candid yet gentle guidance, depth and breadth of knowledge on grief and the science of the grieving brain, personal experiences of loss, combined with her wonderful sense of humor, lends itself wholeheartedly to reaching into the hearts and minds of those in need, leaving them with the hope and tangible knowledge of how to go on, how to help someone else go on, and what specifically does and does not work. She has also created a wide variety of support tools so that everyone, regardless of loss, will have something from which to choose that will help them continue making that journey and knowing they are never alone. Those tools are being used all over the world, and some of them can be seen throughout the griefHaven website.

Losses:

Death Of a Child: Susan regularly speaks to support groups and at conferences held for parents, siblings, and other family members impacted by a child’s death. A unique and devastating loss, and being on that lifelong journey herself, Susan shares her specialized grief tools with those whose lives have been forever changed by the death of a child.

All Other Losses: Regardless of a person’s loss, grief is something that enters a person’s life when someone they love and care about dies. Susan approaches each loss, even when all losses are combined in a given room, with the same commitment and understanding as that of the death of a child. Her overall approach is one of interaction, overall understanding and knowledge about grief, and specific grief tools that work to help soften the blow of loss and empower each griever to know what works and doesn’t work.

Specialists/Outreach:

Susan has a wide range of experience and capabilities in this arena and has conducted workshops and speaking engagements from very large to small groups. Her educational and unique approach to the difficult subject of losing someone deeply loved is well received by all specialists, including chaplains, hospice caregivers, medical doctors, hospital administrative staff, therapists, nurses, home caregivers, school/university principals and their administrative staff, teachers and community businesses, such as the Fire Department.

Media

Susan has been sought out as a grief expert and has appeared on the nightly news, television shows, and has been heard on several radio shows (some of these are available on this website). For media inquiries, please contact hope@griefHaven.org or call 310-459-1789.

Please see the comprehensive list of presentations below
or contact us at (310) 459-1789 or by email at hope@griefHaven.org

Most Recent Speaking Events

Johnson & Johnson
Los Angeles LGBT Organization – National Grief Awareness Day

July 13, 2018

A Day That Changed My Life (Yet Once Again)

Susan Whitmore, CEO, Meets With Fire Fighters A Day That Changed My Life (Yet Once Again) I was asked by Captain Bob Bates to come to the fire station and talk about griefHaven. He said, “We need you…we need to know about your organization and what you do.” So I went armed with documents, grief pins, and other bits of information to share with them. But what started out as a sharing about griefHaven turned into a grief sharing from the firefighters about their own PTSD, their own trauma and grief over all that they have experienced over the many years they have fought fires, tried to save lives, walked into homes where people have died–where children have died, tried to console families, worked untold hours for the betterment of our communities, and so much more… Most of us have no idea what firefighters do for us. We think they […]
November 2, 2017

San Fernando Valley Counseling Center

May 19, 2007 San Fernando Valley Counseling Center Presentation 10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon. Call 310-459-1789 for details and directions Susan Whitmore presented and showed Portraits of Hope. For more information, please contact Susan Whitmore at swhitmore@griefHaven.org. Susan, I just wanted to thank you again for your very moving and meaningful presentation today at the San Fernando Valley Counseling Center. I was touched by your words as a human being. I also learned a lot as a therapist. I think you are doing amazing, wonderful work. Thank you so much for what you are bringing into the world. Thank you, Jackie Castro, MA, MFT therapywithcare.com
November 1, 2017

GriefHaven Supports Brakes for Brett

GriefHaven Supports Brakes for Brett When Brett Karlin, the beloved son of Michael and Marcie Karlin, died while “hill hopping” with his friend, Andy, his father decided it was time that other parents know about this hill hopping activity their teens may be participating in. Perhaps others would be spared the intense grief of loss they were having to endure. Plus, those teens who saw it as a fun-loving way to spend time needed to know the potential tragic consequences. So Michael, out of his love for Brett, started “Brakes for Brett.” Andy, the driver, speaks regularly with Michael. We met Michael when he called our foundation in need of love, support, and hope two weeks after Brett’s death. The message that Michael has begun to spread through Brakes for Brett has reached into the homes of thousands across this nation, and we are proud to have joined hands with […]
October 17, 2017
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2017 – Live Your Best Life Luncheon

griefHaven Annual Fundraising Luncheon Friends of griefHaven Fundraising Council Members Luxe Hotel – Los Angeles, California October 17, 2017 This year’s speaker was Jesse Billauer, a world champion surfer whose tragic story of utter despair and loss, eventually led him to a life he dared not imagine at the time of his horrific accident—a life that today includes many of his dreams he thought would never be possible since he became a quadriplegic: a beautiful and loving wife, twin boys filled with wonder in their eyes, and a nonprofit foundation that supports quadriplegic people everywhere. His inspirational story gave everyone pause and that chance to remember—we can go on and have a beautiful, loving, and meaningful life. Share in the day by wandering through our photos, and feel the love as you click on the PowerPoint tribute presentations. Hopefully, one year, you will join us at this special event. Mark […]
October 2, 2015

19th Circuit Court of Judges

19th Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Yearly Conference, by Susan Whitmore First, thank you Judge Bridges to inviting me to spend the spectacular day with you and your colleagues. I had the honor and privilege of speaking before the 19th Circuit Court of Judges for the Chicago District in October 2015. In attendance were over 50 judges from the various counties that the 19th Circuit Court covers. The topic was grief and included the science of grief. It was a very special experience for me to be with so many high-powered men and women whose hearts were also broken by the deaths of someone they love. As we know, grief does not care what our status is in life, what we have or have not accomplished, where we live, how we look, or what we have or don’t have. The playing field is equal when anyone loses someone they dearly […]
May 17, 2015

Brian Moorman P.U.N.T Foundation

griefHaven Founder and President Gives Keynote and Facilitates Workshops Brian Moorman and Susan Whitmore I had the honor and privilege of being with the beautiful families who attended the second annual Brian Moorman P.U.N.T. Foundation’s Remembrance Weekend in Ellicottville, New York. Where’s Ellicottville, you might ask? Well, it’s a long way from Los Angeles, but man oh man is it gorgeous! Snow on the mountains, golfers on the greens, and us in a ski resort with breathtaking views! Brian Moorman was a 13-year punter for the Buffalo Bills and moved to Dallas to be the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, where he currently resides. On May 2 and 3, my husband, Wendell, and I spent a beautiful and meaningful weekend with many families from New York who had all lost their children of various ages to cancer. I opened early Saturday morning by giving a PowerPoint keynote address, with the […]
June 27, 2014

Tom Coughlin Jay Fund

GRIEFHAVEN AND THE Tom Coughlin Jay Fund JUNE 27, 2014 – Report by Susan Whitmore, griefHaven Founder What an incredible honor it has been to be a part of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund organization. I was privileged to be the keynote presenter on Saturday morning, opening up the conference. I then conducted three workshops on Saturday afternoon, with my husband Wendell at my side. All of the families in attendance lost a child, sibling, or grandchild to cancer…a journey I know well. On Sunday morning I shared an overview of the weekend, how to go on in life without our children, and what it means to embrace life once again. Tom Coughlin, founder of the Jay Fund and coach extraordinaire for the New York Giants, gave a passionate and moving talk to the audience of parents and siblings who were gathered together for the final candle light ceremony. Coach Coughlin […]
March 24, 2014

Good Morning America

Susan Whitmore, Founder of griefHaven, On Good Morning America Watch this YouTube video of Susan Whitmore, founder of greifHaven, on Good Morning America discussing the show Resurrection.
January 25, 2014

CURE Childhood Cancer Org.

  griefHaven’s Founder & President – Keynote Speaker 2014 – CURE Childhood Cancer Org. – Atlanta, Georgia – Keynote Presentation On January 25, I stepped up to the podium as the keynote speaker for the amazing CURE Childhood Cancer Organization www.curechildhoodcancer.org. CURE provides funds for childhood cancer research and is there for the families while their children are going through cancer treatment and when a child does not survive. The morning of January 25 marked the beginning of some life-changing experiences for me as well, since it was the first time I had ever spoken in front of a room of parents, grandparents, and siblings whose children had all died from cancer, the same thing that took Erika from us. There were about 125 people there, and I gave a PowerPoint presentation that included education about grief, as well as the latest on the grieving brain. On Saturday afternoon, I facilitated […]
January 1, 2014

2014 – Fancy Feet Fundraising Event

Fancy Feet Dance Studio Presents… Its 2014 Gift of Light Fundraising Dance Performances. Thanks to Emily Kay/Tillman for her generosity and love and to all of the amazing and talented children who danced and sang their hearts out!Fancy Feet donated $7,611 to griefHaven!
December 29, 2013

Grief Relief Television

Finding Hope After Loss On This show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley explore the topic of finding meaning after a loss. They interview two inspirational women who rather than be broken by their experience have used their tragic losses to make meaning and to help others.        
October 8, 2013

2013 griefHaven Annual Fundraising Luncheon

griefHaven Annual Fundraising Luncheon Luxe Hotel – Los Angeles, California October 8, 2013 2013 Friends of griefHaven “Live Your Best Life Luncheon.” It was truly beautiful, and that room was filled with so much love it was palpable. There were 180 people in attendance. The Friends of griefHaven Council members (meet them all on our website) worked for months and months to make this event flawless. Our former Mayor, Richard Riordan, introduced Susan in such a lovely way. Then several families stood up and shared how griefHaven has helped them on their journeys. Michael Davis sang a beautiful song he wrote entitled “I Will Friend You,” and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. But then…ta dah!!! Along came John Gray, best-selling author and sought-after speaker (ever heard of “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus?”) , and he spoke and had us all in stitches!
February 22, 2013

2013 – Live Your Best Life Luncheon

2013 – Live Your Best Life Luncheon It was truly beautiful, and that room was filled with so much love it was palpable. There were 180 people in attendance. The Friends of griefHaven Council members (meet them all on our website) worked for months and months to make this event flawless. Our former Mayor, Richard Riordan, introduced Susan in such a lovely way. Then several families stood up and shared how griefHaven has helped them on their journeys. Michael Davis sang a beautiful song he wrote entitled “I Will Friend You,” and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. But then…ta dah!!! Along came John Gray, best-selling author and sought-after speaker (ever heard of “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus?”) , and he spoke and had us all in stitches!                                   […]
November 1, 2012

Workshop – International Association of Professional Chaplains

Susan and Wendell Whitmore, griefHaven Board Members, and Rev. Pam Washburn, Advisory Board Member Workshop with the International Association of Professional Chaplains –San Francisco, CA griefHaven Booth Spreading the Word About griefHaven Wendell & Susan Spreading the Word About griefHaven San Francisco, CA – Susan Speaking Las Vegas, Nevada
October 8, 2012

2012 – Live Your Best Life Luncheon

2012 – Live Your Best Life Luncheon Luxe Hotel – Los Angeles, California October 8, 2012 On October 8, 2012, more than 125 “friends” of griefHaven gathered at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angeles for the first annual Friends of griefHaven luncheon. Friends of griefHaven is a new organization that supports griefHaven’s mission and vision, both financially and with “hands-on” assistance. The October 8 luncheon was planned and organized by the Friends of griefHaven Council. The Council is comprised of its nine founders, outlined below in the Council photo, and is committed to assisting griefHaven’s founder and president, Susan Whitmore. Attendees included several griefHaven board members, supporters, family, friends, and a number of parents and siblings who have lost children and brothers and sisters and benefitted from griefHaven’s many services of support and hope. All of the friends who attended were given the opportunity to join hands with the Friends of […]
March 1, 2012

2012 – Grant Presentation – Palisades Community

Thanks To YOU, Our Fundraising Event Was A Very Sweet Success Indeed! You helped us raise $617.86, the largest amount ever raised for a fundraising event at The Yogurt Shoppe! Clive Lewis, Susan Whitmore, Kevin Sabin Thanks To Kevin Sabin and Clive Lewis, Owners Of The Yogurt Shoppe, And all of you for buying frozen yogurt, for telling your friends to buy frozen yogurt, and for being a part of helping us support grieving parents and siblings, as well as educate others about grief. If You See Us Around Town, Please Wave Hello Or Give Us A Big Hug Love And Thanks Again From All Of Your Friends At griefHaven Susan Whitmore, Founder & President
March 18, 2009

Shopping For A Cause and the Cause is griefHaven!

2009 – Shopping For A Cause Shopping For A Cause and the Cause is griefHaven! March 18, 2009, 4 to 8 PM. Vince on Robertson in Beverly Hills Partners With griefHaven And YOU Are Invited! See the NEW Spring Line! Meet Your griefHaven Family! Enjoy Cocktails While You Shop! Comfortable, stylish, trendy, simple or beautiful, there’s something for everyone, even the guys! March 18, 2009 ~ 4 to 8 P.M. 112 N. Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA Speak With Ashley Nguyen by calling 310-247-8299 http://www.vince.com As Sold at Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Saks 5th Avenue Everything YOU Purchase Will Help griefHaven Can’t Make It? Live Too Far Away? No Problem! Go to www.vince.com , pick out something you want, call Ashley Nguyen at the store, your item will be shipped to you AND 20% of your purchase will be STILL be given to griefHaven. CHECK IT OUT: Vince has partnered with griefHaven and is […]
January 13, 2008

2008 – Peace of Heart Fund-Raising Dinner

  2022 We will always love you Bob. Thank you for the years of laughter. Read: A tribute to Bob Saget. Bob Saget Radio Interview Just prior to receiving the griefHaven Peace of Heart™ award, Bob Saget was interviewed on public radio about griefHaven, his own losses of all four of his sisters and brothers, how he, his father and mother found ways to cope, and his thoughts surrounding grief and receiving this prestigious award. Listen: Listen to Bob Saget. 2008 Peace of Heart Fund-Raising Event Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills. Peace of Heart Recipient: Bob Saget Inspired by the memories of his beloved sisters, Andrea Marce Saget and Gay Audrey Saget, Bob Saget, well-known comedian and actor, has used his comedic gift to raise much-needed funds for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting a disease that remains incurable. Despite his busy life, Bob gives his time and lends […]
April 29, 2007

Association of Prof. Chaplains

January 30, 2007 Westside Council of Bereavement Facilitators 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. Susan Whitmore presented and showed Portraits of Hope. For more information, please contact Susan Whitmore at swhitmore@griefHaven.org. April 26, 2007 Association of Professional Chaplains 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2007 Conference Burlingame, California Susan Whitmore will be co-presenting at this special and unique four-hour workshop for chaplains and hospice caregivers from all over the world. Her co-presenter, Reverend Pamela Washburn, is the Director of Spiritual Care at Cottage Health Systems in Santa Barbara, California. For more information regarding this event, please contact the Association of Professional Chaplains, 1701 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 400, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (847) 240-1014. Their web site is www.professionalchaplains.org. April 29, 2007 Association of Professional Chaplains 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 2007 Conference Burlingame, California Susan Whitmore will be co-presenting at this 1.5-hour presentation for chaplains and hospice caregivers from all over the world. Her […]
November 1, 2006

Adam’s Law

griefHaven Congratulates Marc Klaas, John Walsh, and All of Those Who Made Passing Adam’s Law a Reality To download a PDF of the Children’s Safety Act, click here Marc Klaas & Elizabeth Smart at Signing Mark Lunsford Mark Lunsford, Marc Klaas, Dru Sjodin’s mother Linda Walker, Erin Runnion, Patty and Jerry Wetterling Erin Runnion Marc Klaas speaking at Press Conference        
October 8, 2006

Tu Nidito Conference in Tucson

  October 8, 2006 Tucson, Arizona Tu Nidito Conference Susan Whitmore will be speaking at the Tu Nidito Conference in Tucson, Arizona on October 8, 2006. For more details, please go to www.tunidito.org. Tu Nidito Children and Family Services is an organization that provides comprehensive, coordinated, child-centered support for children and families dealing with serious illness or the death of a loved one. Thousands of children and families have received services through Tu Nidito’s programs, and The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation and griefHaven are proud to be a part of the wonderful service provided by Tu Nudito.        
September 29, 2006

2006 – Peace of Heart Fund-Raising Dinner

2006 Peace of Heart Fund-Raising Dinner Peace of Heart Award ™ Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and Character Counts Commentaries, KNX Radio, presented the Peace of Heart Award to Marc & Violet Klaas The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation & griefHaven Lovingly Present the 2007 Peace of Heart Award to Marc & Violet Klaas In Honor of Polly Hannah Klaas, whose loving essence created within you a fire of passion that burned so brightly it illuminated the way for you to make this world a safer place for all children. Your compassion, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment have brought Peace of Heart to parents, children, and families everywhere. Saturday night, September 29, at 6:30 p.m., we had our first fund-raising dinner. It was a beautiful, warm, FUN, and meaningful evening for everyone. Of course, the ultimate goal was to raise the ever-needed funds so that we […]
September 21, 2006

Healing the Grieving Heart

September 21, 2006 San Francisco, California Healing the Grieving Heart Internet Radio – 9:00 a.m. Healing the Grieving Heart On September 21, 2006, Susan Whitmore was interviewed on the grief radio show, “Healing the Grieving Heart.” The title of the show was Finding Meaning After Losing Erika. To hear that radio show now, click on this link
July 23, 2005

2005 – Peace of Heart Award

  The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation Presents The 2005 Peace of Heart Award To Steven Turnbull and Credence Sol Attorneys from the Liner Yankelevitz Sunshine & Regenstreif Law Firm Susan Whitmore presenting the 2005 Peace of Heart Award to Steven Turnbull On July 23, 2005, The Erika Whitmore Godwin Foundation and griefHaven presented its 2005 Peace of Heart award to Steven Wade Turnbull and Credence Sol for their unwavering support in assisting the foundation in a lawsuit caused by a volunteer who had refused to return the Portrait of Grief; Badges of Courage tapes to the foundation until certain demands were met. After almost a year in court, the footage was returned to the plaintiffs, who held a celebration July 9 to thank the devoted lawyers of Liner Yankelevitz Sunshine & Regenstreif for handling the case pro bono. Susan presented attorneys Steven Turnbull and Credence Sol with the 2005 Peace […]
January 22, 2005

Klaas’ Kids Fingerprinting

Susan & Wendell Whitmore Help Klaas’ Kids With Fingerprinting Saturday, January 22, 2005, Huntington Park, California. griefHaven joined hands with Marc & Violet Klaas, Polly’s dad and step-mom, through Klaas’ Kids Foundation. HSBC Financial, one of the world’s largest investment companies, opened it’s door in Huntington Parkand asked Klaas’ Kids to be a part of the day’s festivities, which included five $5,000 donations to various charities, photo opportunities, news coverage, and the fingerprinting of over 400 children! This was an incredible day that we will never forget,” said Susan Whitmore. “As you can see from the photos, the families came out in droves to have their children’s photos taken, fingerprints digitized, and DNA kits handed out. It is an honor to join hands with Klaas’ Kids. The EWG Foundation and griefHaven, along with many volunteers, are going to be organizing and conducting several of these events over the next few […]
November 1, 2004

Our House Fund-Raising Event

Susan Whitmore, Our President, Attends An Our House Fund-Raiser In November 2004, I attended, along with a group of mothers, an Our House fund-raising event. Our House is an organization that provides grief therapy for parents and siblings. I have been attending group therapy sessions with these parents since Erika died. The evening was very rewarding and successful for Our House. It was our honor to be there. At one point during the evening, our table was asked to stand up and honor our children who had died. We received a gracious round of applause. I don’t know what I would do without these mothers in my life.
March 24, 2004

Balloon Release and Prayer Service for Jennifer and Adrianna Wix

Jennifer and Adrianna Wix ~~ missing since March 24, 2004 On March 25, 2004, Jennifer and Adrianna’s family, friends and other supporters gathered together to remember Jennifer and Adrianna with a balloon release and prayer service in their honor. This was a beautiful and emotional day, one that should not have been. Our family sincerely thanks all the people who have supported us through this terrible time.