Dealing With Grief During the Holidays #DWGDHolidays2025

Dealing With Grief During the Holidays #DWGDHolidays2025

Join us for an online event where we come together to support one another in Dealing With Grief During the Holidays. Losing a loved one can make the festive season challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. This event provides a safe space for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and finding solace.

Date: Sat Novmeber 8, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (EST)

F ee: 30.00

Whether you're recently bereaved or have been dealing with grief for some time, this event offers a chance to connect with others who understand. Through interactive discussions, guest speakers, and practical tips, we aim to help you navigate the holiday season and find moments of joy amidst the sorrow.

To participate, register for $30.00 and join us online on the specified date and time. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Let's come together and support each other through the ups and downs of grief during the holidays. #DWGDHolidays2025

#DWGDHolidays #WRTWT

Melissa “Mel” J. Miller-Felton is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. Mell currently works as a licensed clinical social worker with specialty training/experience in trauma, substance abuse, and crisis Counseling.

Mel holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Studies, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management, and a Master of Clinical Social Work. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Old Dominion University in the International Studies Program with concentrations in Women and Gender Studies and Comparative Cultural and Political Studies. She is part of an interdisciplinary research team that serves marginalized populations in South Africa and Columbia. Her research interest is Black/African feminism, race relations, internalized inferiority, refugee migration, and women’s empowerment. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking, and shopping.

Get Some Holiday Tips From Mel, A Panel Member On "Dealing With Grief During The Holidays." #WRTWT

Tamara Ferebee is the Executive Director and Founder of The Healing Trees, Inc. Additionally, she serves in the Human Services Administration. She is a Co-Founder of the National Association of Black Counselors. She is a licensed professional counselor who has been practicing for over 25 years. She dedicates herself to counseling and causes that make a difference in people's lives. She has served in various settings and enjoys working with families, couples, multicultural populations, women, and faith-based organizations. She has worked as an advocate to address suicide, trauma, and grief.

Besides counseling, Tamara's passions are teaching, training, and consulting. Additionally, she serves as a clinical supervisor and mentor to many. Tamara is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University and is a doctoral candidate.

Dr. Wayne Handley is a 23-year law enforcement veteran currently serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Buena Vista, Virginia. Before his service with the Buena Vista Police Department, Chief Handley served 20 years with the Norfolk Police Department in Norfolk, VA, where he retired as a Captain. During his tenure with the NPD, he served in multiple capacities in field operations, investigative services, and administrative services. His collateral duties on the NPD included polygraph examiner and supervisor, hostage/crisis negotiator and supervisor, and training instructor. As the Commanding Officer of the Training Division, he used his experience in planning and developing training programs to evaluate and improve the training services delivered to officers of the NPD. Following his service with the Norfolk Police Department, Chief Handley served three years with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office as the Chief of Staff, overseeing day-to-day operations for the organization.

Chief Handley was awarded the Top Cop award twice: once for the investigation of gang-related homicides that led to a significant number of arrests and convictions and once for the development of the NPD’s Crisis Intervention Team training program. Before serving with the City of Norfolk, he spent five years as a Nationally Registered EMT – Paramedic and an Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor. He was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps after a successful tour of duty from 1990-1995.

Wayne’s formal education includes a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is a doctoral candidate at Old Dominion University, finishing his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Additionally, he has lectured both nationally and internationally on the topics of trauma and resiliency in mental health counseling as well as vicarious traumatization in law enforcement. Wayne was also published in the 2019 Public Interest Law Review from the University of Richmond Law School on vicarious traumatization in public service lawyering.

Catherine R. A. Fornwald ~ General Board Member

In the autumn of 1995, Catherine Fornwald was born to Mark and Tina Fornwald. She grew up an energetic child with an interest in science and art.

She is often surrounded by bugs and wildlife, learning their names and habits with her father. The outdoors was no stranger to her, as she learned hunting and fishing from her father, going on frequent turkey and deer hunts.

As she got older, her interest in art grew, becoming an avid writer of poetry; she is currently working on her first poetry book.

Now at 27 years old, she lives in San Diego, California, and currently works at ROCHE /GenMark Diagnostics as a maintenance technician, assuring functionality of the assembly robots on the manufacturing lines.

Some of her special interests are traveling and learning new languages.

Meet Ulanka Beckom - Moderator for Dealing With Grief During The Holidays #WRTWT

Ulanaka L. Beckom ~ Treasurer

"Just Living it Up and Loving it All" has been my life's mantra. Life throws a lot at you, and being able to continue the game can be challenging. Let's lean on each other to keep living as best we can. A retired USN Senior Chief Ulanka has counseled various Sailors. As Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) in the USN, Ulanka assisted families with processing their loved one's final wishes when they passed away on active duty.

Host or Publisher Widowhood Real Talk with Tina