This September, WNC Bridge proudly sponsored Grief in Gray Skies and Blue: Expressive Arts and Childhood Grief, a professional development workshop for Haywood County Schools. Led by Heartfelt Haywood’s Peter Constantian and Breanne Nelson, with expressive arts facilitator Elizabeth Garlington, the session introduced educators to creative tools for supporting students experiencing grief and trauma.

Participants explored expressive arts practices including visual art, movement, storytelling, music, and therapeutic writing as ways to help children give shape to difficult emotions. Each session welcomed fifteen educators, including counselors, social workers, and special educators, who engaged in hands-on activities such as therapeutic writing and collage to better understand the grief experiences of their students.

Attendees received a comprehensive resource packet featuring grief-support materials, classroom strategies, and developmental guidance.

We are grateful to help bring this meaningful training to Haywood County and remain committed to supporting programs that foster healing and resilience in students.