LOVE AFTER LOSS
Meet Our Speakers
Real stories. Practical wisdom. Lasting hope.
Our speakers bring different experiences, perspectives, and wisdom to the conversation of love after loss.
Over two days, you'll hear from people who have experienced profound loss themselves, supported others through grief, explored the spiritual dimensions of continuing connection, and discovered what can become possible as we learn to live with loss.
Each speaker has their own story to tell—and their own perspective on what it means to move forward without leaving love behind.
Day 1
Kevin and Angela
Saturday • 10:30-11:00 AM CT
Kari Driskall
Saturday • 11:00–11:30 AM CT
Grieving Bravely with Kyla Thomson
Saturday, November 21 • 11:30 AM CT
In this session:
Kyla shares her experience of grieving her daughter Bella and how her family has navigated the past two years together. She will explore the supports that have helped her family and offer comfort to others living with grief.
Learn more: Bella Brave
Opening to Love without Leaving Love Behind
Saturday, November 21 • 12:00 PM CT
In this session:
Lisa explores relationships and communication—honoring an enduring love while making space for someone new, expressing what you need, and allowing closeness without forcing readiness.
Learn more: Magic in Relationships
Dr. Gary Salyer
Safe to Love Again After Loss
Saturday, November 21 • 3:00 PM CT
In this session:
Gary will explore loss through the lens of attachment, including how the loss of a relationship can affect both our sense of connection and our sense of identity—and why recognizing the loss of “me” as well as “us” can be an important part of navigating significant loss.
Learn more: Gary Salyer
Dr. Karen Kramer
Healthy Grief
Sunday, November 22 • 12:30 PM CT
In this session:
Dr. Karen draws from her personal experiences with loss, grief, trauma, and life’s unexpected challenges to explore how we can navigate heart-wrenching experiences and move toward healing and resilience.
Learn more: Dr. Karen Kramer
Day 2
Rev. Kaleel Sakakeeny
Grief: The Price of Love
Sunday, November 22 • 11:30 AM CT
In this session:
Kaleel explores grief as a natural response to losing a beloved animal companion. Rather than trying to fix grief, he will talk about the importance of compassionate companionship and helping people feel supported through the sorrow, fear, and loneliness that can follow the loss of a cherished pet.
Learn more: Animal Talks Inc.
Raquel Reis
Wide Awake Love: Opening Your Heart After Loss
Sunday, November 22 • 2:30 PM CT
In this session:
Raquel explores how loss can change the way we approach love and relationships. She’ll share how loss can lead us back to ourselves, deepen our self-love, and help us open our hearts again to a love that is grounded, safe, and real—whether with a current partner or someone new.
Learn more: Raquel Reis Coaching
Blair Kaplan
Navigating GRIEF: A Practical Framework for High Performers Carrying Loss
Sunday, November 22 • 3:30 PM CT
In this session:
Blair introduces her Navigating GRIEF Framework, a practical five-pillar approach for moving through loss with honesty, structure, and self-compassion. Participants will explore grounding, resilience, support systems, and forward movement—not to “get over” grief, but to learn how to carry loss while continuing to live, lead, and connect.
Learn more: Blair Kaplan