WHEN: FEBRUARY 10TH, 2026
WHERE: FREDERICKSBURG
Welcome to another installment of Spotsylvania Living!
Love is in the air, and we’re excited to feature a family that truly loves spending time together. You’ll meet the Woods family and be reminded of the importance of togetherness, learn how a local nonprofit is offering a support system to the community, and read about a new support group at Riverbend High School.
If you know of any incredible individuals or groups who deserve to have their stories shared, please let us know. As always, thank you to our amazing business sponsors who make this magazine possible each and every month
Happy reading, Mallory Hardgrove
Feedback/ideas/submissions
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com
AUDIOLOGY
Paul D. Kuster, Au.D. | Ascent Audiology and Hearing Fredericksburg 540-709-8865 ascentfxbg.com
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
Bradford Jenner | Affordable Automotive 540-710-5400 affordable-automotive.com
DECKS
Mike King | Ray’s Siding 540-710-6864 rayssiding.com
ELECTRIC LAWN SERVICE
Aaron Johnson | Uncle Onion’s Electric, Organic Lawn Care 540-448-8446 uncleonionslawn.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
Kim Oztuna | Burke & Burke Insurance 540-736-1200 / 703-751-1001
burkeandburkeinsurance.com
HEATING AND AIR
Glenn Rohrabacher | Local Heating and Air 540-903-0061 localheatingandairllc.com
HOME CARE
Beata Alghabra, MBA | Synergy HomeCare of Fredericksburg 571-752-2991 fredericksburg.synergyhomecare.com
HOME RENOVATION
Todd Pierpoint | Pierpoint Construction 540-659-8331 pierpointconstruction.com
KITCHEN REMODELING
Zach, Matt, and Jake Lethbridge Kitchen Tune-Up Fredericksburg & Stafford 540-779-0301
kitchentuneup.com/fredericksburg-va
OUTDOOR LIVING
Paul Gardner
Artscapes, Elf Pros, Ignite Illumination 540-371-2566 artscapespro.com, elfpros.com, igniteillumination.com
PEST CONTROL
Grant Farley | Turbo Pest Control 540-220-8926 turbopest.com
PLUMBING
Caleb Newton | Next Level Plumbing 540-645-8844 nextlevelplumbingva.com
REAL ESTATE
NextHome Blue Heron Realty Group 540-328-6408 NextHomeBlueHeron.com
REAL ESTATE, ESTATE PLANNING, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION & PROBATE AND CIVIL LITIGATION
Diana D’Alessandro | D’Alessandro Law PLLC (540) 412-6041 dalessandro.law
ROOFING
Donte Garnette | Monster Roofing and Siding 540-395-9112 monsterroofingllc.com
SEPTIC SERVICE
David Stewart | Dominion Septic 540-737-1008 dominionseptic.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928. Spring is a great time to schedule family and senior portrait sessions.
BY ADIA SHANEE
February is recognized as Dog Education Month — a time meant to encourage learning, growth, and better understanding between dogs and the people who care for them.
But here’s the reality many guardians are quietly discovering: we don’t lack dog education. We have a surplus of incomplete and outdated information. For decades, dog education has focused almost entirely on control. Sit. Stay. Heel. Don’t pull. Don’t bark. Don’t react. Behave.
What’s been missing from that picture is the dog’s internal experience. Dogs are not learning machines. They are living beings with nervous systems, emotional thresholds, coping strategies, and biological limits. Behavior does not exist in isolation; it is the outward expression of what a dog is experiencing internally.
When education ignores that, we don’t create confident dogs. We create suppressed ones.
Education Has Focused on Compliance, Not Capacity
Historically, much of dog education has been measured by appearance: Does the dog comply? Do they respond quickly? Do they look calm?
But a dog can comply while being overwhelmed. A dog can appear calm while shutting down. A dog can “behave” while silently struggling.
True education does not ask, “How do I make this behavior stop?” It asks, “What is this behavior telling me?”
The Nervous System Is the Foundation of Learning
A dog’s ability to learn is directly tied to how regulated they feel. When a dog is overstimulated, fearful, or emotionally unsafe, the parts of the brain responsible for learning and decision-making are offline. In that state, asking for obedience is not education, it is pressure.
This is why dogs often struggle more in public than at home. It’s why progress can feel inconsistent. And it’s why many guardians feel frustrated or blamed. The issue is rarely the dog’s intelligence. It’s the educational framework being used.
Trauma-informed does not mean a dog has a history of abuse. It means we understand how stress accumulates, how overwhelm impacts learning, and how repeated pressure without safety changes behavior over time. It means we recognize that dogs learn best when they feel secure, not when they are corrected, rushed, or forced through situations they are not ready to handle.
A trauma-informed approach teaches us to:
• Read behavior as communication, not defiance.
• Notice stress signals before escalation.
• Support regulation before expecting performance
• Build trust before demanding change.
This is not permissive or passive. It is skilled, intentional, and rooted in science.
One of the biggest misconceptions in dog education is that learning only happens in structured sessions. In reality, dogs are constantly learning through movement, outings, rest, routine, and interaction with their environment.
Every experience teaches something. The question is whether it teaches safety– or stress.
Proper dog education lives in the details: pace, timing, consent, recovery, and understanding when to pause instead of push.
Dog Education Month is not an invitation to add more commands to your dog’s day. It is an opportunity to rethink what education actually means. Instead of asking, “How do I get my dog to listen?” Try asking, “What does my dog need to feel safe enough to learn?”
When we shift our focus from control to understanding, everything changes. Dogs become more resilient. Guardians become more confident. And the relationship becomes the foundation, not the afterthought.
Dog education that ignores emotional safety is not education at all, it’s management.That is what modern dog education looks like. And it’s long overdue.
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BY MALLORY HARDGROVE
In a world where healthcare can feel impersonal, One Orthodontics stands apart as a locally owned practice built on relationships, expertise, and a shared dream that began on the first day of dental school.
Dr. Mohammed Abdulateef and Dr. Besher Osman didn’t just meet as classmates—they discovered a mutual passion that would shape their careers. “From day one, we shared a passion for orthodontics and a dream of opening our own practice together,” Dr. Abdulateef recalls. Seven years after that initial meeting, One Orthodontics became a reality, offering comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout the community.
The practice specializes in modern treatments, including clear aligner therapy and management of complex craniofacial conditions, but the doctors emphasize that technology alone doesn’t define their approach. “We believe in individualized treatment plans, open communication, and making every visit a positive experience,” Dr. Osman explains. This philosophy drives every aspect of patient care, from initial consultations through final results.
What sets One Orthodontics apart is the genuine connection fostered between doctors and patients. Both practitioners describe their patients as their greatest source of motivation. “Seeing a child gain confidence, or an adult finally achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, is incredibly rewarding,” Dr. Abdulateef notes. These transformative moments fuel the practice’s commitment to excellence and personalized attention. Additionally, the doctors strive for transparency and their commitment to continually improving their communication with their patients remains paramount.
The partnership between Dr. Abdulateef and Dr. Osman extends beyond professional credentials—their long history creates a unique practice environment. Their shared journey makes collaboration natural while maintaining an
atmosphere where staff and patients alike feel welcomed. They keep workdays enjoyable by fostering positivity, celebrating milestones, and maintaining perspective through humor.
One Orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic consultations to evaluate dental growth and development and create customized treatment plans. Following the American Association of Orthodontists guidelines, the practice recommends children have their first consultation at age seven, allowing early identification of concerns and optimal treatment timing. One Orthodontics also accepts all insurances and prospective patients are encouraged to reach out to see what their orthodontic benefits are.
Beyond clinical expertise, both doctors emphasize community involvement as central to their mission. “Being part of this community goes far beyond our practice walls,” Dr. Osman says. They actively support local organizations and view their role as extending well beyond office hours.
The practice’s core philosophy remains straightforward yet powerful: deliver exceptional orthodontic care while treating every patient with honesty, compassion, and respect. “At One Orthodontics, quality care and genuine connection always come first,” Dr. Abdulateef affirms. As they look toward the future, both doctors express gratitude for community trust. “We are honored to serve this community and are committed to being a practice you can rely on for years to come,” Dr. Osman shares. Whether patients are exploring treatment for children or themselves, One Orthodontics promises guidance throughout the entire journey—because creating healthy, confident smiles means treating every patient like family.
FRI., FEB. 6
First Friday
@Downtown FXBG Time: 5- 9pm
601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SUN., FEB. 8
Goldmember Pre-Superbowl Chili Cook Off
@Adventure Brewing Company Time: 2- 8pm
33 Perchwood Dr. #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
WED., FEB. 11
5th Annual Intern Expo “Oh the Places You’ll Go”
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: 9am- 2pm 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., FEB. 14
Cocktails & Spirits Festival
@Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair Time: 11am- 4pm
2400 Airport Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., FEB. 14
Love, Music & Drama ‘26
@REIGN the Venue Time: 7- 10pm 1409 Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SUN., FEB. 15
Winter Choral Concert
@George Washington Hall Time: 7:30- 9pm 1301 College Ave. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
SAT., FEB. 21
18th Century Games
@CRRL Town Centre Branch Time: 2- 4pm
390 Spotsylvania Mall Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22407
THURS., FEB. 26
Monthly Open Pinball Tournament
@Reclaim Arcade
Time: 6:30- 10pm 2324 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
At the time this magazine went to print, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or canceled.
SAT., FEB. 28
Wine & Food Festival
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: 11am- 4pm
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
FRI., MARCH 6
First Friday
@Downtown FXBG Time: 5- 9pm
601 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
EVERY TUESDAY
Music Bingo
@Barley Naked Brewing Co. Time: 6- 8pm 15 Tech Pkwy. Stafford, VA 22556
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Trivia with Trapper
@6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company Time: 7pm
1140 International Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22406
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Adventure Jeopardy
@Adventure Brewing Company Time: 7:30- 9pm 33 Perchwood Dr. Fredericksburg, VA 22405
SAT., FEB. 7- SUN., FEB. 8
FXBG KidFest
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: Sat.- 10am- 5pm; Sun.- 10am- 3pm
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
FRI., FEB. 13- SUN., FEB. 15
FXBG Spring Home Show
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: Fri.- 1- 6pm; Sat.- 9am- 5pm; Sun.- 10am- 3pm
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
FRI., MARCH 6- SUN., MARCH 8
All American Reptile Show
@Fredericksburg Convention Center
Time: Fri.- 4- 7pm (VIP); Sat.- 10am- 5pm (VIP hour 9- 10am); Sun.- 10am- 4pm
2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401
BY KARIE OWENS PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS
One of the most impactful updates for a homeowner is new floors! They can transform the atmosphere while adding value and charm. However, the cost of materials and labor can add up quickly. How can you finally afford your flooring upgrade without breaking the bank? Fortunately, beautiful flooring renovations can be executed with careful planning, informed material selection, and knowledgeable installation.
Clarify your flooring vision and budget.
First, define your goal. Before you step foot into a flooring selection center or search online, at least have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your flooring upgrade. Which rooms realistically need new flooring? Are you renovating for personal preference, to increase your home’s resale value, or to enhance its functionality? Once your goals are established, you can set a budget. The final cost will include flooring materials, installation, furniture removal, subfloor preparation, transitions, trim, and removal of the old floor.
Select well-performing products within your price range that suit your lifestyle.
Material selection is key to staying within budget. The current flooring industry offers a wide selection of stylish, durable products at competitive prices. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are top choices for budget-conscious homeowners. They withstand heavy foot traffic, resemble hardwood or stone, and resist water. Engineered hardwood can provide the warmth and stability of real wood at a lower cost. Homeowners should also consider pets, children, and heavy foot traffic when selecting a product.
Consider refinishing or buying products in stock. Existing hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced. Refinishing costs significantly less and lets you change the stain color or sheen. Surplus inventory and overstock materials can often be purchased at discounted prices. Timing your purchase during flooring promotions can also save big! Choose a flooring company that offers monthly or military/service member discounts.
Work with a trusted flooring professional. Partnering with a knowledgeable flooring professional can significantly impact pricing, quality, and
craftsmanship. An experienced flooring team can guide you through material selection and provide cost estimates. Request a free, in-home estimate, identify potential challenges early, and track progress. With expert guidance, homeowners can make informed decisions and maximize their investment.
A flooring renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Strategic planning, with a focus on wise material and installation choices, enables homeowners to create beautiful, functional spaces without exceeding their budget.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK NK FLOORS FOR BRINGING YOU THIS MONTH'S HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER
BY MALLORY HARDGROVE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY & COURTESY OF LYNDSAY WOODS
In the peaceful community of Fawn Lake, Gary and Toni Woods have found something more valuable than all the beautiful places they’ve lived throughout their 57-year marriage: proximity to family. After decades of moves—from San Francisco to San Diego, Hawaii to Hilton Head Island—the couple made their most meaningful relocation, or “permanent change in station (PCS),” in 2024, settling just minutes from their son, Peter; daughterin-law, Lyndsay; and grandsons, Matty and Tyler.
“Family is everything,” Toni explains simply. The timing felt almost fated: Peter and Lyndsay purchased their Fredericksburg home just one month before Gary and Toni closed on their Fawn Lake property. For a family that has weathered profound loss and persevered, it was a moment that deepened their appreciation for togetherness.
A Love Story Spanning Decades
Gary and Toni’s romance began with a chance encounter on a San Francisco staircase in the late 1960s. “I was going up while he was coming down,” Toni recalls. “He asked if we could go on a date, and the rest is history! I even told my roommate, ‘I just met the guy I’m going to marry.’”
They married in June 1968, and their life together has been marked by adventure, resilience, and an unshakeable bond. Toni, a 1966 UConn graduate with a degree in political science, built a diverse career shaped by Gary’s frequent job transfers, including social work in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, real estate in San Diego and Hawaii, and pharmaceutical sales, which she favored. Gary attended UCLA before joining the Navy, then spent decades in the security field, eventually serving as VP of sales for a nationally recognized security company before retiring around 2010.
The couple experienced unimaginable tragedy when they lost two sons, Gregory and Matthew, at just 13 and 12 years old, in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Just 16 months later, in October 1988, Peter was born—a light in their darkest time.
The Next Generation Plants Roots
Peter and Lyndsay met in 2009 and became college sweethearts at the University of South Carolina. “Our life together has been full of adventure, with military moves taking us from South Carolina to California, Japan to North Carolina, and finally here to Virginia, where we proudly call Fredericksburg home,” Lyndsay shares.
After commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 2013, Peter served in all three active duty Marine Aircraft Wings, leading detachments in six countries from Norway to Japan and earning the prestigious designation as a C3 Weapons & Tactics Instructor. Upon his honorable discharge as a Major in 2024, he—like many former service members—transitioned to contract government work.
Lyndsay’s own journey took an unexpected turn during their time in Japan. “My career path shifted from property management and pharmaceutical sales to fitness when we moved overseas,” she explains. Today, she owns S.L.A.M. Sweat Like a Mother Quantico, a fitness community designed for moms to balance motherhood with self-care and community, affectionately nicknamed “SLAMily.”
“I’m also beginning to expand my fitness offerings to the active senior community, keeping not only moms moving, but my own mom as well.” Their sons, Matty (Matthew Gregory, named after his late uncles) and Tyler, keep busy with soccer through Grassroots Spotsylvania and fishing at “Grammy and Gramps’ house.”
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For Peter and Lyndsay, Virginia represents the end of a long journey. “The favorable blend of outdoor activities, all four seasons, and the proximity to the nation’s capital is fantastic,” says Peter. “I am finally close to both of my brother’s families who live in Orange and outside Philadelphia,” adds Lyndsay.
For Lyndsay, who lost her father to multiple sclerosis in 2024 after his three-decade battle with the disease, the community support has been invaluable. “My dad told me to ‘keep those girls moving’ when I said goodbye—at first, I thought he meant my SLAM moms, but over time I realized he meant my own mom as well. It’s inspired me to ensure moms and seniors stay active and connected.” The family participates annually in the MS Walk in Fredericksburg, finding strength in both family and their “SLAMily.”
Peter stays most active training with the family Jack Russell Terrier, Ramsay, and coaching youth sports. He just finished the fall football season as the Defensive Coordinator for the 11U Spotsylvania Cougars, and is excited to coach the same squad next year at the 12U level. He is also volunteering with his sons’ soccer league with Spotsylvania Grassroots. Meanwhile, his father Gary—the selftaught, jack-of-all-trades—can often be spotted outside his Fawn Lake home working on landscaping and remodeling projects.
Toni has found her community through Fawn Lake’s garden and book clubs, while Gary participates in the Veterans Group. “Fawn Lake is really beautiful,” Toni notes. “It’s the nicest place in the area after living in gorgeous places such as Hilton Head Island, Hawaii, and San Diego.”
“Living close to my grandchildren, son, and daughter,” Toni says of what she enjoys most about the area. It’s a simple answer that speaks volumes about what matters most to the Woods family: being together—and staying active, connected, and engaged at every stage of life.
If you’re interested in joining S.L.A.M. Sweat Like a Mother Quantico, feel free to reach out to Lyndsay at slamquantico@sweatlikeamother.com and follow along on Instagram @s.l.a.m.quantico. S.L.A.M. Sweat Like a Mother Quantico exists to remind moms they don’t have to do motherhood, or fitness, alone.
BY MALLORY HARDGROVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEADOW CHURCH
In a world where families often feel stretched thin and isolated, The Meadow Church offers something increasingly rare: a place where they can be fully supported, both spiritually and practically. Founded by Ebonee Davis, this nonprofit church has grown from a calling that began years before it had a name, evolving from Vaughn’s Meadow LLC into an organization that now serves as the spiritual heart of comprehensive family support.
“The Meadow Church is a nonprofit church created to support children, youth, and families spiritually, emotionally, and practically,” explains Davis, who serves as Founder and Executive Director. What makes The Meadow Church unique is its family-centered approach—not just in whom it serves, but in how it operates. Davis’s twin sister, Mercedees Delcid, serves as Chief Operating Officer, while their mother, Jacqueline Ussery, is Chief Strategic Officer. Together with their spouses and children who comprise the board, they steward a mission rooted in faith, service, and community.
The organization’s journey began with Vaughn’s Meadow, which has been serving families since 2021. The Meadow Church officially gained its nonprofit church status in 2025, a natural evolution driven by the scope of its work and the spiritual foundation underlying everything it does. “My background in education, psychology, behavioral health, and ministry made it clear that families need more than one type of support,” Davis shares. “They need education, faith, community, and guidance working together.”
At the heart of The Meadow Church’s philosophy is a powerful belief: “Every child belongs to God and every family deserves support.” This isn’t just about Sunday services but discipleship through relationship, consistency, and presence. The church offers free activities, faith-based gatherings, and support spaces, including moms’ support groups, moms’ Bible studies, and children’s Bible studies. They also partner with other churches in children’s and youth ministries as they continue building their own programs.
Currently pursuing her doctorate in Christian counseling and theology, Davis brings an impressive educational foundation to her work, including bachelor’s degrees in education and psychology, a master’s in advanced education, and preparation for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. This expertise directly informs one of The Meadow Church’s most impactful offerings: educational and behavioral support programs provided at no cost to families who lack medical insurance or whose coverage doesn’t include services like ABA or therapeutic consultation.
What drives this work? For Davis, the answer is simple and profound. “My greatest inspiration is watching children and families step into who God created them to be,” she says. “I am inspired when a child discovers their gifts, when a parent feels supported instead of overwhelmed, and when families realize they are not alone.”
But don’t let the serious mission fool you; it is joy that is central to everything The Meadow Church does. “At heart, I am really just a big kid,” Davis admits with a laugh. “I always say that if I am not having fun, then the kids definitely are not having fun.” You’ll often find her running relay races, jump roping, hula-hooping, or playing tug-of-war right alongside the children. “Faith does not have to feel heavy,” she emphasizes. “Sometimes it looks like laughter, movement, and getting a little out of breath while loving kids well.”
Looking ahead, The Meadow Church is actively seeking grants to offer full scholarships to families to attend Vaughn’s Meadow Academy at highly reduced rates or at no cost. “Our heart is to remove barriers so children and families can receive what they need,” Davis explains. The organization will host events frequently in the new year, with details available on Facebook.com/Vaughnsmeadow.
Davis’s message to the community is welcoming and clear: “You belong here. You do not need to have everything figured out to be part of The Meadow Church. Whether you are strong in your faith, searching, or simply looking for community, there is room for you.”
The Meadow Church isn’t focused on impressive numbers but on meaningful, long-term impact: spiritual growth and generational change rooted in faith, education, and service. As Davis puts it, “This is not about building something for recognition. It is about building something that lasts and blesses the community for generations.”
I am inspired when a child discovers their gifts, when a parent feels supported instead of overwhelmed, and when families realize they are not alone.
SUBMITTE BY LEXI BREUNIG
Supplies:
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Wax pens (red/pink)
Candlestick holders
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1. Prep your candle by cleaning the surface.
2. Practice heart shapes on paper.
3. Use the wax pen to draw hearts, X’s and O’s, or any fun designs directly onto the candles.
4. Let the wax set completely before displaying.
Bonus Tip: Head to your local thrift store to hunt for candlesticks and candle holders. You’re likely to find plenty of unique, one-of-a-kind options.
BY LIYA ZEWDU
Liya Zewdu is a sophomore at Riverbend High School. She actively contributes to the school newspaper, with a focus on highlighting student perspectives and advocating for change. Liya also plays a key role in supporting students in special education through a basketball program, showing her commitment to inclusivity and teamwork. A proud member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Junior Council for Cancer Kids First, Liya is deeply involved in her school community. Outside of her academic and extracurricular pursuits, she enjoys watching anime, reading books, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. Liya aspires to pursue a career in Journalism, driven by her love for storytelling and creating meaningful connections through writing.
Riverbend High School is collaborating with Mary Washington Healthcare to support students who have experienced the loss of a loved one. They are introducing and launching a peer-support grief group designed to help students better understand their emotions, develop healthy and efficient coping mechanisms and skills, and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. School counselors such as Veronica Powell emphasized that this opportunity is not therapy; it’s instead a guided support group focused on both understanding and processing grief.
The idea for the group came from a growing recognition that many students are dealing with grief, and for those who may feel isolated or lost on how to talk about it. Losing a loved one, whether it’s a family member, close friend, or an adult, can impact a student’s mental health, academic performance, social life, and physical well-being. Riverbend’s counseling department hopes this group will provide a safe space where students feel both seen and supported.
One primary focus of the group is helping students learn what grief actually is. Many teenagers are surprised to discover that grief is not a single emotion but more of a complex process. Students will explore the different stages and expressions of grief, including sadness, anger, confusion, numbness, or even guilt. By understanding this, students can begin to recognize that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Another essential part of the program will be identifying healthy coping strategies. Teenagers may feel pressure to be strong and someday move on. This causes them to avoid showing emotions or handling everything on their own. The grief group encourages the opposite students to learn that it is okay to ask for help, talk about feelings, or take time to process difficult emotions. They will also be introduced to practical tools such as journaling, mindfulness techniques, and positive communication skills.
In addition to coping strategies, the group will also explore ways students can keep memories alive in meaningful and uplifting ways. This might include storytelling, reflection activities, or creative projects that help them honor their loved ones. These activities are designed to comfort students while also giving them a sense of connection.
What makes this group especially unique is the peer support structure. Rather than feeling alone, students will have the chance to meet others who understand what they are going through. Sharing experiences in a group setting can reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of community.
