The Peaceful Presence Project 2026 Continuing Education Series Presents:

Companioning Children Through Loss: Developmentally Appropriate Support Before, During, and After Death

Thursday, April 9th 2026

from 5:30-6:30 pm Pacific Time

Guest Presenter: Sarah Farris, MS, CCLS

About the Workshop:

Children experience grief differently than adults, and their understanding of illness, dying, and death evolves with age and development. This focused and practical presentation explores how to thoughtfully include and support children when someone they love is dying – before death occurs, at the bedside, and through the grieving process. Grounded in developmental theory and trauma-informed practice, this presentation examines how children conceptualize death at various developmentally stages and offers concrete, age-appropriate language and strategies for honest communication.

About the Guest Presenter: Sarah Farris, MS, CCLS

Sarah Farris, MS, CCLS is a child life specialist with more than seven years of experience, including work in ICU and Emergency Department settings. Throughout her clinical work, she has supported patients, siblings, and families as they navigate anticipatory grief and the profound challenges of sudden loss. In her current role as Grief Coordinator for Seattle Children’s Journey Grief Support Program, Sarah extends this work beyond the hospital setting, providing ongoing support to bereaved families. She specializes in developmentally informed interventions that help children and adolescents build effective coping skills, process grief, and adapt to life changes following loss.