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World renowned grief expert to present locally in September for public and professionals
NIANTIC, CT – May 29, 2025 – The Brian Dagle Foundation will host nationally recognized grief expert and author Dr. Alan Wolfelt for two educational programs this September, offering valuable resources for both the general public and mental health professionals.
The first event, “Understanding Your Grief: Touchstones for Hope & Healing,” will take place on September 29 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Waterford High School Auditorium. This free program is open to the public and will explore how loss is an unavoidable part of human life while providing attendees with practical strategies for living well despite grief. The evening session is based on Dr. Wolfelt’s book, “First Aid for Broken Hearts.”
On September 30, Dr. Wolfelt will present “The Art of ‘Companioning’ the Bereaved: Caring Versus Curing.” from 9:00am-3:30pm in Niantic, CT. This in-depth workshop, designed for professionals, will enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in supporting those experiencing grief and loss. The workshop is anchored in Dr. Wolfelt’s companioning model of grief care, which emphasizes the distinction between caring versus curing. This workshop offers professional-level training accessible to anyone who companions the bereaved. Mental health practitioners can earn 5 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) approved by the NASW. The cost for this workshop is $150 and includes lunch.
“We’re honored to bring Dr. Wolfelt’s compassionate approach to grief support to our community,” said Ann Dagle, President of The Brian Dagle Foundation. “His expertise offers both comfort to those grieving and valuable skills to professionals who support them.”
Registration information for both events is available by calling 860-451-8354 or emailing Chelsea@BriansHealingHearts.org
Lonely? Grieving? There’s Hope. In her own words…
In 2011, my life as a mom of three boys, with very different personalities and who were transitioning into young men, was far from perfect. But one thing was sure: they all knew how much they were loved by their parents, their large extended family and so many friends.
I think this was especially true for Brian, the youngest of the three. His charismatic personality, sparkling blues eyes and sensitive soul melted many hearts.
Brian lost his life to suicide in November of his sophomore year at Castleton University in Vermont. I equate Brian’s death to a tsunami that hit my family, friends and anyone who was blessed to have known him. Everyone questioned, ‘How could something like this happen to a family that seemed to be so loving and connected to community?’
CT Suicide Advisory Board shares about the 988 Suicide & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline on WFSB’s Great Day Connecticut:
Brian Dagle Foundation honored at the 10th Annual Social Service Breakfast
On November 20th, 2019, Sava Insurance Group had the immense honor of presenting awards to all of the recipients at the 10th Annual Social Service Breakfast with The Chamber of Commerce Eastern Connecticut.
It was a day filled with immense gratitude for our community. Each year, we are reminded of just how many selfless individuals we are blessed to have in this community.
East Lyme family’s suicide-prevention group finds a home
The Brian T. Dagle Memorial Foundation was always supposed to have a permanent home.
Three years after Brian — an East Lyme High School graduate — died by suicide at age 19, his parents, Ann and Paul, and his two brothers started the foundation and began hosting school forums, support groups and training for those grieving a loved one or hoping to prevent suicide…
Dagle’s family and friends have used his tragedy to help others
It was in the wake of Brian Dagle’s suicide almost four years ago now that his friend Kevin Miao posted the following lyric from Brooks & Dunn on his Facebook page:
“I can’t quote the book, the chapter or the verse. But you can’t tell me it all ends in a slow ride in a hearse. I know I’m more and more convinced, the longer that I live that this can’t be, no this can’t be all there is.”…
Jingle Bell 5K Run in Niantic benefits suicide prevention and awareness
East Lyme — One of the first runners to finish the 2nd annual Niantic Jingle Bell 5K Run Saturday morning wore a Santa-themed Speedo along with his red velvet hat and white clip-on beard.
Other athletes slipped Christmas-themed tutus over their running clothes or sported reindeer antlers on their heads. Some pushed strollers or ran the course…
East Lyme suicide-prevention foundation to start a young-adult support group
Between hosting support groups and providing a safe space to cope with grief, Ann Dagle said that since she found a permanent home for the Brian F. Dagle Memorial Foundation on Main Street a year ago, things have been going very well.
“The house has taken on a life of its own and done its own thing…
East Lyme forum focuses on mental health, suicide prevention among veterans, law enforcement
Speakers at a community forum Thursday evening on mental health and suicide prevention among veterans and law enforcement personnel stressed the need to listen to others and fight the stigma around asking for help.
U.S. Army veteran Doug Capazzi told the audience a story of an…
For son’s birthday, ‘Brian’s mom’ starts day of free meals
On a normal day, a plate of four chocolate chip pancakes dusted with powdered sugar at The Shack costs $8.49.
But dozens of local diners got their pancakes free Saturday — and a pay-it-forward scheme gave a free lunch to even more — after a woman left a note and $100 and signed it only “Brian’s mom.”
“She looked familiar, but … she kind of came upon me fast,” said Jeremy Han, one of The Shacks…
Dagle foundation reaching out to grieving families
Ann Dagle wants people in the depths of grief to know that they are not alone.
Three years ago, in the very early days after the death of her son, Brian Dagle, by suicide, she felt isolated in her loss and unsure where to turn, in spite of kind words from friends.
But she found comfort in meeting and talking to others who had…