Our 7th Annual Bereaved

Mothers' Conference

May 2–3, 2026

May 2 | Fox River Christian Church North (Waukesha, WI)

May 3 | Terrace 167 (Richfield, WI)

This year, we honor the pages of your life—written in love, loss, and BRAVE becoming.

BRAVEher 2026: Story in Bloom is a nurturing, faith-rooted weekend where your story is cherished, your grief is seen, and your heart is held. Together, we affirm that while grief may root deep, your story continues to bloom—heart, mind, body, and soul.

Every child's memory is honored.

Every mother’s story matters.

Every heart is welcome here.

We are BRAVEher—together. And together, our stories bloom.

Join Us at Story in Bloom

A Full Weekend of Healing

2-Day Experience

Together, we’ll share stories, meals, gentle workshops, and meaningful rituals that honor both love and loss.

It’s a sacred space to remember our children, rest our hearts, and be reminded that God is still in our story—together. From the torn pages of grief, something beautiful can still grow.

Grow Your Love Here

bereaved mothers conference women talking

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:a time to plant and a time to uproot.— Ecclesiastes 3:1–2

“I felt surrounded by others who understood the significance of my loss. We are all in need of feeling loved and supported.”

Theresa O.

Day 1 - Reverent Experience

Saturday, May 2

Fox River Christian Church North Campus | Waukesha, WI

8 AM - 4:30 AM

Slow down to let your heart be cared for, connecting with fellow loss moms who understand. Inspiring speakers, therapeutic wellness practices, and shared moments of reflection. God is in your story, and is blooming something beautiful.

Day 2 - Uplifting Brunch

Sunday, May 3

Terrace 167 | Richfield, WI

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Honoring International Bereaved Mother’s Day, we gather for a nourishing brunch within community, reflection, and beautiful tributes to you and your child. Reconnect with your heart and dive deeper into conversations allowing beauty to spring from broken ground.

My Story Is Still Blooming

Experiencing Financial Hardship After Your Loss?

Financial Assistance

Apply for Finanacial Assistance

BRAVE Moves

A Monthly Wellness Experience for Bereaved Mothers

Grief lives in the body. BRAVE Moves creates space for bereaved mothers to gently move, reflect, and heal in a safe, like-hearted community.

Each monthly gathering offers movement (yoga, stretching, nature walks), reflection, journaling, and emotional support — helping you carry your grief with care and connection.

Learn More

"Such a safe and sacred space"

As the days and years go by, I find that I sit in this headspace less, but having designated time to do so, surrounded by people who get it, was amazing. It gave me the space and time to dedicate to my first child. It gave me space to dig up feelings that I stuff down more often than I'd like to admit. I absolutely loved the live music and all of the special, personal touches. This was such a a safe and sacred space and I plan to make it a tradition to attend! I am so happy I attended this year.

Kirstie S. (2024 Attendee)

"Gives me hope and strength"

This event gives me hope and the strength I need to get through my grief journey. Each year I have attended, I have been in such a different spot in my grief and each year I leave with a different feeling, a little bit of closure in certain areas, and a better understanding of my grief. The overall experience was welcoming - it felt like a whole different world, where I could talk about my angel babies and not be looked at differently.

Carrie A. (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 Attendee)

"I was seen and acknowledged"

This (BRAVE Hope 2024) was a step forward in my journey, and was finally in a place where I could outwardly be Brendan's mom again & not hide my grief. Much needed! Lisa, you made a huge difference. You knew my name and greeted me. THAT was the best part of the day. I was seen and acknowledged. Having been a leader in women's' ministry for 20 years myself, I recognize that this is your calling, Lisa. Exactly where you belong. Thank you for making a difference.

Diane A. (2024 Attendee)

Speakers & Facilitators

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & HOST

Lisa Price is the founder of Bereaved Together, author of At a Loss for Words resource guidebooks, and certified grief coach. After the loss of her daughter Ari in April 2017, Lisa felt called to support bereaved mothers beyond the early days of loss and grief. Through holistic coaching, community, and wellness-centered programs, she helps grieving mothers honor their children’s lives by honoring their own.

Lisa creates a safe and compassionate space where mothers can navigate their grief journey while rediscovering hope, purpose, and connection with fellow loss moms who truly understand.

IT'S MORE FUN TO BELIEVE

Finding God When Faith Gets Complicated

Julie Taylor is a writer, podcaster, and well-known speaker who helps people wrestle with grief and doubt in desperate pursuit of reclaiming hope and joy.

Julie is the author of It’s More Fun to Believe (coming spring 2026 and will be available at the conference) and host of Get Ready with God, a daily devotional podcast that’s part encouragement, part honesty, and part “don’t worry, no one really knows what they’re doing.”

WEEKEND EXPERIENCE HOST

Michelle is a conscious leadership & trauma-sensitive coach, speaker, author, and advocate who helps caregivers and changemakers reclaim their energy, voice, and authentic power without sacrificing well-being.

Drawing from her lived experiences as an intersex person and the profound losses of her son and nephew, she guides mission-driven leaders to move beyond burnout and lead with purpose, presence, and prosperity. As host of the Love Your Life On Purpose podcast, she creates spaces where leadership is human, healing is celebrated, and sustainable impact becomes possible.

TBA

Melissa Dlugolecki is the founder of The Brand LAB, host of the top-ranked podcast Scar Tissue, a serial entrepreneur, and a bereaved mother. After losing her daughter, Leyden, she began studying healing modalities, mindset supports, and the actual psychology around the experience of grief. After applying these tools to her own life,

Melissa left her teaching career, built multiple seven-figure businesses, and has been writing, coaching, and speaking ever since.

CHAPTER 9: ALMOST A DECADE OF GRIEF & WHAT I'VE LEARNED

DeeAnna Brown, RN, is a nurse educator, resilience mentor, and founder of Pink Skies in Pediatrics, and author of Nurse DeeDee Wins the Loss. After losing herdaughter, Milan, during nursing school, she transformed grief into purpose—graduating, advancing in her career, and now guiding new graduate nurses through their toughest transitions with confidence and resilience. She also supports child-loss mothers in healing and community.

Through coaching, journals, workbooks, Phoenix-area events, storytelling, and soulful R&B-inspired encouragement, DeeAnna helps others find their voice, rest, and the strength to fly again—together.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION: BREATHWORK

Erin Brady works as a guide for yoga, mobility, and breathwork as the Founder of Respir8MKE. She describers herslef as a mind, body, nervous system navigator. She provides a safe space and environment for individuals to delve into their nervous system and learn how to utilize breathing techniques to cultivate a feeling of relaxation and equilibrium.

Erin believes that in the realm of wellness, everything revolves around breath.

SOUND BATH

Camille Mays is the Founder and Co-Director of Peace Garden Project MKE, with 12 years of community organizing experience. A survivor of gun violence, she lost her son, Darnell, in November 2019.

Camille provides trauma-informed healing and wellness support to communities and organizers and works closely with community leaders, institutions, and grassroots organizations in areas most impacted by gun violence.

SCOPE CRISIS PROTOCAL & STORYBUILDING

After nearly 22 years of service in the Navy and Reserves, Kristen Barren found herself drawn to a deeper calling—helping others heal and discover their own path to wellness. Her journey through nutrition, fitness, corporate wellness, and teaching gently guided her to where she is today: supporting others through mental health care. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Neuro Path Wellness LLC, Kristen creates warm, compassionate spaces where clients can explore their inner world and move toward healing at their own pace.

Kristen understands that true wellness encompasses mind, body, and spirit, and she meets each person with patience and genuine care., walking alongside her clients as both guide and companion, honoring their unique journey toward wholeness.

BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT: PROTECTING YOUR PEACE

Erica Gifford Mills is an international empowerment speaker, award-winning author, and founder of Balanced Symmetree. Known for her signature framework Rooted Leadership, Erica teaches leaders how to stay grounded, resilient, and authentic in every season of life. A passionate advocate for boundary management, Erica equips women with tools to protect their peace and lead from strength instead of sacrifice. As a bereaved mother,

Erica honors her son's legacy through advocacy and creating safe spaces where grief transforms into growth. She brings an unwavering message: that from deep roots of love and loss, new life, strength, and purpose can emerge.

GRIEF YOGA®

After more than 30 years in the business world, Michelle Kullmann's life was forever changed when she tragically lost her 18-year-old son, Cade, to fentanyl poisoning on November 4, 2021. In the midst of unimaginable grief, she chose to transform her pain into purpose. Michelle now advocates for fentanyl awareness and supports others in grief by creating spaces of compassion, movement, and healing. She is trained as a Grief Support Specialist, Grief Educator, Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), Grief Yoga® Instructor, and in Compassionate Bereavement Care Yoga. Michelle teaches Grief Yoga® classes and co-facilitates an annual grief retreat in Lake Mills each September.

Michelle's work centers on helping others release the pain of grief, honor their love, and gently rediscover the possibility of thriving after loss.

What You Can Expect at Story in Bloom

Small Group Discussions, Moments of Self-Reflection & Rest

Shop Our Small Business Vendors for Some 'Retail Therapy'

Supportive Community, Meaningful Connections & Heartfelt Conversations

Powerful Keynote Speakers & Educational Sessions

Memorial Items, Rituals & Keepsake-Making Activities

Professionally Catered Nourishing Lunch & Sunday Brunch

Breakout Sessions in a Variety of Therapeutic Modalities

Live Worship & Special

Performances

Every Guest Receives a Comfort Care Package Assembled with Love

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

- Isaiah 58:11 -

FAQs

What is Bereaved Together’s mission?

Bereaved Together supports and empowers mothers after child loss, cultivating BRAVE possibility through wellness gatherings, soul-nourishing workshops, and a faith-rooted, healing community offering life beyond loss.

Is this a Christian or faith-based event?

Story in Bloom is faith-rooted, not faith-forced. Our founder is Christian and faith naturally shapes the heart of our organization's work. You will experience prayer, worship music, and speakers who share from a place of faith. At the same time, we intentionally hold space for women across a wide spiritual spectrum — including those who are deeply rooted in faith, those questioning God after loss, and those holding to faith tenderly right now.

BRAVEher is not a Bible-teaching ministry or a church conference. And while faith is very much present and respected, the gathering focuses on grief-informed wellness, embodied practices, storytelling, and community connection — not formal biblical instruction or theology-based teaching.

You are free to sit, step out, or simply listen. No participation is required. If this space doesn’t feel right for you, we honor that discernment. We simply plant the seed and trust God with the rest.

Who is this experience for?

Story in Bloom is designed specifically for mothers who have experienced the death of a baby or child, from miscarriage to adult child loss. This space may be a good fit if you are seeking:

- Connection with other bereaved mothers

- A grief-informed, faith-respecting environment

- Gentle wellness and reflection practices

- Honest conversations without pressure to “be okay”

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. This event is 18 years and older only. No children, minors, or infants are permitted. This boundary exists to protect the emotional safety, focus, and depth of the space for all attendees. As requested, a private pumping area for any breastfeeding moms will be available at both venues.

Can I bring a supporter with me?

Yes. Some mothers choose to register a trusted female supporter (such as a mom, sister, other family member, or close friend) to attend alongside them for comfort and support. NOTE: There is a separate session offered just for supporters on Saturday, May 2. Supporters must be registered by April 19 and are expected to honor the grief-centered and mother-focused nature of the gathering.

Is it okay to attend alone?

Yes. Many women attend on their own and are gently welcomed with open arms. Both days offer small group breakout sessions where moms are grouped together for open discussion and community connection time based on the type/age of loss. Many past attendees have stated that this is one of their favorite parts of the BRAVEher experience.

Is there a hotel room block available?

Yes. A room block has been reserved for our out of town guests at Courtyard Milwaukee Brookfield at Poplar Creek. Click HERE to reserve your room._

Will there be an itinerary or schedule?

Yes. A full, detailed itinerary and session schedule can be found HERE.

The schedule is thoughtfully paced to allow for rest, reflection, connection, and choice. You will always know what’s coming next — and you are free to step out, skip sessions, or move at your own pace at any time.

We design the agenda with emotional care in mind, knowing grief can ebb and flow throughout the day.

Will there be space to honor or name my child?

Yes. Story in Bloom includes intentional moments for remembrance. Participation is always optional.

Will this be emotionally overwhelming?

It might feel tender at times — and it’s also very common to be surprised by how supported you feel.

Many past attendees have shared they showed up worried the weekend would be unbearably heavy… and left feeling lighter, well cared for, and genuinely pampered. They didn’t stop missing their child — but they did experience moments of lightness, laughter, deep exhale relief, and the kind of connection that makes the weight feel less lonely.

This event is thoughtfully paced with breaks, grounding practices, and options to step away when needed. Nothing is forced here — you get to choose what feels right, moment by moment.

What should I wear?

Comfort is encouraged. There is no dress code — come in what feels easiest for your body and heart. Most attendees wear athleisure wear on Saturday and dress up on Sunday as we honor International Bereaved Mother's Day.

What if I can't afford the registration cost?

Yes! We want Story in Bloom to be as accessible as possible. Financial assistance is available for mothers who are experiencing financial hardship. Support is made possible in partnership with The Charles E. Kubly Foundation.

You can apply for financial assistance HERE. Applications are confidential, and assistance is granted based on need and availability.

Apply for Financial Assitance

Hear from Attendees

Testimonials

"Such a safe and sacred space"

"Gives me hope and strength"

Carrie A.

"I was seen and acknowledged"

This was a step forward in my journey, and was finally in a place where I could outwardly be Brendan's mom again & not hide my grief. Much needed! Lisa, you made a huge difference. You knew my name and greeted me. THAT was the best part of the day. I was seen and acknowledged. Having been a leader in women's' ministry for 20 years myself, I recognize that this is your calling, Lisa. Exactly where you belong. Thank you for making a difference.

Diane A.

Count Me Among the Flowers

The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:11

Thank You to Our

BRAVEher 2026: Story in Bloom Sponsors

Thank you to Our

In-Kind Donors

Sponsor BRAVEher 2026: Story in Bloom

Empower Grieving Mothers on Their Journey

Support grieving mothers by sponsoring BRAVEher 2026: Story in Bloom. Your sponsorship will help provide a safe and supportive space for women to heal, connect, and grow.

**Why Sponsor Story in Bloom?**

Make an Impact: Your sponsorship helps grieving mothers find support and healing.
Align with a Cause: Show your commitment to empowering women through their journey of grief.
Create Hope: Your contribution ensures a compassionate environment for mothers to come together.

What Your Sponsorship Supports

Healing Spaces: Help create events and workshops where mothers can share their stories.
Personal Growth: Provide resources that help women reclaim their lives and heal.
Spiritual Support: Enable faith-based guidance and emotional support for grieving mothers.

Join Us in Making a Difference in Their Story

Your sponsorship allows us to create a meaningful, supportive experience for mothers on their healing journey. Together, we can make 2026 a year of growth and connection.

Sponsor Story in Bloom

Apply to Be a Vendor

Join Us for a Powerful Weekend of Impact

We’re seeking vendors whose products and services align with our mission—businesses that provide comfort, wellness, and support to women's health and wellbeing. Whether you offer handcrafted goods, wellness services, grief-related resources, or other meaningful products, we invite you to apply to be a part of this special weekend.