Dominican Alumni Help Children Heal From Loss

This article appeared in The Magazine of Dominican University (November 2019)



Dominican University hosted on August 9–11 Camp Kangaroo, a free weekend camp for children five to 16 years old who have been impacted by the loss of loved ones through gun violence, drugs or terminal illness. Sponsored by the Seasons Hospice Foundation, the annual camp provides children a safe space, with others who have had the same experiences, and activities including art projects and games. Children also are offered yoga, pet therapy and music therapy by professionals trained in grief education and emotional support. Nearly 40 children attended the camp this summer.



Several Dominican alumni participated as counselors for the camp, which was co-directed by Charlotte Shuber ’07, MSW ’18. Also involved were Seasons Hospice social workers Maria Parducci MSW ’15 and Katherine Wyman MSW ’18; Gaby Moreno '14, a music therapy intern for Seasons Hospice; Stefanie Piatkiewicz ’07, who led a mindful movement session; and Jim Kozyra ’06, who captured the weekend in video.