Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Neimeyer is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, and maintains an active consulting and coaching practice. He also directs the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, which provides online training internationally in grief therapy. Neimeyer has published 37 books, including Living Beyond Loss: Questions and Answers about Grief and Bereavement, New Techniques of Grief Therapy: Bereavement and Beyond and The Handbook of Grief Therapies, and serves as Editor of the journal Death Studies. The author of over 600 articles and book chapters, he has been recognized in the Stanford University/Elsevier list of Top 2% Scientists in the world, with 57,968 citations to his work according to Google Scholar. Neimeyer is currently working to advance a more adequate theory of grieving as a meaning-making process. Neimeyer served as President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and Chair of the International Work Group for Death, Dying, & Bereavement. In recognition of his scholarly contributions, he has been granted the Eminent Faculty Award by the University of Memphis, made a Fellow of the Clinical Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association, and given Lifetime Achievement Awards by both ADEC and the International Network on Personal Meaning.
David B. Gladson, BCC, MSW
Bereavement Counselor for Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center
David Gladson is a Bereavement Counselor with Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, providing counseling and group support to over 200 families annually. With nearly 20 years of experience in grief, loss, and spiritual care across hospital, hospice, and behavioral health settings, he holds an MSW from the University of Georgia and an MDiv from Gardner-Webb University. Having completed extensive post-graduate studies, David has also served as a Certified Addictions Counselor (CACII), and a Board-Certified Chaplain (BCC). In his free time, he enjoys running, theater, traditional country music, and time with his two sons.
Lucy Henry, LPC, CEAP, RCC™
Dancing Water Counseling, LLC
Lucy Henry is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville. She has a passion for working with individuals dealing with grief and especially managing grief in the workplace. Lucy has also worked in the Employee Assistance field for 33 years. Lucy loves the mountains and outdoor activities, and her two doodles, Cacky and Carly.
James Lyon
Estate Planning Attorney at Heritage Law
James is an associate attorney with Heritage Law in Greenville, South Carolina. His practice focuses on revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and probate and trust administration. He earned a bachelors and masters degree in history from Winthrop University and his juris doctor from the Charleston School of Law.
When he is not practicing law, James enjoys cooking, golf, and spending time with his wife, their daughter, and their dog, Minnie.
Dr. Annie D. Myers, MDiv, CH
Bereavement with Interim Healthcare Hospice of the Upstate
Dr. Myers is a Certified Chaplain, Licensed Minister, and Grief Support Coach with over a decade of experience in emotional wellness, community caregiving, and faith-based counseling. She is currently employed by Interim Healthcare as a hospice chaplain. She holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling, a Master of Divinity from Higher Ground Christian Development Bible College and Seminary, a certification in chaplaincy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology from Liberty University. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Myers is the founder of Guiding Light Coaching, LLC, where she integrates spiritual care with therapeutic practices to support individuals navigating grief, burnout, and transitions.
DJ Poplin, MT-BC
Music Therapist, Interim HealthCare Hospice of the Upstate
D.J. Poplin is a music therapist at Interim Hospice. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy from Appalachian State University. Her clinical experience includes addiction, hospice care, and IDD/DD. She has been a classically-trained pianist for 15+ years, received her Social Diploma of Music from the North Carolina Music Teachers Association, and was the 2018 recipient of the Marley-Berger Fine Arts Scholarship. She is passionate about fitness, the outdoors, her dog, and is excited to present today!