Testimonials

 

 

 

I have had the pleasure of participating in two workshops led by Andrea: one focusing on supporting grieving children, the second focusing on supporting children who have a terminally ill parent. Andrea’s teaching is infused with helpful insights gleaned from her rich clinical experience. Workshop content presented with reference to the research literature is brought to life by Andrea’s vivid clinical vignettes. Clinical dilemmas are explored and Andrea is always responsive to the questions participants raise.  Workshops led by Andrea encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences as well as practice new skills through interactive exercises. Throughout it all Andrea’s compassion for and delight in children shine through. Somehow Andrea addresses difficult complex subjects with remarkable energy and hopefulness. Weighty issues are lightened by Andrea’s humour and genuine warmth.  Andrea’s strong faith in the capacity of children to grapple with the challenges of a parent’s terminal illness or death if given the truth and sufficient support informs her work as well as her teaching.  Andrea is a natural teacher; she generously shares her passion for her work with children and families in a way that is inspirational and energizing.   My own work has been deeply affected by Andrea’s formal and informal teaching.   One leaves her workshops with a new appreciation of the opportunities for growth and expressions of love that exist even in the midst of suffering and loss.

Marianne Gocker, M.D. (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

 

 

Andrea Warnick is among Canada’s foremost experts on the support of grieving children. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Andrea both clinically and academically on numerous occasions and she never fails to amaze me. She has a personality that kids and caregivers are naturally comfortable with and drawn to. Her experience and versatility enable Andrea to quickly adapt her approach to the unique needs of the situation. I have seen Andrea work her magic in a variety of situations – before and after a death; death from medical illness, trauma, homicide and suicide; supporting children who are dealing with the death of a parent, a brother or sister, or even their own failing health. She is a real professional – Andrea assesses each child to see where they are in their grief and then helps them to cope at the pace that’s right for them. Grieving can be a difficult process, and it can be especially hard for children. I can think of no one more qualified or capable then Andrea Warnick to help in these situations.

Adam Rapoport, MD, FRCPC, MHSc
Medical Director, Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT)
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

 

 

I have had the great fortune and privilege to work many times with Andrea Warnick both clinically and educationally. Andrea’s expertise in supporting grieving children is evident in her graceful spirit that is able to reach children of all ages and wonder together about the mysteries of life and death. She is also able to enable children’s parents, grandparents or other care givers to talk with their children about death and dying and understand the process of grieving. As an educator Andrea is unparalleled in assisting health care providers from all professions understand how to approach discussions about death with children of all ages or how to help children’s parents and loved ones know how to speak with them. I have always marvelled at how Andrea is able to help in any number of challenging or traumatic situations. I have no hesitation at all in recommending attending one of Andrea’s energetic and informative workshops or consulting her clinically for any situation where grieving children are involved. 

Dr. Dori Seccareccia
Family Physician focussing on palliative care and psychosocial spiritual support
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre