Tennessee Programs
What can I expect at an In-Person Support Group?
In-person support groups offer a welcoming, non-judgmental space to connect with others who understand the experience of grief. No matter where you are in your grief journey or how long it has been since your loss, you are invited to join us for community and peer support.
HeartLight groups are led by trained peer facilitators who are fellow grievers and understand the challenges of navigating loss. Each gathering lasts about 90 minutes, and group sizes are typically small (3 to 10 members) to create a comfortable, supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to share if they wish.
Learn more about how HeartLight Center creates a safe group space.
Learn more and register for support groups below:
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An ongoing peer support and educational group for people who have experienced the death of a sibling, at any age and for any reason.
This group meets in person on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.
Click Here to register.
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Hosted by HLC and Smith’s
Because those who sit with grief, guide end-of-life journeys, and tend to the aftermath need their own circle — a place to share expertise, swap resources, and find collegial care among people who truly understand the weight and beauty of this work. This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00 am at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.Click Here to Register
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An ongoing peer support and educational group for people who have experienced the death of a spouse, partner, or significant other.
This group meets in person on the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.
Click Here to register.
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An ongoing peer support and educational group for bereaved parents, grandparents, caregivers, and adult siblings who have experienced the death of a child at any age and for any reason.
This group meets in person on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.
Click Here to register.
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An ongoing peer support and educational group for people who have experienced the death of a parent, grandparent, or other important adult caregiver in their life. Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend.
This group meets in person on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.
Click Here to register.
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An ongoing group for those who have experienced a loss to suicide. Regardless of how long ago the death occurred, you are welcome to attend. In partnership with Contact Care Line.
This group meets in person on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 4pm (ET) at Hampton Hall in the Smith Professional Building.
Click Here to register.
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An interactive support group designed to help with the grieving process by using visual and thought-provoking tools. During these four sessions, the participants share their story, build memorials, compose letters, write in journals and develop goals with milestones. Designed for all types of losses, individuals and family members.
Registration details for the next session will be available soon.
Upcoming Workshops & Special Events
Mental Health Resource Fair
The goal of this resource fair is to connect industry professionals, community partners, and service providers across healthcare, end-of-life, and grief care. This event, designed to facilitate collaboration, foster professional development, and highlight available community resources.
Please note if you want a table and number of people joining from your organization.
Date: Monday, Oct 19th
Time 10 am - 2 pm
Location: Life Event Center Smith’s 1410 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
Meet MeKenzie, M.Ed, LPC/MHSP
HeartLight Center is honored to offer in-person and virtual programs in Tennessee. MeKenzie Lane is the Community Liaison for you. With a strong background in counseling and grief education, MeKenzie brings empathy and understanding to her work. She is passionate about building bridges between resources and those who need them, promoting a stronger, more supportive community. Additionally, MeKenzie is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by David Kessler.
You can connect with her directly by email at mrussell@heartlightcenter.org.
Scott Payne
Community Liaison
HeartLight Center is honored to offer in-person and virtual programs in Tennessee. Scott has been involved in crisis and suicide prevention work in one form or another since 2007. Just out of Divinity School, Scott took a job at Family and Children's Service in Nashville as a crisis counselor where he learned the importance of listening. Upon moving to Knoxville, Scott worked in a substance use harm reduction program has served as a hospice chaplain. In addition to providing grief support and community collaboration with HeartLight, Scott works with Contact Care Line supporting suicide prevention and support and facilitating training to prevent suicide including ASIST, QPR, Active Listening, and Self-Care.
Volunteer as a Support Group Facilitator
Our programming can expand with the help of our community and volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities or internship experiences available with HeartLight Center in Tennessee, please reach out to info@heartlightcenter.org.
Maryville programs supported by:
