Holding Space for Loss: Parent Grief, Support, and Hope with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW & Eric Buther of Santiago Strong Foundation

In this episode of The Socially Engaged Podcast, we sit down with Kaela O’Donnell, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director and grief group facilitator at Kindermourn, and Eric Buther, grieving father and co‑founder of the Santiago Strong Foundation. Together, they share their experiences from two deeply interconnected perspectives: the professional supporting grieving families, and the parent who has walked through unimaginable loss.Kaela discusses the role of social workers in grief work, the importance of community based support, and common misconceptions about child loss. Eric shares his family’s story, his experience in Kindermourn’s Grieving Parents group, and how his son Santiago’s legacy fuels advocacy and healing. This episode offers powerful insight, honesty, and hope for social workers, helpers, and anyone supporting communities in grief.You can find information about Kindermourn here: https://www.kindermourn.org/ and Santiago Strong Foundation here: https://www.santiagostrong.org/