If you have lost a loved one in or survived an air disaster, your experience is invaluable in helping others walk through the difficult grief process. Volunteer Grief Mentors are the heart of ACCESS and your knowledge is a gift to those beginning their journey through grief.
Become a Volunteer Grief Mentor Now!

Click here to read about the Terms of Volunteer Grief Mentoring.

“My ACCESS Grief Mentor inspires me. She is showing me that while it takes time to heal, life does go on and I can get through it.”

– Brooke lost her one-year-old daughter Kirstin in a helicopter crash

Claire Barnett lost her daughters Coriander, 8, and Blake, 6, on Alaska Airlines Flight 261. She is now an ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentor who shares her experience and strength with Brooke.

Volunteer Grief Mentor Training Program

ACCESS lead trainer Dr. Ken Druck & Heidi

Individuals from around the world who have survived or lost loved ones in air disaster-related tragedies participate in our intensive 16 hour comprehensive training program in order to become ACCESS Volunteer Grief Mentors. The training program focuses on ACCESS protocol and reporting procedures, service delivery, active listening through role-playing, group work, and classroom instruction to teach crisis intervention skills for effective communication. We require this training to ensure the highest quality of care to those accessing our support services.

The training materials gave me the knowledge and tools to help me with my work. As delicate as it is to talk to someone going through grief it is vital to be trained in order to help. The training program was great! Thank you for giving us ACCESS
-Lisa Kokal lost her boyfriend Kevin Reyer, 36, in a private aircraft