Childhood Grief and Loss
I Am - A Specialised Child Centred Grief Counselling and Coaching Program.
Supporting children and young people aged 7-17 navigate life after loss.
Meet the I Am Program
A structured grief program with the individual child at its heart.
Built around six key themes, the I Am Program combines therapeutic conversation, creative activities, grief education and practical tools, with each child's individual experience of grief woven throughout.
How can we help?
Supporting a Grieving Child?
Learn about the I Am Program and how it could support a grieving child.
Professional or Referrer?
Learn about the I Am Program, who it supports and how to refer a child.
Interested in Partnering?
Explore ways to work with Hilary’s Heart to increase access to specialised grief support.
Why I Created the I Am Program
I experienced the death of my mum, Hilary, when I was 14, so I understand firsthand the impact childhood grief can have.
Combining my lived experience with my professional expertise as a Registered Counsellor and Certified Grief Coach, alongside specialised training in childhood grief, I created the I Am Program to give grieving children the kind of support I wish I'd had.
Amber Waksman
Founder, Hilary's Heart
Trusted Partnerships & Recognition
Registered Carer Gateway Provider in Victoria
Loss & Grief Practitioners Association Member
Supporting a Grieving Child?
Grief can feel different for every young person. They don't have to navigate it alone.
“My two children are now more confident to express their thoughts and feelings after the passing of their Dad. The I Am Program carved out space and time to talk and ponder our grief as a family. It was a beautiful time remembering Dad as we worked through the thoughtful themes each week.”
- Parent of children aged 10 and 12
“Before the I Am Program, I felt unsure and really upset from Mama’s death.
After the I Am Program, I understand my feelings and I feel like I’m not alone.”
⎼ I Am Program participant, aged 12