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Research Presentation: Paradise Lost: Meaning-Making, Embodied Transcendence, and Stewardship Amid Ecological Grief Stephanie Witechowsky, Cassandra Gaddis The primary research question guiding this study was: In what way is ecological grief related to embodied transcendence and ecological stewardship? Secondary question: In what way does embodied transcendence facilitate meaning-making around ecological grief? For Study 1, measures of solastalgia, ecological grief, embodied transcendence, and pro-environmental behavior were administered to a wide demographic sample (N = 445). Bivariate correlational analysis showed strong positive correlations among the total scores of the four surveys. A series of one-way Welch ANOVAs revealed that those identifying as having a spiritual practice and a strong fear of death showed significantly higher scores on all measures. A regression model supported the same findings. Study 2 was an informed grounded theory study, conducting interviews with those identifying as experiencing a significant level of ecological grief (N = 47). Results derived from coding, memos, and thematic analysis showed the intensity of local events in triggering feelings of ecological grief and anxiety. A variety of coping mechanisms were employed, with some of those progressing toward high levels of embodied transcendence and pro-environmental behaviors. Three dominant themes emerged from the interviews: activating response, coping engagement, and grief resilience. A theoretical model of ecological grief is presented. Session : Embodied Leadership and Human Flourishing Dr. Kerri Husman As organizations, communities, and societies navigate increasing complexity, leaders are being called to move beyond traditional models of performance and management toward more integrated approaches that support both human wellbeing and organizational effectiveness. In this presentation, Dr. Kerri Husman brings a unique perspective that bridges psychiatry, functional medicine, integrative mental health, coaching, trauma-informed care, and whole-person development. Board-certified in Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Functional Medicine, Dr. Husman has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of mental health, resilience, healing, and human transformation. Her work integrates evidence-based psychiatric practice with emerging approaches in functional medicine, energy psychology, neuroplasticity, breathwork, coaching, and conscious- ness-informed healing. Drawing on her extensive clinical, educational, and leadership experience, Dr. Husman will explore how leaders can cultivate resilience, coherence, and flourishing within themselves and the systems they serve. Participants will examine how emotional regulation, nervous system awareness, meaning-making, and psychological safety contribute to sustainable leadership in a rapidly changing world. This session aligns with the conference’s broader theme of embodiment by highlighting the importance of integrating mind, body, relationships, purpose, and community into leadership practice. Rather than viewing wellbeing and performance as competing priorities, Dr. Husman presents a model of leadership that recognizes human flourishing as a foundational condition for innovation, adaptability, and long-term success.
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