Virtual/Call-In Support Group is held on the 2nd Monday and 4th Monday of every month at 7 pm EST (see full schedule below). The group is dedicated for burn survivors and their loved ones. To honor their support needs, we ask that all participants identify within these categories.
All groups meet at 7 pm EST.
The 2nd Monday of every month is dedicated to general discussion.
Remaining 2026 Dates: July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 16, December 14
The 4th Monday of every month will feature rotating topics and special guest speakers.
July 27 | Life Lessons of OZ to Add to Your Healing Tool Kit with Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT and Jennifer Harris, MSW, LICSW
The Wizard of Oz offers many powerful and meaningful lessons that can support us along our healing journeys. Beneath its colorful characters and magical story lies a deeper message about resilience, self-discovery, courage, and connection. Together, we will reflect on these lessons and discuss how they can be applied in practical ways to strengthen our personal healing tool kits. This may include identifying inner strengths, building emotional resilience, practicing self-compassion, and leaning into supportive relationships. Through conversation and shared reflection, we’ll connect these timeless lessons to our own lived experiences—helping each of us walk away with new insights, tools, and a renewed sense of hope on our healing paths.
Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT has been part of the burn community for more than 45 years as both a professional and a survivor. A burn survivor since childhood, she became an RN in 1981 and later served as nurse manager of the UCSD Regional Burn Center. Since becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist in 2015, Cindy has maintained a private practice in San Diego, CA. She helped develop Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) and the Phoenix Society’s Advocacy Program and continues to focus on the emotional and psychosocial needs of survivors and caregivers. Cindy facilitates retreats, workshops, and peer programs nationwide and currently serves on the ABA/PS Aftercare Reintegration (ARC) Committee.
Jennifer Harris, MSW, LICSW is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist specializing in trauma-informed care. She was first introduced to the burn community while working at the Massachusetts General Hospital Burn Unit and became connected with Phoenix Society. For the past five years, Jenn has been in private practice in Boston, MA, where she supports people impacted by trauma and loss. She remains involved with Phoenix Society through programs and virtual peer support, helping survivors and families navigate their healing journey.
August 24 | Topic and guest host coming soon!
September 28 | Masquerading Through Life: When and How to Be Vulnerable with Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT and Jennifer Harris, MSW, LICSW
October 26 | Topic and guest host coming soon!
November 23 | The Role of Guilt and Shame in Our Healing Journey with Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT and Jennifer Harris, MSW, LICSW
At the beginning of each support group, basic ground rules will be shared to create a supportive setting. We also ask that everyone acknowledge understanding that this group is focused on peer support for burn survivors and their loved ones, and is not a substitute for local emotional support.
You must sign-up in order to receive instructions and a weblink for joining the group.
To participate, please review our Virtual Group Safety Agreement and then fill out the form below. On the day of the support group, you will receive an email with the web link and additional instructions for joining.
The group is focused on peer-to-peer support for survivors and loved ones. It is facilitated by staff and emotional support providers connected to Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Active participation from Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) trained volunteers will be included, and conversation by all participants will make support grow for all present!
Please contact Phoenix Society at info@phoenix-society.org.