21st Annual Symposium | September 10

VOICES 21st Annual
Remembrance Symposium

September 10, 2022

New York Marriott Downtown

85 West Street, New York City

VOICES 21st Annual Remembrance Symposium was held in partnership with LinCT-AA and INVICTM. The September 10 program, Support Beyond the 20th Anniversary addressed the many outstanding issues that continue to impact the 9/11 community more than 20 years later. Dedicated professionals who have committed their careers to serving the 9/11 community shared their expertise and provided important updates. Sessions highlighted mental health considerations, commemoration, compensation, pending litigation and an introduction to new agency leadership. The program features lessons learned for professionals and agencies providing victims’ services and responding to other acts of mass violence.

September 10 Presentations

Candlelighting Ceremony and Welcome Remarks

The September 10 Symposium began with VOICES traditional Candlelighting Ceremony. 9/11 Community members, Mark O’Grady and Dominique Joseph simultaneously lit candles as passages were read by family members, survivors, and responders. VOICES Board Chair, Bonnie McNamara and Frank Fetchet welcomed attendees and provided poignant opening remarks.

Frank Fetchet - Vice President, VOICES

Bonnie McEneaney McNamara - Board Chair, VOICES

VOICES: Stories of Resilience

Victims’ family members, responders, and survivors share their stories – demonstrate the challenges they have faced and the strength and resilience that led to personal growth.

Deborah Garcia - 9/11 Family Member

Philippe Vansteenkiste - Director, V-Europe Association

Evelyn Tesoriero - FDNY Family Assistance

Anne-Marie Principe - 9/11 Survivor

Mental Health Considerations During Unpredictable Times

The panel of experienced clinicians discusses mental health considerations – including loss and grief, the experience of trauma, PTSD, and suicide ideation- addressing stigma related to mental health conditions and establishing effective coping skills.

Virginia Dwyer-Aoyama (Moderator) – Voices Center for Resilience

Jane Webber – Doctoral Program Committee Chair, Kean University

Richard Beck – President, IAGP

Leo Leiderman – Seasoned Clinical Psychologist

World Trade Center Health Program Update

Representatives from the CDC/World Trade Center Health Program provide information about the WTC Health Program’s mission, eligibility criteria, enrollment process, the new Health Effects of 9/11 online exhibition, and updates on the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN) and Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) transitions. VOICES staff will share insights into the challenges responders and survivors are experiencing.

Stephanie Landau (Moderator) – Voices Center for Resilience

Elio Megaro – WTC Health Program

Anthony Gardner – Public Affairs Specialist, WTC Health Program

Dr. Jacqueline Moline – Clinical Director, Northwell WTC

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and Compensation Programs

The panel began with an introduction to the newly appointed interim Special Master, August Flentje. Stefanie Langsam provided an update on the VCF case status, followed by a panel discussion by the dedicated attorneys addressing client needs.

Matt McCauley (Moderator) – Partner, Turken, Heath & McCauley

August Flentje – Special Master, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

Michael Barasch – Partner, Barasch, McGarry, Salzman & Penson

Joseph Cavalcante – NYS Workers’ Compensation Board

John Dearie – Managing Attorney, The Dearie Law Firm

John Feal – Founder, The FealGood Foundation

Noah Kushlefsky – Managing Partner, Kreindler & Kreindler

Stefanie Langsam – VCF Deputy Special Master

Progress Report on September 11 Litigation

The legal counsel representing 9/11 families provide an update on the progress of the September 11 litigation, including the Saudi and Iran lawsuits, and the catch up payment on the US Victim of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. 9/11 family member, Terry Strada, discussed her advocacy efforts.

Robert Haefele – Senior Counsel, Motley Rice

Jim Kreindler – Partner, Kreindler & Kreindler

John M. Eubanks – Member Attorney, Motley Rice

Terry Strada – National Chair, 9/11 Families United

Looking Beyond the 20th Anniversary

The Anniversary is a time for reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future with hope. The conversation highlights the work of Alice Greenwald and Dr. Barbara Sampson, who dedicated their careers in their respective fields to serving the 9/11 community. Looking ahead we introduce Dr. Graham, the newly appointed Chief Medical Examiner.

Elizabeth Hillman – Incoming President & CEO, 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Alice Greenwald – President & CEO, 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Barbara Sampson – Former Chief Medical Examiner of New York City

Jason Graham – Chief Medical Examiner of New York City

Mary Fetchet – Founding Director, VOICES

A New Performing Arts Center

Bill Rauch and Jenna Chrisphonte present the new venue and artistic plans of the new performing arts center located near the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The Symposium concluded with special performances from artists from Grammy Award winner Ty Defoe, followed by an operatic duet sung by Yi Li and Karen Vuong, accompanied by Stephen Buck.

Jenna Chrisphonte – Director of Civic Alliances, PAC

Bill Rauch – Artistic Director, PAC

Our Presenters