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: October 12, November 16, December 14
The 4th Monday of every month will feature rotating topics and special guest speakers.
October 26 | Beyond Surviving: STEPS for Social Confidence with Barbara Kammerer Quayle
After a burn injury, social situations can bring new challenges—from stares and intrusive questions to uncomfortable comments and reactions. In this special topic support group, burn survivor and longtime Phoenix Society educator Barbara Kammerer Quayle will share practical tools to help survivors navigate these moments with greater confidence and a sense of control.
Drawing from her own lived experience and decades of work with the burn community, Barbara will introduce STEPS: Self-talk, Tone of Voice, Eye contact, Posture, and Smile, along with strategies for responding to questions, handling stares, setting boundaries, and preparing for challenging social situations.
Barbara’s own experience navigating public reactions to her facial and body differences inspired a lifelong mission to develop aftercare and social skills programs for survivors and families. Together, we’ll explore tools that can help build social confidence and make everyday interactions feel more manageable.
Barbara Kammerer Quayle sustained 40% burns, and after discharge, faced the public’s reactions to her facial and body differences with constant stares, intrusive questions, startled glances, pointing, and rude remarks.
That began her lifelong mission to develop aftercare and social skills programs for survivors and families to navigate handling questions, stares, and learn the STEPS to social confidence, and social control. Her own facial scars led her to develop the Image Enhancement Program and Makeup Skills for Survivors to restore missing eyebrows, an even lip line, and skin color. Barbara authored a memoir titled "Chasing My Dreams", from traumatic burns to triumphant recovery which can be found on amazon
November 23 | The Role of Guilt and Shame in Our Healing Journey with Cindy Rutter, RN, BSN, LMFT and Jennifer Harris, MSW, LICSW
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.
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.