Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Ryan Kosmas.
Tara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins at 8 months old when I sustained a 23% burn injury. Since then, everything in my life is deeply connected. I am a Burn Survivor, Registered Nurse, Educator, and Non-Profit Founder.
In 2004, I walked into a burn trauma unit at 20 years old with a shiny new badge that read Registered Nurse. I was grossly underprepared emotionally for what I was going to witness within the walls of the ICU over the next 13 years.
If I felt this way, others must as well – I knew this is something we had to begin talking about. I obtained a peer support certification, SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery) and went back to graduate school. Here, I studied nursing education, and found myself teaching and working as a Clinical Assistant Professor.
During this time, I became certified in the art of Debriefing and began studying sustained emotional wellness practices. Debriefing is a trauma treatment modality that creates a psychologically safe space in which nurses can learn and grow through identification of core emotions and guided self-reflection.
When the pandemic arrived, I felt myself moving farther away from academia. I reflected on how I could help former students, colleagues and peers.
In response, my husband and I founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Debriefing the Front Lines Inc, and the Heal the Healers Curriculum.
Debriefing the Front Lines is a nurse and veteran founded organization. Our mission is to provide psychological first aid, sustained emotional wellness offerings, 1:1 Self Exploration coaching, support circles and continuing education credits (CUE’s) to nurses across the United States as we redefine Self Compassion of the Modern Nurse practice.
We currently are a commUNITY of 400 registered nurses across 14 states.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about this story has been easy. But I never expected it to be. The challenges are what make the story unique to me.
I was more prepared this time around. So, as we moved forward through each next step with Debriefing the Front Lines and created the Heal the Healers Curriculum, I knew there would be obstacles. Like all organizations, we are always learning, which is a challenge in itself, to be “novice” again.
But with this comes so much gratitude for the ability to do this work, to reach commUNITY and provide support to nurses across the nation.
In regard to specific non-profit struggles, we have had delays in legal paperwork, told no by several grants and a competitive mentorship program. We have faced many technical challenges along the way. With every challenge comes a solution – we are rooted and dedicated to finding them.
It is also important to note the amount of Sacred Presence necessary to do this work as I continue to care for myself, a 37 year old burn survivor equally surviving and thriving with PTSD. It is essential, as a leader and change agent, I role model Self Compassion to the commUNITY. Our commitment to Service must always include our Self – this is our greatest gift to Humanity for we can only meet others as deeply as we meet ourselves.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This work began as a commUNITY project, a way to support my colleagues in a time of need. We started The Daily Communication Initiative, a pre-shift text message of love and support sent at 6:15am or pm based upon the nurses shift selection. 283 participants, 561 days and over 300,000 messages, we remain. The unique feature of this offering is nurses can respond back to me directly to help ease anxiety and uncertainty. Many share their wins too. Every day, I am honored to serve these incredible humans. I am alive today because a nurse just like them saved my life some 30+ years ago.
Debriefing the Front Lines, Inc and the Heal the Healers Curriculum recently received CEU Provider Status, we can now offer continuing education credits to nurses with compact state licensure – an educator’s dream come true!
A unique component to our non-profit work is Kosmic Garden (our insta name.) Kosmic Garden is the connection between creative healing, joy, play, and freedom.
Creating is to invent ourselves one more time, giving life and healing to the things that need our attention. Art in all its forms is a reflection, a means to dive deeper into the Vault of Self.
Offerings include Floral Pop-ups in and around Baltimore City, From Flowers to Front Lines bouquet-making workshops, writing retreats, and music lessons as we artfully blend commUNITY, career, and creativity.
What makes you happy?
I am most happy in the Kosmic Garden, growing cut flowers, tending to plants outside in the sunshine with my husband and dog by my side. I feel very connected to my Self and to Spirit when caring for beautiful things. I am equally happy at my desk, writing and practicing Spoken Word.
Pricing:
- All Debriefings are complementary and paid for by generous donors.
- Daily Communication Initiative is $5/month
- 1:1 Self Exploration Coaching ranges from $50 – $925 based upon packages
Contact Info:
- Email: tara@kosmicgarde.com
- Website: kosmicgarden.com
- Instagram: @kosmicgarden
- Other: debriefingthefrontlinesinc.org
Image Credits
Sarah Adler
