Celebrating the 2026 EMDR Walk in the Park
The 2026 EMDR Walk in the Park brought together participants from across the country and around the world in support of Trauma Recovery/HAP’s mission: to increase the capacity for effective treatment of psychological trauma in under-served communities anywhere in the world. Throughout the event, individuals and teams walked, raised funds, and shared updates and encouragement with their fellow walkers. The final results show just how much our community can accomplish together.
This year’s walk included 122 participants and 25 walk teams. Together, walkers logged over 4,000 miles and raised over $18,000, bringing us to more than 60% of our fundraising goal.
Participants joined from 28 U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Ohio, Washington, and Arkansas.
Ashley Schnotala, a participant from Norton Shores, Michigan, shared, “This has been such a lovely feeling of solidarity!”
Our international participation continued to grow, with walkers joining from Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong.
Tommy Liang, a participant from India and creator of the Zero Trauma India team, reflected on his personal connection to Trauma Recovery/HAP: “When I was doing my PhD at Christ University during 2011–2014 in India, I had been privileged to receive EMDR training Levels 1–2 with the support of Trauma Recovery. Each penny you have donated is definitely a support to every clinician who is looking for affordable training in evidence-based trauma intervention.”
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Seven sponsors helped make the event possible. We are grateful for their generosity and partnership in making this year’s Walk successful. We were very excited to welcome EMDR Canada and EMDR Kit as new walk sponsors this year. We are also grateful to Guilford Press and Trader Joe’s for generously donating prizes for this year’s Walk competitions.
Gold Sponsors
EMDR Institute
EMDR Kit
Silver Sponsors
Bilateralstimulation.io
Docuprintnow
EMDR Canada
EMDRIA
The Stadtlander Family
Funds raised through the Walk will go towards strengthening the Trauma Recovery Network, by providing essential tools and resources needed to increase local outreach and impact in the communities TRN Associations serve. This year’s Walk was a powerful reminder that, together, we can achieve far more than any one person or organization can alone. Inspired by Dr. Francine Shapiro’s walk in a park in 1987, participants across the country and around the world helped carry forward a legacy and ripple of hope, healing, and service. Each step taken and every dollar raised extends the Shapiro effect, bringing trauma-informed care to more individuals and communities worldwide.
Shoutout to the Walk Competition Winners
We are excited to recognize this year’s award winners for their outstanding contributions.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Stadtlander Family, an additional $5,000 will be donated in honor of our top participants and teams.
Top Team Fundraiser
Pavement Pals, led by Lesa Doan, raised the most funds. The Stadtlander Family will donate $2,500 in their honor.
Largest Walk Team
Denver Regional EMDR Network/RMTRN, led by Jenny Bridges, with 12 team members. The Stadtlander Family will donate $1,500 in their honor.
Top Individual Fundraiser
Marlene Kenney, who raised $764. The Stadtlander Family will donate $1,000 in her honor.
Most Miles Walked: Individual
Anna Riedel, who logged 161 miles
Most Miles Walked: Team
The Stadtlander Family, whose seven team members logged a combined 452 miles
Best Walk T-Shirt Photo
Dana Brokofsky, recognized for submitting a standout walk photo
Most Creative Team Name
Bilateral Blinking Brigade, led by Catherine Gilio
Rookie of the Year
Triona McMaster, recognized for making an outstanding impact during her first year participating in the walk
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we look ahead to next year’s walk, we are excited to continue building the momentum, connections, and impact created during this year’s event. Thank you to our sponsors, fundraisers, donors, participants, team captains, and everyone who followed along and encouraged our walkers. Your support brought people together from across the country and around the world. We are grateful to have you as part of the Trauma Recovery/HAP community. We look forward to walking together again next year.
Are you interested in helping plan the 2027 EMDR Walk in the Park? We are looking for volunteers to support the Walk Committee. Whether you can contribute a few hours, help contact potential sponsors, or assist with another part of the planning process, we would love to hear from you. Contact srahman@emdrhap.org to learn more about getting involved.
HAPpy Walking!
