On February 27 and 28, 2013, The Symposium of Hope: Recovery and Resilience after the Sandy Hook Tragedy, was held in Danbury, Connecticut. The event was hosted by the United Way of Western Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University. Frank J. Zenere, school psychologist and crisis team member in the Division of Student Services of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and an emeritus member, National Emergency Assistance Team, was an invited panelist at the function. The goal of the symposium was to offer the caregivers and residents of Newtown and surrounding communities the opportunity to hear from individuals around the country who have been involved in the response to or recovery from tragedies. By design, the speakers were asked to discuss lessons learned from their involvement in critical incidents and disasters that could promote resilience and recovery in Newtown as it moves forward. On the evening of February 27th, a community forum was held and live-streamed over the Internet. The forum was attended by individuals connected to the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, including faculty members and staff, first responders, mental health professionals, surviving family members, and other residents of the community. Panelists were asked to make 15-minute presentations followed by questions from the audience. The symposium, held on February 28th, was attended by local caregivers and was closed to the media. This article provides the text of Zenere's presentation.