Hi, I am Sadija A. Smiley, born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I am Founder & CEO of Stillborn and Infant Loss Support (SAILS). SAILS is a Maryland based 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness around stillbirth, pregnancy and infant loss. We provide support and resources to families grieving the loss of their baby. I created SAILS to honor the life of my daughter, Ivyanna Salene, who was stillborn on November 13, 2003.I experienced this loss at the tender age of 21. That same year I experienced the loss of my maternal grandmother, several friendships, and the loss of my job. In 2011, I separated from my husband and eventually divorced in 2013. During that ten years, I felt alone, and no one understood my pain. People would tell me that time heals all wounds get over it and that I had to be strong for my two daughters. They didn't understand that I couldn't be strong, but I also couldn't display my weaknesses. I threw myself into work and exercised every chance that I wasn't caring for my children. It wasn't long before I realized I couldn't continue living this way and needed help.

When I discovered the Grief Recovery Method, it changed my life! I quickly realized:

1)How ill-prepared I was to handle grief.
2) That the sadness and disappointment I felt were normal.
3) That I wasn't alone.

The Grief Recovery Method provided me with a safe space and helpful tools to jump-start my recovery from loss. I am passionate about empowering individuals with the tools and action steps to move beyond the pain and isolation of grief and heartbreak, completing what's unfinished in their relationships (past and present), and reclaiming a life of happiness, fullness, and joy. A series of small and correct choices achieve recovery from loss. I am confident that if you show up and participate, you will experience healing too!

I am in Laurel, MD, serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas with the following programs:
- Grief Support Groups
- Grief Support 1-on-1
- Helping Children With Loss
- Pet Loss
- Grief Support Online

I would be honored to help you on your journey to healing. Feel free to reach out for a gentle conversation to explore whether the grief recovery method suits you. Schedule your consultation at https://calendly.com/griefrecovery-chat/consult