I first discovered the Grief Recovery Institute (GRI) in 2019 after moving back to Oregon. I was grieving several losses including my mother who passed suddenly in a car crash, my cat of 21 years who almost made it full circle back to Oregon, my childhood best friend who died suddenly just days before her 48th birthday, my dentist and neighbor growing up, and about 20 other losses over the preceding 3 years.

In addition, I am adopted and have lost both my parents and birth mother, have moved and lived many places, was laid off from my dream job, have lost communication with family members, and have laid other animals to rest.

Since I wasn’t working at the time of discovering GRI, I didn’t take the training to become a specialist. Although the skills would have been useful during the pandemic, I waited until recently (January 2025) to complete the training to become a certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist. The specialist training and going through the method, allowed me to free my heart for happiness and helped me work through my grief in a safe and caring environment.

Personally, and professionally, I believe in helping children any way I can. I hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in Theatre Production. I have worked in day care centers, taught in K-12 classrooms, worked with young adults and college students and believe that providing them with proper communication tools is essential in navigating the world we live in together.

I am also a certified mediator for the State of Oregon which provides better communication and conflict resolution skills, while also providing empathetic listening to all who need it.

As a CASA Volunteer, I want to work with children and those who live/work with children, but I also want to work with individuals/groups who are grieving the loss of family members, health, job loss, or moving regularly.

I am the new human for an adorable puppy and will eventually offer Pet Loss, too.

I look forward to helping you on this journey either in person or online.