My world was shattered the day in 2013 we received the call that our son, Luke, had suddenly passed away. I began a grief journey that for me has been profound and all consuming. It has taken me to unseen depths, taught me more about grief and mourning than I ever wanted to know, and has led me to wanting to help others in their own unique grief journeys.

I had experienced grief before in many ways (miscarriage at 12 weeks, loss of grandparents, loss of mother, loss of father-in-law and mother-in-law, loss of patients on a critical care unit, loss of childhood friends, loss of neighbors, loss of pets, loss of community and friends through moving), but this grief journey was very different for me. After several months of generally laying on the floor, I was eventually able to get up, and thus began my journey as a nurse educator and my exploration into grief and mourning and all it can demand.

Through my own experience and through extensive research, I designed, created, and teach a collegiate course on death, dying, and bereavement. I wanted to do more, and so I continued my education and have become certified in Compassionate Bereavement Care (by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore) and as a Creative Grief Provider from the Creative Grief Studio. I have cared for dying patients and their families as a bedside nurse on a critical care unit, and I have been a Hospice Volunteer for many years. I know there are no rules when it comes to grief. We each have our own experience, which can change daily, even by moment.

It is my hope that I can be a support for you as your grief journey unfolds.