Along with my honours licence in funeral service and as a thanatologist, I hold certifications in traumatic loss and children’s grief, and specialize in pregnancy and infant loss memorial, suicide prevention and end of life care. Most recently, going back to school to receive an additional degree in Thanatology At Western. I believe the power of supportive conversation, honest thoughts and even humour can bring light to the darkest of times, and give a renewed sense of faith and direction. I work with families one on one, or in a group setting, and have facilitated group bereavement classes for both infant and pregnancy loss, legacy work for parents with life-limiting illnesses, and children’s” Super Hero Grief” workshops.
I currently sit on the board of Bereavement Ontario Network as Vice Chair and Regional Representative and am past Instructor Chair & Medical First Response Unit Coordinator with St. John Ambulance. In addition, I am the facilitator of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network/Sunnybrook Peer Support Group and co-creator and past facilitator of “Our Babies Our Grief” program with Home Hospice Association. I was privileged to be the Vice President of the Niagara Funeral Service Association with an amazing executive, as well as working with the board of Niagara Safety Village as a Public Relation & Social Media Director. Lastly, and maybe the most fun, a leader with Girl Guides of Canada (in my twentieth year). You can find me out and about in my community whenever an opportunity arises, but usually only indoors. An avid and nerdy volunteer, I loved my time in the Niagara College Volunteer Management Program and Social Media for Businesses courses and plan on being a life long student in something. In 2009 I was honoured to receive a Canadian National Order for my efforts in Volunteerism and Humanitarianism. A trained & experienced public speaker, I live for sharing my passions with anyone who will listen, and offer services to non-profits, schools, churches, health care and businesses on the topics of death and dying, bereavement care, eating disorders, and the value of volunteerism. Often these sessions are utilized for postgraduate requirements in the Ontario teaching, health and death care industries.
… Well that was dry – how about we lighten that up. Click here