WHY I BECAME A GRIEF COACH FOR WIDOWS & WIDOWERS
I didn't set out to be a Grief Coach. My own grief brought me here. Suddenly losing my husband at 45-years old was disorienting and overwhelming. It was a pain I had never experienced before.
I searched for guidance, for understanding, and for someone who could help me believe that I might feel joy gain. That experience led me to a calling to support other widows and widowers with their loss.
Today I walk alongside grief, I hold space for it. Not to "fix it" but to offer hope and support that a joyful, fulfilling life after loss if possible.
I searched for guidance, for understanding, and for someone who could help me believe that I might feel joy gain. That experience led me to a calling to support other widows and widowers with their loss.
Today I walk alongside grief, I hold space for it. Not to "fix it" but to offer hope and support that a joyful, fulfilling life after loss if possible.
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My husband was a strong minded and bodied man. At 50 years old he was an active hiker, mountain biker and snowboarder with a healthy diet. So, nothing could prepare me for June 27, 2022, when I found him face down in our front yard while doing yard work. Despite my best efforts and the efforts of paramedics, he did not survive a massive heart attack. We had just moved into a new home, in a new town only six weeks prior. I spent the first month in shock and denial. This quickly manifested into anger and rage. I found myself ill equipped to navigate life while grieving and mourning. So, I sought the help of a grief professional, attended bereavement groups, listened to podcasts and read books. I was committed to healing from my grief and finding joy again. I learned how to move forward with my grief, without forgetting my husband and living a life with meaning that is in honor of him. Now, I am now passionate about sharing what I learned with others.
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My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in June 2011, despite never smoking a day in his life. I experienced the roller coaster of emotions during the various cancer treatments: the hope for remission as well as the realities on the limitations of modern medicine. I quickly found myself with anticipatory grief, anticipating that he would not survive and preparing myself for the loss. When time and treatment ran out, my family and I sat vigil next to his bed for 3 days until he took his last breath, only 8 months after his diagnosis. After he passed, my anticipatory grief manifested into shock, denial and ultimately acceptance. Support from a grief professional helped me accept the loss and learn to celebrate the memories. Watching someone we love suffer and deteriorate in front of our eyes comes with intense emotions and a prolonged period of grieving. I use this experience in my coaching as others navigate this type of loss.
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MY EXPERIENCE
I am Certified Master Grief Coach accredited by Complementary Therapists Accredited Association (CTAA). With experience in grief support for widows, I specialize in helping widows navigate their loss and find joy and meaning in life again.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and bring over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles across both large publicly traded companies and small start-ups. Throughout my career, I’ve completed extensive training in leadership and emotional intelligence, with a focus on resiliency, active listening, self-awareness, thriving through change, agility, and inclusivity.
I am passionate about coaching and supporting widows to be the best version of themselves I would be honored to support you in your grief journey, helping you find a path forward to live a life with joy and meaning.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and bring over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles across both large publicly traded companies and small start-ups. Throughout my career, I’ve completed extensive training in leadership and emotional intelligence, with a focus on resiliency, active listening, self-awareness, thriving through change, agility, and inclusivity.
I am passionate about coaching and supporting widows to be the best version of themselves I would be honored to support you in your grief journey, helping you find a path forward to live a life with joy and meaning.
What I've Learned Through Grief:
LESSONS LEARNED:
- You never "get over it". You learn to live with it.
- You never "move on". You move forward.
- Feeling is healing: you have to go through the grief to get to the other side. You can't fast forward your grief or sweep it under the rug.
- You don't HAVE to do anything in the early stages of grief. Self-care is important. Listen to your body and your mind and let them lead you to the time that is right for you to make decisions associated with your loss.
- Accept the help of others.
- You will never be the same. Grief will always be a part of you, but you learn to grow around it and find joy again.
