ABOUT ME

I have learned so much about grief since my beautiful sister, Sarah, died. Talking about her and hearing stories about other people’s loved ones centers my love inside grief.

Soon after Sarah’s passing, I rediscovered a strong support network of friends and family, many of whom had also supported me after the loss of both my parents. I found a great therapist who has guided me in healing my younger self so I can grieve for my sister more honestly. I also belong to a grief group that gives me space to cry and lifts me up through the power of listening. Being with people who know what it’s like to carry grief deep in their souls makes me realize that I have the strength to bear this pain. You, too, are strong enough for this journey.

In my training and professional life as a folklorist, I learned to uncover what’s behind the narrative we tell ourselves and others. Story is the foundation to all of the work I’ve done as a folklorist; story is also the foundation for remembering and honoring our loved ones so we can move into and through grief.

I use empathy, my training as a folklorist and as a certified grief educator, as well as my past experiences with loss to witness the grief and pain of others by practicing deep and healing listening. Whether in a one-on-one grief coaching session, an in-person grief group or workshop, or on a West Seattle Grief Walk, you will be heard, and your grief will be acknowledged and understood.

Tell me your story.

I invite you to discover how telling the story of your loved one can make your grief journey a little bit less lonely.

WORK WITH ME

What People Are Saying

I appreciate the open, warm welcoming space. I like the flow of the group, with introductions, breathing, poetry, and writing. Thank you for your time and energy. I'm very grateful.

— (Any Grief) Grief Circle Participant

Thank you for hosting the Grief Walk. I feel grateful to have heard about it, that it was in West Seattle, and that I could join. It felt really good to be in the presence of other people going through similarly disrupting, life-altering, heartbreaking loss. I truly appreciate what you put together, how much intention and thought you put into it—from land acknowledgements to conflict areas to genocide—that really set a foundation for me personally to feel very grounded and safe in a space I felt was moral and accepting. That meant a lot to me.

— Grief Walk Participant

I loved the progression and flow of the walk. I liked the introduction and the clarity of your words of what the morning would look like and what to do when you aren't ready to speak. Having the participants walk in silence to eventually sharing stories felt so natural. It all felt very safe and seemed to flow naturally. It felt well planned and safe.

— Grief Walk Participant

MY COACHING METHOD

Ask

I ask basic questions about your loved one and where you are on your grief journey. Then I invite you tell me a story.
Listen

I listen to anything you want to tell me about your loved one. Their lives, your relationship, your frustrations, the funny stories, and the sadness.
Acknowledge

You are heard and you are loved. I may share relevant resources. Through remembering and sharing, the weight of grief will shift and settle.