A Word From our Leaders

I am a registered nurse, as well as a bereaved sibling and parent. I lost my sister Debbie on February 21, 2020, just 5 months before her 50th birthday. She suffered from Alpha-Gal allergy and passed away due to complications from it. Less than a year later, on January 2, 2021, I lost my 14-year-old son, Barret, in a motorcycle accident.

That day, both my son and husband lost their lives.

About 3 months later, I found The Compassionate Friends, which became a place of comfort and support. Through this community, I have learned how to process my grief and adjust to life after such unimaginable loss. After two years, when our group leader decided to step down, I felt called to give back and help guide other grieving families as they walk through their own journeys of loss. 

I am a retired Kindergarten teacher originally from St. Louis.

In August of 2020, my husband and I lost our only child- our son Xander.  It is such an all-encompassing and devastating loss that I immediately lost my purpose in life as well as my own parental identity. 

Fortunately, I was introduced to The Compassionate Friends through a documentary.  Within the TCF Community, I have found understanding, compassion, and ultimately strength.

I am now committed to helping other TCF members share their feelings in a warm, safe environment where empathy and active listening are the usual way of life.  :)