A Word From our Leaders
We recognize that dealing with loss can be difficult, and we are here to offer compassionate support and care. We focus on assisting you in finding comfort and healing during this challenging period. You need not walk alone, we are The Compassionate Friends.
Meet Our Team
We are honored to introduce our Pensacola Chapter Leader and Assistant Leader. These dedicated individuals are committed to improving community engagement and support. Their combined efforts and enthusiasm are aimed at driving positive change within our chapter and beyond.
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Pensacola Chapter Leader
Dawn Ares
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.
Pensacola Chapter Assistant Leader
Z Ballmann
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. :)