Experience & Training

---

Facilitator, Mothers Groups

Coping After Suicide

December 2024 to present

Member of Facilitator Corps led by Joanne Harpel, co-author of AFSP facilitator training manuarl & postvention program designer

Co-Facilitator/Administrator

Hope After Suicide Loss Support group

September 2018 to present

Two regional support groups, offering three monthly meetings, virtual and in-person. Conducts intake interviews and provides resources and communications. Provides guidance & leadership to facilitating team. 

Facilitator, Friends for Survival, 

December 2021 to present

National non-profit offering virtual support groups

Team Lead facilitator for 2nd Monday meeting, managing a group of up to 35 attendees in three breakout rooms. Provides 1:1 follow up support when needed. Facilitates Closed model group featuring Understanding Your Suicide Grief. Serves on administrative-facilitator advisory team for the organization. Contributor to monthly newsletter.

David Kessler Tender Hearts Specific Loss groups

Moderator, February 2022 to present

Co-moderates two to three meetings monthly rotating between specific loss groups—Main Room, suicide loss, child loss, newly bereaved, faith, and others. 

Postvention specialist/QPR suicide prevention trainer/former President

Davidson LifeLine, local nonprofit

March 2013 to September 2024

Davidson LifeLine served the Lake Norman area for 12 years providing community education, training, and advocacy around mental health conditions, suicide awareness and suicide loss support. DLL introduced QPR training into the freshman health curriculum at area high schools and sponsored Sources of Strength, an upstream model for youth mental health promotion. DLL, an all-volunteer organization, has sunset into NAMI Charlotte, which is continuing to offer or sponsor Community Conversations, Hope After Suicide Loss support group meetings, and suicide prevention training.  

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

Grief Support Specialist 

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Continuing Studies

May 2023

Grief Educator

David Kessler Training

Summer 2021 

Family Support Group Facilitator

National Alliance on Mental Illness

August 2024

Support Group Facilitator

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

February 2019

Recent publication

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article

291184975.html