Hi, I'm Katie

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Grief Advocate, Widow

Sitting with uncomfortable feelings is something I have always been called to do. Over the years I have been told stories of how as a baby, a family friend's young son died, and while at the funeral, I slept peacefully in the arms of the distraught parents all day. Growing up, a number of classmates died from various causes, and in my senior year of high school, a close friend from cancer. It was after that death and the support provided to the students that I made the decision to pursue a career as a grief counselor. Four months after graduating with my Master of Social Work degree and completing a year-long internship at a grieving center for children, my wife of 10 months unexpectedly died. I had grown to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, but it was with the death of my wife that I understood grief on a whole new level.

I have my Bachelor of Social Work from Adrian College and my Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Michigan. My focus is on grief and bereavement, end-of-life advocacy, neurodivergence, and providing LGBTQIA+-centered care. I have provided grief support and education for the last decade in various capacities.

Accessibility is important. In addition to grief advocacy, for the last 9 years, I have worked at a non-profit in vocational rehabilitation, working with people with disabilities and providing support to reduce barriers and increase workplace success. I also volunteer with Six Feet Over, providing emotional and financial support to suicide loss survivors. When I am not working you can find me scrolling TikTok, playing Nintendo Switch with my wife, and exploring our new home of Phoenix, Arizona with our 5 lb dog, Bug and 2 cats, Hiccup and Pretty Kitty.

Disclaimer:

On this website and my social media pages, you will find advice and tips around grief and grieving, mental health, and more. Please note that this information is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I will always recommend seeking further support from your individual licensed mental health professional to gain support on your specific situation. The information found on this website and my social media pages are not a replacement for individual therapy, formal grief education or supervision.