My Approach
As a grief companion, coach, and educator, I am here to walk alongside you in your journey of grief. Whether you have experienced a recent loss or are struggling to cope with a past one, I am here to offer you the support and presence that will bring healing as you move through the process of mourning. My approach is centered on empathetic presence, active listening, and providing you with supportive tools in the complex emotions that come with grief.
Whether you are looking for a companion to walk with you on your journey, a coach to help you set goals and create a plan, or a group of people to connect with who understand what you are going through, I am here for you. I am passionate about providing you with the support and resources you need to heal and grow.
As a companion I will listen with my heart, enter into the story of your loss as a humble learner, and respect the disorder and confusion of the grief journey with you. I will help you challenge the often inappropriate, western cultural assumptions surrounding our modern understanding of grief and loss. In addition, I offer articles and information on grief to help you better understand what you are going through. I also have a blog where I will share my reflections, writings and insights on grief, as well as practical ways to cope with loss. I am a self-care teacher to junior high students so will infuse our sessions with tips on improving your self care routines.
Whether you are just starting your journey or have been on it for a while, I am here to walk WITH you. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about my services, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
My Training/Education Background:
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Center for Loss & Life Transition Training Certificate Program–Dr. Alan Wolfelt
Completed a Certificate in Death & Grief Studies in Dec 2024 (150 hrs of Training over 2 yrs)
The Allender Center--Dr. Dan Allender
Completed Level 1 Narrative Focused Trauma-Care Training –1 yr Certificate Program
New Way Ministries–Dr. Larry Crabb
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
CCEF Counseling Conference Attendee–10 yrs of Attendance
30 hours/yr of counseling training and mentoring
The Barnabas Center--Counseling, Teaching, Training Ministry
Completed Training Levels I, II, III –3 semester long training programs in helping walk along the way with people in the broken places of life & connect with their desires/disappointments.
Arborbrook Christian Academy--K-12 School
10 Yrs--Jr High/High School Bible Teacher/Mentor to Students; 3 Yrs--Self-Care Teacher to Jr High/High School Students
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Member of NAMI NC; Trained NAMI Group Facilitator
Member of AFSP; AFSP Trained Group Facilitator;
Out of the Darkness Walk Volunteer/Participant & Resources Distribution.
QPR Trained
Attended Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
B.S. from Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL
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Reviews from Past Clients/Group Members:
"Overall my participation in support group helped me know that there are others going through the same things as me. I'm learning that the raw feelings of loneliness & abandonment will subside in time as I continue to mourn. April is a pro & I am truly thankful for her kind heart & great wisdom she brings to our sessions."
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"April was careful to include everyone in our group in group discussions. I was the oldest member of the group but I didn't feel excluded in any way. I learned much about my suffering & gained a deep measure of gratitude for the many years of marriage I had."
"April was very organized & prepared for our group sessions--she used her teaching ability & training to summarize topics well and made good use of the whiteboard to help us see & remember key points. I was kindly reminded not to be hard on myself or push myself into a timeline for my mourning process. I learned it is not going to be linear."
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"I appreciated the group texts that allowed me to have ongoing communication & support outside of group times. The small group size encouraged connection/bonding among us. This is a warm, supportive space to share things you many ont feel compfortable to share elsewhere."
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"My time with April has been so helpful and talking with others in group was so helpful. There's something calming and supportive by being with other widows to see that even as different as we are with varied circumstances of loss, we still have so much in common and we aren't alone! I appreciated the self-care tools that April shared & learning how to "dose" my grief."
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"Fluidity, Flexibility, & Openness to spontaneous conversations dependent on the needs in the moment were the highlights of my time in April's grief group."
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