The Grief Care Network brings expertise in grief-informed care for individuals, families, and communities impacted by illness, trauma, accidents, suicide, homicide, substance use/overdose, and pregnancy loss with a focus on serving children, families and communities grieving prenatal through adult deaths.

We have worked in collaboration for more than twenty years across systems of care in a shared mission to improve the care for grieving families.

Executive Leadership:

Kristin James, LCPC, Grief Care Network

Michelle Halm, MA, M.Ed, PEL, FT, Grief Connection Space

Amy McNicholas, LCPC, Director, Missing Pieces

Jill Kottmeier, MS, BSN, RN, CPLC , Director of Wellbeing & Bereavement Services, Endeavor Healthcare

Advisory Council:

JaShawn D. Hill, LCSW, EMDR, Executive Director| Chicago Survivors

Susan Martersteck, Pastoral Care, Formerly JourneyCare Hospice

Patrice Martin, LCSW, Director Grief Support, Lightways

Wanda C. Henry-Jenkins, D.Min., MASF, MHS, Bereavement Services Manager, VITAS Hospice

Noe Torres, LCSW, Social Worker, Chicago Public Schools, Board, Latino Social Work Association

Megan Andriano, LPC, ATR, Program Director, Willow House

Lauren Raney, Hope Forest Therapeutic Art Studio

Steve Newton, Chief Deputy, Lake County Coroner’s Office

Priscilla Brinkman, LCSW, FT, Psychotherapy for Grief, Loss and Life Transitions

Anna Calix, Gifts of Liam

Susan Urbanski, Program Manger, Mothers Milk Bank of Western Great Lakes