Hometown: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey;
Present City: Garland;
Education: B.S. Technical Communication, Rochester Institute of Technology;
Profession: Grief recovery specialist/coach;
Tell us about your family.
I am mom to Kenneth, 19. He attends the Notre Dame School, and I’m active in their parent network. After my divorce, I moved from North Dallas to North Garland and love the diversity here.
How about your work or volunteer life?
When I first moved to Dallas from Houston, I was a technical writer and continued working until I had my son. I stayed home with him many years to care for his high needs after birth and through school. I volunteered in several autism parent groups and nonprofits over the years. In 2019, I decided to get certified in grief recovery, which led me to coaching and consulting in grief and loss, with an emphasis on caregiver grief. I am also a trusted partner with Loss of Life Advocates, a company that provides grief support before and after significant life transitions.
Any favorite hobbies?
I love music, theater and photography.
What are your favorite places to travel?
The beach is my favorite place to be, but I love traveling abroad and will get back to London — I lived there briefly in my late 20s.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
When Kenneth was a baby, he attended ECLC and MOPS. Paula Woodbury invited me to church, and I’ve been coming ever since. We officially joined in 2009.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I’m a member of Seekers Sunday School Class. I volunteered in the preschool in the early years, and I’m on the Hospitality Ministry Team. I also enjoy being part of Women of Wilshire!
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
I love Wilshire’s ability to straddle both sides of the aisle with our worship style and openness to “Every Body.” I didn’t grow up with Sunday School for adults, and that has definitely enriched my time here. We have a spirit of giving, serving, encouraging and welcoming; it’s like no other church I’ve ever experienced.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
I feel called to serve the “least among us” and their families. I’m still a strong advocate in the disability community and feel it’s my duty to help other parents navigate this often lonely road. Having been through some deeply challenging times over the last decade, I’ve had to lean into my faith like never before. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but God was with me.
*If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire feature, contact Carolyn Murray (cmurray@wilshirebc.org)