Registered Charity #118803667RR0001
OUR VOLUNTEER FACILITATORS
Meet our wonderful team of volunteers who facilitate our Grief Support Groups.
Rebecca A.
I have been volunteering for the CFGH since August 2023. In my time here, I have helped facilitate various loss groups and have recently begun doing one-on-one peer support calls. I feel a deep sense of appreciation for all the individuals who have shown the strength to be vulnerable in navigating their grief journeys. It has been such an enriching and meaningful experience to engage with people about their losses in such a warm and welcoming environment.
I was particularly drawn to the CFGH for its safe space and efforts to destigmatize grief. After experiencing loss, I felt myself limiting my grief to the confines of what I thought was acceptable. I am grateful to be part of an organization that gives individuals the space to grieve on their terms in an unconditionally supportive manner.
I am currently entering my last year of a BA in Psychology at York University. I hope to use the knowledge and insight I have gained in my time volunteering here to help others in my pursuit of becoming a psychotherapist.
Nancy L.
I have been a volunteer with CFGH for two years, and have facilitated primarily mixed loss groups, as well as some closed suicide loss groups.
After losing my 16 year-old nephew to suicide, I feel like I have an understanding of the unique and complex aspects of suicide loss and the special supports needed by survivors during their grief journeys.
As an older individual with a wealth of life experience and further losses suffered along the way, I feel that I can contribute some wisdom and understanding to my group facilitations.
I am passionate about providing a safe space for people to share their experiences freely and openly without the discomfort that so often accompanies discussions around death and dying.
Mother to two grown children, a precious granddaughter and numerous pets, my family is what matters most to me.
Shontae C. (She/Her)
I joined the Center for Grief and Healing as a volunteer support group facilitator in May of 2023. I was drawn to the organization based on its positive impact and its mission of the bereaved helping the bereaved. Having lost my father to suicide at the age of five, I have been dedicated to mental health advocacy and supporting others.
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My experience with loss has profoundly shaped my life, fuelling my commitment to navigating the complexity of my grief and highlighting the impact of the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.
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I am currently completing my third year of an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with the goal of pursuing a master’s degree in counselling psychology.
I am passionate about supporting individuals dealing with mental health issues, suicidal ideation, and grief. I feel honoured to be a part of an incredible organization that provides a welcoming environment for individuals to navigate the depths of their grief.
Amanda Y.
I've been facilitating groups with CFGH since March 2023 and it's been amazing. After losing my dad to cancer at a young age, the bereavement support I received transformed my grief journey, which led me to use my experience and facilitate support groups myself. It is truly a privilege for me to hold space for others to share their experiences and process their losses. My favourite thing about facilitating groups is supporting others to connect with each other and build community with people going through similar things.
I’m currently studying social work and am hoping to become a psychotherapist. When I’m not facilitating groups, you might find me taking photos of horses, writing short stories, at the gym or with my nose in a book! I also love to sing and play guitar.
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Shyika M.
I briefly started accessing services through Centre for Grief and Healing (BFO-H/P) back in 2015 when my maternal great-grandmother "Mom" died of cancer.
In 2020 I had lost my new partner Matthew and my maternal great-grandfather "Gramps". I reconnected with Centre for Grief and Healing (BFO-H/P) where I received one-on-one peer support and participated in the weekly partner loss groups. I have learned that grief is a unique experience for every individual.
I honour my loved ones by supporting other grievers. I enjoy facilitating groups because I understand that it is a safe space for grievers to share, connect, and be validated. I recognise that sometimes we may not always feel these spaces are accessible in our personal/day to day life. I am passionate about grief, because for me, grief is still love.
I have plans of obtaining a Masters Degree in Social Work, I hope to one day teach college students.
Haider A.
I lost grandpa at a young age due to a failed surgery and a mentor during my final year of university due to suicide. Both losses were complex in their own ways but motivated me to make an impact within my own community back home.
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In terms of facilitation, I facilitate all kinds of groups. I started off doing child loss group and I’m currently focused on leading groups around overdose and suicide. Regardless of the group, I’m always moved each persons experience and grief journey.
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My time as a facilitator has encouraged me to push my limits and do as much as I can to support people. Some of which entail being a crisis responder for Kids Help Phone, joining the board as a general board member, advancing my way up to Vice-Chair, and being apart of the fundraising committee to ensure we can continue to provide free grief services for those who need it most.
My education background consists of a health science degree from the University of Ottawa. During my time, I worked in various labs, some of which focused on cancer research and AI implementation within surgical procedures.
Sujan A.
My name is Sujan Ali and I have been a volunteer with the Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH) since April 2023.
CFGH was a part of my grief journey after my brother passed on 3 years ago. It was a space where I could speak openly about my grief and loss. As a facilitator at CFGH, I get to facilitate various grief support groups and meet participants at various stages of their grief journeys, which in turn, helps me continue to process my own grief. In addition to volunteering with CFGH, I was certified by The Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC) in 2022.
I also graduated from the University of Toronto in 2008 and I am currently employed as an Immigration Consultant after working in the immigration sector in Toronto for the past 12 years.
In my spare time, I write grief poetry, do yoga regularly and enjoy spending time with my family, friends and two cats.
Rachael G.
Hello, I'm Rachael Griffith, a facilitator at the Centre for Grief and Healing (CFGH).
Having experienced the profound loss of my parents and dear friends, I understand the complex journey of grief firsthand. Over the past three-plus years at CFGH, I've been privileged to guide individuals through their own grief processes in one-to-one sessions, as well as mixed loss and child loss groups.
As a Trinidadian-West Indian woman in my forties, my cultural perspective enriches my approach to supporting participants from diverse backgrounds.
My journey to CFGH was driven by a deep desire to offer compassionate companionship and understanding to those navigating the difficult terrain of grief. I'm honored to be part of a community dedicated to healing and transformation.
Jennifer M.
Hello, I'm Jennifer. My grief experience was detonated by the death of my beloved Father March 2019
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Grief chose me professionally. I knew that I wanted to hold the space for other grieving hearts in all the wonderful ways that I had received.
I began volunteering with BFO in October 2020. Despite my living in Toronto, I was able to facilitate grief groups with BFO-Halton Peel because the work was virtual.
I have facilitated Mixed Loss, Child Loss, Partner Loss, COVID Loss, and now I facilitate a closed group for Partner Loss for the over 50 population
Janice B.
I’ve been involved with the Centre for Grief and Healing for more than five years. I was drawn to the charity after suffering pregnancy loss.
I make my home in Oakville. I have co-facilitated several support groups, including mixed loss, suicide loss, a seniors’ group and child loss groups.
I have also been active in several one to ones with various clients and with on-site support groups.
I find fulfilment helping others navigate through their complicated grief journeys. Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and new meaning to my children’s lives that were lost.
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Ashika S.
Hello everyone! My name is Ashika and I started volunteering for the Centre for Grief and Healing in 2021.
During this time, the pandemic made life very isolating and I wanted to do my best to connect with my community, whether that be in person or virtually. Thankfully, I came across the CFGH and having gone through loss myself, I wanted to better understand grief and learn how to support others who have experienced loss as well.
What I love most about being a facilitator is that in addition to being able to create an open environment, the participants have taught me to lead a life with every regard for the present moment, which I am immensely grateful for.
Michael D.
Currently, I enjoy various volunteering roles as well as providing life coaching sessions for individuals. My losses include both parents and some dear friends.
I have facilitated groups for many years and during COVID, I completed courses in facilitating grief groups and individual peer support sessions (these are based on the work of Alan Wolfelt).
Soon after, I was introduced to BFO HP and have valued the opportunity to use the skills I learned. The Grief groups and the Individual Peer Support sessions at BFO offer such a safe space for anyone who is grieving after a loss.
The inclusive and caring culture in this organization are a huge motivator in continuing my volunteering here.
Nidia M.
Hi I’m Nidia
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My journey with The Centre for Grief and Healing/Bereaved Families of Ontario began in July 2022, following the loss of my daughter. Seeking solace amidst my grief, I turned to the center for one-on-one peer support. This transformative experience inspired me to volunteer as a Virtual Group Co-Facilitator.
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Having personally experienced the profound journey of grief, I understand its challenges intimately. My commitment is to create a welcoming and supportive space where individuals like yourself can feel heard, understood, and embraced as you navigate your own path of healing.
Together, let’s honour our losses and draw strength from our shared humanity.
Gastón M.
My name is Gastón Manca and I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 16 th 1997. I arrived in Canada in 2002, however I then left and lived in Brazil, Poland and England before returning to Canada in December 2009.
Currently I have focused on being a facilitator for the mixed loss group. I graduated from York University in 2023, with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and I am currently working towards
becoming a psychotherapist.
The career path I have chosen is deeply rooted in my interest for providing help to those who need it, and is also a driving force in joining the Centre for Grief and Healing. My losses have always been dramatic because they occurred when I lived a fair distance from my loved ones, however have been able to pull through because of those that surrounded me.
Jacky J.
After almost ten years in capital markets, I made the leap to follow my passion for mental health, currently pursuing further education with the aim of becoming a clinical psychologist.
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I was particularly drawn to CFGH's commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals coping with loss and destigmatizing grief through open discussion and community events.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to CFGH's mission, particularly to the bereaved individuals who have graciously allowed me to accompany them on their journey through grief. They've taught me invaluable lessons through their resilience and vulnerability.
Yvanna Y.
Hello, I’m Yvanna. I have been volunteering for CFGH since the summer of 2024 and it has been a really fulfilling journey so far. I decided to volunteer for CFGH because I was looking for more opportunities to connect with people and I came across CFGH and loved the idea of “peer support”.
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Being an immigrant, it is hard enough to be away from family, let alone grief a family member who has passed overseas. In my own grief, I realized the importance of community. Hence, being able to be a part of someone else’s community while they are navigating grief has been really meaningful.
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I typically facilitate the Family and Friends Loss groups, but I am open to expanding my support to all the other groups and initiatives. I really appreciate the people who show up and share the stories and memories of their loved ones, it is a privilege to be able to hold space for them.
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I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and I am looking forward to furthering my education in a masters program to continue learning about how to support others.
Rocio T.
I'm a psychologist with international experience, originally from Lima, Peru. I've worked in clinical, educational, and organizational settings, and I've been involved in nonprofit work with children in hospital classrooms. After moving to Canada, I transitioned to project management but continued to pursue psychology through education and volunteering.
I completed a Master's in Mindfulness in Madrid and became a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher through Brown University. I volunteered at The Women's Centre and Saint Bernadette Elementary School, finding fulfillment in serving others.
During COVID-19, I joined Bereaved Families of Ontario - Halton/Peel as a Peer Support Facilitator. I offer support to Hispanic clients and facilitate a BIPOC grief healing circle. My pronouns are she/her, and I believe in fostering a sense of shared humanity and compassion in our interactions.
Erica R.
Navigating the twists and turns of life I have come to understand the profound impact of loss in its various forms. My journey has been shaped by the challenges of being diagnosed at age 29 with a chronic disease, the sorrow of losing a cherished mother-in-law, and the heartache of losing beloved animal companions. Through these experiences, I have learned the depths of grief and the resilience of the human spirit.
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My journey into volunteering began as a means of transforming my own pain into purpose. After witnessing the profound impact of support groups and compassionate guidance, I felt compelled to give back. Whether through offering a listening ear or sharing insights gained from my own experiences, I am committed to fostering healing and connection in the lives of others.
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I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to navigate the complexities of grief with courage, resilience, and hope alongside you.
Lora C. (They/Them)
I have been volunteering with CFGH since 2022 and I love it.
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I’ve co facilitated mixed, parent and spousal loss groups as I have experienced all of those losses myself. My father passed away in 2019, my spouse in 2020 and I then had brain surgery after that leaving me with permanent disabilities.
Experiencing all of this grief before turning 40 was difficult but through therapy, peer to peer support and many other modalities I was able to volunteer my time in spaces like CFGH where I can sit with folks who have had similar experiences and hold space together.
I work in film and television as well as arts facilitation and education, focusing on Queer and Disabled access in all of those areas.
Thusheharan P.
Hello, my name is Thusheharan, but you can call me Thushe for short. I am a recent psychology graduate from the University of Toronto.
I have been very passionate about grief work since the passing of my dad back in 2023 due to cancer. This personal experience has really opened up my eyes to the harsh reality of life - death is inevitable, and we have no choice but to face it at some point. Unfortunately, the hardest part is acceptance. Our minds cannot easily accept that a person we love is no longer physically present.
As a group facilitator, I would really like to help people process their grief according to their own pace and slowly move towards acceptance regarding their loss. Grief is a messy process and I want to support our group members through every stage of their grief journey as much as I can.
Noa T.
With a compassionate heart and a dedication to aiding individuals in their journey through grief, I am driven to serve as a facilitator at the Center for Grief and Healing. Rooted in a profound desire to provide solace and support to those navigating the challenging terrain of loss, I bring to this centre a blend of empathetic understanding and tender awareness.
My educational background in psychology and personal journey with grief equips me with a deep understanding of human emotions, coping mechanisms, and the intricate dynamics of grief. Armed with this knowledge, I am committed to providing support tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Whether its navigating the stages of grief, managing overwhelming emotions, or finding meaning in the midst of loss, I strive to provide a safe and nurturing
environment where healing can flourish. In these moments of connection and vulnerability, profound healing often takes place, fostering a sense of community and belonging amidst the pain.
As a facilitator, my purpose is not only to accompany others on their grief journey but also to empower them to find hope and renewal amidst the darkness. Each session is an opportunity to honor the memories of those we have lost, celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, and embrace the healing power of connection.
Tamzin S.
I've been volunteering with the Center for Grief & Healing (BFO-H/P) since May 2024. My journey with grief began early in life, as I experienced the loss of several close family members to cancer and a dear friend to suicide. These profound losses have greatly influenced who I am, shaping my values and nurturing a deep empathy for those navigating their own grief journeys. As a new volunteer, I primarily support the mixed loss group, though I am eager to extend my time wherever needed, including one-on-one support and participation in workshops and events.
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My initial involvement with the Center came through a conversation with a client at my job as a hairstylist, where I've been working for over 8 years. While I originally sought this role as a way to gain experience in mental health support, it has quickly become so much more for me. In 2019, at my grandfather's funeral, a speech by an old work colleague resonated so deeply with me that it inspired me to return to school after many years. I am now pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga, with plans to graduate in Spring 2025 and continue on to a Master's in Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy.
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With that, I’d like to leave you with a poem from one of my favorite poets:
"If you ever get the chance to love a person who knows grief, do not let them go. You see the thing about grief is that it is not exclusive. It consumes life, it taints everything a little gray. It won't hesitate to remind you that everyone and everything you love will disappear someday. But I found that the people who carry grief, love with a fierceness that no one else knows. They understand what's at stake because they've had to let someone go. So they remember the little things and show up when it counts. They know that life is rare. You won't have to spell it out. So don't take for granted, the people who know loss, for they know more about love because they know what it costs." — Whitney Hanson
Malvika S.
Hi, my name is Malvika. I started volunteering at the Center for Grief and Healing in the summer of 2024. Having experienced loss myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate grief, and I am passionate about helping others through this journey. Volunteering at CFGH is important to me because I want to create a safe and compassionate space where people can express their emotions, find support, and heal at their own pace.
I believe in the power of community and empathy in healing, and I'm dedicated to contributing to an environment where everyone feels heard and understood. At CFGH, my goal is to support various programs that provide emotional and practical support to individuals dealing with loss. I am constantly learning from the incredible people I meet here, and I hope to continue growing alongside them as we all navigate the complexities of grief together.
Bianca C.
My journey with CFGH began in March 2024, marking the start of a deeply meaningful experience. Throughout my teenage years and into young adulthood, I faced personal losses that left me feeling fragile and vulnerable. These experiences gave me a profound understanding of grief and its unique challenges drawing me to this organization.
I wanted to offer support and comfort to those navigating their own trauma and grief process. Being part of this community and contributing to its mission deeply resonates with me and aligns closely with the center's values. In my role, I have facilitated support groups for both partner and parent loss. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to guide individuals through their grief journey, providing a safe space and a compassionate ear for their stories.
Alexia F.
I have been volunteering with this incredible organization for several months now (since spring 2024). My journey into volunteering was inspired by some of my own experiences with grief and healing.
I believe deeply that there is a positive power in community, and know the importance of supporting one another during tough times. I chose to volunteer because I know just how isolating grief can feel, and wanted to be apart of creating a space where others can find understanding and connection.
Supporting those in need not only aligns with my personal values, but reminds me of the strength we gain from fostering hope and healing within each other. My role as a facilitator brings me great fulfillment and I am grateful to CFGH for allowing me to be apart of such a positive community.
Maheen Q.
I joined Centre for Grief and Healing in November 2024. Although it has not been too long, I feel honored to be part of an organization that is focused on a highly nuanced experience of grief and its process of healing. I was exploring different organizations to volunteer for and when I came across CFGH, I knew I wanted to be a part of this space. Having a deep and close relationship with grief, I understand the tones it comes with and how commonly it is brushed off. I also understand the strength and bravery it requires to be on the road of healing from grief, therefore I wanted to be part of a platform where such values are witnessed and strengthened.
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My experience with loss taught me how stigmatized and underestimated its impact is. More often than not, people try to rush through it, to get back to ‘normalcy’ while grief is something that evolves us. It is something we learn to live with and re-build ourselves and our life around it. Working as a facilitator for individuals struggling with grief, I intend to offer and create the needed safe space for vulnerability and help them discover the coping strategies that help their process of healing.
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I am a Clinical Psychologist, with a Masters degree and years of experience in the field. Woking as a counsellor has provided me with numerous opportunities to facilitate individuals struggling with different emotional challenges, manifesting differently based on their respective culture and social context. My experience has taught me how Grief can be diverse too, manifesting itself differently for each individual. I think, it is both, beauty and the most challenging part about it.
Mohammed J.
Hello! My name is Mohammed. I started volunteering with the Centre for Grief and Healing in October 2024. I was drawn to this opportunity because I believe many people need an emotional space to vent but are unable to do so—either because they don’t feel comfortable or simply don’t have anyone to talk to. For a long time, I have wanted to provide people with that space because I know how crucial social support is and how much of a difference it can make in people's lives. From personal experience, I understand what it feels like to not have someone to talk to when needed. That’s why I want to be there for those who need someone to listen.
I have also experienced multiple significant losses in my life, including the passing of both my grandfathers and my uncle. The loss of my paternal grandfather and my uncle had a big impact on me growing up. I struggled to reach out for help because I had no close friends and was not aware of any external support services like the Centre for Grief and Healing. That’s why I am so grateful that these resources exist for those who can benefit from them.
Outside of volunteering, I really enjoy watching soccer, and my favorite team is Barcelona—which also explains why I hope to travel there one day. I also love reading books, especially psychological thrillers. The Silent Patient is the most interesting book I have ever read. Additionally, I like going for walks while listening to music, bowling, watching Netflix, and playing video games.
Right now, I am in my final year of university, pursuing a Bachelor of Honours in Psychology. After completing my master's program, I hope to become a psychotherapist.
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