meet cheryl

It’s nice to meet you. My name is Cheryl (she/her) and I’m glad you’re here.
And, I'm equally saddened to know that you may be here because you are carrying the pain associated with the loss of someone, or something, integral to your life.

Grief is a deeply personal experience, and I believe that it’s important to know a little bit about the person you’re considering letting into your world at such a tender time.

I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Grief Specialist in Southwestern Ontario who has been directly supporting bereaved individuals in the London/Middlesex/Oxford region for twelve years. I hold an additional degree (BA) from King’s University College in Thanatology (the scientific discipline that examines death from many emotionally complex perspectives - physical, ethical, spiritual, medical, sociological, and psychological).

I have worked with people from all walks of life, with stories of loss and suffering that are painful and difficult for others to hold. I have walked alongside individuals in the depth of sorrow after the death of those closest to them. I've held space for grief that resulted from pregnancy and infant loss, the death of children, parents, siblings, partners, grandparents, chosen family, friends, neighbours, coworkers, as well as cherished family pets.

I’ve supported individuals who were in the last stages of their lives due to life-limiting illness, and those surrounding them, who were anticipating their death.

I have worked with individuals who were fleeing abusive intimate partner relationships, and those who were struggling with addiction, barriers to housing, and social system marginalization.

And I’ve been there in the wake of significant upset, life changes, and crises when people were grieving painful non-death losses, and needed acknowledgement, understanding and support.

It might help you to know that I, too, am a bereaved individual. I have experienced the death of many people who were integral to my world, including my brother, and my son. These personal experiences of grief have informed my approach, and the depth of my knowledge and understanding that goes well beyond my academic training.

I believe, with all of my heart, that we can do better as a society to hold space for grief, to learn how to talk about it, to support those around us at home, at school, in workplaces, and within the broader community.

Grief is everywhere, and when we find people and spaces where we can safely explore and discuss the impacts of our losses, we find room to breathe, and we learn ways to cope and move forward with a deeper understanding and respect for the importance and depth of our experience.

Social location note: It might also be important for you to know that I am a white, cis, middle-aged, able-bodied woman who strives to live my life with humility and an openness to learning (and unlearning). I make continual and concerted efforts to understand and take action against white supremacy, racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and bigotry. This grief support practice strives to be open and supportive of all people from all backgrounds, cultures, and faith systems, and no psychologically harmful rhetoric or opinions will be tolerated within this space.