The Power of Love Show

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Sara J. Cobb.
Sara J. Cobb is the founder of ‘My Grief Connection’, a dynamic hub of grief resources and a growing community dedicated to supporting those who are grieving. 
Her passion for grief and mental health education stems from a blend of personal interests, strengths, and transformative life experiences. 
Sara's journey to connect fellow grievers with healing resources began after enduring her own devastating losses—the tragic deaths of her two older brothers, 43 years apart—one by a freak accident and the other by a murder-suicide. 
Through sharing her story of living with sibling loss and trauma, Sara finds purpose in guiding others toward hope and healing. 
She is a certified domestic violence treatment program facilitator and is pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University.
Learn More About Sara & My Grief Connection: Website: MyGriefConnection.org Facebook: My Grief Connection Instagram: @My_Grief_Connection YouTube: My Grief Connection LinkedIn: Sara J. Cobb 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mygriefconnectionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_grief_connection/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@mygriefconnectionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajcobb/
Learn More About DDJF:Website: DDJF.orgInstagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation 
Leave a podcast review: 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w
Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! 
Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI 
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On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Gabriela ‘Gaby’ Georges.Gaby Georges is a multi-disciplinary artist, creative grief guide and founder of The Grief Cocoon. Her work is inspired by her beloved mother, Samira, who died four months after her cancer diagnosis when Gaby was twenty years of age. She supports people to creatively process, befriend, and transform their grief through creative writing, movement, rituals, and community connection. Through The Grief Cocoon, Gabriela offers creative online workshops, a podcast, educational online content, a mobile community app and 1 to 1 support.Learn More About Gaby & The Grief Cocoon: Website: TheGriefCocoon.com Facebook: The Grief CocoonInstagram: @TheGriefCocoonTikTok: @TheGriefCocoonYouTube: The Grief CocoonPodcast: ‘The Grief Cocoon Podcast’ • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grief-cocoon-podcast/id1678465499Learn More About DDJF:Website: DDJF.orgInstagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-wCan’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_linkVisit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?#Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Andrea Meyers.Andrea is a stay-at-home mother to six children. In 2021, her fifth baby, daughter Terra, died shockingly and unexpectedly during labor at 38 weeks — which is considered a full term — and was delivered stillborn. Andrea struggled deeply with the death of her daughter and quickly realized how much grief and devastating loss impacted her life, particularly how society often minimizes baby loss. She found it hard to participate in her local community, and everyday tasks became challenging. She noticed how uncomfortable people became when she or her children mentioned Terra's death in conversation.With a background as a preschool teacher and family advocate, Andrea knew that talking about grief was important for her and her living children, who were also grieving the loss of their sister. After a year of processing the grief and trauma of stillbirth, Andrea made connections through social media and began speaking with other mothers who had experienced similar losses, as well as with stillbirth prevention advocates. Through speaking out and writing online, she found a therapeutic outlet, which led to the idea of creating shirts and other items for the grieving, featuring popular phrases and sayings from the perspective of those experiencing grief.The Grief Closet has served as a way to give back to the community and acknowledge others' grief, while also providing Andrea with an outlet for her own pain. It has been the one thing that has felt fulfilling since her daughter's death.Learn More About Andrea & The Grief Closet: Website: TheGriefCloset.com Facebook: The Grief Closet Instagram: @TheGriefCloset & @GrievingLikeAMother Learn More About DDJF:Website: DDJF.orgInstagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-wCan’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_linkVisit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?#Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Letizia Perna.
Letizia Perna is a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and supervisor with nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in grief, loss, and bereavement. 
Currently, she is the Director of Services and Service Transformation at ‘Winston's Wish’, the first childhood bereavement charity in the UK, where her clinical leadership is helping to transform grief support for people under 25 in the digital space. 
Letizia is a creative and compassionate clinician with a special interest in research, technology, and innovation.
Learn More About Letizia & Winston’s Wish: Website: WinstonsWish.org Facebook: Winston’s Wish Instagram: @WinstonsWishX: @WinstonsWish YouTube: Winston’s Wish • @WinstonsWishCharity LinkedIn: Winston’s Wish 
Learn More About DDJF:Website: DDJF.orgInstagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation 
Leave a podcast review: 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w
Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! 
Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI 
Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/
Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link
Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/
Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3
Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?#
Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571
Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Kendra Rinaldi.
Kendra Rinaldi is an intuitive grief guide and the creator and host of the podcast "Grief, Gratitude and the Gray in Between". She has had powerful conversations with nearly 200 guests about their experiences with grief and the strategies that helped them.
Kendra herself has experienced grief in many forms, including relocations, career shifts, and the death of family members. These experiences led her to become an intuitive grief guide and facilitator. 
She is originally from Colombia and moved to the United States right after high school. She found love and built a family with her husband, Carlos Andres, and they are now parents of two teenagers, Mateo and Mila.
After her mother's passing in 2016, Kendra started volunteering with a non-profit organization called Journey of Hope, helping families dealing with loss. 
Around the same time, she started her journey as a coach, aiming to guide people who were feeling lost in the complicated world of emotions.
Learn More About Kendra: Website: GriefGratitudeAndTheGrayInBetween.com Instagram: @GriefGratitudePodcast Facebook & YouTube: Grief, Gratitude & The Gray In Between
Podcast: ‘Grief, Gratitude & The Gray In Between’ 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-gratitude-the-gray-in-between/id1505266900
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4g42DY69T0uBhgiNEAYQ7o?si=V_fN64SPTP21ITtmo2kdPQ 
Learn More About DDJF:Website: DDJF.orgInstagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation 
Leave a podcast review: 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w
Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! 
Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI 
Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/
Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link
Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/
Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3
Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?#
Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571
Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest & author, Diane Nares. Diane Nares’ book, ‘His Place at The Table: A Personal, Public, and Spiritual Love Story’, recounts the emotional journey she and her husband, Richard, experienced through their son Emilio's cancer diagnosis at just three years old. With raw honesty, Diane explores the depths of grief and the power of love and perseverance. The book serves as a beacon of hope for families facing similar challenges and honors Emilio’s legacy, illustrating how the couple’s strength and optimism helped them navigate profound loss. Following Emilio's passing, Diane and Richard founded the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF) in 2003. This non-profit provides critical support to families navigating childhood cancer, including vital services like "Ride with Emilio," which ensures no child misses life-saving treatments due to transportation barriers. Diane's dedication to supporting others continues to drive ENF's mission, offering hope and assistance to countless families today. Learn more about Diane & the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF): Website: ENFhope.org Instagram: @ENF_Hope Facebook: Emilio Nares Foundation YouTube: Emilio Nares Foundation X: @ENFhope Book: ‘His Place at The Table: A Personal, Public, and Spiritual Love Story’ • https://a.co/d/b7mQrFf Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we continued our Mental Health Series by discussing an insightful article written by Christopher W.T. Miller, MD, for The Washington Post. Read the Article: ‘What grief does to your brain, and how to cope with it’ • https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/03/08/grief-brain-healing-coping-strategies/?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wp_main&crl8_id=4cc172a3-b36b-4a3c-9ef7-58c10028afab Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Kathy Wagner. Kathy Wagner is the mother of three grown children, including her son Tristan who died from fentanyl poisoning in August 2017. Since that time, Kathy has actively advocated for improved access to quality addiction recovery services and was a peer support group facilitator for Healing Hearts Canada. Her interviews have appeared on CBC’s The National, the Vancouver Sun and many local newspapers and radio shows. Kathy has published personal essays in the New York Times as well as the Globe and Mail, and was awarded a position at the Banff Centre for the Arts summer writing retreat in 2019. She is an experienced public speaker and has presented to large audiences at numerous conferences in a professional capacity. Kathy’s wish is to bring hope to parents who are lost in the darkness of their child’s addiction or are struggling with a child’s drug-related death. Kathy’s memoir, ‘Here With You’, is the powerful story of a mother’s struggle to save her son from addiction— and the strength and hope for change that she found in her grief. She currently lives in the Metro Vancouver area. Learn More About Kathy: Instagram: @KWagnerWrites Facebook: K Wagner Writes • https://www.facebook.com/kwagnerwrite... Book: ‘Here With You: A Memoir of Love, Family, and Addiction‘ • https://a.co/d/06ASyjKJ Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest & friend of Dee Dee Jackson Foundation, Mariella Arroba. Mariella Arroba is the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at Calvary Hospital, bringing over 7 years of dedicated fundraising experience to her role. With a strong academic background, Mariella holds an MBA, which has equipped her with strategic insight and leadership skills in the philanthropic sector. Beyond her professional achievements, Mariella is passionate about giving back to the community through active volunteering. Most recently, she served as a volunteer firefighter in Rocky Point, NY, demonstrating her commitment to public service and community safety. Mariella's multifaceted expertise in fundraising, coupled with her hands-on approach to community engagement, underscores her dedication to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. Learn More About Mariella: Instagram: @CalvaryCares Facebook: Calvary Hospital YouTube: Calvary Hospital LinkedIn: Calvary Hospital Website: Fund.CalvaryHospital.org Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we kicked off our Mental Health Series featuring DDJF Honorary Board Member, Brenda Mejia. Brenda joined us to share her experience of surviving a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how she managed to grow despite enduring this trauma. Her message is clear: ‘You are not alone in your healing journey, whatever it is you may be healing from’. Learn More About Brenda: Instagram: @BrendaMejiaOfficial Website: DDJF.org/brenda-mejia.html Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we are thrilled to have two extraordinary guests, Dr. Mekel Harris (returning guest!) and Janet Gwilliam-Wright, joining us to share their insights on mental health, grief and their groundbreaking work with Bloomwell Partners, LLC. Dr. Mekel Harris received a B.A. in Psychology from Baylor University, M.A. in Psychology from Houston Baptist University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical/School Psychology from University of Houston. Further, she completed her pre-doctoral internship and two-year post-doctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Since then, Dr. Harris has served in higher education, along with community- and hospital-based mental health programs. She currently works in private practice as a licensed psychologist and CEO of Harris Psychological Services, LLC, offering mental health support across the lifespan. Dr. Harris also provides training, education, and consultation to organizations around the globe, focused on an array of mental health themes. Finally, she is co-founder of Bloomwell Partners, LLC, a consulting firm that equips corporate entities with the skills necessary to afford grief-informed leadership and care within the workplace.   Throughout the past decade, Dr. Harris has presented at >30 domestic and international conferences and has been interviewed on several podcasts, with topics ranging from grief and loss to community mental health and trauma. In June 2016, she authored a memoir, Relaxing Into the Pain: My Journey Into Grief & Beyond. Throughout the past two years, Dr. Harris has created The Grief Anatomy Toolkit – an e-book and mini-course, an 8-week immersive online course, Re-Imagining Life After Loss, Mindful Grieving, a therapeutic curriculum for coping with grief and loss, Cortisol, Coping, & Conversation gathering, a 4-week gathering focused on the intersection of grief and the body, and Grieving with HOPE.   She currently serves as Vice President of the AIMHiTN board. In her personal time, Dr. Harris enjoys spending time with her family, traveling the globe, writing, volunteering in her community, and collecting all things butterflies. Janet Gwilliam-Wright brings over twenty years of experience in leading large organizational changes and tackling complex policy issues. She is a prominent figure in the grief and loss community, having founded the Motherlove Project, a global platform for motherless daughters. Janet holds a Master of Arts and Public Administration from Queen's University. She resides in Ottawa, Ontario, with her partner Meghan and their two daughters. Together, Dr. Harris and Janet co-founded Bloomwell Partners, LLC, whose mission is helping organizations build compassionate, grief-informed cultures. Bloomwell equips managers and HR professionals with the skills needed to support employees dealing with grief and loss, using both evidence-based and innovative approaches. Learn More About Dr. Mekel Harris: Instagram: @DrMekel Website: MekelHarrisPhD.com Facebook: Mekel Harris, PhD, NCSP, PMH-C Book: ‘Relaxing Into the Pain’ -https://a.co/d/7sv9Txv Learn More About Janet Gwilliam-Wright: Instagram: @JanetGwilliamWright & @MotherLoveProject Website: MotherLoveProject.com Learn More About Bloomwell Partners, LLC: Instagram: @BloomwellPartners Website: GrowWithBloomwell.com Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Lou Pennisi. Lou Pennisi is a grief educator and illustrator. After a five-year period of cumulative losses, Lou found herself struggling with her grief. She felt like every time she came up for air, she was hit with another loss. Feeling isolated and alone after her mother passed, she decided to create an Instagram account where she would write about her feelings of grief, loss and regret and create an illustration to go with each post. It was never meant to be anything more than a place to pour her heart out, but it became so much more. Through sharing her vulnerability, the page grew quickly, and Lou could see that she was helping others by sharing. This, in turn, helped her healing process. Not long after, Lou became a grief educator, studying under David Kessler. She still works as an illustrator but has turned her focus more toward helping others in grief. Her mission is to normalize conversations about grief, educate society about the impacts of grief and trauma and create safe spaces for grievers—with no judgment and no timelines! Her Instagram account, @The_Grief_Project, is a place where grievers meet, interact and witness each other's grief. Learn More Lou: Instagram: @The_Grief_Project Facebook: The Grief Project TikTok: @The_Grief_Project Pinterest: @Lou_Pennisi Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Did you know that you can support DDJF while you shop on Amazon at no cost to you? Add DDJF as your selected charity via Amazon Smile: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/chpf/dashboard/ref=smi_nav_surl_mi_x_mkt Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Have you subscribed to our Podcast? Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts : https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=bhNl9GjJRxKXUvTdwZme6Q Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9wb3dlcm9mbG92ZS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show, TJ & Taj answer your questions! Tune in to hear their insights on all things grief, loss, hope, healing & more! Learn more about DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation Twitter: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Alexx Friesen, BA, CCLS, CTP. Alexx Friesen is a Certified Child Life Specialist providing support to children with a family member on hospice or facing end of life. She also works in private practice, supporting infants, children and youth in her community who are facing medical challenges, end of life, grief and bereavement. With nearly 10 years of experience, Alexx’s passions lie in the areas of pediatric oncology, palliative care as well as death, dying and grief. Alexx is a published children’s book author who hopes to publish more books related to challenging medical experiences children and families face. She lives in Toronto with her husband and 2 year old Labrador retriever, Juno. Learn More Alexx: Instagram: @ChildLifeAlexx X: @ChildLifeAlexx Children’s Book - ‘All About the Intensive Care Unit’: https://a.co/d/doE8wZm Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Grant Garry’s Film: ‘Meet Me Where I Am’ Pre-order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZVXX6T3?starsLeft=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_7GJ708CMTRZAN2WW7ZV1_1 Pre-order on AppleTV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/meet-me-where-i-am/umc.cmc.85dnfjr8cojvhckyc37iqher Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Nicki Elischer. Nicki Elischer is a child life specialist, clinical counsellor, and art therapist in Vancouver BC. When working as a child life specialist at a local pediatric hospital, she supported children and families to cope with hospitalization, illness, grief, and loss. There she met her colleague Amanada Lascelle, and together they created With Love Grief Gifts, a company that creates therapeutic sympathy gifts for children and teens. It was important to them to address the cultural taboo of talking about death with children, and to point out the importance of acknowledging and caring for children’s grief. Using their knowledge of child development, grief and loss, each gift they design meets children’s need for information, comfort, and ritual. They hope to change the way we respond to children’s grief by offering information, resources, and a tangible way to support children and youth experiencing grief and loss. Learn More Nicki: Website: WithLoveGriefGifts.com Instagram: @With.Love.Grief.Gifts Facebook: With Love • https://www.facebook.com/withlovegriefgifts Pinterest: With Love Grief Gifts • https://www.pinterest.ca/withlovegriefgifts/ Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Angila ‘Angie’ Hanson. Angie shares her story of immense loss — a journey marked by the deaths of her one-year-old son, Garret, her husband, Jack, her brother, Seth, and her sister-in-law, Brooke.  In her own profound grief, Angie Hanson found solace in a mission to change the narrative around grief, to bring light into the darkest moments, and to offer genuine support to those walking the path of loss. She founded Butterflies + Halos in 2022, a greeting card company that seeks to bridge the gap between sympathy and understanding, between condolence and companionship This greeting card company helps create a space for the griever so they feel less alone and show up intentionally for a friend and also help you as a friend send hope into your grieving friend's heart & home. These cards aren’t here to “fix” the grief, but to show you care and you are sharing in the grief journey with your friend.   Angie also is publishing her first book “Chapters of a Resilient Heart” that will be published in May 2024.  She also co-hosts a podcast “From Loss to Light Podcast” touching on all aspects of losses and how people have found their light.   Learn More Angie: Website: ButterfliesAndHalos.com Instagram: @ButterfliesAndHalos Facebook: Butterflies + Halos Etsy: Butterflies + Halos • https://www.etsy.com/shop/butterfliesandhalos?load_webview=1&bid=qxpAwJoDb4slYBbTtbDzRTS9t9ZR Pre-Order Book: ‘Chapters of a Resilient Heart’ • COMING MAY 2024: https://chaptersofaresilientheart.myshopify.com/ Shop Cards: https://butterfliesandhalos.com/collections/new-releases Podcast: ‘From Loss to Light’ • https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-loss-to-light/id1695980324 Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Prefer to listen as a podcast? Click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Page full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Have you subscribed to our Podcast? Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/fr/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts : https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=bhNl9GjJRxKXUvTdwZme6Q Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9wb3dlcm9mbG92ZS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Donate to DDJF (501c3): https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIxODI3 Check Out DDJF Merch: https://my-store-10253433.creator-spring.com/?# Join the Dee Dee Jackson Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571 Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation • https://instagram.com/deedeejacksonfoundation?utm_medium=copy_link

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we will be discussing an insightful article written by Litsa Williams, MA, LCSW-C, for What’s Your Grief titled, ‘A Grief Care Plan: Your Foundation for Support’. Tune in to learn more about what a Grief Care Plan is, as well as how and why you should implement one. Read the Article: ‘Grief Care Plan: Your Foundation for Support’: https://whatsyourgrief.com/a-grief-care-plan-your-foundation-for-support/ Grief Care Plan PDF Fillable: https://whatsyourgrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/care-plan.pdf?fbclid=PAAaaQ4BNlOx5g6wpZ_2oMHoagjmEU4fYfHaiGOMHP4EmvZzcmJPDnjh03aGs_aem_AUNDSe1cUae4_2VOfYchdX45kwro6dT6G9JZJDmmN-UN0D31xg0CKi7hcsc2xR-N9MM Learn More About What’s Your Grief: Website: WhatsYourGrief.com Instagram: @WhatsYourGrief Facebook: What’s Your Grief? YouTube: What’s Your Grief? Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Crista Polich. After living for years in a verbally and physically abusive marriage, Crista summoned up the strength to end that unhealthy relationship.  She had just launched their youngest child off to college when she and her husband decided to get divorced. She knew it would be a challenging season, but little did she know what laid ahead.   Only three and a half weeks later, Crista suddenly found herself a widow. Her husband committed suicide… Crista and her children navigated through their grief together, and with the help of professional therapists. Because she had been a stay-at-home mom for most of her marriage, she found herself completely unprepared and overwhelmed for what life had now presented her. However, Crista did not sit idle. She began reclaiming her life one step at a time. She started tackling the tough stuff and now she helps others do the same.   Crista is the author of the captivating memoir, ‘Admitting Abuse: You might not get over it, but you will get through it.’ She is a powerful informational speaker where she engages audiences by sharing her emotional stories with unbridled truth and humor. She recently founded her own consulting business helping people be more prepared in the event of an unexpected tragedy. In addition, Crista is committed to helping widows and widowers less fortunate than she, which inspired her to start a non-profit ministry called ‘Widows Without’ through the non-profit Bridges US.   Crista is candid, encouraging and blunt about how she turned her tragedy into triumph and now she’s committed to helping others do the same. As she says, “I’m not bashful about telling people, don’t wait to get your sh*t together!” Learn More Crista: Website: BridgesUS.org Instagram: @CristaAndja Book: ‘Admitting Abuse: You Might Not Get Over It, But You Will Get Through It’ - https://a.co/d/65cMdtG Nonprofit: ‘Widows Without’ - https://bridgesus.org/bridge-leaders/crista-polich/?fbclid=PAAaaudh3fYRtdAhaDR_Uh0x7l1NvkHHrMlKxgUfssCaYPRtOF-n-FTbD3ffc_aem_AbwCAHyac40OMHj8CHNhntL-UdH6LtT0w-XbEIPQnhiUvZcSN5KNS8Hu_R5xEtOemyo Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Kara J. Lee. Kara J. Lee, a North Carolina native now living in Atlanta, GA, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. With three years of experience as a Social Worker in rural North Carolina hospices, Kara understands the depths of grief firsthand. Motivated by her personal journey, she founded the Releasing Grief Instagram Page as a safe haven for those facing similar struggles. Currently expanding her reach with the Releasing Grief YouTube Channel, Kara aims to provide support and comfort to others on their grief journey. Additionally, her eBook, "The Day I Lost Someone," shares valuable insights and experiences to aid others in navigating their own grief. Learn More About Kara: Instagram: @ReleasingGrief Children's eBook: https://issuu.com/releasinggrief/docs... Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation

On this episode of The Power of Love Show we welcome special guest, Ashley Wolfe! Since 2007 Ashley has worked in hospitals, hospice and community settings as a Certified Child Life Specialist supporting families journeying through some of life's most significant trials. Specializing in palliative and grief support, Ashley has witnessed the importance of developmentally appropriate education and nurturing emotional expression in helping families navigate death and grief together.

After completing her Master's degree, Ashley worked as a Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice learning about and supporting families in the comfort of their own home around end of life. In 2021, she became an Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist offering this evidence based and action oriented practice both in person and virtually. Ashley has been an adjunct professor of Therapeutic Play at Central Washington University and believes that play, as the language of children, is one of the magic ingredients for having difficult conversations about death and grief.

In 2023 Ashley completed her training as a Death Doula and is honored to help families in their preparation of death, the honoring and coordinating of their loved ones wishes and the emotional support of their grief all along the way. Children are often excluded from the conversations and decisions made around the natural experience of death. It is Ashley's hope that with appropriate preparation and emotional support, the entire family can contribute in unique ceremony of their loved ones. 

Ashley embraces grief as our bodies natural response to change. She believes that we don't need to be cured from grief but rather companioned through the unique and personal journey. 
 Ashley is also the author of “My Journey With The Wind: A Magical Story of Grief,” which helps children and their caregivers have a common language to talk about and express the feelings of grief. Together, through the included therapeutic activities, the readers are able to reflect on their individual grief experiences and find helpful ways to integrate back into their new reality while maintaining connected bonds with their loved ones. Learn More About Ashley: Website: TheGrievingWell.com Instagram: @The_Grieving_Well Order Your Copy “My Journey With the Wind: A Magical Story of Grief”: https://a.co/d/4xjdYzP *All proceeds from this book will go to support the programming and community outreach of Let Grace In, a non-profit helping to support families who are grieving from the death of a child. Learn More About DDJF: Website: DDJF.org Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation Facebook: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation LinkedIn: Dee Dee Jackson Foundation X: @DDJFoundation Leave a podcast review: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-love-show/id1282931846 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6X6zGAPmdReRrlLO0NW4n6?si=koXehESfSrSwA-zWi2vf-w Can’t make the live-stream? You can always watch our syndicated interviews later on YouTube or Facebook! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Nd1HTnbaI Like Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/884355188308946/ Join our Official Facebook Group full of supportive community members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1500933326745571/?ref=share_group_link Visit the DDJF official website: http://www.ddjf.org/ Follow us on Instagram: @DeeDeeJacksonFoundation