Our History
The late Sandra Elder, PhD, was a respected academic researcher in the field of grief and loss and a Hospice practitioner. She recognized the need for accessible and supportive programs for youth experiencing loss and in 1988 developed a group program for young people, thus creating Learning Through Loss. In 1994 the Friends of Living and Learning Through Loss Society was formed to raise funds to support the group programs.
Through our group programs we have reached hundreds of young people over the past 25 years, providing life-changing support and healing. The program’s success is built on understanding the strength of youth peer support, belonging, and learning as guided by a qualified clinical counselor.
In 2010, Learning Through Loss realized a significant need for a life-skills approach to understanding grief and created educational workshops to deliver to young people in schools and community organizations. These workshops enhance awareness and knowledge about grief, teach healthy tools to cope with loss, and connect youth with resources. We speak to more than 4000 young people a year.
Since 2010, Learning Through Loss programs continue to expand in reach. Community education and training workshops are now offered to professionals and individuals supporting youth who want to expand their understanding and approaches to supporting youth through grief and loss.
Through our group programs we have reached hundreds of young people over the past 25 years, providing life-changing support and healing. The program’s success is built on understanding the strength of youth peer support, belonging, and learning as guided by a qualified clinical counselor.
In 2010, Learning Through Loss realized a significant need for a life-skills approach to understanding grief and created educational workshops to deliver to young people in schools and community organizations. These workshops enhance awareness and knowledge about grief, teach healthy tools to cope with loss, and connect youth with resources. We speak to more than 4000 young people a year.
Since 2010, Learning Through Loss programs continue to expand in reach. Community education and training workshops are now offered to professionals and individuals supporting youth who want to expand their understanding and approaches to supporting youth through grief and loss.
Our Team
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Board of Directors
James Amarelo – Chair Chris Ferguson-Martin – Past Chair Wendy Pratt – Treasurer Cassie Bluhm – Secretary Martin Kogan - Member Carol Johnston - Member |
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Shauna Janz, M.A. Executive Director & Facilitator
Shauna is a passionate educator and facilitator in the field of grief, loss, and resilience. She has been working within the field of grief support since 2008 and feels strongly about creating more spaces in our communities for discussing loss and normalizing the grief process that follows. She is a dynamic individual who is committed to creating relationships that promote the realization of individual potential and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. She received my Master’s degree in Health and Social Services, and is also a singer-songwriter.
Shauna is a passionate educator and facilitator in the field of grief, loss, and resilience. She has been working within the field of grief support since 2008 and feels strongly about creating more spaces in our communities for discussing loss and normalizing the grief process that follows. She is a dynamic individual who is committed to creating relationships that promote the realization of individual potential and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. She received my Master’s degree in Health and Social Services, and is also a singer-songwriter.
David Segal M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor, Group Program Director
David has been involved in facilitating healing group experiences for children, youth and families for the past 12 years. He brings with him a patient understanding of the immense challenges associated with loss and also a deep respect for the lessons and growth opportunities that can arise from such life transitions. He completed a masters degree from the University of Victoria in Child and Youth Care, and spends as much of his spare time as possible exploring outside.
David has been involved in facilitating healing group experiences for children, youth and families for the past 12 years. He brings with him a patient understanding of the immense challenges associated with loss and also a deep respect for the lessons and growth opportunities that can arise from such life transitions. He completed a masters degree from the University of Victoria in Child and Youth Care, and spends as much of his spare time as possible exploring outside.
Will Bratt, M.A. Registered Clinical Counsellor, Program Facilitator
Will has a passion for helping people heal. Throughout the course of his life, nothing has given him more joy than being helpful to others. Long before becaming a professional counsellor, he found motivation in helping others, the value of listening, and the importance of giving thoughtful, compassionate responses. Today, the combination of his theoretical knowledge and extensive frontline experience gives him the ability to help people create real change.
Will has a passion for helping people heal. Throughout the course of his life, nothing has given him more joy than being helpful to others. Long before becaming a professional counsellor, he found motivation in helping others, the value of listening, and the importance of giving thoughtful, compassionate responses. Today, the combination of his theoretical knowledge and extensive frontline experience gives him the ability to help people create real change.
Our Supporters
Thank you to our funding partners. With your donations our specialized programs and education can be made available to over 5000 youth in our community each year. Investing in our youth is investing in the future of a well-adjusted, healthy and vibrant community.
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