Linda Cottell, Certified in Grief and Bereavement Studies, King’s University College. Linda is the former Ontario Regional Manager for the Look Good Feel Better Program which is for women living with cancer. Her duties included recruiting, training and management of volunteers, grief training for the Team Leaders, and community education. Linda comes with many years experience in facilitating support groups.

Paul Liebau, B.A., M.A., M.Div. Paul was a United Church minister before changing careers to focus on counselling and support work for individuals in transition. He taught for many years in the Human Services Program at Fanshawe College, offering a group interaction course as part of his teaching responsibilities. Paul brings over thirty years experience of group and individual counselling work to the group setting. In addition, he also has a private counselling practice.

Daniel Lockwood, B.A., C.T., Certified in Thanatology.  Daniel spent almost 20 years as the  Director of Programming for Wellspring London and Wellspring Stratford Cancer Support Centres.  Daniel has also worked with Fanshawe College (Gerentology Interprofessional Practice) and King’s University College (Thanatology program) teaching a variety of courses related to grief, loss and bereavement.

Leslie Misurak, B.A., Certified Palliative Care & Thanatology. Leslie has a private practice with specialization in grief and loss issues. She teaches the Grief Support Group and Communicating with the Dying and Bereaved classes in the Grief and Bereavement Studies Program at King‘s University College. Leslie has years of experience facilitating patient, caregiver and bereavement support groups at Wellspring Cancer Support Centre in London.

Lois Mansfield, B.A., B.Ed., Retired Art Therapist, Certificate in Palliative Care and Thanatology. Lois has had experience working with groups and individuals in areas of palliative care, loss, grief and bereavement.

Marisa Penninga, B.A. Major in Childhood and Social Institutions & Minor in Thanatology, Certificate in Bereavement Grief in Loss, SSW.  Marisa has a variety of experience in working within counselling centres, homeless shelters and funeral homes. Marisa is currently working as the Residential Services Supervisor for the Salvation Army Centre of Hope. Marisa is continually developing as a professional and is passionate about working with her home community. 

Margaret Brooks, Hons. B.A. in Thanatology.  Margaret has completed her Certification in Bereavement, Grief and Loss as well as her Honours Specialization in Thanatology.  Her areas of interest have been focused on helping those in acute distress with additional training in suicide prevention, peer support and mental health. She is a former volunteer with Dramaway, a non-profit process-based arts program that facilitates social and life-skills development for individuals of the All Abilities community.

Brenda Deaves, Hons. B.A.  Major in both Thanatology and Psychology. Brenda has completed her Certification in Bereavement, Grief and Loss as well as her Honours Major in Thanatology and Psychology. Her areas of interest include neuroscience, gerontology and quality of living. In particular, her professional focus is on person-centered, holistic-based care through creative activity in long-term care. Brenda is currently designing and participating in program delivery at Dearness Home through the City of London.

Toinette Parisio, B.A., M.Ed.Counselling Psychology, Certificate in Palliative Care & Thanatology, from the Grief and Bereavement Studies Program at King‘s University College. Toinette has been a member of l’Arche for 43 years on 3 continents, spent 16 years as the  Director and Community Leader of l’Arche London, and 7 years as Regional leader for l’Arche Ontario, part of l’Arche Canada. Toinette led workshops on grief and bereavement for adults with, and without intellectual disabilities Toinette has volunteered in palliative care and spiritual care at Parkwood since 2010. Toinette  has completed 2-year program on Spiritual Direction through the Jubilee Program.