meet our team

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Kelly Grosklags

Advisory Board

Patrick Klinger

Advisory Board

Ken Rohlf

Board of Directors

Kate Richards

Board of Directors

Ricardo Johnson II

Advisory Board

Hannah Klunder

Board of Directors

Jessica Steele, LICSW

Board of Directors

TBD

Board of Directors

Carolyn Kinzel

President/Founder

Amanda Novak

Board of Directors

Jennifer Zacharias

Board of Directors

TBD

Board of Directors

CARE TEAM

Nicole Barnes, LICSW

Director of Bereavement

Kaitlyn Fadden, CCLS

Program Coordinator

Carolyn Kinzel, MSHS

Executive Director

Drew Roby

Marketing Specialist

Maggie Bauer

Lead Support Coordinator

Verlyn Hemmen, MDiv

Family Support, Soft Landings

Chris Lillehei, MDiv

Program Director, Soft Landings

Michele Thacker

Finance Specialist

Lisa Casper

Community Liaison

Laura Hoeppner, LMFT

School Support Liaison

Amber Miller

Community Development Coordinator

Counseling TEAM

Our no‑cost counseling is delivered by contracted, master‑level grief counselors and therapists who bring extensive experience in grief and trauma. In alignment with our commitment to transparency and ethical practice, Brighter Days does not employ these clinicians, nor do we allow members of our leadership team to provide counseling. This structure ensures clear boundaries and keeps our advocacy centered solely on the individuals and families we are here to serve.

Nicole Barnes, LICSW

Director of Bereavement

Rosie Gaston, LICSW

Grief Counselor

Lizzie Kangas, MSW

Youth Grief Counselor - Supervised

Gretchen Rosa, LMFT

Grief Counselor

Erin Bird, LMFT

Grief Counselor

Melisa Gesick, MSW, GCCA-C

Grief Counselor

Meghan Keating, LICSW

Grief Counselor

Kjerstin Rydeen, LICSW

Grief Counselor

Ed Frickson, MS, LP

Grief Counselor

Kelly Grosklags, LICSW, FT

Clinical Advisor/Trainer

Candace O'Brien, LICSW

Youth Grief Counselor