Grief counseling
We are here to walk beside individuals who are grieving the death or terminal diagnosis of a family member. Our master level grief counselors offer no cost grief support with a focus on honoring and nurturing your grief. Please note that our short-term grief support is not a form of therapy. Our goal is to provide a bridge to hope by helping you find meaningful ways to remember and honor your loved one. If we determine that our services or wait times will not match the scope of your needs, we may refer you to other organizations in your area. To discuss grief support options for you and/or your family members, please call 952-303-3873.
Kaitin Benedict, MSW Intern
Kaitin is currently working towards a master’s in clinical social work at Boston University specializing in behavioral health. She previously earned an MA in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine’s University where she focused her studies on mind, body, spirit practices and wellness outcomes. As a former professional dancer, a teaching artist, and yoga instructor, she believes strongly in the health benefits of movement and creativity and has taught at numerous non-profits, in the public schools and at the University of Minnesota. Kaitin is involved with the University of Minnesota’s Simulation Center’s pediatric end of life care skills workshops helping healthcare professionals improve conversations with families.
Melisa Gesick, GCCA-C
Melisa sees clients of all ages, although her primary passion is working with bereaved parents. Melisa has previously worked in hospice and palliative care as well as working with the Growing Through Grief school-based program in the Twin Cities metro area. Melisa has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Gretchen Rosa, LMFT
Gretchen has spent a decade working with individuals and families in the areas of grief, trauma, neurodivergence, and caregiving a family member with a chronic illness or disability. Gretchen creates a safe, supportive space for people to share their stories in times that are tender, emotional, and sacred. Gretchen utilizes narrative, attachment, and emotion-focused therapeutic approaches to uncover and support each client’s unique needs in their healing process. Gretchen also provides Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and polyvagal theory to reduce negative feelings and sensations associated with traumatic memories.
Erin Bird, LMFT
Erin is a Licensed Mariage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in grief and loss. Her personal experiences have allowed her to lend support to individuals and families experiencing the complexities of bereavement. She is deeply attuned to grief and trauma due to her professional and personal experiences beginning with the sudden loss of her daughter, diagnosis of a life-threatening illness and subsequent death of her father and caregiving her mother experiencing Alzheimer’s. She provides compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help clients process loss, find meaning, and rebuild their lives after profound change. Erin utilizes a collaborative and integrative approach to treatment and therapeutic relationship building.
Meghan Keating, LGSW
Meghan graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in the spring of 2021 where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Studies. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota Duluth where she received her Masters in Social Work in 2023. Meghan is a licensed graduate social worker in the state of Minnesota.
Kjerstin Rydeen, LICSW
Kjerstin understands the intricacies of grief and loss, not only from a clinical perspective but also from personal experience as a bereaved mother. Kjerstin strives to create a space of understanding and comfort where one can get support during such a vulnerable time. She is honored to support individuals as they express thoughts, emotions and memories of their precious child(ren).