Grief counseling
We are here to walk beside individuals who are grieving the death or terminal diagnosis of a family member. 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.
Our counselors provide 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, therefore we do not assess, treat or diagnose mental health concerns. 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 or fill out our contact form here.
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. Focus Areas: Child Loss, Spouse Loss, Couples, Trauma
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 grieving youth. Melisa has a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Focus Areas: Child Loss, Spouse Loss, Youth, Anticipatory Grief
Candace O'Brien, LICSW
Candace earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, and her Masters of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, she has built her career in nonprofit settings and is passionate about supporting children and adolescents through grief, loss, and life’s challenges. She believes every young person deserves a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported, especially during circumstances beyond their control. Candace considers it a privilege to walk alongside children and families as they honor their loved ones, share their stories, and begin to find healing and hope. Focus Areas: Youth, Anticipatory Grief, LGBTQ
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). Focus Areas: Youth, Child Loss, Trauma, Anticipatory Grief
Ed Frickson, MS, LP
Ed has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and as a Licensed Psychologist has worked in the field of mental health for over 30 years. He considers it an incredible honor to be invited into the journey of grief that no one willingly goes on, and is inspired by the individuals, couples and families seeking support through Brighter Days. Outside of work, Ed enjoys spending time with his wife and their two adult children. He loves animals, and enjoys time with his horses, dogs and being outdoors. Ed enjoys volunteering and involvement with his community to improve the lives of others. Focus Areas: Men's Grief, Couples
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. Focus Areas: Youth, Young Adult, Parent Loss, EMDR
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. Focus Areas: Spouse Loss, Anticipatory Grief, Trauma
