Grief counseling
We are here to walk beside individuals (ages 5 and up) who are grieving the death or terminal diagnosis of a family member. Our no‑cost grief counseling is delivered by master‑level licensed professionals who bring extensive years of 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 grief counselors offer a compassionate space, in person or virtually, where your grief is welcomed, witnessed, and supported. Like many grief centers across the nation, we follow a model that understands grief as a natural response to loss rather than something to fix. Our role is to nurture your grief, honor your story, and help you find meaningful ways to remember your loved one.
Because our approach is intentionally grief focused rather than clinical, our services are not designed to assess, treat, or diagnose mental health concerns. If at any point we believe your needs extend beyond the scope of our support, or if our wait times would delay the care you deserve, we will help connect you with trusted organizations in your area.
To discuss grief support options, 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
Rosie Gaston, LICSW
Rosie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals and families through serious illness, anticipatory grief, and loss. Her extensive background in hospice and palliative care deeply shapes her approach, allowing her to offer both practical guidance and compassionate emotional support as people move through experiences that can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and profoundly isolating. Rosie believes that grief is not something to fix or rush through, but something to be held, talked about, and given space, honoring each person’s unique process with respect, patience, and genuine care.
Focus Areas: Anticipatory Grief, Adults, End-of Life Care
Megan Keating, LICSW
Meghan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She 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 has worked in many settings with grieving youth, including individual counseling, grief camp, and supporting Minnesota schools. Focus Areas: Youth, Young Adults, Anticipatory Grief, Parent Loss, Sibling 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
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 work with the individuals 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 Area: Men's Grief relating to Parent Loss, Child Loss, Spouse Loss, Sibling Loss
Melisa Gesick, GCCA-C
Melisa supports clients across the lifespan, although her deepest passion is walking alongside bereaved parents. Her professional background includes meaningful work in hospice and palliative care, as well as extensive experience supporting grieving children, teens, and young adults. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and has completed extensive training in the Companioning Model developed by Alan Wolfelt. His philosophy informs Melisa’s work and strengthens her commitment to a compassionate, non pathologizing space for every person she serves.
Focus Areas: Child Loss, Spouse Loss, Youth, Anticipatory Grief
Candace O'Brien, LICSW
Candace earned her Masters of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, she 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, Young Adult, Anticipatory Grief, LGBTQ
Kjerstin Rydeen, LICSW
Kjerstin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. 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). Kjerstin also specializes in supporting youth in the school system as a school mental health counselor in the Minneapolis district.
Focus Areas: Youth, Child Loss, Trauma, Anticipatory Grief