I’ve dedicated my working life to supporting bereaved children and their families.

A vital part of this work has been changing our approach to grief, helping us all to grieve in a better way. 

For more than 20 years, I’ve challenged ideas and practices in the field of bereavement support. In particular, through partnering with other not-for-profit organisations.

I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge and experience: mentoring and inspiring the next generation of grief professionals. 

I regularly share my ideas and expertise through keynote speaking at conferences and events. 

I also deliver interactive masterclasses and workshops in the UK and abroad on topics such as: Motherless Daughters, Grief Resources, and Research on Grieving Children and Families. 

I’m a frequent media commentator on personal bereavement and large-scale traumatic events such as: the Grenfell Tower disaster, Gaza/Israel conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As Founding Member of the Childhood Bereavement Network, I’ve influenced bereavement services in the UK and abroad. I’ve collaborated with organisations including:

I’ve helped raise awareness of children and young people’s grief through nationwide initiatives such as: Children’s Grief Awareness Week (launched 2015) and Bad Time Rhymes (poetry competition and book publication, 2007). 

In 2004, I published the Grief Encounter Workbook, (later published as the Grief Book). This resource is an interactive book to help encourage the difficult but important conversations between grieving children and the adults supporting them. 

It quickly became an award-winning bestseller, receiving high-profile media coverage. Re-published as the Grief Book, it continues to be used by thousands of grieving families and grief professionals worldwide.

In 2003, I created the Upward Spiral of Grief model. This innovative tool transformed conventional thinking regarding the ‘stages’ of grief. It’s now a widespread therapeutic tool used across the world of grief counselling. 

My past and current research focuses on using the lived experience of grieving individuals to shape bereavement support. 

I’ve created a series of creative tools and resources to help children and young people on their grief journey. Examples include: the Grief Toolkit, Mr Good Grief puppet, Memory Book  and the critically acclaimed, Chocolate Chipped: A Smelly Book About Grief.