We believe:

— Grief is a human, universal experience.

— Learning about grief helps students and educators recognize emotions, practice empathy, and build resilience and coping skills.

—Every student should be seen and supported through their grief experiences.

—Students don’t drop their grief at the classroom door.

—Helping teachers and students learn about grief will make the classroom a safe space.

Who we are:

  • Mandy Jankus

    CO-FOUNDER

    Mandy has been teaching Human Communication courses for 20 years. Her passion is making the classroom feel like a family. She has a B.A. & M.A. in Communication from Purdue University. She is a Certified Grief and Loss Provider through Claire Bidwell Smith and a Certified professional coach (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation. Her passion for coaching grew when she became trained in the research and curriculum of Dr. Brené Brown. Mandy is the Host of The Kindred & Brave Project podcast focusing on heart first, human centered, story driven connection.

  • Jessica Correnti, MS, CCLS

    CO-FOUNDER

    Jessica has been a Certified Child Life Specialist for 17 years, working with children coping through grief, hospitalization, illness, and loss in the hospital and community settings. She is the owner of Kids Grief Support, a private practice supporting grieving children and teens. Jessica is a Certified Grief and Loss Provider through Claire Bidwell Smith, has her Bachelors in Education of Young Children, minor in Psychology, and Masters in Healthcare Administration and Community Health. Jessica is the Author of The ABCs of Grief series and Forever Connected.