I am Kay Fontana, Ed.D., and I am deeply familiar with the pain of loss, having experienced numerous heart-wrenching losses throughout my life. At just nine years old, I lost my brother to cancer, and witnessing my parents' immense grief was an unbearable experience. The pain continued as my mother battled Alzheimer's and ultimately passed away in 2014, shortly after my completion of a Grief Recovery Support Group. Most recently, in January 2023, I experienced the devastating loss of my husband and soul mate of 40 years due to multiple health issues, including diabetes. Throughout these profound losses, as well as the countless others experienced along the way, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, in-laws, co-workers, and cherished pets, I discovered the power of healing and resilience. In 2015, driven by my personal journey, I became a Grief Recovery Specialist, equipping myself with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of grief and help others find their own path to healing. With an extensive background in grief support and a deep commitment to helping others during their most challenging times, I bring a diverse range of experiences and qualifications to my work as a Grief Recovery Specialist. Alongside this role, I am also a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner (RScP) and hold a doctoral dissertation focused on the Mindfulness and Compassion of Hospice Dementia Care Volunteers. My previous experiences include facilitating grief support groups for both adults and children, serving as a firefighter and paramedic, and being a member of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) teams for various emergency services. I have also had the privilege of training 9-1-1 dispatchers and hospice volunteers, further enriching my understanding of supporting individuals in their times of need. My passion for helping others during their most difficult moments has been a driving force throughout my life. Combining my personal experiences with loss, my academic background, and my extensive training, I am dedicated to providing compassionate guidance, profound understanding, and practical tools to individuals navigating the complex landscape of grief. I offer the Grief Recovery Group and One-on-One Grief Support, Pet Loss, and Helping Children with Loss programs in the West Valley and online. To schedule a complimentary Grief Breakthrough Session, please click here or visit me at https://HealingOurGrievingHearts.com.
