STAFF
Laurie Taylor, Executive Director
Laurie is board certified in thanatology, the study of death, dying and bereavement, through the prestigious Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). She also earned certification in Death and Grief Studies from Colorado State University under the supervision of internationally renowned psychologist, Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, a Master of Arts and a Master of Education along with additional post graduate studies.
Laurie’s passion is to offer support and hope to the bereaved and to those who are dying. The mom of three adult children, Laurie has two grandchildren and four dogs. Hope, the center’s retired therapy dog, is pictured above.
Our Grief and Growth Framework
We are committed to providing tools to help our clients
cope with the intensity of their grief
discover ways to reconstruct meaning and purpose
experience personal growth as a result of their grief journey
Our HOPE Model
We walk alongside our clients and provide the foundation for them to
Honor the reality of the death
Own the pain of the loss
Process the relationship from presence to memory
Embrace a new self-identity with meaning and purpose
A community 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Grief and Loss Center of North Texas provides free grief support groups for kindergartners through senior adults.
MISSION STATEMENT
We provide emotional support for grieving children, teens and adults by walking alongside them as they rebuild their lives after the loss of a loved one. We offer unconditional acceptance, compassion, confidentiality, and hope.
OUR CORE VALUES
Acceptance
We unconditionally value each person just as they are giving them the freedom to be themselves. Everyone is welcome.
Respect
We value a diverse and inclusive culture and walk alongside our clients as they grieve the death of a loved one.
Empathy
We listen as our clients share their thoughts and feelings in a nurturing, caring environment.
Empowerment
We provide grief education and the tools and encouragement to experience growth through grief.
Integrity
We inspire trust by taking responsibility, acting ethically and morally, and encouraging honest and open communication.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the highest standards in our programming and our individual attention to our clients.
Stewardship
We responsibly and effectively manage critical resources including time and financial and human resources.
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT GRIEF
Grief is a natural, healthy reaction to loss.
Grief is universal and unique.
Grief has no age limits.
Grief is a process, not an event.
Grief does not follow a timelime or sequence.
Grief support should be tailored to each individual’s needs.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Baylor University Medical Center
Children’s Medical Center
VNA Hospice
Uplift Schools
Richardson ISD Schools
KIPP Schools
Garland ISD Schools