JILLIAN LUCHT

I am a clinical social worker and member of the Ordre Des Travailleuses Sociales. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from McGill University. I began my social work career in cancer care in a large city hospital, working with patients dealing with feelings of loss, grief, bereavement, and anticipatory grief. This sparked my interest, and I began to learn more about loss and bereavement. I then met and took seminars with Dawn Cruchet, who got me involved in the Good Grief Workshop for Children and Teens. That first experience as a Good Grief Workshop facilitator hooked me to the cause! Even though I felt that, in comparison to these children, my grief was insignificant, the experience taught me that no grief or loss is insignificant, and always has an impact on our lives. Year after year, the workshop allows me an opportunity to commemorate my loved ones who have died.
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Upon Dawn’s retirement, Natalie Segall took over the reins of the Good Grief Workshop and, wanting a partnership in coordinating the Workshop, asked me to be co-coordinator. With the success of the Good Grief Workshop, Natalie and I began discussing our mutual desire to expand the availability and range of grief services offered, and so we created Good Grief Central. I am honoured to be Co-Executive Director of Good Grief Central, and I look forward to being able to offer grief services and programs to those in need. 

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