WHO WE ARE
Good Grief Central is a registered charity dedicated to providing donation-funded grief and loss support, education, training, and counselling. We support individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals who are coping with the impact of loss in all its forms. This may include the death of a loved one, homicide, suicide, abuse, sexual assault, chronic or terminal illness, physical or emotional disabilities, unemployment, relationship breakdown, and other life-altering losses.Through compassionate support, practical guidance, educational programs, support groups, and counselling services, we help people navigate grief, build resilience, and find a path forward. No one should have to face loss alone.
Our Story
Good Grief Central grew out of the highly respected Good Grief Workshops for Children and Teens, founded more than two decades ago by leading grief expert Dawn Cruchet. These biannual workshops have provided support, education, and healing opportunities for hundreds of children, teens, and families coping with loss.
In 2017, Good Grief Central became a not-for-profit organization. In 2023, we achieved registered charitable status, enabling us to expand our services and increase access to grief and loss support throughout Canada.
What We Do
Good Grief Central provides donation-funded:
Who We Help
We support individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals affected by:
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that no one has to face grief and loss alone. We provide compassionate support, practical guidance, education, and resources to help individuals and communities navigate life's most difficult challenges.
Building Stronger CommunitiesThrough workshops, support groups, lectures, retreats, counselling, and community partnerships, we strive to increase understanding of grief and loss while reducing isolation and stigma.
We are also committed to advancing education in thanatology—the study of death, dying, grief, bereavement, and related human experiences. By supporting the ongoing development of volunteers and professionals, we help strengthen the capacity of communities to respond compassionately and effectively to loss.
Looking Forward
As a registered Canadian charity, we rely on donations, grants, and community support to sustain and expand our programs. Every contribution helps us provide meaningful support, education, and hope to those facing grief and loss.
Together, we are creating communities where people feel supported, understood, and empowered to heal.
Good Grief Central grew out of the highly respected Good Grief Workshops for Children and Teens, founded more than two decades ago by leading grief expert Dawn Cruchet. These biannual workshops have provided support, education, and healing opportunities for hundreds of children, teens, and families coping with loss.
In 2017, Good Grief Central became a not-for-profit organization. In 2023, we achieved registered charitable status, enabling us to expand our services and increase access to grief and loss support throughout Canada.
What We Do
Good Grief Central provides donation-funded:
- Grief and loss counselling
- Support groups
- Educational workshops and presentations
- Professional training
- Community outreach programs
- Consulting services
- The Good Grief Workshops for Children and Teens
Who We Help
We support individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals affected by:
- The death of a loved one
- Suicide and homicide loss
- Serious accidents and traumatic events
- Chronic and terminal illness
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Caregiver stress and burnout
- Abuse and violence
- Physical and emotional disabilities
- Major life transitions and other significant losses
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that no one has to face grief and loss alone. We provide compassionate support, practical guidance, education, and resources to help individuals and communities navigate life's most difficult challenges.
Building Stronger CommunitiesThrough workshops, support groups, lectures, retreats, counselling, and community partnerships, we strive to increase understanding of grief and loss while reducing isolation and stigma.
We are also committed to advancing education in thanatology—the study of death, dying, grief, bereavement, and related human experiences. By supporting the ongoing development of volunteers and professionals, we help strengthen the capacity of communities to respond compassionately and effectively to loss.
Looking Forward
As a registered Canadian charity, we rely on donations, grants, and community support to sustain and expand our programs. Every contribution helps us provide meaningful support, education, and hope to those facing grief and loss.
Together, we are creating communities where people feel supported, understood, and empowered to heal.
MEET OUR TEAM
JILLIAN LUCHT
PRESIDENT OF GGC BOARD
CO-FOUNDER
CONSULTANT
SOCIAL WORKER
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.
NATALIE SEGALL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CO-FOUNDER
CONSULTANT
THANATOLOGIST
LOSS AND GRIEF SPECIALIST
Natalie Segall is a dedicated loss and grief therapist, educator, and consultant based in Montreal. Her journey into the field of grief support began with personal tragedy; at the age of 16, she experienced the devastating loss of her father to suicide, an event that profoundly impacted her life and shaped her understanding of grief. Years later, Natalie became her mother's sole caregiver, until her death from cancer. This ordeal further deepened her awareness of the complexities of grief and loss.
Motivated by her own experiences, Natalie sought to help others navigate their grief journeys. She pursued higher education, earning two degrees and multiple certifications, and has since worked extensively in various healthcare settings, including as the Cancer Patient Education Coordinator at the Royal Victoria Hospital. In addition to her professional roles, she has volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital Palliative Care and facilitated grief support groups at the Jewish General Hospital.
As a co-founder of Good Grief Central, Natalie is committed to providing compassionate grief education and support to individuals and families facing loss. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding grief as a lifelong process and the need for specialized support for those affected by it. Through her workshops and counselling, she aims to create safe spaces for individuals to express their grief and find healing.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CO-FOUNDER
CONSULTANT
THANATOLOGIST
LOSS AND GRIEF SPECIALIST
Natalie Segall is a dedicated loss and grief therapist, educator, and consultant based in Montreal. Her journey into the field of grief support began with personal tragedy; at the age of 16, she experienced the devastating loss of her father to suicide, an event that profoundly impacted her life and shaped her understanding of grief. Years later, Natalie became her mother's sole caregiver, until her death from cancer. This ordeal further deepened her awareness of the complexities of grief and loss.
Motivated by her own experiences, Natalie sought to help others navigate their grief journeys. She pursued higher education, earning two degrees and multiple certifications, and has since worked extensively in various healthcare settings, including as the Cancer Patient Education Coordinator at the Royal Victoria Hospital. In addition to her professional roles, she has volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital Palliative Care and facilitated grief support groups at the Jewish General Hospital.
As a co-founder of Good Grief Central, Natalie is committed to providing compassionate grief education and support to individuals and families facing loss. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding grief as a lifelong process and the need for specialized support for those affected by it. Through her workshops and counselling, she aims to create safe spaces for individuals to express their grief and find healing.
MARIA CORSI
BOARD MEMBER
SECRETARY
My world came crashing down in August 2021 when my one and only child, my beloved son, moved to Heaven. I didn’t think I could live in a world without my son. He was my everything - my past, my present, and my future. I was devastated, and the pain was just unbearable. I have never experienced such emptiness, loneliness, sorrow, and the feeling that nothing was left for me to look forward to. I just wanted my son back home with me.
I knew I needed help and that my son wanted me to move forward. After searching and searching, I fell upon Natalie Segall, who has been my saviour! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Natalie, Good Grief Central, my faith in God, and my willingness to get better and bring back some normalcy into my life. Through much therapy and support groups from Good Grief Central, I have come to accept that my grief is forever, but I also know that grief doesn’t define me. The relationship I had with my son didn’t end; it continues on a different level – it is now a spiritual relationship. I am coping with my grief. Each day is different, and step by step, I am learning to smile and enjoy life again.
I’ve decided to become involved with Good Grief Central, an organization close to my heart. I want to be able to give back and volunteer my time to help others going through similar situations. I’ve learned that you don’t have to go through pain, suffering, and sorrow alone.
I knew I needed help and that my son wanted me to move forward. After searching and searching, I fell upon Natalie Segall, who has been my saviour! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Natalie, Good Grief Central, my faith in God, and my willingness to get better and bring back some normalcy into my life. Through much therapy and support groups from Good Grief Central, I have come to accept that my grief is forever, but I also know that grief doesn’t define me. The relationship I had with my son didn’t end; it continues on a different level – it is now a spiritual relationship. I am coping with my grief. Each day is different, and step by step, I am learning to smile and enjoy life again.
I’ve decided to become involved with Good Grief Central, an organization close to my heart. I want to be able to give back and volunteer my time to help others going through similar situations. I’ve learned that you don’t have to go through pain, suffering, and sorrow alone.
MICHAEL SILCOFF
BOARD MEMBER
YOUTH SPECIALIST
Michael Silcoff is a dedicated Youth Special Education Technician based in Montreal, Quebec, specializing in supporting elementary and high school students. He graduated with a degree in Special Care Counselling in 2017, beginning his career with an internship at the Jewish General Hospital's Early Childhood Disorders program. Currently, he works for a Montreal school board, focusing on youth who face significant trauma, behavioral challenges, and social maladaptations.
Michael's journey into the realm of grief and loss began during his studies when Natalie Segall, Executive Director and Founder of Good Grief Central, spoke to his class about the profound effects of grief on children. Inspired by her insights, he volunteered as a facilitator for Good Grief Central's Good Grief Workshop for Children and Teens, where he witnessed the incredible support that Natalie and her team provide to children and families navigating loss.
After nearly ten years of volunteering, Michael is proud to serve as a Youth Specialist and Board Member of Good Grief Central, where he is dedicated to continuing the organization's essential work in supporting grieving children and their families.
ELSA ELIZABETH MORAITIS
BOARD MEMBER
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Elsa Elizabeth Moraitis is a dedicated professional and passionate community advocate with a long-standing commitment to fundraising and charitable service. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations including, the Maimonides Hospital Foundation, and the Montreal General Hospital, where she played a key role in organizing fundraising initiatives and charitable events, including successful golf tournaments and community campaigns.
Elsa's commitment to philanthropy became deeply personal when her daughter, Maria, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. During Maria's illness, Elsa became actively involved in raising funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, helping support research and families facing similar challenges.
Following Maria's passing, Elsa continued to honor her daughter's memory through service to others. She remains actively involved in fundraising efforts that support organizations such as Good Grief Central and the Greek Community Centre, helping provide resources, support, and hope to individuals and families navigating loss and life's challenges.
Through her professional experience, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her community, Elsa has touched the lives of many and continues to make a meaningful difference through advocacy, fundraising, and compassionate leadership.
BOARD MEMBER
DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Elsa Elizabeth Moraitis is a dedicated professional and passionate community advocate with a long-standing commitment to fundraising and charitable service. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations including, the Maimonides Hospital Foundation, and the Montreal General Hospital, where she played a key role in organizing fundraising initiatives and charitable events, including successful golf tournaments and community campaigns.
Elsa's commitment to philanthropy became deeply personal when her daughter, Maria, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. During Maria's illness, Elsa became actively involved in raising funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, helping support research and families facing similar challenges.
Following Maria's passing, Elsa continued to honor her daughter's memory through service to others. She remains actively involved in fundraising efforts that support organizations such as Good Grief Central and the Greek Community Centre, helping provide resources, support, and hope to individuals and families navigating loss and life's challenges.
Through her professional experience, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her community, Elsa has touched the lives of many and continues to make a meaningful difference through advocacy, fundraising, and compassionate leadership.
CHRISTINA KOZAKIEWICZ
BOARD MEMBER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Christina Kozakiewicz is an accomplished, fluently bilingual communications professional with nearly two decades of experience leading cause-oriented communications, marketing and public relations exclusively within the nonprofit and higher education sectors.
Every human being will experience grief and loss at some point in their lifetime. As a mother, daughter, sister and friend, Christina is deeply motivated and inspired to help elevate the vital work of Good Grief Central in supporting grieving children and families.