Grief Certified Peer-to-Peer.

I offer one on one peer support for multiple loss such as loss from air disaster, cancer loss, parent loss, sibling loss, Covid loss,  and adult child loss.

Hello,

As a Certified Grief Educator and peer to peer supporter I am committed to providing the highest level of grief support through my education, experience and insights into the often unsure rocky terrain of grief.

I have completed a certificate program designed by world renowned grief expert, David Kessler. His unique methodology, tools and decades of experience have helped me to learn how to assist people navigate through the challenges of grief.

I am also a peer to peer supporter specializing in the loss of a spouse, fiance, or partner . I also support those that are dealing with the unique nature of pet grief.

My goal is to create safe, supportive spaces where grief is acknowledged, validated, and met with empathy. Whether I’m working with individuals, families, or groups, I strive to empower people with tools, language, and insight that make the grieving process less isolating and more understood.

OFFERING:

• Faith-Based, Peer-to-Peer Grief Support
• Grief Education for Christian Leaders & Parishioners
• Grief Support for Non-Death General Loss

FOCAL AREAS:

• Death of Parent(s)
• Death of Sibling
• Death of Family Unit
• Death after Long Term Illness (Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Sudden or Unexpected Death/Trauma

Certified Grief Educator – Peer to Peer Support

Volunteer with:

Bereavement Families of Ontario

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto

Instagram: Surviving_Sunsets

Website: survivingsunsets.com ( Coming Soon)

Rita holds a Master Degree in Psychology-Counseling, a Certification in Bereavement from National University, a Certified Grief Educator from David Kessler, world renowned grief expert (#106028). She has been recognized and is the recipient of the: Susan B. Anthony Award, The Central Valley “Vida Del Valle” award and inducted into the Mexican-American Hall of Fame for her work in the field of healthcare.  

She has also attended several trainings offered by National Palliative and Hospice Care Organization.  Rita is bilingual in English/Spanish adding to her ability to able to provide comfort and solace to children and families and the elderly over the last 20+ years in communities throughout Central Valley communities of California.  

Rita has worked with families moving through various types of losses, from being diagnosed with long-term illness, Alzheimer’s Disease, suicide, sudden death and victims of crimes. She has been a guest speaker to a variety of Medical and Non-Medical groups, both onsite and via Zoom in both English and Spanish.   

Rita has always enjoyed counseling and working with individuals even at an early age. She found this would be her gift and path after the loss of her mother and then the diagnosis of her father with Dementia, where she learned that it is possible to lose a parent twice, first to Dementia and then to death. Then her most recent and painful loss was that of her spouse of 40 years. 

Rita is comfortable meeting and talking to people moving through difficult and painful situations that would make others uncomfortable. “I recall, in my early years sitting in a conference and when the talk about death and dying came up I noticed people leaving the class.” 

For many years, I have worked and volunteered with several care facilities, churches, and family friends and sat with patients as they took their last breaths. “I’ve always believed no one should die alone, as often times their last conversations have left an indelible mark on my path, I plan to continue to fulfill this gift.”