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.” 

• Individual Grief & Loss Support — Virtually (zoom or google meet)
• Customized Grief Workshops & Education
• Personalized plan to return to work after loss
• Assistance with making meaning and finding your purpose in grief

Experienced

Anticipatory Grief/Caregiving/Hospice, suicide, Cumulative (Compounded) Grief, living with chronic illness, Job Loss, and loss by substance abuse disorder.

Loss of Parent
Loss of Sibling
Loss of Pet

Peer support for infant loss and young children grieving a sibling.

– End of life doula services (bedside and other support)

– Advance care planning

– Grief group facilitator

– Individual grief support (peer-to-peer and grief educator certified)