Get to know the TEAM at GriefWorks
About Griefworks


• MEET OUR STAFF
• MEET OUR BOARD


Mel Erickson, BA, RC, CT
Co-Founder and Program Director

Mel (Mary Ellen) is known for her compassionate care and effective healing tools. These grow out her personal losses, her education, and her 25 years in social service work. Mel helps people of all ages understand and experience the natural healing process of grief. She also trains professionals and volunteers, equipping them to further serve the bereaved.

Mel is a registered counselor and certified thanatologist. She and Nanette Flynn are co-founders of GriefWorks and co-authors of Teen Talk, an 8-week curriculum for grieving teens (which has been adapted for all ages). Mel also is creator of Our Story, a workbook for grieving children.

Michele Ray, BSW, MEd
Bereavement Facilitator

Michele earned her BSW at University of KY and her MEd in Counseling from University of Puget Sound. She is a registered counselor in Washington and a certified school counselor and teacher. She has experience working with children, the handicapped and elderly, with abused women, and immigrants. Her experience extends over the last 35 years with a focus primarily on folks struggling with grief, depression, eating problems, and marital difficulties. She has special training in the area of domestic abuse and has been a leader in women’s ministries, children’s ministries, prayer ministries, and teaching ministries.


Debbie Brenner
Office Manager

Your phone calls to GriefWorks often are answered by the warm, caring voice of Debbie. Through her personal losses and years of work in social services, she understands your needs and will make every effort provide you with support from our staff or another agency.

Debbie not only is a compassionate listener, but she also is a gifted administrator who keeps our office running smoothly. And in our ever-changing world, she seizes opportunities to continue to learn and grow in her knowledge and skills.






Together we’re mending hearts…
and re-landscaping lives.

- our MISSION -
The mission of GriefWorks is to serve as a bereavement resource providing education and support for people grieving a death or seeking to understand the grief process.

- our VISION -
We envision a world where grieving people are supported in compassion and companionship as they journey through their unique loss experiences.

- our TEAM -
- our WORK -
- our HISTORY -
- our VALUES -


 


GRIEFWORKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rob Perry
President
Rob Perry has been involved with funeral service for 22 years and is currently manager of Yahn & Son Funeral Home in Auburn. He is also president of the King County Funeral Directors Association and an active member of Valley Kiwanis of Auburn. Rob has seen firsthand the value and need for a quality local grief counseling organization. In his free time, Rob enjoys biking, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Roger Thordarson
Vice President
For 35 years, Roger has lived in Auburn. He is a former administrator with the Auburn School District and also served on the Auburn City Council. Besides staying busy with his three daughters and four grandchildren, Roger is active in many civic endeavors, including the Auburn Optimists, and he supports various programs serving youth.

Craig Hudson
Treasurer
A graduate of Mt. Hood College of Mortuary Science, Craig is a second generation funeral director. He has worked in the Puget Sound area for 15 years and currently manages the City of Auburn’s Mt. View Cemetery. Craig and his family reside in Federal Way, where he is a Little League coach and active in the Boy Scouts of America. 

Debbie Whitlock
Secretary
As president of Sound Financial Partners, Debbie has helped families create sustainable financial strategies. For the past 12 years, she has assisted families here in the Puget Sound area. Debbie is a frequent keynote speaker and hosts workshops on the importance of having your financial house in order.
  
Elaine Jones Swigart
Director
Elaine Jones Swigart is an ordained Presbyterian minister and certified spiritual director. She has served on various boards, including 13 years on the Dieringer School Board, and has been involved with Older Adult Ministries. She also has established Grief and Grieving groups in several churches. Elaine is an avid gardener and dedicated grandmother.

Ed Vallejo
Director
After a stint in the army as a combat medic, Edward attended the University of Washington. After 20 years in the medical field, civilian and military, he changed careers to do woodworking. Now Edward is active in Prison Ministries, Hispanic Ministries, and the End Homelessness Program. He is on the Staff Parish and Outreach Committee at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Washington.

Mike Harbin
Director
Mike is the owner of Main Street Signs, a company he has owned for twenty-four years. Previously, he owned a real estate company for fourteen years and was employed by Kenworth and Peterbilt truck companies in their engineering departments. Mike is a member of the Auburn Lions Club and the City of Auburn Human Resources Board. He has lived in Auburn since 1958, except for two years.

Kathy D’Santi
Director
Katerina (Kathy) d’Santi, supervisor at PACCAR Inc. ITD Division, has lived in Auburn since 2002. She is currently working on a Social Sciences degree and has a strong interest in the palliative care field. Kathy has lived and traveled throughout the U.S. and Mexico and has experience with Italian and various Latino cultures. She speaks Spanish fluently and offers this skill where needed. Kathy has volunteered for different organizations within the Auburn community and beyond. She joined the GriefWorks’ board in January 2009 and brings her compassion and interest in palliative care to GriefWorks.