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.


Lorie Patrick, MA
Bereavement Facilitator

As a school counselor, Lorie has four years of experience in supporting children from various cultural backgrounds. She is attuned to their needs and communicates genuine care through listening and engaging them in healing activities. Lorie also is continually learning and adding new methods for helping children, teens, and adults work through their grief.

Lorie has a Masters in Education in School Counseling and is working toward her certification in thanatology.  In addition to serving on GriefWorks staff, she works part-time for the Auburn School District.


Gwen Waller, BA, RC, CT
Bereavement Facilitator

An attentive and empathetic listener, Gwen has a heart for companioning the bereaved. She compassionately supports children, teens, and adults on their journey through grief. Gwen also seeks opportunities to raise community awareness and to help train others.

Gwen is a registered counselor and certified thanatologist. She is the author of Finding Comfort in God’s Embrace, a book of 31 meditations for the bereaved, which grew out of her own loss and her experiences in facilitating grief support groups.


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
 
Elaine Jones Swigart
President
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.

Rob Perry
Vice 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.

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.

Dick Dobson
Director
Dick Dobson is currently a TeleContact Rep with the Social Security Administration. After 40 years in the High Technology Industry, life experiences enabled him to rethink the value of life. He brings to the board a personal perspective for the critical need of GriefWorks and how their compassion and caring brings comfort during devastating losses. Dick also contributes financial, computer, and business expertise
    
Roger Thordarson
Director
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.
    
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.