In the blink of an eye, a car accident on an icy road thrust Amy into the role of a 25-year-old widow and single mother. The well-meaning people surrounding her had no idea what to say or how to act, only increasing her pain and isolation.

As Amy struggled and healed, she resolved to educate as many other people as she could to spare them the experience of a too-solitary journey of grief. Hungry for more knowledge, she earned a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of Chicago and a Fellow in Thanatology (highest certification level in grief studies).

She began teaching workshops and publishing articles. She founded To Be Joyful Again, a regional support group for widowed people. Today, 27 years later she continues to serve as an active facilitator and developer of new leaders for that group. She also served as Executive Director of Stauros, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people find meaning, hope, and peace in the midst of suffering.

In 2008, Amy launched her company, Corgenius, the first professional training organization to focus on teaching advisors and consultants to support grieving clients. As the population ages, Amy’s practical, insightful, and inspirational training goes a long way in helping business professionals effectively walk their clients through the toughest times of their lives.

As part of Soaring Spirits’ Advisory Board, Amy continues her work in teaching others to deal better with grief, illness, and death.