The main office:

1139 East Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA  19124

215-744-4025.

General E-mail: grievingchildren@aol.com

Satellite:

Rodin Place, 2000 Hamilton Street, Suite 304

Find The Help
The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families, is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.

We are supported by donations from corporations, individuals, and families as well as by the following foundations:

Children and Teens Grieve Too...
Children and teens may face many significant losses as they grow. When someone close to them dies, it can be traumatic and have a serious impact on their growth and development. Often their pain is not recognized by others, making them the "forgotten grievers."

In the midst of their own confusion and pain when a death occurs, adults may be uncertain about how to give the care and support children need. Some children and teens may develop unhealthy patterns of expressing their grief, and may experience physical complications, depression, anti-social behavior, failure in school, or involvement with the judicial system.

About the Center
The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families is a safe and caring place where young people and their families who are grieving a death can find help to grow through the healing process. Our work is based on a deep respect for the individual's experience of grief, the healing potential of peer group support, and the value of adult mentoring.

In addition, we are a training and resource center for professionals and others who interact with grieving children and teens.

Our Philosophy
Our work at The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families is based on the following beliefs:

Grief is a natural response to death for people of any age, including young children. If you are old enough to love, you are old enough to grieve.

A significant death has an impact on both the inner and outer worlds of the child or teen. The expression, duration, and intensity of grief will be unique for each individual.

Children can grow through grief when given care and support. Peers can be a valuable part of that process.

Adults can help the healing process by listening to and supporting the many feelings, thoughts, and meanings, which are part of the loss experience.

Meet Our Staff

Rob Sheesley, M.Div., CT

Executive Director

Rob brings over 25 years experience working with grieving children and adults, and in consulting with and training professionals. Prior to co-founding the Center, he served for 18 years as Director of Pastoral Care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. His early training was in pastoral psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families. He has extensive experience in working with critically ill and dying children and their families, and in facilitating peer support groups with both grieving children and adults.

Rob holds certification as a thanatologist (bereavement specialist) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

rob@grieivingchildren.org

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Elise Gaul, M.S.Ed., LPC, CT

Director, Business Development & Special Projects

Elise has nearly 20 years experienced in non-profit management working in both grassroots and international organizations in the Philadelphia area.  She has extensive experience in program development, fundraising, and strategic planning. Elise served as executive director at Peter’s Place, a Center for Grieving Children, Director of Camp Erin-Philadelphia, a bereavement camp for children and teens, and Coordinator of the David Bradley Children’s Bereavement Program at Penn Wissahickon Hospice.    

Elise is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and holds certification as a thanatologist (bereavement specialist) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She has worked in private practice as a therapist since 2002.

elise@grievingchildren.org

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Beth Jellinek, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed.

Program Coordinator

Beth brings a combination of clinical training and teaching experience to her role as Program Coordinator/Staff Therapist for The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families. As a former elementary school teacher, she saw first-hand the impact of loss on her students’ personal, social and academic lives. Beth shifted career paths, returned to her psychology roots and earned an M.S.Ed and M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling. Much of her research during her studies focused on bereavement and loss in children, young adults, and families. Beth is dedicated to the philosophy of The Center for Grieving Children, Teens and Families and believes strongly in the potential for healing & growth through the peer support model.

beth@grievingchildren.org