Peer Grief Helper Profiles | Support After a Death by Overdose

Colleen and Gordon Bullard	Jeanne Flynn	Kathy Leonard
Kathryn Stygles Peirce	Aileen Lovejoy	Deb Dowd-Foley
Janice Kaplan	Robyn Houston-Bean	Amy Horowitz
Christine Santos	Dave Swindell	Peter Babineau
Cheryl Juaire	Annie Avitabile	Laurie Loisel
Jill Laganas	Kathy Iellamo	Michael “Smokey” Cain
Darlene Mersereau	Aimee Manzoni-D’Arpino	Shannon Lundin White
Michelle Dunn	Louise Griffin	Kerry Bickford
Dennis Gravelle	Judi Earnest and “Gilbert”	Kar-Kate Parenteau
Tracy and Gary Carter	Cindy Kaplan and Judy Kelly	Cara Moser & Family
Sheryl Holmes	Mary Peckham	Michael Blanchard
Christine Ernst	Eleanor Haley & Litsa Williams	Debbie Schmill
Elaine Mitrano	John Lally	Gary Sturgis

Barbara and her son Steven "Gilly" Gillmeister. Image: Barbara Gillmeister — Barbara Gillmeister

Susie Lordi is a peer helper who unites the artist community through murals, memorials, and social gatherings through her nonprofit, 24 Hr. Power. — Susie Lordi

Kathy Gleason discusses grief and death with a wide variety of podcast guests. — Kathy Gleason

Sara Moriarity and Courtney Aldrich help people get in touch with their emotions. — Sarah Moriarity & Courtney Aldrich

Tony LaGreca with fellow activist Denise Sharp in front of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. at a Big Pharma protest. — Tony LaGreca

Val Walker explores how exceptional experiences can help bereaved people cope with loss and grief. — Val Walker

Melissa Lezynski and her son, Sean. — Melissa Lezynski

Clockwise, from top left, Chloe’s friend Peter, Chloe and Natalie, Chloe and Iris. — Chloe Brosnan

Jeff and Carol Bowers helped one another through recovery for many years. — Carol Bowers

Olivia Bean recalls life with her younger brother, Nick, and what it was like to lose him at an early age. — Olivia Bean

Kate Donaghue talking to voters in Westborough during her campaign for state representative. (Photo courtesy of the Donaghue campaign) — Rep. Kate Donaghue

Jane Kimani, is a member of the African immigrant community. She leads UHAI for Health in helping others navigate cultural challenges, substance-use-related issues, and grief. — Jane Kimani

Jonathan Gay helps grieving kids while working through his own loss. — Jonathan Gay

Kealynd Schalet is remembered by his mother, Randi, who facilitates peer grief support in an area that previously had none. — Randi Schalet

Diana Teel and her son, Ray — Diana Teel

Shiaka McIntosh Throws Birthday Parties for Grieving Children. — Shiaka McIntosh

Dr. Sharon Lambert researched the opioid crisis and broadcasted it to her community through the Hidden Grief project. — Dr. Sharon Lambert

Clarissa Turner honors her son, Marquis, through her work with Restorative Justice and Legacy Lives On. — Clarissa Turner

Kathi Cotugno, her community, and her colleagues benefit from peer grief support. — Kathi Cotugno

Tyshaun Perryman holds up two of his favorite sayings. — Tyshaun Perryman