Our Story
Life After Grief was created from a deeply personal experience and a simple belief: no child should have to navigate grief alone.
When my three youngest children lost their father, two of them were still very young. During that difficult time, I searched for support that could help them connect with other children who understood what they were going through. While individual counseling was available, there were no peer-based support groups specifically for grieving children in our community.
I realized that what my children truly needed was the chance to sit beside other kids who understood their pain without having to explain it.
But that space did not exist.
Life After Grief was created to help fill that gap. Our programs provide compassionate, peer-based support for children and teens navigating the death of a parent or loved one. Through shared experiences, guided activities, and community connection, young people can process their grief in a way that feels safe, supported, and understood.
Because while grief often comes in waves, no child should have to face it alone without peers who understand.
Today, Life After Grief is committed to creating a community where children and families can find understanding, healing, and hope together.
Our Mission
Healing Hearts, Empowering Families, and Restoring Hope
Life After Grief is dedicated to creating a safe and compassionate community where children, teens, and families can navigate the journey of loss together. Through peer-based support, shared experiences, and meaningful connection, we help young people process their grief and discover they are not alone.
Our Approach
Peer Connection
Children and teens often feel less alone when they are surrounded by peers who understand their experience. Our groups connect young people who have experienced similar losses, helping them feel seen, understood, and supported.
Creative Expression
Grief can be difficult for children to put into words. Through art, play, storytelling, and other creative activities, young people are able to express their feelings and process their grief in ways that feel natural and safe.
Building Resilience
​We support families with tools that encourage healthy coping, open communication, and emotional understanding. Together, we help children and families build resilience as they learn to move forward while continuing to honor their loved one.
While our current programs focus on grief related to the death of a loved one, we recognize that children experience grief in many forms and are committed to expanding support through separate, specialized groups.
Professional Guidance & Safe Support
Life After Grief provides peer-based support designed specifically for children and teens navigating the loss of a parent or loved one.
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Our programs are guided by a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting families through grief. Groups are facilitated in a safe, respectful environment where participants are encouraged to share at their own pace.
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Through age-appropriate activities, meaningful conversation, and connection with peers who understand, children and teens are supported as they process their grief and begin to heal.
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We understand that every child's experience of loss is unique, and our approach is designed to support them wherever they are in their journey.Â
Meet Our Team
Luvina Bliven
Founder & Executive Director
Sierra Rodriguez
Community Coordinator
Laurie Cook, LCSW, CCTP-II
Life After Grief was founded after Luvina searched for peer support groups for her young children following the loss of their father and discovered none existed in the community. She created this organization to ensure that children and families navigating grief have a place to connect, share their experiences, and find support.
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Her approach is grounded in lived experience and informed by grief education and training through the Dougy Center, including Supporting Students Who Are Grieving and Foundations of Grief Education, which help guide the organization’s peer-based, non-clinical support model.
Sierra supports program operations and helps families connect with Life After Grief services. She assists with intake, group support, and community outreach, and manages the organization’s social media presence to help share resources and build awareness for grieving families in the community.
Group Facilitator
Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon with over 10 years of experience supporting children and families through grief, trauma, and life transitions.
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She holds a certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II) and is currently completing her Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist Certification (CAGCS), with plans to continue specialized training focused on children and teen grief support.
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She facilitates Life After Grief support groups, creating a compassionate environment where young people can process their emotions and feel understood.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Life After Grief provides leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure the organization remains focused on its mission of supporting children, teens, and families navigating grief.
Luvina Bliven – Founder, President & Treasurer
Sierra Rodriguez – Secretary
Laurie Cook, LCSW – Board Member
Community Support
Community Partners:
While Life After Grief provides peer-based support groups, we recognize that some families may benefit from individual counseling. We work closely with trusted local therapists and can provide referrals when one-on-one professional support is needed.
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• Insightful Counseling LLC
Laurie Cook, LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social WorkerÂ
• Dilly Dally Home Décor & Boutique LLC
Dilly Dally proudly supports the mission of Life After Grief. In the future, Dilly Dally will have a gift shop where select items including journals, comfort items, and Life After Grief merchandise, will help raise funds for the organization. A portion of proceeds from these items will be donated to support Life After Grief programs and community events.Â