Christine Marchinko is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She completed her certification from the Grief Recovery Institute in March, 2011 and has 22 years of social work background.  Christine’s passion for grief work comes from her life experiences, namely a number of family and personal grief-inducing events. The most predominant event occurred in May, 1999 when a tragic accident took the life of her husband and 5 year old son and left her other 2 children with life-altering traumatic brain injuries. Christine felt like she was on a roller coaster ride and it took years before she dealt with her own grief. That’s when she pursued incorporating grief work into her career to assist others deal with their own grief.

Christine believes that grief is a normal and natural emotional reaction to loss of many kinds. Each person’s grief is unique, each bringing different beliefs to their losses, and, as a result, each experiences it in their own way. Grievers have broken hearts, not broken heads so dealing with grief is often more emotional than intellectual. Some people prefer to deal with their grief immediately following a grief-inducing event whereas others take time to come to terms with it.

 Christine recognizes this and is dedicated to providing support to those encountering loss and death. Her goal is to help individuals and families deal with their own grief in a way that is nurturing, honoring, and life-affirming.  In association with Parkland Funeral Home Christine will offer grief support individually or through group supports. Referrals can be made be contacting Christine at (403) 597-2289 or at christine@parklandfuneralhome.com