Jennifer McBride has more than two decades of experience helping people deal with their grief in the face of loss.  From the tragedies at Columbine High School and the Aurora Theater shooting, to working with individuals and families who have lost children, spouses, parents, siblings and grandparents, she has walked with people through some of the darkest times of their lives.

Her experience is translated to teaching others who work with grieving people, including hospice and hospital professionals and volunteers, grief professionals, funeral directors, first responders and victim advocates.  She speaks frequently in Colorado at conferences and other training events, presents at professional conferences nationally, and was the keynote speaker for a conference in Jackson TN for families who had lost children, first responders, hospital and funeral professionals, and victim advocates.

She recently retired as an employee-owner and Director of Grief Support and Community Education with Horan and McConaty Funeral Service, the largest family owned funeral service in the Rocky Mountain region. Concurrently, she retired as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Heartlight Center, a 501(c)(3) organization providing grief education and support to the Denver metro community and education and training to grief professionals and volunteers.

In her “retirement” Jennifer continues to serve as a celebrant for funerals and weddings, as well conducting training programs in the area of Grief and Bereavement.

Jennifer is being honored this year as a History Colorado 2022 Corn Mother. https://www.cornmothers.com

Jennifer holds a BA in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design, and  a Masters in Pastoral Care from St Thomas Theological Seminary (Summa Cum Laude).  She is a Fellow in Thanatology, the highest designation awarded by the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and a diaconal minister with the Lutheran Church.