Since 2001, the HeartLight Center – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – has welcomed thousands of grieving people just like you. Together, we have created an open, compassionate community that offers strength, peace, and the support you need to move forward.
Through support groups and education, we are committed to giving you the resources you need to help you feel heard, seen, and validated.
Our mission at HeartLight Center is to provide meaningful and accessible grief support and education to the community.
Meet Our Team
Jenn Flaum, LCSW, MBA
Executive Director
Jenn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University. She is passionate about HeartLight Center’s mission, recognizing the profound impact of grief and the healing power of support and community. With over 15 years of experience working at the bedside and in healthcare administration, Jenn is dedicated to collaborating with professionals to raise awareness and provide education on grief and loss. Jenn is passionate about opening doors, hands and hearts for people to find meaningful connections during difficult times in their lives. You can contact Jenn at [email protected]
Allison Gary, MA, LPC
Director of Programming
Allison is a licensed therapist in Colorado specializing in grief and loss counseling. Her personal experiences with grief led her to pursue a career in mental health, earning a Master’s degree from Regis University. At HeartLight Center, she offers compassionate support to those grieving and advocates for grief education. Allison has experience in dementia/Alzheimer’s care, suicide loss, pet loss, and childhood bereavement, using various modalities to help individuals manage life after loss. She also supervises HeartLight’s practicum program, coordinates volunteers, is a member of the Grief Networking Alliance Steering Committee, and offers professional presentations and consultations. Allison is dedicated to supporting others during vulnerable times. Contact her at [email protected] for information on programs and resources.
Megan Hogan
Director of Marketing & Development
Megan holds a bachelor’s of innovation in marketing and communication from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Megan leads HeartLight Center’s marketing and fundraising, leveraging her experience in sales and customer service. She’s passionate about connecting people with HeartLight’s vital support through engaging social media, impactful events, and genuine human connection. Megan is dedicated to fostering community engagement and ensuring everyone knows HeartLight’s light is always on. Reach her at [email protected].
Genna Reeves, Ph.D.
Community Liaison for New Mexico
Genna is an INELDA-trained death doula and grief coach practicing privately through Invictus by Genna: Grief and Loss Services in New Mexico. She specializes in grief support, end-of-life planning, funeral planning, celebrant services, and legacy projects. Genna is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by David Kessler, and has a background in education, research, and support work. Her academic focus on historic and cultural dress includes studying memorialization through textiles. Genna is a founding member of the Grief Networking Alliance of New Mexico and has worked with the Global Wellness Institute’s Dying Well Initiative. Her expertise includes group facilitation, program development, creative grief expressions, and supporting diverse communities in grief, including suicide loss and LGBTQ+ support. Contact her at [email protected].
MeKenzie Russell, LPC/MHSP
Community Liaison for Tennessee
MeKenzie Russell is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Maryville, Tennessee, and has been working in the grief field for approximately 10 years. She specializes in supporting individuals who have faced grief and trauma, guiding them toward healing and comfort in her practice. With a strong background in counseling and grief education, MeKenzie brings empathy and understanding to her work. She is passionate about building bridges between resources and those who need them, promoting a stronger, more supportive community. Additionally, MeKenzie is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by David Kessler. You can contact MeKenzie at [email protected].
Lauren Jensen, LCSW
Community Liaison for Wisconsin
Lauren Jensen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Madison, Wisconsin, with licensure in both Colorado and Wisconsin. Passionate about the power of storytelling, Lauren believes that every person has wisdom within themselves, and she serves as a compassionate guide to help others navigate their emotional healing journeys. Lauren specifically focuses on the intersection of grief, loss, and trauma, offering support to those facing these difficult and inevitable experiences. With a warm and authentic approach, Lauren is committed to connecting individuals with resources, community, and one another, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of joy and meaning in their lives. You can connect with her directly by email at [email protected].
Our Colorado Facilitators
Amanda
Facilitator
Amanda is an author, podcaster and certified grief coach. A native New Yorker turned Coloradoan, and fellow griever.
Anima
Facilitator
Barb
Facilitator
Executive Director of Shimmering Wings helping to coordinate the Colorado Chapter of Camp Erin, Barb also runs a private practice and volunteers with HeartLight.
Bill
Facilitator
Brian
Facilitator
Christina
Facilitator
Cierra
Facilitator
Cierra is completing her masters degree in palliative care social work at Metro State University. She loves everything related to cats, triathlons, and Italy.
Connie
Facilitator
David
Facilitator
DJ
Facilitator
DJ is a retired adolescent mental health advocate in the Boulder Valley School District, and passions include golf, international films, literature, and music.
Emma
Facilitator
Jodi
Facilitator
John
Facilitator
Les
Facilitator
Marguerite
Facilitator
Marguerite is the founder of Igniting Success, working with teams in the fields of leadership development, communication, and team development. She is passionate about her horses, (Zeus & Izzie) and spending time with her husband, Gary.
Mary Ellen
Facilitator
Michael
Facilitator
Michael is a former Broadway actor, funeral director, and currently enjoys time as a volunteer and artist.
Missie
Facilitator
Molly
Facilitator
Monique
Facilitator
Monique loves animals, the color purple, and monster trucks.
Stuart
Facilitator
Jessica
Facilitator
Lucia
Facilitator
Heather
Facilitator
HeartLight Center Board of Directors
Jamie McConaty, Board Chair
Dr. Lynn Gibson
Jennifer Hay
Dr. Stephanie Heitkemper
Effie Kavadas Wilson
June Seppa
Marlene Seward
Jen Thomas
John Veldkamp
Shane Phillips
The HeartLight Center Story
Through her work at the funeral home, Valerie Horan supported many individuals and families after death losses and became acutely aware of the need for grief support in the community. Valerie had a dream for there to be a candle in every window that would welcome grievers to a shared, safe space to process their grief and share their stories. With the full support of John Horan, the HeartLight Center building was established as part of a deep mission for Horan & McConaty to provide grief support for the families they served.
After working with grieving individuals, families, and those who care for them, and having her own grief experience after the death of her father, Jennifer McBride also shared recognition that a great need existed for a program that would serve those who did not fit into what our community offered for care for grieving individuals. Sharing a likeminded vision with Valerie and John, together they cofounded and developed the 501c3 nonprofit, The HeartLight Center, and opened its doors in 2003, offering peer-based grief support groups, open to all bereaved adult individuals in the community.
Starting with just one monthly group for grieving people, offering community and support during some of the most difficult times in their lives, HeartLight Center programs have now grown to offering in-person support groups and workshops in the greater Metro-Denver area, as well as Colorado’s Western Slope, and in New Mexico, as well as offering a robust calendar of virtual programs that can be attended by anyone, anywhere. In addition we provide training, support and resources to professional and volunteer caregivers serving bereaved individuals everywhere.
Jennifer McBride retired as director of Heartlight Center in 2020, and continues to be a champion for the needs of the bereaved individuals and families in our community. Under the direction of our Executive Director, Jenn Flaum, HeartLight Center continues with our mission to grow and serve.
