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Message From Our Board

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our Team at Gabby’s Grief Center, we extend a warm welcome to the community.

Gabby’s Grief Center’s Board of Directors is composed of southeast Michigan business and philanthropic leaders who keep the organization’s mission in focus with every decision and initiative. Board members guide Gabby’s Grief Center in our efforts to develop new ways to comfort grieving families and educate the public on the life-changing benefits of grief support.

Our Team is committed to providing a wide range of support services, including grief support groups, school-based and educational initiatives, community workshops, workplace bereavement care, and online resources, all of which are offered at no cost to those grieving. We believe everyone deserves access to the support they need during this difficult time before and after a death loss.

Thank you for visiting our website and for considering Gabby’s Grief Center as a resource for your grief support needs. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect, serve and support you on your healing journey.

Board of Directors

Honorable Christian J. Horkey

Board President, Nov 2021 - Nov 2027
District Court Judge

Renee Darrow

Board Vice Chair, Jan 2025- Jan 2028
Registered Nurse, Retired

April Eggert

Secretary, May 2023 - May 2029
AVP Marketing & Community Engagement, TLC Community Credit Union

Laurie Loveland

Treasurer, Jan 2021 - Jan 2027
DTE Principal Nuclear Planning Analyst, Retired

Eric Johnson

Creative Director, Gabby’s Grief Center, Member, May 2023 - May 2029
Senior Graphic Designer, La-Z-Boy, Inc.

Benny Capaul, IDLM, LAP, NELP

Member, Jan 2021 - Jan 2027
Death Consultant; Death Doula
Podcast Author:
“Let’s Talk About Death”

Anya Luck

Member, March 2026 - March 2032
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Legal Counsel,
Monroe County ISD

Executive Team

Kate Longenbarger,
LPC, NCC, CFLE, CFRM

Executive Director

Our Team

Ericka Lawson

Administrative Coordinator

Hope Lazarra, LMSW

Grief Services Coordinator

Madeline Longenbarger, MSW

Family Services Coordinator

Ann Gerlach

Grief Companion,
Newly Grieving and Valley Walkers

Nancy Cosby

Grief Companion,
World of Widowhood

Denice Yost

Grief Companion,
Hope after Suicide Loss

Diane Fore

Grief Companion,
Duet Family Caregiver Trained- Common Bond

Bob Hoffman

Grief Companion,
Men's World of Widowhood

David Heilman

Grief Companion,
Men's World of Widowhood


Call 734-242-8773 to connect with your grief companion today!