Grief Support Specialist Program - Continuing Education and Workforce Development

It is with great sadness, we must announce the passing of Mr. Douglas Smith. January 14, 1947 — July 10, 2024. 

Douglas Corry Smith, a compassionate soul and a dedicated healthcare professional, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was 77.

Born on January 14, 1947, Doug lived a rich and meaningful life. A scholar and educator, he earned three master’s degrees in diverse healthcare disciplines. He devoted 37 years to hospice care, serving as Executive Director of Kanawha Hospice Care in Charleston, West Virginia. His impact extended nationwide as he trained healthcare professionals to serve the terminally ill and grieving, conducting workshops in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.

A gifted storyteller, Doug wove personal experiences, grief, and life lessons into compelling narratives. His career was multifaceted, encompassing roles as an Episcopal priest, a stockbroker, a Unitarian Universalist minister, and an Orthodox Catholic bishop. He was a respected educator at the University of Wisconsin and Northern Michigan University, authoring eight books and numerous articles. He trained thousands of students and professionals in end-of-life care and grief counseling.

Doug cherished family and embraced diverse hobbies, including reading, cycling, writing, and wine appreciation. He found great joy in fatherhood, stepparenthood, and grandparenthood.

Doug's legacy is one of kindness and compassion. He touched countless lives and created a safe space for sharing vulnerability. His presence brightened the world.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tara Potter; his son, Joshua Smith; grandsons, DeArzae Fasnacht and Autry Fasnacht; stepchildren Conley Potter, Eann Potter, and Gwen Palmer; and brothers Dan, Don, and Dave Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marjorie Smith; his brother, Dean Smith; and his daughters, Kristin and Maren Smith.

Doug's full obituary can be viewed here. 

Dr. Yan Zhao Ciupak is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Northern Michigan University.  She developed the first MSW and Sociology course on Death, Dying, and Bereavement at Northern Michigan University and co-founded the Grief Support Specialist program. She has an extensive list of national and international publications and speeches to her credit. She was interviewed on TV, radio, and other platforms and given academic talks and workshops about death, dying, and grief. As a Grief Support Specialist, a certified Yoga Instructor, and a meditation practitioner, she advocates for mindfulness-based integrative pedagogies and care. Her most recent book <Supporting the Dying and Grieving: Principles, Tools, and Cases> will be published by Springer Publishing Company in 2025.

Caroline has been a hospice grief group facilitator, a leader of children bereavement camp, and a researcher for subjective wellbeing in the Global Health field. She has ample of experience working with diverse populations who face all sorts of loss – children losing parents and their home, older adults losing their spouses and/or children, and refugees losing their family members and homeland. Caroline has worked with people from all walks of life and in different parts of the world, such as Hong Kong, China, the U.K., Canada, India, and the U.S. She has also been an advocate for children and families from multicultural populations at court in Minnesota.

Caroline Cheng earned a Doctorate in Global Health and Development, specializing the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers; a Master’s Degree in Social Work; and a postgraduate certificate in Education. She is currently teaching various Social Work Courses at the Northern Michigan University as an assistant professor. Her research interests and practice experiences include health and well-being, trauma and coping mechanisms, human rights advocacy, spirituality social work, holistic healing, child protection, and migration. She is actively working on global collaborations and involved in research projects relating to political asylum seeking and trauma, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on wellbeing. She has published a few articles on various topics, such as the impact of social connections on subjective wellbeing.

Molly Tomony MA, ATR-BC, LPC is a board-certified, registered Art Therapist and licensed professional counselor. She has worked at hospice, Gilda's Club and Rainbow Project providing grief groups for children and teens who are grieving or have experienced trauma. Molly currently coordinates the Art Therapy program at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. She understands the power of art to express feelings when words are not enough. Witnessing young people use art to transform pain and anger into insight and growth has fueled her to continue this work for over 25 years. In her free time, she likes to paint and spend time outdoors with her family. 

Dr. Mark helps people who have suffered traumatic loss and complicated or prolonged grief through individual sessions provided in person in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or via telehealth anywhere in the US. 

In addition to working with individuals, Dr. Mark serves people experiencing a wide variety of losses through virtual and in-person groups. Topics addressed include supporting parents following loss of a child due to illness, suicide, trauma, miscarriage, or stillbirth; and spouses or families of those suffering traumatic brain injury or life-changing illnesses such as ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or other dementias. 

Dr. Mark works with families, congregations, and communities in the face of tragedy from accidents, shootings, natural disasters, and suicide. He is available for speaking engagements at universities, educational events, and community settings. He provides consultation to physicians, attorneys, pastors, teachers, and church workers as they support their people through loss and grief.