Last week, my PALS co-founders and I hosted the first-ever PALS Summit, a conference designed for after loss professionals. This three-day event was filled with business workshops, a keynote speaker, exhibitors, and numerous learning sessions. One of the most impactful sessions came on the final day from Ashley Jones, the Founder & Executive Director of Momento Foundation. Her talk, “Stand Out as an After Loss Professional: Mastering Trauma-Informed Care,” offered profound insights that resonated deeply with all of us.
Ashley emphasized that trauma-informed care begins with self-awareness, meeting others where they are, understanding how trauma impacts the brain, and creating a safe, calming presence that fosters co-regulation and genuine connection. By meeting chaos with calm, we help others feel seen, heard, and understood. The knowledge Ashley shared was both valuable and timely, and I’m eager to incorporate these principles into my own work as an after loss professional.
Ashley’s Story & A Special Book
Ashley knows grief intimately. After losing her daughter, Skylar, to a terminal illness before her second birthday, she felt shattered. In her quest for support, she found that most grief resources fell short of meeting her needs. Despite her search, she felt the lack of adequate support and saw that many others in similar situations were struggling too.
After a decade of helping hundreds of families navigate grief, Ashley decided to write the book she had always needed: “When You Can’t See The Light”—a trauma-informed guide to grief that’s real, raw, and judgment-free. The book is currently available through a Kickstarter campaign, and I’m thrilled to support it.
This book offers:
- No toxic positivity.
- No imposed timelines.
- No judgment—just genuine, authentic support.
It’s designed for those with ‘grief brain,’ featuring short chapters, meaningful artwork, and a mindful approach to healing.
A Special Launch on a Significant Day
The timing of this Kickstarter is special. Skylar was born on November 19, making Ashley a mother. On what would have been her sixth birthday, Ashley founded Love Not Lost (now known as Momento Foundation) with friends and family, transforming a day of sadness into one of purpose.
Now, this Kickstarter campaign closes on November 19—Skylar’s 15th birthday. What was once a painful day is being transformed yet again, and you can be a part of it.
Join Me in Supporting the Campaign
Together, we can expand trauma-informed care within our community, meeting pain with love and transforming hurt into healing. I’ve already supported this campaign, and I hope you will too. Let’s bring this meaningful resource to life and help those in the midst of grief find their way.
