Become a
"Friend of the Center"
You can help us serve low- and no-income families with your tax-deductible contribution.
We keep our administrative and overhead costs to a minimum making your contribution really count in the lives of those trying to heal from traumatic loss and grief. (more)
Volunteers Needed
We are always looking for individuals or groups to help with maintenance and projects around our "charming little house on Grand."
The Center is also adding to its volunteer base through helpers with fundraising events, clerical support, marketing, and fundraising. Please contact us with ways you can help.
Recommended Reading
Here is a listing of books and articles that are recommended by the staff at The Center For Grief:
A Book By Executive Director Tom Ellis
The Center is now offering a book entitled This Thing Called Grief: New Understandings of Loss, by Executive Director Tom Ellis.
The book provides new understandings of loss with tools to help transform grief. Tom uses many real-life narratives of loss from his therapy practice to help illustrate various ways of grieving, and shows how you can learn from the experience of loss and make your way towards a place of healing transitions and a renewed sense of life. Read More
Trauma and Grief: Virginia Tech Massacre
We are discovering that we do not have to be present to feel the reactions of grief, loss and trauma. Read More
A Nation Grieves
Can you recall what year the traumatic events of September 11th changed our lives? Do you quickly re-live those terrible images that remain etched in our minds? Read More
Hope Through Complicated Grief
The 35W bridge tragedy has brought grief and trauma to our community. The ripple effects from this disaster will continue to impact those whose loved ones were killed, witnesses and the heroes involved in helping others, and all who continue to have thoughts and feelings around this complicated loss. Read More
Give Grief It's Time
Grief has been described as a roller coaster of emotions, a wave that engulfs you, an ever-changing sea of experiences, and a place with no ceiling, floor, walls or protection. C. S. Lewis experienced grief as feeling like fear itself. Read More
Articles About The Center For Grief
Service Award
The Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has awarded Tom Ellis the Distinguished Service Award. Read More
A Unique Resource
Since January 1, 1996, the Center has responded to the harsh reality of traumatic loss from homicide, suicide, accidental and multiple losses and the demand for specialized services in these areas. Read More
The Center is staffed by experienced pros with specialized education and training in the most current methods.
(meet the team)
Tom Ellis, MA
Licensed Marriage and
Family Therapist,
Executive Director, and Clinical Supervisor
Tom is a marriage and family therapist at the Center with a special focus on trauma. He is also a clinical supervisor, consultant, writer, trainer and critical incident de-briefer. (more)
Sarah Logan, MA
Program Director
Grief Therapist
Sarah provides therapy to individuals, families, groups and children. She has worked in school settings and with young mothers, teenagers and children. (more)
Gayle Sherman Crandell, MA, LPC
Development Director
Therapist and Trainer
Gayle Sherman Crandell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Development Director at the Center for Grief. (more)