Meet Our Team
Jenn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Business Administration. 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 through grief and loss education. Jenn is passionate about opening doors, hands, and hearts for people to find meaningful connections during difficult times in their lives. Contact Jenn at jflaum@heartlightcenter.org.
Executive DirectorJenn Flaum, LCSW, MBA
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. Allison offers compassionate support to those grieving and is a grief education advocate. 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. Allison is dedicated to supporting others during vulnerable times. Contact Allison at allison@heartlightcenter.org
Director of ProgrammingAllison Gary, MA, LPC
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. Contact Megan at mhogan@heartlightcenter.org.
Director of Marketing and DevelopmentMegan Hogan
Director of Community OutreachKelly Karavousanos, LPC
Kelly brings over 20 years of experience walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate grief, loss, and healing. Kelly has served as a therapist, funeral director & grief educator—with a deep commitment to holding space for others during some of life’s most difficult moments. Kelly believes in the power of being open to change, to healing & to not having all the answers.
It is Kelly’s hope that everyone who connects with HeartLight feels seen, supported, and reminded that healing is possible. Contact Kelly at kkaravousanos@heartlighcenter.org
Teddy Karavousanos
Meet Teddy 🐾
Teddy is our grief comfort dog, offering soft snuggles and steady companionship to those walking through loss. His calm spirit and kind eyes bring peace in moments when words fall short. He reminds us that even in grief, love still shows up—in fur, in warmth, and in presence.
Grief Comfort Companion
Program AssistantCierra McNamara
Cierra is a Masters of Social Work Student with MSU, and has experience as a palliative care specialize, death doula, and a mindfulness instructor. She has been affiliated with HeartLight Center for many years through the Grief Networking Alliance and being in the end-of-life care community for over 20 years. When you reach out to HeartLight for the first time, she will be the voice to greet you and answer your questions to help you find the right support programming for you. Contact Cierra at cmcnamara@heartlightcenter.org.
Genna Reeves, Ph.D.
Genna is an INELDA-trained death doula and peer counselor practicing privately through Invictus by Genna: Grief and Loss Services in New Mexico. She offers peer grief support, funeral planning, celebrant services, and legacy projects. Genna is a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler and a Certified Provider through Claire Bidwell Smith’s grief support training. With a background in education and research, her academic work explored memorialization through dress and textiles. She serves as Chair of the Grief Networking Alliance of New Mexico. Her expertise includes sudden and traumatic loss, group facilitation, program development, and creative grief expression. Contact Genna at greeves@heartlightcenter.org.
Community Liaison, New Mexico
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. Contact MeKenzie at mrussell@heartlightcenter.org.
Community Liaison, TennesseeMeKenzie Russell, LPC/MHSP
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Grief Informed Professional with over 15 years of experience. She believes in the power of storytelling and that every person carries innate wisdom. Lauren serves as a compassionate guide for those navigating grief and loss, trauma, and mental health concerns, approaching each healing journey with authenticity and care. Through a warm and mindful presence, she helps people reconnect with themselves and one another—offering resources, fostering community, and nurturing resilience. Cntact Lauren at ljensen@heartlightcenter.org.
Community Liaison, WisconsinLauren Jensen, LCSW
Jenny is a dedicated professional driven by a calling to support those navigating the complexities of grief. Drawing on years of experience in the funeral home industry, she focuses on easing the pain of loss and helping widows and families find the connection and resources they need to avoid isolation. Jenny also serves on the Board of Directors for the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and holds leadership roles with Adult Children of Aging Parents and The Golden Circle Senior Resource Group. A lifelong volunteer, she has served organizations such as Girl Scouts, Kansas City Hospice, and Catholic Charities.
She has been supporting grief care programming with Muehlebach Funeral Care and looks forward to bringing more grief support to the area through this partnership with HeartLight Center.
Community Liaison, Kansas City