about Terri DeMontrond

After decades of mental health challenges and self medicating with substances my daughter Misty decided to end her life on August 12, 2012.  

Together she and I (and many, many professionals) spent over 20 years working together to stabilize her health and wellbeing.  I never once considered or believed it wouldn’t eventually work out.  As her mother I carried the HOPE banner Every. Single. Day.

After her death I could barely breathe, my thoughts scrambled. As I toppled down into the depths of that ‘dark night of the soul’ we’ve heard about, somehow I began searching for my own lifeline. Looking for what would help me survive life without her.  

I was so fortunate to come across Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, Founder of the MISS Foundation and the Selah Carefarm. It was September 2013 and I was coming out of the shock and deep grief fog of the first year, feeling so much more than I felt I could handle.  

Dr. Jo’s ATTEND model methods slowly but surely pulled me from the depths.  And our time together eventually led me to become a part of the MISS Foundation/Selah Carefarm team. Her work is helping hundreds of thousands of people around the world who’ve had to experience and endure the loss of a beloved child

I have completed Dr. Jo’s Compassionate Bereavement Care (CBC) courses multiple times including the Advanced Skills Course.

From my own personal experience I know how hard it is to seek support and absorb resources early in grief.  

Allow me to help you with that.

Losing a child or children is said to be one of the hardest life experience a human can be forced to face. That you are seeking support is an act of courage. Stepping into the ‘what’s next’ is difficult. Together we will create a safe space to share, learn about traumatic grief, and grow your community of compassionate companions who have their own story of child loss.

I’m Terri, mom to Thomas, age 51 and Misty Dawn, forever 35.  

My childhood was filled with chaos and was often unsafe. As a result of that early home life I developed skills that helped me survive.  I have always been a helper, a caregiver and a nurturer.  I care about people and bring calm, compassion, and empathy into all situations.

I have acquiring certifications in various healing modalities;
~ Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy
~ Healing Touch
~ Reiki Master
~ Martha Beck certified Life Coach
~ Wholistic Nutritional -Clayton College

Compassionate Bereavement Care Practitioner and Peer Mentor for the MISS Foundation

 October 2013 – Present

  • Facilitate Zoom meetings to counsel and support families who endured traumatic loss as well as virtual Support Groups

  • Reached out to Mentor applicants and conducted interviews

  • Trained new Mentors via Zoom 

  • Processed intakes for families entering the MISS program via email, video and phone calls 

  • Researched resources, put together informational packets, and sent them to families entering the program

  • Used all data compiled during intake to connect families entering the program with an appropriate mentor

  • Co-coordinated fundraiser for the Foundation 

  • Assisted in co-coordinating CBC programs when needed

  • Responded via email and phone to all questions from families and mental health professionals about resources offered by the MISS Foundation

  • Assist in facilitating retreats for families to the MISS Foundation’s therapeutic Selah Carefarm in Sedona, AZ 

  • Serve as the Hospitality Coordinator for families coming for a visit to the Carefarm

Misty Dawn and I published an
article for the Rebelle Society

Not long after Misty died I wrote a chapter for a book titled “Reflections on Mortality”, and later submitted and excerpt that was published online by e-zine Rebelle Society.  

  • “Finding Terri one month after the death of my child was a literal lifeline for me.  In the depth of shock and horror, Terri’s voice on the other end of the phone was a beacon of light and her presence was an anchor. Her words were so gentle and kind.  She was someone who knew how I felt and had once been where I was.  She offers deep compassion, loving presence, wisdom and strength with humility and grace. Terri has walked the path of grief and heartache and has committed her life to being of service to the bereaved, especially bereaved parents.  I trust her completely to hold and accompany the broken hearted with her heart of gold.”

    -Monique Miyake
    Bereaved parent, Hospice Nurse and Chaplain

  • “To work with Terri is to work with a trusted and wise friend. She is calm and present, circumspect and responsive, and she is a sage for all time.  Her capacity to hold space for others with unparalleled tenderness is supernatural.  I trust her without reservation and recommend time with her as salve for shattered open hearts.”

    -Dr. Joanne Cacciatore…

  • “It has been a privilege knowing and working with Terri; she is an incredibly gentle, generous, and compassionate soul. Her contributions to the Selah Carefarm have been extensive. She was instrumental in developing and leading the Selah Carefarm mentor program connecting newly bereaved parents and family members to their grieving peers; she is an incredible mentor to several bereaved mothers; she is an empathetic leader in grief support group counseling sessions; she led groups of bereaved parents through Dr. Joann Cacciatore’s Bearing the Unbearable Wisdom Academy; and the list goes on.”

    -Dr. Cheryl Pence, LPC, NCC
    Grief Counselor, Selah Carefarm

  • “Terri, while dealing with the worst pain imaginable herself, has found room in her big heart to help others navigate these wild waters. With her, you feel heard, seen, and held. She is a compassionate and beautiful soul.”

    -Sheila White

  • “Terri DeMontrond is a wonderfully warm wise woman who listened and supported me through my first year of early grief after losing my son.  Her lived experience, compassion and knowledge helped normalize my experience and give glimmers of hope that survival is possible.”

    Pam Downey – Ronan’s mom

  • “Terri brings a non judgemental warmth and openness with her into every interaction. She operates from a baseline of kindness and deep empathy, and I felt comfortable and “known” by her almost immediately. I always feel seen and heard by Terri, and never scared to share the darkest moments with her- she is a gift to anyone in deep grief. You are a gift, dear Terri”

    Jesse– Gidi’s momma

  • “Terri helped me right out of the gate with Miss Foundation. I was in a very dark place. Her expertise and knowledge was invaluable and you put me on a healing journey from that point forward. She will always be my Earthly guardian Angel.”

    Geoff Reader – Daniel’s Dad

  • “Through sharing your own grief journey, you have inspired me along my own path of loss. You have also gifted me with much love, support and understanding as I dealt with my difficult journey. Your unwavering dedication to be there for others has meant the world to me.”

    Izzy

  • Terri has a caring and deeply compassionate nature that is supportive in the most painful of moments. She seamlessly integrates her professional and painful lived personal experience to tend to broken hearts with gentle and sturdy support. She is a beacon of kindness for many when the world feels so unkind.

    Terri Waibel

  • “Terri was my lifeline during the first year after losing my only child, Trevor. Her gentle presence and wise words helped me in countless ways. During the next two years and still today, as I enter the fourth year as a bereaved Mom, Terri also became a trusted mentor and friend. She is, most simply put, a beautiful, compassionate human being who has suffered much loss in her own life and dedicates her time and heart to the reluctant community of bereaved parents and family. Her commitment to supporting us all in rebuilding our lives after the worst tragedies imaginable is truly a gift beyond words.”

    Deb – Trevor’s Mom

  • Terri DeMontrond is an extraordinarily empathetic, insightful, and intuitive soul. I can't think of someone better suited to this noble work.

    S.D. – Keith’s Dad

  • I feel so blessed to have been referred to Terri DeMontrond after the tragic loss of my son, Jason from a heroin overdose in 2019.  She exudes empathy and  compassion and is the best listener I’ve ever known.  Very few are given this gift; able to bear witness and truly understand the tragic, unbearable loss of a child.  Terri has helped me find hope and meaning, along this most heartbreaking journey.  It’s not something to go through alone.

    Jason’s Mom – Dianne

  • Terri has been an exceptional source of support, always offering a safe haven for me to navigate the difficult and complex emotions following the trauma and grief of losing my daughter. Her compassion and wisdom have been a guiding light during my darkest moments. Her empathetic approach and gentle words provide comfort for my hurting heart.

    Tammie Brenton ~ Madi’s Momma

  • Terri has been a kind and deeply compassionate facilitator for an online grief recovery support group “Bearing the Unbearable” that I have been attending for over a year. She brings her extensive knowledge and guides the group in thinking of ways to cope with their grief. She speaks from her heart and has helped me in my grief journey.

    Sharon’s mom Susan

  • I was referred to Terri about a year ago after my new born daughter passed away suddenly at only 64 days old. From the first time and many times after that Terri has always been there for me with the right answer that I so desperately was looking for.  She has been a saving grace in my grief journey.

    Zoey’s Dad – Jeff

  • I met Terri through the MISS Foundation’s HOPE Mentor program, and we quickly became friends. Terri and I share something that no one wishes to share- that terrible but too-common state of being bereaved parents. Terri has the rare quality of keeping her own grief in the open, while also being deeply committed to making the world a better place through compassion, empathy, and action. I’m so glad to know Terri and know that anyone who works with her will be so grateful they are.

    Jamie’s Dad - Mychael

Certificates and Certifications