Grief support for children and families is limited. Currently when a family member dies, there are no other programs in western Montana providing year round, comprehensive support for kids and adults. In the past year, the area’s most comprehensive program (SEASONS) decided to discontinue services to the bereaved. Tamarack Grief Resource Center evolved from the clear need for a regional grief resource center. Tamarack’s mission is to strengthen grieving individuals and families through support and education. We are committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive support for children and adults in active collaboration with other businesses and service agencies as we launch this new, and valuable organization.

Tamarack Grief Resource Center staff facilitated in-services for school personnel and support groups in both Missoula and Kalispell during the spring of 2008. The grief resource center formally organized and filed for non-profit tax exemption status soon after. Camp Fire transferred its grief camp to Tamarack Grief Resource Center and SEASONS sent out an announcement to all participants referring them to Tamarack for continued grief support.

Executive Director Tina Barrett, EdD, has coordinated grief programs for the past 15 years. Barrett directed the SEASONS program for over a decade and has worked with children and families since 1989.  As a nationally respected specialist in outdoor-based grief support programs, Dr. Barrett has led over 40 grief camps and retreats throughout Montana and in 5 different states, for kids, teens and adults. Her doctoral research interviewed over 100 grieving kids and adults exploring the effectiveness of outdoor-based grief support programs. Barrett shares the wisdom of those children and adults with families and grief professionals at state and national conferences.

Carrie Thiel, MA, Flathead Program Coordinator, leads programs extending grief support throughout the Flathead Valley, building collaborations with school counselors and leading and supervising grief groups in both elementary and high schools.

Carrie has a B.A. in English (1995) from The University of Montana and taught English in Kalispell schools for 13 years, working with both at-risk students and honors students. Recently she completed her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling (2010) from The University of Montana.