Most people stepping into a new, high visibility position in the community can be expected to suffer from some fear and anxiety right alongside the euphoria of realizing that their hard work has paid off handsomely and they are, in fact, now in command. If Stephanie Kohler doesn’t necessarily exhibit some of those emotions, it’s because she’s surrounded by people coached in emotional counseling…and then, too, there’s the fact that she already pretty much knows everyone in the place.
Stephanie Kohler has been tabbed recently to take the helm at Lory’s Place, a grief, healing, and education center of Caring Circle, a Lakeland Health Affiliate, where she becomes the organization’s Director, following the retirement of Lisa Bartoszek.
Kohler, who hails from St. Joseph, holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a communications concentration and a certificate in thanatology from the National Center for Death Education at Mt. Ida College. She’s anything but a stranger to staff and many clients, inasmuch as prior to her current role she served as a family services coordinator at Lory’s Place beginning in 2005 before transitioning to family services coordinator leader in 2016.
Stephanie tells us, “It has been an absolute blessing to witness the impact and success of Lory’s Place since the beginning.” She adds, “I have seen it through the eyes of participant after my own significant loss, volunteer, and staff member for over ten years. We have walked alongside thousands of children, teens and adults since the doors opened in November of 2004. These stories, mine included, grace the walls and remind all of us of the courage it takes to walk in and choose to do grief work.”
Stephanie has facilitated both adult and children peer support groups at Lory’s Place as well as peer outreach groups in some of the 50 schools throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties that comprise its service area. In addition to overall program responsibility, she will continue to administer several groups, as well as lead community collaborations with The Readiness Center, Catholic Community Center, and Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor.
As Stephanie will tell you, “Healing in our grief, gaining the tools to mourn in a healthy way, and finding that safe space to be with others who understand is the cornerstone that Lory’s Place stands on.” She also points out, “We have been working diligently to educate communities about how to support others who are grieving, and to find community partners who believe as we do, that every person deserves every opportunity to tell their story.”
Lory’s Place services are provided at no cost by a staff of six and a team of volunteer facilitators. Educational opportunities called Grief 101 are presented to school, business, and community groups. Additionally, Lory’s Place supports the community in times of crisis, within school systems, businesses, or other agencies. For more information on Lory’s Place and the services offered, you can call (269) 983-2707.
