PRESIDENT: Kathy Sandler
Kathy is the current Arizona Bereavement Alliance President.
In January 2011, Kathy Sandler became the first Executive Director of the international nonprofit MISS Foundation. She is charged with evolving the MISS Foundation’s organizational capacity and infrastructure so as to grow the current programs and expand the MISS Foundation outreach around the world.
Kathy’s affiliation with the MISS Foundation began in 2003 when she was the secretary to Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and eventual Executive Director of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation. She and Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, MISS Foundation Founder, collaborated and co-hosted events for the MISS Foundation and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation. In 2008, she won the Phoenix Award, the highest honor of the MISS Foundation. Kathy’s volunteer efforts with MISS continued during her graduate studies at Arizona State University, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in May 2010 and her Certificate in Trauma and Bereavement. That same year, Kathy helped the MISS Foundation to publish MISSing Ingredients: A Re-Member-ing Cookbook, a compilation of recipes and memories from MISS Families. She was also the chair of the MISS Foundation’s 2010 Conference, “Exploring Mindful Grief: A Journey for Families and Professionals.”
Kathy’s interest and dedication to compassionate care, education and advocacy of the bereaved extends into her professional interests and affiliations. During her graduate coursework, Kathy interned with the Glendale Fire Department’s Crisis Response Team and the VA Medical Center. Both internship opportunities involved crisis intervention, assessment, outreach, and grief and bereavement support especially in the areas of child death, suicide, suicide prevention, fire, PTSD, and combat related issues. Kathy was in the first cohort of ASU’s graduate Certificate of Trauma and Bereavement program. This certificate program is the first of its kind at the university level and was in addition to her Master’s of Social Work curriculum.
Kathy lives in Scottsdale with her husband and two children.
VICE PRESIDENT: Ron Friesen
Ron is a licensed professional counselor and serves as Lead Counselor with Catholic Social Service - Phoenix. He is a recognized Certified Thanatologist (CT) by the Association of Death Education and Counseling for his over 20 years of work with bereaved adults and children. Ron is a member of the American Counseling Association, American Academy of Bereavement, Association of Death Education and Counseling and The Arizona Group Psychotherapy Society. In addition to his role as an adjunct faculty member oat Ottawa University and Grand Canyon, Ron is a certified field educator/supervisor for ASU Social Work Dept., ASU Counseling Dept., University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Argosy University, University of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University.
Besides his work as a counselor, Ron is also a recognized spiritual leader in the Phoenix area. In addition to his leadership to his own faith community, for over twenty-five years, Ron has been involved in ecumenical and inter-faith organizations that have addressed the issues of homelessness, racism, poverty, hunger and HIV/AIDS in the Valley of the Sun.
TREASURER - Debra Reed
Debra previously served as Secretary/Treasurer for the ABA for 3 years, from 2007-2009, and continues her service with the ABA as Treasurer. She is the Bereavement Resource Coordinator for the Diocese of Phoenix and has held that position for the last 6 years. She was also the Candidate and Novice Director with Sisters of the Divine Savior for 7 years, and she was a Hospital Chaplain for 13 years, specializing in the ministry with persons with AIDS.
