About Us

Mr. Sam Vander Schelde

BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist

Social Work BSW RSW, Social Work BSW, MSW, RSW, Thanatologist

Sam offers a warm, non-judgmental space for men, fathers, women, and families to explore grief, loss, identity, and life transitions in ways that feel safe, grounded, and authentic. With a deep understanding of masculine grief and the pressures many men carry to stay strong, he helps fathers and men express vulnerability, process complex emotions, and redefine strength on their own terms. He also supports women and mothers through the layered emotional demands of grief, providing compassionate validation and practical tools for healing. Drawing on his background in social work and thanatology, Sam focuses on building resilient, trusting relationships that empower individuals and families to grow, reconnect with purpose, and move forward with greater emotional clarity and confidence.

Mrs. Kimberley Vander Schelde

Grief, Bereavement and Loss Specialist

Grief, Loss, & Learning Thanatology Specialist, The Porchlight Program - Night-time Non-Clinical Grief Support

Kim Vander Schelde (she/her) is a dedicated grief, bereavement, and loss specialist serving individuals across Canada with deep empathy and compassionate care. Grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience, Kim specializes in supporting parents of children diagnosed with cancer and brings personal insight shaped by infertility, partner loss, life with a first responder, suicide, life-limiting illness, and experiences with crime. She offers a safe, steady space for people to feel heard, understood, and supported—especially when other supports feel unavailable or insufficient—providing thoughtful presence, genuine connection, and hope during life’s most difficult moments

Mrs. Sarah Pollard

BSW, RSW

Social Work BSW RSW

Sarah is a compassionate, trauma-informed Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, loss, and emotional challenges. She provides strengths-based, solution-focused counselling informed by CBT, along with practical resource navigation during vulnerable times. Sarah works with adults and individuals across the lifespan, offering care for concerns including anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, infertility and miscarriage loss, palliative care, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, and cognitive changes. Her passion lies in creating a safe, supportive space where people can process grief, build resilience, and move gently from struggle toward healing.

Core Values

Empathy

We practice deep, heartfelt empathy, drawing from our own lived experiences with grief to truly understand and connect with those navigating their own journeys of loss.

Respect for Individuality

We honour the unique experiences of each individual, recognizing that grief is a deeply personal process influenced by culture, relationships, and personal history. Every person's journey is worthy of respect and validation.

Compassionate Care

We are committed to providing compassionate, non-judgemental support, ensuring that every individual feels nurtured and understood in their time of need. Our approach is rooted in kindness and the belief that healing begins with connection.

Vision Statement

Compassionate and Supportive

We envision a world where everyone facing grief is met with compassion, respect, and the support they need to heal and thrive within their community, guided by a deep understanding of loss and the values of dignity and justice.

Mission Statement

Client-Centered Care from Lived Experiences

At This Thing Called Grief, we are dedicated to offering compassionate, client-centered care for those experiencing grief and loss.

Our practice is rooted in lived experiences and values of empathy, respect, and empowerment.

We walk alongside individuals, honoring their unique experiences and promoting healing through geniune connection, advocacy, and emotional wellbeing. Everyone experiencing grief deserves to be met with understanding and care.

Our Story

This Thing Called Grief started with a shared passion for holistic, patient-centered support.

We created a space in London, ON where compassion and care come together to help you through your journey.

Core Values

Empowerment Through Strength

We believe in empowering individuals by fostering a sense of agency in their healing process. We equip them with tools, resources, and support to cultivate resilience and personal growth, helping them navigate grief on their terms

Authentic Connection

We prioritize the creation of genuine relationships, cultivating a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can share their stories and feelings without fear. We aim to foster community and solidarity among those experiencing grief.

Integrity and Accountability

We uphold the highest standards of integrity, practicing transparency and accountability in all our interactions. We are committed to ethical practices and standards that prioritize the well-being of those we serve.

Why We Care

At This Thing Called Grief, we believe that every individual's journey through grief deserves understanding, compassion, and personalized support. Your well-being is our priority, and we are dedicated to walking alongside you every step of the way.

Core Values

Holistic Care

We take a whole-person approach to grief, addressing emotional, mental, and social well-being to provide comprehensive support for healing and growth.

Advocacy for Voices in Grief

We actively advocate for individuals experiencing grief, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. We work to dismantle societal stigmas and barriers surrounding grief and loss.

Holistic Well-Being

We embrace a holistic approach to grief support, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our goal is to nurture the whole person as they heal, helping them integrate their experiences into a meaningful narrative of resilience.

Reach Out to Us Today

We’re here to listen and help

You can easily book an appointment through our secure online JaneApp booking page. If you have questions, visit our contact page for more information. Feel free to fill out the contact form below; we're ready to assist you.

BOOK NOW CONTACT

Advocacy

We are dedicated to advocating for those experiencing grief, working to break down barriers and create a world where their needs and voices are acknowledged and respected.