The Myths of Kids and Grief with Jessica Hotchkiss

The Restorative Pulse

Jessica Hotchkiss is a Certified Child Life Specialist, Certified Grief Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has been working with children and families since 2012, having worked in both the clinical and school settings. Jessica received her Master's degree in Counseling from North Dakota State University in 2015 and is currently finishing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education. Her clinical and research focus is on the impact of grief/loss on children, families, and professionals. She has given presentations at the local, national, and international level on working with children and families, grief, and resiliency in stressful events. Death work is considered the greatest privilege of Jessica's career. She has spent the majority of her career in the hospital environment, helping families cope with the impact of new diagnoses, medical experiences, trauma, death and grief. She has worked with children and adults at end-of-life, and those diagnosed with chronic/terminal illnesses. Her goal is to make sure that people feel supported through something that society shies away from. She works to educate not only patients, but staff as well, on death, grief, and the importance of legacy-building. Along with her specialty area in death work, Jessica works with adults and children to meet their counseling goals regarding relationship concerns, anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression. Jessica Hotchkiss, MS, LAPC, CCLS, NCC, GC-C Certified Child Life Specialist Lead Certified Grief Counselor Doctoral Candidate | Counselor Education & Supervision North Dakota State University [e-mail]