About Us

At A Haven we support grieving children with a family-centered approach. We acknowledge that empowering families to walk through grief together is an important piece in supporting a grieving child. Research now reveals that the number one determining factor on how a child grieves is how the parent/guardians grieve. In addition, family communication and a healthy environment can lessen the burden of grief. Knowing these factors, our focus is to support and equip these trusted adults to lead their children through grief in a healthy trust-building way and navigate grief together as a family. While also providing a safe place for children, teens, and young adults to know they are not alone in their grief.

Our Name and Logo

We thought we’d explain a little bit about our name and logo. We chose the name A Haven because of its definition: “a place of refuge or safety.”⠀

When grieving - we can’t fix anything for your family - but what we can do is be there and create a safe space to work through feelings and provide tools for coping. We believe that grief is a normal natural response to loss.

Our logo is a nest. The metaphor of a nest is a place of refuge and safety. Our desire is that every time you come in contact with A Haven - you feel a sense of safety and refuge in your grief. A nest is built ‘piece by piece’ by finding, gathering, and weaving twigs and other materials together.

At A Haven, we partner with you and your family to gather and weave together support, coping skills, and grief education. Our desire is that you will continue to weave more pieces into your nest, little by little, building your safe place to grieve.

Meet the Team

MICHELLE NOBLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? It has been an honor building the team of A Haven and seeing it flourish the first 5 years. Our whole team from Board members, volunteers, donors, and staff have one goal: to welcome grieving children and families into the nest. To allow space for their grief. That is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? I love to travel and make memories with friends and family. To relax, I need sunshine & nature in any season.

How do you like your coffee? Vanilla Latte please!

Contact Michelle at: michelle@ahaven.org

LIZ DREIBELBIS, CLINICAL DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

MA, ATR-BC, LPC

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? A Haven was founded to increase access to support & expand grief literacy in our community for grieving children & their caregivers. It is an honor to be a part of this team of amazing individuals, who together create a safe place & a refuge in grief.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? I love taking long hikes/backpacking in nature, runs, needle felting, doing any type of art while listening to music, and a good cup of coffee.

How do you like your coffee? Freshly ground, French press with a splash of cream.

Contact Liz at: liz@ahaven.org or 484-639-3140

Kate LANNAN, EDUCATION Director

MS, LSW

Oversees all Education Grief Training & Volunteer Coordinator

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? Spreading awareness and encouraging people to talk about their experiences so that someday families in grief won’t ever have to feel alone.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? Reading a cookbook and making plans to host family and friends. Also, curling up at the end of the day with a blanket & a scary story.

How do you like your coffee? A coconut milk latte- hot all year round!

Contact Kate at: kate@ahaven.org or (610) 840-7301

Carrie silver, Family services director

MA, LPC

Oversees all inquiries and ensures our families get the support they need.

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? As the Family Grief Specialist, i am continually inspired by the resilience of our families. I love connecting with families to ensure they are sufficiently supported in their grief journey.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? Reading, podcasts, & organizing anything!

How do you like your coffee? In a tinkerbell mug, with just a little bit of milk.

Contact Carrie at: carrie@ahaven.org or 484-716-1807

CAssandra Keys, group lead

Graduated Immaculata University May 2023 with a M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling,

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? I love being able to work with the teens and having the freedom to allow them to express their grief in any way they need to. This could be by smashing pumpkins or by just holding a space for them to talk with other teens about what they are experiencing during their grief journey. My work with A Haven has helped me to start to fulfill the reason I wanted to become a counselor and for that I am grateful.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? My favorite relaxing hobby is reading a book or spending time with friends. My favorite active hobby is just spending time with my nephews, niece, and puppy.

How do you like your coffee? t depends on the day but if it's just a regular cup of coffee I like my coffee sweet with sugar and flavored creamer. (If it is pumpkin season anything pumpkin related)

Contact Cassie at: cassie@ahaven.org or 484-787-7418

Carolyn hilden, Group Lead

MS, NCC

Leads onsite support groups.

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? The beauty and privilege of accompanying families in their grief journey.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? Baking & playing basketball

How do you like your coffee? Black

Meet the Business Team

Natalie Macnamara, Operations director

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? The ability to see the direct impact on the organization as we grow.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? Walking, listening to music or audiobooks, mystery rides with my kids, binge watching shows with my husband and painting my nails.

How do you like your coffee? Almond milk and sugar free syrup.

Contact Natalie at: Natalie@AHaven.org or (267) 254-5167

Jennifer Grisin, Bookkeeper

What excites or inspires you in your work at A Haven? I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the financial records, as well as ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. I am excited to help A Haven reach its financial goals to better serve their mission of helping children and families in grief.

Favorite hobby or go to method for relaxation? When I am not working you can catch me playing outside with my 2 kids, walking our dog with a good podcast in my ear, hitting group exercise classes, binge watching a new show, or trying a new restaurant with my husband.

How do you like your coffee? Milk and Sugar with a splash of cinnamon.

Contact Jennifer at: jen@ahaven.org