Eluna
Bethany Gardner is an experienced professional in bereavement support, currently serving as the Director of Bereavement Programs at Eluna since December 2011. In this role, Gardner oversees the national Camp Erin network, collaborates with professionals to establish best practices for supporting grieving youth, and fosters a community among bereavement specialists. Previous experience includes serving as a Practicum Facilitator at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, where Gardner guided graduate students in vocational and leadership development, as well as working at Providence Hospice of Seattle as a Program Assistant for a children's bereavement program. Gardner also held the position of Student Services Director at Puget Sound Christian College, managing student services and creating educational initiatives. Gardner holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology.
Eluna
The mission of Eluna is to support children and families impacted by grief or addiction. Our innovative resources and programs address the critical needs of children experiencing powerful, overwhelming and often confusing emotions associated with the death of someone close to them or substance abuse in their family. No child should have to face these struggles alone, and our unique programs bring kids together to ease their pain and provide the tools to help restore hope. Children affected by grief or addiction can feel isolated and alone. Circumstance puts them at increased risk for depression, suicide, poverty, anxiety and behavior problems. Children living in a home with addiction are also at four times the risk of developing an addiction of their own. Eluna’s programs come alongside children and their families to provide vital support helping to prevent complications that arise from unaddressed childhood bereavement and to help break the cycle of addiction in the next generation. Eluna is dedicated to energizing new research and inspiring political advocacy that will lead to higher standards of care and positive outcomes for children in the fields of bereavement and addiction prevention. By raising awareness for these issues, Eluna reduces stigmas, improves understanding, and makes healing possible for children in need.