In a world quick to brush over pain and sadness, I prefer listening to people talk about their greatest trials in life. I grew up on a Nebraska farm, nestled a few miles from a town of 300 people. After attending Doane College for my undergraduate degree, I received a Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. My dissertation focused on how we understand domestic violence, which became Framing the Victim.
Since 2000, I have been teaching at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. My classes cover topics such as grief, death, listening, forgiveness, emotions, violence, and restorative justice. My interest in grief became quite personal after our son was stillborn in 2001. More recently, I published Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us. I am currently working on a new book about how people carry joy and grief together.
My husband and I live with our two daughters in Ames, Iowa. Some of my favorite things to do are hanging out with my girls, writing, and spending time outside. I am also active in our church, volunteer at our girls’ schools, and enjoy speaking with various groups.
Thanks for taking time to visit my website. May you be inspired by the stories of others who have walked some difficult roads.
