Executive Director

Mary M. Lyles, MSW, LCSW provides passion and resources from her personal losses and more than 10 years experience in nonprofit management, training and therapeutic care with bereaved children and families.  She has worked with over 1,000 grieving children and their families.  She trains volunteers, graduate-level interns and others through workshops and online education to assist grieving children and their families.

Mary's publications on behalf of grieving children are being translated and utilized in Zambia and Zimbabwe.  She serves as an advisor in the development of a grief support program for African children orphaned by civil war and AIDS. Her publications include an online education course, Navigating Children's Grief and the Compass Group Curriculum.

Mary attended the University of Houston where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Biochemical and Biophysical Science, and Master of Social Work.  Her clinical education includes a one year internship at Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry, Houston, Texas.  She is nearing completion of her PhD in  Educational Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado.  Mary is a co-founder of CGEA, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, and a member of Evergreen Christian Church.

Mary's speaking and training engagements and continuing community connections include:

· Catholic Charities Mental Health Team

· The Children's Hospital, Denver

· University Hospital, Denver

· Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers

· Victim's Assistance Organizations, Jefferson and Adams County

· Adams County Social Services

· Denver Public Schools

· Jefferson County School District

· Englewood School District

· Cherry Creek School District

· University of Denver

· Denver Area Bereavement Counselors

· Colorado Parents of Multiples

· Colorado Mentoring Conference

· National Hospice Organization

· COVA-Colorado Organization of Victim's Assistance State Conference

· Centura Health Care at Home

Michael Dawson holds a MA in Guidance Counseling and a BA in Speech.  He is a licensed Professional Counselor – LPC#3862 and is certified as a Level I, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning professional.  Michael is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, the American Counseling Association, the Association of Death Education and Counseling and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.  Michael is author of Horses Healing Grief and various articles such as Minding My Own Grief, In Green Pastures:  Horses Comfort Children’s Grief, and A Dream of Horse Assisted Pastoral Care.

Carol Stanwood, MA holds an master's degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado, a masters in Psychology from The New School for Social Research, a B.A. in Philosophy from Smith College and an MBA in Management from Pace University.  She served as volunteer coordinator and a member of the ethics committee for Hospice of Boulder County.  She brings extensive training in helping others cope with loss and trauma.

 The CGEA Board of Directors is active in providing accounting, IT, fundraising support and consultation.