A phrase I often use as a grief counselor and bereavement specialist: This is a bittersweet time.

The Authors

Tia Amdurer​
                                                      photo by Sally Harmon

Chris Renaud-Cogswell
                                                    photo by Cara Rafferty

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​Tia Amdurer, LPC, enjoys sharing the art of storytelling whether it is through encouraging client narratives in her private therapy practice, writing newsletters, authoring articles, producing a documentary, or in her infamous annual holiday letter.  Her first foray in publishing came in Jack and Jill Magazine in 1970 with an article titled "We Live in Kenya," detailing her childhood growing up in Africa with her family.  After receiving her bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from the University of Delaware, she went on to a career in public relations in New York City.  By 1990, she had moved with her husband and two children to Lakewood, Colorado, where she became immersed in local history and authored two articles for a book about her adopted city, Lakewood-Colorado: An Illustrated Biography. A recipient of the Minoru Yasui Community Service award, she has been involved in numerous civic activities in Lakewood.  In 2013 she produced an award-winning documentary film, Heart and Sole: 20 years of Tap Extravaganza.®  Tia earned her MA in counseling from Regis University, worked in hospice for five years, and is grateful for the opportunity to provide therapy in grief and loss.  Connect with her at TakeMyHandJourney@gmail.com

Chris Renaud-Cogswell is in high demand as a an enthusiastic piano teacher for students with special needs. An advocate for accessibility, she guides her students in musical discovery and gives them the tools they need to succeed. A committed lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing continuing education at Metropolitan State University of Denver, exploring technology and designing teaching materials to engage all types of learners. Writing, both with words and with music, are the tools by which Chris processes the most painful and the most joyful events in her life. It is through her honest and creative voice that Chris enjoys sharing her eclectic observations on life. Chris is a native of Colorado where she enjoys more than anything, time spent with her brilliant, quirky children and beautiful grandchildren and searching for the perfect Mexican restaurant with Kevin, her devoted husband of 31 years.  TakeMyHandJourney@gmail.com