Kaili Van Waveren, the Executive Director at ThorpeWood - a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, discusses ThorpeWood's mission of nurturing therapeutic relationships with nature to address mental health challenges and climate grief. By offering nature-based programs and grief support, ThorpeWood aims to provide individuals with distress tolerance skills and emotional regulation techniques to navigate overwhelming emotions. Explore the transformative power of nature in promoting holistic well-being and fostering a connection between humans and the natural world.

About Kaili Van Waveren:

As Executive Director at ThorpeWood, a 156-acre nature-based mental health and social emotional learning center, Kaili brings a unique blend of academic and practical experience to her role. Originally from California, Kaili first moved to Maryland to attend Johns Hopkins University and later Hood College, where she also dedicated years to teaching in the Department of Psychology and Counseling. Kaili has nearly a decade of experience working in bereavement and end-of-life care. Previously, she was the Bereavement Care Supervisor for Frederick Health Hospice, and she is a member of the Board of Directors and head trip leader for The Umbrella Project: Hiking Journeys for Grieving Young Adults. Kaili's passion for supporting grieving individuals has been a driving force in her career, and she is particularly excited about pioneering nature-based grief support initiatives at ThorpeWood.

thorpewood.org

Episode Timestamps:

• (02:15) Thorpewood's mission and evolution
• (05:20) Nature-based mental health initiatives; climate grief support
• (09:45) Nature’s positive impact on mental health
• (14:40) Future plans and innovations at Thorpewood
• (18:10) Kaili's journey from the fashion industry to grief counseling
• (19:40) The intersection between skills and passion

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