Shannon Collier
Washington,DC
Summary
Professional grief counselor with expertise in the human grief process, teamwork, and compassionate communication. Skilled in psycho-education, emotional witnessing and client empowerment towards adaptation and meaning-making. Adept at developing tailored interventions and conducting community outreach initiatives to support individuals navigating grief.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grief Counselor
Capital Caring Health, A Chapters Affiliate
Washington, DC
02.2020 - Current
- Support clients with coping, adaptation, and integration of grief via client-centered, virtual, and in-person grief counseling.
- Highlight effective and diverse coping strategies for grief experience including identifying and expressing emotions, personal needs, and values.
- Organize community events to provide community, connection, and comfort during mourning periods.
- Facilitate workshops and support groups for persons adapting to grief.
- Developed tailored therapeutic goals and intervention plans for each client.
- Maintain accurate records of all sessions and interventions provided.
- Provide follow-up care, including referrals, as appropriate.
Chaplain
Multiple Health Systems
Washington, DC
11.2016 - 01.2020
- Completed chaplain internships at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and Children's National Hospital.
- Served as chaplain resident at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, a Level I trauma center.
- PRN hospice chaplain with Capital Caring Health and the Jewish Social Service Agency.
- Provided individual counseling for individuals seeking spiritual guidance and support.
- Coordinated special events including retreats, wellness workshops, and memorial services.
- Delivered resources to assist individuals coping with grief, trauma, and other life challenges.
- Collaborated with care teams across Medical Respiratory ICU, hospice, neurology, and pediatric ICU services.
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to support individuals during emergencies.
- Offered pastoral assistance to patients and families during end-of-life experiences.
Wellness Consultant & Licensed Massage Therapist
Self Employed / Contractor
Silver Spring, Maryland
01.2010 - 06.2018
- Collaborative wellness practitioner at A Calmness Within and Third Space Wellness in Silver Spring, Maryland.
- Delivered professional massage therapy services, utilizing Swedish and deep tissue techniques.
- Maintained comprehensive electronic records of client interactions and treatments.
- Coached individuals on healthy lifestyle choices and stress reduction to promote improved well-being.
- Responded efficiently to customer inquiries through email and phone communication.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure high standards of service.
- Supported clients in defining and achieving their health and wellness goals.
- Engaged in professional development activities, like conferences and webinars.
Education
Master of Science - Patient Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA05-2019
Master of Arts - Spiritual And Pastoral Care
Loyola University, Maryland
Baltimore, MD05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Geology
Miami University
Oxford, OH08-2000
Skills
- Grief counseling
- Psycho-social education
- Cultural awareness and affirmation
- Compassionate communication
- Support group, workshop, and memorial facilitation
- Emotional expression
- Community outreach
- Documentation management
Certification
Mindful Leader: Eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program. Completed June 2025.
American Institute of Health Care Professional: Grief Support Counselor Certification, 2022; Grief Counseling Fellowship, 2024; Grief Diversity Counseling Certified Specialist, 2025.
Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Mastery Program: Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy; 2024, certification pending.
American Institute of Health Care Professional: Grief Support Counselor Certification, 2022; Grief Counseling Fellowship, 2024; Grief Diversity Counseling Certified Specialist, 2025.
Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Mastery Program: Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy; 2024, certification pending.
Accomplishments
• Annual Presenter, George Washington University Hospital, Palliative Care Fellows Program, 2025, 2024, 2023.
Employee Ambassador Program DC At-Large Representative for Capital Caring Health. Fall 2022 - Fall 2023.
• Cofacilitator, Stillwater Mindfulness Practice Center – Online Sangha: Summer 2018 – Summer 2020.
• Hospice, Transitions, and Vigil Volunteer, Jewish Social Service Agency – Rockville, MD: Summer 2012 – Fall 2017.
• Secretary, Blair Road Community Garden Board of Directors – Washington, DC. Fall 2016 – Fall 2017.
• Restorative Circles Practice Group, Shambhala Center of DC – Washington, DC: Summer 2014 – Fall 2015.
• Event Manager and Event Coordinator, OneBrick DC – Washington, DC: Winter 2012 – Fall 2016.
• Licensed Massage Therapist, Comfort for Our Uniformed Service Members – Washington, DC: Spring 2011 – Summer 2013.
Employee Ambassador Program DC At-Large Representative for Capital Caring Health. Fall 2022 - Fall 2023.
• Cofacilitator, Stillwater Mindfulness Practice Center – Online Sangha: Summer 2018 – Summer 2020.
• Hospice, Transitions, and Vigil Volunteer, Jewish Social Service Agency – Rockville, MD: Summer 2012 – Fall 2017.
• Secretary, Blair Road Community Garden Board of Directors – Washington, DC. Fall 2016 – Fall 2017.
• Restorative Circles Practice Group, Shambhala Center of DC – Washington, DC: Summer 2014 – Fall 2015.
• Event Manager and Event Coordinator, OneBrick DC – Washington, DC: Winter 2012 – Fall 2016.
• Licensed Massage Therapist, Comfort for Our Uniformed Service Members – Washington, DC: Spring 2011 – Summer 2013.
Timeline
Grief Counselor
Capital Caring Health, A Chapters Affiliate
02.2020 - Current
Chaplain
Multiple Health Systems
11.2016 - 01.2020
Wellness Consultant & Licensed Massage Therapist
Self Employed / Contractor
01.2010 - 06.2018
Master of Science - Patient Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Arts - Spiritual And Pastoral Care
Loyola University, Maryland
Bachelor of Arts - Environmental Geology
Miami University