The Grief Gurus was created by Carol Banens and Lisa McFarland, two women whose lives were forever changed by loss.
While our grief stories are different, we share a commitment to helping others feel understood, supported, and less alone.
Grief is one of life's most universal experiences, yet many people feel isolated in it.
We created The Grief Gurus because we know how powerful it can be to connect with people who truly understand.
Meet Carol
Grief Educator, Author, Speaker & Widow
After the death of her husband Brian in 2018, Carol quickly realised that grief was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Nothing in her professional background had prepared her for the emotional, physical and cognitive impact of profound loss.
Wanting to better understand what she was living through, Carol immersed herself in grief education, eventually becoming a Certified Grief Educator and Grief Coach.
For more than 36 years, Carol worked as a physical therapist, helping people recover from injury and regain confidence in their bodies. Today, she draws on that same compassionate, practical approach to help people understand their grief, navigate the challenges of loss, and gradually rebuild a meaningful life.
Carol is the author of Kintsugi Your Heart: The Art of Living with Grief and several books in her Short Grief Series. She also founded The Grief Café, a free monthly gathering where people can share their stories, feel understood and receive support in a safe, welcoming space.
Meet Lisa
Grief Coach, Author, Speaker & Bereaved Mother
After the deaths of her two young children, Lisa's world changed forever. As she searched for a way to live alongside unimaginable loss, she discovered just how isolating grief can be and how powerful it is to be supported by people who truly understand.
Her experience inspired a new direction in life. Lisa became a Pediatric ICU nurse, walking alongside children and families during some of life's most difficult moments while deepening her understanding of grief, loss and compassionate care.
Drawing on both her lived experience and professional training, Lisa now helps others navigate grief with compassion, understanding and practical support. She believes that while grief changes us forever, it doesn't have to mean the end of hope, purpose or connection.
Lisa is the author of The Healing Path series and is passionate about helping people make sense of their grief, honour their loved ones, and discover that it is possible to carry both loss and love as they move forward.