Navigating Grief as a Community
This week, our Marin community experienced a heartbreaking loss. A tragic accident involving local teens has left many of us reeling — grieving not just for the families directly impacted, but feeling a ripple of sorrow, fear, and helplessness as parents, neighbors, and community members.
As a therapist who works with moms — and as someone who was born and raised in San Anselmo — this tragedy has been laying especially heavy on my heart. Our community is small, tightly connected, and when something like this happens, the grief touches all of us.
Collective Grief
The deepest sorrow belongs to the families who have lost their loved ones, and we hold space for that. At the same time, grief moves outward — affecting classmates, friends, teachers, coaches, and community members.
It’s okay if you find yourself feeling sadness, fear, anger, or helplessness, even if you didn’t know those involved personally. These emotions are a natural response to loss in our community.
There is no "right" way to grieve. Whatever you are feeling is understandable.
Supporting Ourselves and Our Children
During times like this, you might notice your children asking questions, expressing fear, or seeming more emotional. Some ways to offer support:
Create space for conversations. Let your kids know it’s okay to talk about big feelings.
Offer reassurance. Remind them they are safe, and that adults are working hard to keep them safe.
Model emotional openness. It's okay for them to see you feeling sad too — it shows that emotions are normal and manageable.
Stick to routines when possible. Predictability helps kids feel secure.
Reach out for extra support if you or your child is struggling more than usual.
Resources and Ways to Support
If you or your family needs additional support right now, here are some options:
School-Based Support:
Many schools have grief counselors and mental health professionals available for students and families. Contact your child's school for resources or referrals.
Local Therapy and Grief Support
Marin County Mental Health Services: (888) 818-1115 (24/7 access line)
In response to the recent tragedy, Fairfax Recreation and Big Life Change Therapy, and Katelyn Vandever (associate clinical social worker and local mom), are offering a space for the adults and parents of our community to gather, reflect, and support one another through the experience of grief and vicarious trauma. This space is open to anyone who has felt the emotional ripple effects of this event. Whether you’re feeling sadness, confusion, anger, numbness—or something you can’t quite name—your experience is valid and welcome here. FREE for the next Four Sundays; This 4 week opportunity is intended for adults. For more information or to sign-up, CLICK HERE
Community Crisis Lines
North Marin Community Services: Offers crisis support and counseling (call 415-892-1643)
Marin County Crisis Text Line: Text "MARIN" to 741741 for free, confidential support
Parenting and Family Resources
The Dougy Center (www.dougy.org): National center for grieving children and families; offers excellent free resources for talking to kids about grief and loss
National Alliance for Children's Grief (www.childrengrieve.org): Articles, guides, and webinars for supporting children through grief
St. John’s of Ross is offers pastoral counseling with Clergy for any member of the community; all are welcome. For the families of the departed, St. John’s is offering memorial services and reception space. Fr. Chris Rankin-Williams, Rev. Heather Erickson, Rev. Skip Fotch, and the entire clergy, staff, and parishioners are grieving at the this unimaginable tragedy. For support of services inquires email info@stjohnsross.org or call 415-456-1102.
Ways to Support Impacted Families
Many local businesses and organizations are sharing links to verified fundraising pages and donation drives. Creekside Pizza & Taproom (in San Anselmo) has compiled a list supporting the families affected.
GoFundMe Link: Support Families of AWHS Students
In moments of profound loss, we’re reminded how deeply interconnected we are. Grieving together is part of healing together.
If you’re a mom feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply heavy-hearted in the wake of this tragedy — you are not alone. Please reach out for support, whether that's to a therapist, a friend, a community group, or simply by allowing yourself to slow down and tend to your heart.
We heal through connection, through honoring our emotions, and through showing up for each other.
Sending love and care to all who are hurting.