Dr Mark Pitstick

Head - Caring Listeners

Mark Pitstick, MA, DC, has over fifty years’ experience and training in hospitals, pastoral counseling settings, mental health centers and private practice. His training includes a premedical degree, graduate theology studies majoring in pastoral counseling, masters in clinical psychology, and doctorate in chiropractic health care. Mark has extensive post-graduate training in clinical nutrition. He also has provided suicide prevention counseling and education to many people.

Mark founded The Caring Listeners and provides clinical support for them and Affiliate Leaders. He also has worked with Helping Parents Heal for many years as a Board Member and columnist for the monthly newsletter.

Visit SoulProof.com for his free articles, radio shows, and newsletters. Articles #2, 4, 93, and 109 are especially designed for bereaved parents and family members.

Note: He is not a Caring Listener but will respond to your questions with brief suggestions, information, and resources. You can email him at mark@soulproof.com.

Mark lives in Ohio.

Manisha Akhauri

मैं हिंदी बोलते हैं

I lost my only child Yash in October 2018. Needless to say I was distraught, in despair and deep grief. Through a series of synchronicities, I was led to Helping Parents Heal whose members offer support on your bad days, cheer you on the good days and remind you that things will get better. With the many discussions on afterlife on the group, medium readings and signs I know that I still have an ongoing relationship with my child. Through this group I hope to offer the same compassion, hope and empathy to other parents in similar situation as us. I speak Hindi and am available by FaceTime, email and phone.

Manisha lives in Bangalore.

Allison and David Alison

David and Allison Alison

We are the parents of three amazing adult children: Jocelyn, Davey and Julia. Our son Davey transitioned on July 20, 2016; he was involved in a solo car accident at the age of 24. 

David: I am an engineer with a science perspective and at the time of my son’s transition viewed consciousness as a byproduct of the brain. When the brain died, all that person was ceased to exist. That didn’t stop the feeling that my son was still around and trying to communicate with me. I learned that there is ample evidence that consciousness can and does survive physical death, which led me on a spiritual journey I documented in my book, Finding Davey. I find myself called to be of service to other parents that are struggling with grief. I will listen, answer questions, and share the tools I found that helped me develop a wonderful ongoing relationship with my son in spirit.

Allison: I had been on a spiritual journey prior to Davey’s transition, and this guided me to know that he was not gone. When people said, “I’m sorry for your loss”, I knew they were wrong. He was physically gone but I knew he was still here. I made it my mission to find a way to communicate with him. Through a lot of research and meditation, I have been able to do that. I want to help others do that too. In my career as an attorney and teacher, I have learned to listen to others and want to do that for other struggling parents. You are not alone, and you can feel joy again.

David and Allison live in Delaware.

David: 703-957-9405

Allison: 856-395-0988

Carol Allen

Hello I am so honored to be able to participate as a Caring Listener. HPH has been an amazing tool for me during this journey that we call grief. My husband and I raised our two boys in Cave Creek, AZ. My oldest son is TJ and my baby Tyler is forever 19. Tyler gained his angel wings on May 14th 2015 when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. Tyler is always with me as are your children. He has Proven this so many times. I look forward to helping you in your healing journey.

Carol lives in Arizona.

Lisa Arnold

Claudia Ardelean

Vorbesc Romaneste

Claudia Ardelean lives in Toronto. Her darling Emma was diagnosed on March 2016 with osteosarcoma, the same type of cancer that Terry Fox had. She was 12 years old and she was a provincial gymnast before. She transitioned on April 7, 2019, not before she told Claudia, “Mom, even if I am not going to be here with you to see me, I will be here in spirit, I will send you signs and you will know that is me”. Sure enough, Emma delivers every single day and Claudia is so grateful to be open to receiving her love and guidance. Please watch Emma's video from 'Romania's Got Talent', where she was invited to participate as a talented gymnast: https://vimeo.com/419080618 Here is another short video where Emma talks about her cancer: https://youtu.be/PNC6MG-JA3w

Claudia lives in Ontario.

Mabel Chan

我識講中文/粵語/

Mabel Chan was born and raised in Hong Kong when it was a British colony. She trained as a Clinical Social Worker in the U.S.A. She and her husband moved to Canada in the early 1980s and now live in British Columbia.
As a young student, Mabel’s school curriculum included the study of ancient Chinese literature, the Bible, and the works of Shakespeare. She has traveled the world, learning to embrace all cultures, and she considers her son Leo to be her greatest teacher. Meningitis took Leo's life soon after he returned to the University of Victoria after the Holiday break in January 2012.  She is the author of the book “The Infinite Bond” inspired by her son Leo who has given her the messages from across the veil.

Mabel lives in British Columbia.

Dolores Cruz

I am the mother of 4 children – Nick, Jessica, Vanessa and Eric. Our youngest child, Eric, transitioned at the age of 24 in May of 2017 as the result of an automobile accident. As you all know from experience, we were devastated and lost. We had no idea how to go on with our lives. By a “coincidence” I was contacted by a cousin of a cousin who I didn’t even know, who told me about Helping Parents Heal. This amazing organization changed my life. I found my way out of the dark hole I was in, and found hope and healing. I remain connected to Eric through the many signs he sends, which I learned to recognize through the many members of HPH who share their connections as well. I can’t imagine where I’d be without this wonderful healing group.

Dolores is the author of Look Around: A Mother's Journey from Grief and Despair to Healing and Hope. https://www.amazon.com/Look-Around-Mothers-Journey-Despair/dp/B08GV97XJG/

website:https://www.doloreslookaround.com/

link to blog: https://doloreslookaround.blogspot.com/

Dolores lives in California.

Pamela Demars

Hello! I am a mother of 3 adult children. My middle and only son Brandon, 35, transitioned on Christmas Day of 2017. It was sudden and unexpected, of a massive heart attack next to me. This journey has definitely been difficult, but I’ve learned so much from this HPH group. I’ve learned hope, gratefulness, love and most of all healing. I am here to listen, share and send healing love to any parent who is experiencing this walk we are traveling.

Pamela lives in Minnesota.

Judith Hancox

In over 4 decades of spiritual and social work studies and practice, nothing challenged me more than the transition of my godchild on Feb 17, 2013. I felt so helpless in the face of my sister’s anguish; I knew I could do nothing to change it. Carly fought a valiant fight with esophageal-gastric cancer--diagnosed 2 days before her 24^th birthday and physically gone less than 4 months later!  Family and friends were shocked and traumatized. Carly had never complained and always believed she would survive. 

I was there to remind my sister that Carly did survive, just not in the way we truly desired. Carly visited me four times that first year–-through cell phone messages and dream visits. She reminded me she is alive, healthy, and happy. She visited me when I needed her the most. My sister learned through mediums and direct messages that Carly is still here. Our children remind us we need to develop a new relationship. They’re challenging us to remember the truth: We are always together in Spirit, and it's essential to remember--only love is real--love is and always will be the true healer.

Judi lives in Vermont

Nancy Hejna

I am mother to four incredible children Katie, Maggie, Will and Joe.  Both of my sons left this earth two years apart at age 26.  Will passed from an accidental overdose in 2016, and Joe from a car accident in 2018 on the day of his sister’s wedding. To say this seemed beyond comprehension is an understatement.  Armed with the clear sense my boys could not possibly be “just gone”, I began a fervent search which led me to Helping Parents Heal with all it’s compassion and collective wisdom. I read many books, cultivated tools, and continue to this day the spiritual journey which has led me to “know” our relationships continue.  I am fortunate to live near the shores of Lake Michigan and draw inspiration from nature, the joyful energy of my beautiful daughters and grandchildren, and undeniable signs from my sons. I hope to support anyone on this difficult path in the best way possible. 

Nancy is the author of 'Rainbow Hair: Embracing Inter-dimensional Motherhood - A Memoir' available on Amazon by clicking here.

Nancy lives in Northwest Indiana

Lynn & Jeff Hollahan

Lynn Hollahan - Point of Contact/Caring Listeners

We are the parents of two beautiful children, Devon and Kelsey.  In November of 2009, we received a telephone call which changed our lives: Our son Devon had gone missing in Frankfurt, Germany.  After a month-long search, our worst fears were realized when his body was found in the Main River, downstream from Frankfurt.  Our world shattered; we wandered our house aimlessly until Devon began to make his presence known through mediums and signs.  These amazing and unmistakable signs proved beyond any doubt that not only was Devon NOT gone, he was, in fact, very present in our lives! 

Our connection to HPH goes back almost to the founding of the group when we were introduced to Elizabeth Boisson and Mark Ireland.  We are blessed to have had our journey become part of the book, Still Right Here, by Suzanne Giesemann, and we are eternally grateful for the miraculous bonds we have formed with other HPH members! 

Through Devon’s continued antics, we have found joy, peace and comfort.  Our fondest wish is to be able to help you achieve the same.  Here’s to moving forward together, living our best lives!

Lynn is a Founding Member and a Co-Affiliate Leader of Helping Parents Heal - Scottsdale Book Club.  She is also the point of contact for our Caring Listeners.

Jeff is a Board Member and the Co-Affiliate Leader of Helping Parents Heal - Scottsdale Book Club.

Jeff Hollahan: 602-571-4547

email: jeff.hollahan@gmail.com

Lynn and Jeff live in Arizona.

Lisa Laniewski

I am a teacher and a counselor by education, married to a retired Army officer. Less than three months after our precious daughter, Amber, transitioned in November 2014, at the age of 25 from an eating disorder that triggered an accidental overdose, we were dealt yet another blow. My husband’s boss, the owner of his company, also transitioned quite unexpectedly, and within a matter of weeks, my husband was without the job that we had really planned our lives around. We decided not to make any more dramatic changes during those early months of grieving and to spend the months ahead learning all we could about where our daughter was and how we could continue to maintain communication as well as our family relationships on both sides of this veil. Much reading, attending conferences, meeting with mediums and joining groups combined to lead us to Helping Parents Heal where we hope to learn even more ways to share our love and be of service to those who need a hug, a hand, a shoulder or an ear.

Lisa lives in Florida.

Paige Lee

Conrado Leslie

Hablo Español

I lost my only child to a terrorist attack in France in 2016.  He was 20, my best friend, and center of my universe.  I used to love life but soon feared it.  My marriage and future were looking dim.  But visitations, amazing signs, and messages from Nick convinced me that there is a higher reality. I was able to find joy in life again and my marriage is stronger than ever.  I believe my son is somewhere safe, surrounded by love, and is doing the heavy lifting for me.   For 30 years, I managed environmental, geotechnical, and oceanographic investigations.  I enjoy reading about the strangeness of quantum physics, and I am fascinated by the flexibility of time as described by Einstein’s special relativity.  I am a waterman and learned to enjoy again kitesurfing, surfing, diving, fishing, and swimming.  I grew up in Spain and speak Spanish fluently.

Conrado lives in Hawaii.

Paola Leslie

Hablo Español, Io Parlo Italiano

My only child Nicolas was a victim of a terrorist attack in France on July 14, 2016. He was 20, and a student at UC Berkeley.  Nicolas was the greatest joy in my life. After the tragedy, I suffered from complicate grief and depression. I did not think that I was going to survive.  However, I soon discovered that Nicolas never left my side. I received many signs, messages and dream visitations that convinced me that Nicolas was still with me. Nicolas guided me towards the light, and with his persistent spiritual presence, he showed me that it was possible to find Joy in life again.  I enjoy reading books about the afterlife, lucid dreaming, and Out of Body Experiences. I currently live in Hawaii with my husband. Nicolas continues to be an enormous part of our life.  I was born in Italy; and I speak Italian and Spanish.

Paola lives in Hawaii.

Terri MacDonald

I am a mother to four children Shayne, Ricki, Carly and Chloe, my son Ricki, forever 23 passed due to an accidental heroin overdose on 30/06/2015. I honestly believe we have a soul agreement and mission together. The pain we all suffer as parents, whatever age in whatever circumstance our child passes, it changes our world forever. I had a spiritual awakening through Rick reaching out to me straight away with amazing signs and synchronicities, I searched for him and we met ‘somewhere in the middle’. From this beautiful place, we are so strongly connected. I developed my Mediumship abilities at my local Inverness Spiritualist Church and supported Mentorship programmes, a huge part of my healing journey. Mediumship is my passion. I recently became an Accredited Medium and an Accredited Tarot Reader. I continue to learn and grow and love to watch other Medium’s work. I believe Ricki and I have a soul mission helping other parents.

Our healing journey is not easy, but I do believe we grow as a soul and go on to finding a purpose, what we came here to do. Becoming a Caring Listener is in my heart. I feel so honoured to connect with such amazing parents and look forward to sharing this amazing space together.

Joyce Lupp McLaughlin

Rosanne Norris

My name is Rosanne Norris. I am the proud mother of five children and six grandchildren. On January 9, 2018, our middle son, Lee, age 30, left this earth plane due to a carbon monoxide poisoning in his home.

Out of this most unimaginable pain was born a seeking of the truth which lead me to Helping Parents Heal. I want to dedicate my life to helping other parents suffering from the crushing loss of their child. Together, we will support and guide each other on our journey to becoming shining light parents.  Rosanne is the author of a book about her son Lee, 'BeLEEve'.  

Rosanne lives in New York.

Linda O'Neill

Janean Quigley

Linda Rampling

United Kingdom/France

John Rooks

I raised my two sons, Jon and Michael, as a single parent, and in December of 1990, two days after his 17^th birthday, Michael, was involved in a hit and run that left him in a coma that resulted in his passing 8 days later.  During these days of confusion and severe emotional trauma, I had people that I never met, reach our to me and offer everything from simple friendship, to a kind listening ear if I felt like talking  Had it now been for these caring persons offering their compassion, my road to dealing with the terrible of loss of my son would have been unbearable.

After all of these years, I can still feel Michael’s presence in everything I do.  To be able to share my story with others who have suffered the same loss in so healing, and it allows me to feel normal in my emotions when I hear others share their stories.  HPH gives us HOPE which is one of the most needed, and important, gifts that any of us can receive.

John lives in California.

Laurie Savoie

Laurie Savoie, married to Tom mother of three, turned her grief and sadness after the passing of her son, Garrett, into a life-changing passion to help others and is involved in Helping Parents Heal as the secretary and active participant. Laurie joined HPH when it was in its infancy, in 2011.

In addition, Laurie is involved in HOPE ASAP (an online Facebook group started by Jennifer Dulski for people who have lost loved ones to addiction), Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, a Senior Dog rescue saving so many four legged souls, and providing a healing service, Reiki with Messages at Eric’s House in Paradise Valley, AZ, all to make people and the World feel better. Laurie is also a Grief Companion for Eric’s House. Her family has also created a book called The Ripple Effect: Invisible Impact of Suicide. Every penny made from book sales goes toward buying more books which are donated to suicide prevention groups, schools, therapists, doctors, libraries, and families who have lost loved ones to suicide – in essence, anyone who has the desire to lift up someone’s life. To know you are not alone and you are loved.

Laurie is also featured in two documentaries: Life to Afterlife: Mom, can you hear me? and Life to Afterlife: I Want to Talk to The Dead.

Laurie lives in Scottsdale, AZ.

Elly Sheykhet

Я говорю по русски 

Brian and Tywana Smith

Brian and Tywana Smith's daughter Shayna Elayne, whose name means “Beautiful Light”, transitioned on June 24, 2015 at 15 years of age. Shayna was a force while on Earth and continues to be a force after her transition. The couple has had many visits from Shayna, including sessions with mediums where she came through loud and clear. After her passing they began experiencing a series of synchronistic events that led them to Mark Ireland, Elizabeth Boisson, and Mark Pitstick. The unique connection of events was undeniable and helped them understand that it was their destiny to start a chapter of Helping Parents Heal. They are Co-Affiliate Leaders of the Helping Parents Heal - Online group and Brian is a Board Member. Brian also founded a Grief Support Group, 'Grief 2 Growth'.  Brian's email is on the tab, and Tywana's is:TySmithTLC@gmail.com 

Brian and Tywana live in Ohio.

Suzi Smith

I am the mother of three beautiful sons. One in spirit. In 2004 my 23-year-old son, Alex, died from suicide. This life-changing event led to a deep and dark depression, but ultimately to a life of volunteering. In an attempt to break through this depression, I began to volunteer at a local hospice. I found this work to be truly healing. I then began to volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. I feel strongly that working with, and listening to, others helped greatly in healing my own traumatic grief. My mission now is to give hope to parents who have lost children and are in great despair. I feel that spirit led me to an interest in the afterlife which has been transformational. I have had numerous experiences with several very talented evidential mediums who were able to connect me to my son. This has opened up a world I never knew existed and a continuing relationship with my son on the other side.

I would love to help parents who question whether their pain will ever go away. I, myself, wondered that at one time. I am here to speak with, but mainly listen to, anyone who is currently walking this challenging path. I hope in the role as a Caring Listener to be able to soften the hard edges of other parents grief.

Suzi lives in Virginia.

Merle Taylor

My son Chris, the oldest of my three children, transitioned on the 27th of December 2018 while on holiday in Bali with his family.  His beautiful partner Ebony tried to resuscitate him for 45 minutes. Amazingly, their oldest son Reef, 2.5 years old, who idealized his daddy and who was asleep in the room never woke up to the confusion and noise.

I believe that his guardian angels, Eb’s angels and Chris’s angels were there protecting him. I grew up in a spiritual religion and I have always believed that heaven is here all around us. I knew, although devastated, that my beautiful son was safe and happy and that he wanted us to be happy too.

Many things have confirmed my belief and even broadened it. I have spoken with mediums, felt Chris’s touch (not often) and he sends me many signs, some I ask for, some I know it’s just him. Since joining HPH I’ve learnt so much about communicating across the veil. I live in the land ‘down under’ Australia. I would love to hear from people to listen, share and help others who are also traveling this journey.

+61 0402113170  (To call from the US)

Merle lives in Australia

Irene Vouvalides

My best friend, my only child, my beautiful 24 year old daughter Carly Elizabeth Hughes passed to esophageal-gastric cancer on February 17th, 2013. Like so many of us who have had this devastating experience my daughter’s passing sent me on a spiritual quest. I have found friends and comfort through this remarkable group Helping Parents Heal. In the short time since Carly’s passing I have had definite proof that consciousness survives physical death, that Carly is well, and with me always. I have been fortunate to speak with mediums who were able to provide absolute evidence of the afterlife, indisputable information relayed bringing comfort and helping to lighten the heavy weight of grief. With family and Carly’s friends we have created a foundation in her honor- Carly’s Kids A Foundation For Education, I hope you will take the time to read about us and what we are doing in Carly’s memory.

Visit: Carly’s Kids

Irene lives in South Carolina.

Lisa Wilcoxson

I am the mom of two beautiful boys, both in spirit. Michael Angelo was born in 1988 and crossed in 2000 at the age of 12 from pneumonia. Michael was born very healthy, but had special needs due to having had a severe toxic reaction to his first DPT shot at the age of 4 weeks. Michael never spoke or walked, but taught me more about love than any other human possibly could have. He was as beautiful in life as he is in spirit, and being his mom remains to this day to be the greatest privilege I’ll ever have on this earth. Anthony is my other shining light, and I know he was born as a golden gift. Anthony was six when Michael crossed, and everything I lived for was in Anthony’s eyes. Anthony told me when he was two that he was waiting forever to be born so I could be his Mommy. Then, when he was four, he was crying. He said he was sad because he was going to leave me when he was 18. I thought he meant he was going to college. He was a freshman at Arizona State University when he transitioned from being poisoned by a synthetic drug at a party in 2013. During this dark night of my soul I was able to find my boys again in meditation, and have since learned that Spirit has chosen to use me through mediumship to prove that love never dies. My boys are at my side 24/7, and with this I’ve learned to live peacefully and joyfully having one foot on this earth plane serving Spirit and one foot in the spirit plane with them.

Lisa lives in Arizona