Grief Educator & Public Speaker – Helping People Navigate Loss with Understanding & Connection

Certified Grief Educator | Public Speaker | 20 + Years of Experience

What is a Certified Grief Educator?

I provide compassionate guidance and education to help individuals understand and navigate the complexities of grief. I am not a counselor or therapist, but an educator and guide, offering insights, tools, and support to help people move through loss.

I was certified through a program developed by David Kessler, one of the world’s leading grief experts. My work is based on proven methodologies that help people process not only the loss of a loved one, but also grief caused by health changes, relationships, career shifts, and other major life transitions.

Grief isn’t something to ‘fix’—it’s something to understand. My role is to help you make sense of your grief, find clarity, and feel supported in a non-clinical, judgment-free space.

FAQ

  • A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, insights, and tools. This certification is part of a program created by David Kessler, one of the world’s leading grief experts.

  • I am not a counselor or therapist. My role as a Certified Grief Educator is to provide guidance and education, helping individuals better understand their grief and navigate its challenges without clinical or therapeutic intervention. I am not a licensed counselor, therapist, or mental health professional. As a Certified Grief Educator, my role is to provide grief education, emotional support, and tools for understanding and healing. If you are in crisis or need mental health support, please contact a licensed therapist or call 1-844-HERE247 18444373247 anytime for support in Waterloo Wellington region. Please visit my mental health resources page for additional support. ursuladarby.com/mental-health-resources

  • My experiences from childhood to today, have profoundly impacted me. For many years, I have been searching for ways to heal my pain and support others who have experienced profound loss. Throughout my 20 + year career, I have witnessed my clients' suffering, emotional duress, and loss. I have finally found what I was looking for through David Kessler’s course. My personal and professional experiences have transformed me and led me to pursue this certification.

Engaging & Impactful Public Speaking on Grief, Healing, & Connection

I lead interactive, thought-provoking talks on grief and healing that are engaging, relatable, and filled with real-world insights.

✔ Known for blending education, humor, and compassion to create meaningful conversations.
✔ Creates safe, inclusive spaces where people feel seen and heard.
✔ Featured on CTV, Crave, and TVO, delivering impactful conversations on grief.
  • The Truth About Grief: Why “Moving On” is a Myth
  • How to Support Someone Who is Grieving (Without Saying the Wrong Thing)
  • The Hidden Impact of Grief in Workplaces (And How to Handle It Better)
  • Why Grief is Exhausting: The Physical & Emotional Toll of Loss
  • Grief is More Than Death: How to Recognize & Process Everyday Losses

Topics I Speak About

Engaging Talks That Create Connection and Inspire Hope

I create safe, impactful spaces where audiences can openly explore grief, healing, and emotional resilience. My talks blend compassionate storytelling, humor, and practical insights to leave attendees feeling empowered and understood.
Available for:
✔ Public Talks & Keynotes
✔ Community & Corporate Workshops
✔ Mental Health & Wellness Events

Let’s Plan an Impactful Event Together

  • It was a truly comforting and enlightening experience. Losing my poppy has been incredibly difficult, but this session helped me connect with my feelings and find new ways to cope with my grief. The insights and guidance gave me a sense of peace and hope.

    Christine Ryder, Guelph, ON

  • I can say without hesitation that it was an eye-opening and deeply moving experience. It was a super comforting and very validating to hear more ways to deal with grief.

    Danielle Onisto

  • Ursula was able to normalize grief in a meaningful way.

    Davrielle Salsberg