​Our paths have crossed in life and loss. Together, we offer companion support and hold space for those on the grief journey.

 

Co-Creator and Shinrin-Yoku Guide Kate Bast

Grief is a multifaceted and individualized experience. After the loss of family and close friends Kate has found that time spent with nature tends her grief best. She is a certifed Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, trained to lead people through nature connection experiences that embrace the felt sense of the moment. With our senses fully activated, it is in these moments that we find nature's healing and comfort.

 

Kate completed her training and launched her practice, Shinrin-Yoku Madison, in 2019. She also is a Grief Support Specialist, a certification earned from UW-Madison Continuing Studies in 2023. In 2026 she is adding walks that support identity and memory loss. Kate guides you to find calm, a balm, meaning and connection. Kate and Michelle haven been collaborating since 2013.

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Co-Creator and Grief Yoga® Facilitator Michelle Kullmann

Michelle is a mother, advocate, and grief companion who found this work after the loss of her 18-year-old son, Cade, in November, 2021.

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In the midst of her own grief, she began searching for ways to move through the pain — not around it. What she discovered became a calling to create spaces where grief is honored, expressed, and gently held in community.

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Michelle believes grief isn’t something to fix, but something to tend to — with compassion, movement, ritual, and connection. Her work is rooted in the understanding that even in deep loss, moments of light, meaning and joy can still find their way in.

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She is a certified Grief Support Specialist, Grief Educator (trained by David Kessler), Grief Yoga® instructor, 200-hour yoga teacher trained, Laughter Yoga Leader, Compassionate Bereavement Care Yoga trained and founder of Shining Light Grief Support.

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Journaling Presenter LaDonna Radell

LaDonna is earthly mom to Eric, and angel-mom to Spencer, forever 26. Spencer was taken by the opioid epidemic on October 6, 2016. LaDonna embraced journaling as a way of calming her mind and healing her heart. Her goal is to help others who have experienced great grief; sharing her experiences so that they may find their lost smile and joy once again.

 

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Location Host Annette Kruschek

Annette is a mother to eight children and a wife to a husband of 26 years. Annette resides on a hobby farm in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Annette recently co-authored a book whichshares her personal story of losing a child at the young age of four. Annette’s hope is to bring hope to the hopeless and inspire others to live a life that is meaningful no matter the circumstances.