BRAVEing Grief & Healing Together
Mission and Vision
Transformation & Growth
The BRAVE Family: Our mission at Bereaved Together is to support and empower grieving mothers, cultivating BRAVE possibility through wellness gatherings, soul-nourishing workshops, and a healing community that offers life beyond loss.
Grief doesn’t have to isolate us; it can bring us together.
Our vision is for a world where bereaved mothers are never left to grieve alone. A world where compassion and courage surround them, where children are remembered, grief is honored, and mothers are supported in living fully while carrying their child’s love.
We are building a BRAVE movement within the grief community, transforming the experience of bereavement by shifting the focus from death to life; honoring our children's lives by honoring our own lives.
Together, we BRAVE grief and healing.
The BRAVE Space: Our God-breathed goal is to open a wellness collective in southeastern Wisconsin — a safe, supportive place where bereaved mothers can come together to heal through alternative therapeutic modalities, surrounded by compassionate support.
Values
Equip Hearts
As bereaved individuals, we know the power of adversity and heartache. We also know the incredible power of community.We stand in the power of possibility in love with purpose through supportive values.
Bravery: Facing grief with courage and an open heart, empowering each other to move forward as we carry the love of our child.
Respect: Honoring every individual's unique journey through loss, with compassion and dignity.
Authenticity: Creating genuine, transparent connections that foster healing and community.
Vitality: Shifting the focus from loss to life, nurturing wellness and personal growth through grief.
Empathy: Understanding and supporting others' pain, creating a space for shared healing and strength.
Founder's Story
Lisa Price, Founder & Executive Director
CERTIFIED LIFE COACH | INSTITUTE OF LIFE COACH TRAINING
DANCE INSTRUCTOR | YOUNG DANCE ACADEMY
Experiencing the greatest challenge of her life drove Lisa to support bereaved mothers and educate the people who walk alongside them. In April 2017, Lisa became a bereaved mom following the fatal diagnosis and death of her infant daughter, Ari. Even amid unimaginable pain, she knew Ari’s short life carried a great purpose—one greater than the pain of losing her.
Ari’s death—and, more importantly, her life—changed Lisa’s heart forever. Ari means “lion of God,” and her life taught Lisa what it truly means to be BRAVE: embracing others through support, community, and purpose.
By working alongside grief and bereavement experts, prioritizing her own wellness, and engaging in the hard work grief requires, Lisa felt a deep calling to help other bereaved mothers rebuild their lives after loss. Early in her grief, she recognized a painful gap. While support may be available immediately following a loss—often through the hospital—those resources rarely endure or evolve to meet the ongoing needs of a grieving momma’s heart.
Through her own experience and conversations with fellow bereaved mothers, Lisa recognized a deep need for something beyond immediate grief resources: a next step for those learning to live with grief long after the rest of the world seems to have moved on. This understanding led her to become a certified Life Coach through the Institute of Life Coach Training, specializing in grief and bereavement.
As a grief wellness mentor, Lisa launched an online grief support program offering group coaching rooted in holistic wellness. The program created a safe, nurturing space for grieving individuals to connect, heal, and rediscover the possibility of growth. It soon inspired a larger vision: creating meaningful, in-person experiences that bring bereaved mothers together in ways that support them as a whole person.
From that vision, Bereaved Together was born with a mission to cultivate a culture of compassionate, constructive community support. The organization creates opportunities for bereaved mothers to honor their children’s lives by also honoring their own—heart, mind, body, and soul.
Lisa considers it an incredible privilege to be welcomed into the sacred spaces of grief and healing. Through Bereaved Together, she is honored to share Ari’s life and legacy with this extraordinary community—their BRAVE family. She is deeply grateful to help co-create a space where Ari’s BRAVE legacy continues, where purpose and possibility can be rediscovered, and where no bereaved momma has to walk through life after loss alone.
A Note from Lisa:
It is an incredible privilege to be welcomed into someone's sacred space of grief and healing.
Through Bereaved Together, I have the honor of sharing Ari’s life and legacy with this extraordinary community—our BRAVE family.
I know what it feels like when the world keeps moving and you have no idea how you are supposed to move with it. My hope is that Bereaved Together becomes the place where no momma has to figure that out alone—a place where our children are remembered, our grief is welcomed, and we are given room to care for our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls.
Ari’s life will always be at the heart of this work. Her BRAVE legacy lives within every connection made, every life honored, and every momma who begins to rediscover purpose and possibility beyond loss. With big, BRAVE dreams, I look forward with hope to all we are building together.
Our 'BRAVE Team'
Our leadership team brings both lived experience and professional expertise to this sacred work. Each member offers a unique perspective and shares a deep commitment to ensuring that no grieving mother feels alone.
Denise Opansky, Treasurer
US. Department of Labor Statistics (Retired)
Denise brings experience and expertise to the board, drawn from her diverse professional background. She began her career in merchandising at Mattel, where she honed her organizational and creative skills, and later served over a decade with the U.S. Department of Labor, further developing her abilities in administration and coordination. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to precision, problem-solving, and supporting impactful initiatives, all of which she now channels into her role with Bereaved Together.
Denise’s connection to the mission of Bereaved Together is deeply personal. After the loss of her granddaughter, Ari, she witnessed the immense need for support and resources for grieving families. This experience fueled her passion for assisting our founder and her daughter Lisa, creating spaces where bereaved mothers can feel seen, heard, and welcomed. She is dedicated to helping the organization provide the healing community and encouragement grieving mothers need to navigate grief and life.
In her free time, Denise enjoys immersing herself in nature, attending local theater productions, and cherishing moments with her children and grandchildren. Whether hiking a scenic trail or enjoying a family gathering, she finds joy in meaningful connections and experiences that celebrate life’s beauty.
Angela Harvey, Secretary & Online Community Ambassador
Froedtert Health | Operations Management and founder, Health & Wellness Coach | ANGELA HARVEY HEALTH & WELLNESS MINDSET MATTERS
Angela brings over 20 years of experience to her role as an Operations Analyst in the Health Information Management (HIM) department at Froedtert Health, where she recently celebrated 21 years of service. In addition, she has spent the past five years as an online health and wellness coach, finding personal healing and fulfillment by empowering others and fostering a supportive wellness community. Her dedication to helping others reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.
The mission of Bereaved Together holds a special place in Angela’s heart. After losing her son, she spent over two years feeling stuck and isolated in her grief. Attending our Bereaved Mother’s Conference was a turning point, helping her find her voice and inspiring her to get involved. Angela is now passionate about supporting grieving mothers, sharing the strength and compassion she received from this community, ensuring no one feels alone.
In her free time, Angela enjoys traveling with her husband, Friday night dinners with friends, and spontaneous breakfast dates with her living child. She loves exploring the outdoors and new places. At home, her two beloved Yorkies bring energy, love, and comfort to her family, even on the hardest days, offering constant reminders of joy and resilience.
Bridget Horter Michna, Community Engagement
WILD HEARTS FLOWERS MKE | Owner
Bridget brings over twelve years of experience serving children and families through her work as a neonatal and pediatric transport respiratory therapist and transport coordinator at a local pediatric hospital. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy and a Master’s degree in Health Science with a concentration in Health Promotion and Social Change. Throughout her career, Bridget has been passionate about supporting families during life’s most vulnerable moments and advocating for meaningful change within healthcare and communities.
In March 2020, Bridget’s firstborn son, Tommy, died at eight days old due to a rare genetic condition, Bartters Syndrome. Experiencing child loss transformed her understanding of grief and revealed how often bereaved families suffer in silence. Guided by both her personal journey and her background in Health Promotion and Social Change, Bridget is passionate about raising awareness of child loss and advocating for a culture where grieving families are seen, supported, and never left to navigate loss alone.
Bereaved Together’s mission resonates deeply with Bridget’s belief that change begins through connection, education, and community. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors and help expand opportunities for bereaved mothers to find support, understanding, and hope. She believes grief and love can coexist and that every family’s story deserves to be seen, heard, and honored.
Today, Bridget is a stay-at-home mother to her two living sons, Joey and Timmy, and the owner of a small specialty flower farm inspired by healing, beauty, and remembrance. She is active member in our BRAVE Moves monthly meet ups, sharing her story and welcoming everyone to share their own journey. She enjoys growing flowers, practicing yoga, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her husband, Don, and their family. Bridget strives to live a life that honors Tommy’s legacy while helping build a more compassionate world for bereaved families everywhere.
Sarah Dominguez, Public Relations
Greendale School District | Educator
Sarah brings 24 years of experience as a middle school physical education teacher and coach of several sports in the Greendale School District. Passionate about lifelong fitness, she helps students discover activities they enjoy, emphasizing intentional movement to build self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth. As a certified youth fitness specialist, she finds joy in watching her students grow and embrace physical activity.
In 2014, Sarah and her family experienced the devastating loss of their son, Ty, to stillbirth at 40 weeks. She strives everyday to live a life that honors his memory and makes him proud. Creating Ty’s legacy has taken many forms, and Sarah believes the mission of Bereaved Together provides a meaningful way to ensure that his spirit lives on. Ty's spirit is working through her, driving her to help others live life fully, even while carrying the weight of loss.
Sarah enjoys playing golf with her husband and their two living sons, reading, going to concerts, working out, playing softball, and walking their beloved pittie, Frida. She also treasures traveling and spending time with her close friends, often sharing drinks on patios, porches, or anywhere they can connect. Her friends' love and acceptance for who she truly is brings her great joy.
Kirstie Schoenecker | Secretary & Communications
Advocate Aurora Healthcare | Executive Assistant
Kirstie brings exceptional organizational skills and a compassionate heart to our organization. She provides administrative support for the Primary Care, Orthopedic, and Women’s Health service lines, managing calendars, scheduling, meeting preparation, and communication with physicians and leaders. Kirstie also oversees onboarding communication and resources for new physicians and Advanced Practice Providers, maintains service line rosters, and updates all communication distribution lists.
After losing her daughter in 2019, Kirstie was deeply inspired by the women who vulnerably shared their stories and offered hope without expecting anything in return. Their kindness motivated her to bring meaning to her journey by offering the same compassion to others. While society has made progress in speaking openly about child loss, it can still feel isolating. Kirstie is honored to contribute to Bereaved Together by creating a space where bereaved mothers feel supported, heard, validated, and prayed for.
In her free time, Kirstie enjoys sewing and crafting memory bears from special fabrics that honor lost loved ones or celebrate children who have grown up. She also loves camping, walking, reading, gardening, and traveling. Her family treasures their annual trips to Disney World, a tradition close to their hearts.
Denise Opansky | Treasurer
US. Department of Labor Statistics | (Retiree)
Denise brings experience and expertise to the board, drawn from her diverse professional background. She began her career in merchandising at Mattel, where she honed her organizational and creative skills, and later served over a decade with the U.S. Department of Labor, further developing her abilities in administration and coordination. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to precision, problem-solving, and supporting impactful initiatives, all of which she now channels into her role with Bereaved Together.
Denise’s connection to the mission of Bereaved Together is deeply personal. After the loss of her granddaughter, Ari, she witnessed the immense need for support and resources for grieving families. This experience fueled her passion for assisting our founder and her daughter Lisa, creating spaces where bereaved mothers can feel seen, heard, and welcomed. She is dedicated to helping the organization provide the healing community and encouragement grieving mothers need to navigate grief and life.
In her free time, Denise enjoys immersing herself in nature, attending local theater productions, and cherishing moments with her children and grandchildren. Whether hiking a scenic trail or enjoying a family gathering, she finds joy in meaningful connections and experiences that celebrate life’s beauty.
Angela Harvey | Community Engagement
Froedtert Health | Operations Management in HIM Dept, Health & Wellness Coach
Angela brings over 20 years of experience to her role as an Operations Analyst in the Health Information Management (HIM) department at Froedtert Health, where she recently celebrated 21 years of service. In addition, she has spent the past five years as an online health and wellness coach, finding personal healing and fulfillment by empowering others and fostering a supportive wellness community. Her dedication to helping others reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.
The mission of Bereaved Together holds a special place in Angela’s heart. After losing her son, she spent over two years feeling stuck and isolated in her grief. Attending our Bereaved Mother’s Conference was a turning point, helping her find her voice and inspiring her to get involved. Angela is now passionate about supporting grieving mothers, sharing the strength and compassion she received from this community, ensuring no one feels alone.
In her free time, Angela enjoys traveling with her husband, Friday night dinners with friends, and spontaneous breakfast dates with her living child. She loves exploring the outdoors and new places. At home, her two beloved Yorkies bring energy, love, and comfort to her family, even on the hardest days, offering constant reminders of joy and resilience.
Nicole Agen | Marketing
Happy Flowers Marketing | Owner
Nicole brings a wealth of experience in marketing and business, having worked with small, medium, and large companies. Her expertise spans strategy development, content creation, event planning, social media management, and meticulous planning—skills she uses to drive impactful initiatives and meaningful connections.
Nicole is deeply committed to the mission of
Bereaved Together stemming from her own life experiences with miscarriage. This journey has shaped her perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of connection, faith, hope, and love. Nicole is passionate about raising awareness and supporting women navigating this path, many enduring it silently.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys exploring new activities, embracing the joy of swimming, engaging in creative arts, and immersing herself in nature through gardening and hiking. She is also inspired by learning and cultural experiences that broaden her horizons and feed her curiosity
Sarah Dominguez | Public Relations
Greendale School District | Educator
Sarah brings 24 years of experience as a middle school physical education teacher and coach of several sports in the Greendale School District. Passionate about lifelong fitness, she helps students discover activities they enjoy, emphasizing intentional movement to build self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth. As a certified youth fitness specialist, she finds joy in watching her students grow and embrace physical activity.
In 2014, Sarah and her family experienced the devastating loss of their son, Ty, to stillbirth at 40 weeks. She strives everyday to live a life that honors his memory and makes him proud. Creating Ty’s legacy has taken many forms, and Sarah believes the mission of Bereaved Together provides a meaningful way to ensure that his spirit lives on. Ty's spirit is working through her, driving her to help others live life fully, even while carrying the weight of loss.
Sarah enjoys playing golf with her husband and their two living sons, reading, going to concerts, working out, playing softball, and walking their beloved pittie, Frida. She also treasures traveling and spending time with her close friends, often sharing drinks on patios, porches, or anywhere they can connect. Her friends' love and acceptance for who she truly is brings her great joy.
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