Who we are….
And why we get it..
Sarah Blake
Sarah is a trained funeral celebrant, an experienced trauma-informed coach, a hospital lay chaplain and a workplace mediator.
As a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, she brings 35 years of experience in coaching and human resources, having worked with major public and private sector organisations to support people through change, uncertainty and challenging personal and professional circumstances.
Through her work as a funeral celebrant, Sarah supports bereaved families in creating meaningful ceremonies that honour the individuality of the person who has died and the relationships and memories they leave behind.
Sarah’s professional understanding is deeply informed by her own experiences, including the death of her husband and other complex and traumatic personal challenges.
She understands how grief can unsettle our sense of identity, confidence and the familiar rhythms of everyday life.
Through A Grief Conversation, Sarah brings warmth, thoughtful listening and practical support. She is passionate about creating a space where people feel able to speak openly, remember those they love and begin to explore what life might hold alongside their grief.
A friendship rooted in understanding
Our friendship, born out of natural connection, has become a source of comfort, encouragement and laughter as we each navigate life after loss. We listen to one another, make space for the difficult days, and encourage each other to take new steps when we're ready.
Through our own experiences, we have come to understand the importance of having someone alongside you who doesn’t expect you to have all the answers, or to be anything other than yourself.
A Grief Conversation grew from that shared understanding.
We wanted to offer others something of the connection we have found together: a place to speak honestly, feel understood and find support with the everyday challenges of life after bereavement.
At the heart of everything we do is our belief in the importance of human connection and a simple conviction:
We don’t heal in isolation, but in connection with ourselves, others and nature.
Sonya Kearns
Sonya brings 18 years of policing experience, including six years as a Detective within Scotland Yard’s Homicide Command.
As a qualified Family Liaison Officer, she supports families affected by murder, guiding them through complex criminal investigations and judicial proceedings, including trials at the Old Bailey.
This work gives Sonya a profound understanding of the devastating impact of sudden and traumatic loss, and the importance of compassionate, consistent support when life has changed beyond recognition.
Alongside her professional experience, Sonya has experienced multiple significant personal bereavements. She understands how grief can affect our relationships, confidence, identity and ability to navigate everyday life.
Sonya is currently undertaking Grief Educator training with internationally recognised grief expert David Kessler. Deepening her understanding of grief and the ways in which people can be supported through loss.
Through A Grief Conversation, Sonya combines her professional experience, personal understanding and continuing education to helping people feel heard, supported and less alone in their grief.