Kim develops, coordinates and facilitates Grief and Suicide Loss programming at Ruah. Kim is a registered social worker (BA, BSW, MEd) with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW). A proud Memorial University alumna, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (1992), a Bachelor of Social Work (2002), and a Master of Education in Post-Secondary Education (2008). She also holds a Diploma in Theology and Ministry from Queen’s College (2021).
Kim is a Certified Grief Educator who completed specialized training developed by renowned grief expert David Kessler. Drawing on both her social work knowledge, skills, and values and her lived experience of losing her brother Brendan to suicide, she supports individuals, families, groups, and communities affected by suicide loss. She founded the Vigil to Remember Those Who Died by Suicide and received the Excellence in Leadership Award from ASIST, NL for her leadership in suicide postvention.
For more than 30 years, Kim worked with Memorial University students, faculty, and staff in the area of residence life, experiential learning, student life, service-learning, career development, and social work education. Her experience includes needs assessment, case management, student orientation, leadership programs, reflection, and program development. She brings a narrative, strengths-based, solution-focused, and reflective approach to Ruah.
Kim has developed programs, facilitated groups, and presented on a wide range of topics locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. She created the award-winning Make Midterm Matter program, which received the AACUSS Award of Excellence (2008), and co-led the MUN–Petro-Canada Habitat for Humanity Build, recipient of the CCAE Prix d’Excellence Gold Medal for Best Community Outreach Program (2009). She has also received the following awards:
- CASW Distinguished Service Award (2024)
- Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, MUNSU (2010)
- Master Carpenter Award, Cabot Habitat for Humanity (2008)
- Carol’s Creed Award, AACUSS (2008)
- Staff Volunteer of the Year, Memorial University (2005)
- President’s Award for Exemplary Service, Memorial University (2004)
