Jennifer Siklosi

Supporting people who are experiencing grief, due to the death of a loved one, is something I have felt passionate about since the age of 17. In my role, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to provide support to families experiencing grief and feel honoured to have people place their trust in me on an emotional and professional level. Although it is under unfortunate circumstances, I cherish the time I spend with the families I meet, and find this work to be most rewarding. I strive to offer the best of me at all times while being sincere and compassionate.

When I chose to do a high school co-op placement at McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home, I never imagined how this opportunity would have such a significant impact on my future endeavours. I immediately knew my career path would involve supporting bereaved families and readily accepted the opportunity to continue working part-time with the funeral home at the conclusion of my co-op. After working as a Funeral Assistant for four years, I moved to Toronto to attend Humber College to study and received my Funeral Directors Licence in 2000. Prior to completing the Funeral Services Education Program, I received a Diploma as a Social Service Worker at Lambton College in 1997. I truly believe that most of what I have learned has come directly from my experience with bereaved families; however, I continue to enhance my skills through continuing education courses. I have attended many seminars, and workshops dealing with Death, Grief and Bereavement. I am a Certified Funeral Celebrant as well as an RTS Counsellor dealing with Perinatal and Infant Loss and Bereavement. I am currently working toward completing a Death and Grief Studies Certificate, offered through the Centre for Loss & Life Transition in Colorado. Meanwhile, I have co-facilitated bereavement support groups for adults and children, assisted with community presentations and functions, and volunteered with the Lambton Suicide Prevention Committee, St. Joseph's Resource Centre (Children's Support Program) and the Victorian Order of Nurses (Kids Camp 2007).

I was born and raised in Sarnia, and am the eldest of five brothers and two sisters. I have a shaggy little white and caramel Lhasa Apso named Shadow. Outside of work, I enjoy the company of family and friends, playing with my puppy and capturing life's moments with my camera, which is handy at every major or minor function.