Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Mitchell

Hi Jan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Hello, my name is Jan Mitchell. My journey began when I became a widow at the age of 38 after just five years of marriage. My late husband, Steve, and I shared a blended family of four daughters—two from my previous relationship, one from his, and one we had together. Steve’s passing was sudden and devastating, caused by nursing home-acquired sepsis (neglect) following a spinal cord injury. Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system during his illness and the aftermath of his death became a pivotal moment for me.

Through grief counseling for myself and my daughters, I realized a significant gap in resources for younger widows. In search of support, I often found myself in spaces where most widows were older, had experienced decades-long marriages, and were in very different life stages. As a mother raising a young child, teens, and managing a career, I recognized the need for grief support tailored to younger widows navigating these unique challenges.

This experience inspired me to write my first book, *Suddenly Single: Navigating Grief While Colliding With Purpose,* which provided practical tools for widows to manage their new reality, from finances to parenting and even rediscovering love. The book resonated deeply, reaching women worldwide and opening doors to interviews, podcasts, and local TV appearances.

Recognizing the growing demand for meaningful grief support, I became a Certified Grief Wellness Coach through the Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC). From there, I founded my nonprofit, She Moves Forward, Inc., to serve as a grief “disrupter.” While acknowledging that “it’s okay not to be okay,” I also wanted to emphasize that healing and reclaiming life after loss is possible and necessary.

She Moves Forward, Inc. was built on the premise of helping individuals “heal forward” after grief, offering tools and support to not just survive but thrive after loss. Through this organization, I have been privileged to help women rebuild their lives with purpose, resilience, and hope. My journey continues to be fueled by my personal story, faith, and commitment to empowering others to ‘heal forward”.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I am grateful for the challenges because they taught me invaluable lessons and refined my perspective in ways I never expected. One of the biggest struggles as a newly widowed author and business owner was rediscovering who I was and realizing what I was capable of achieving.

Authoring books was a long-forgotten dream from my elementary school days, and becoming a business owner was never part of my plan. Yet, life pushed me in directions I couldn’t have anticipated. The nights of loneliness were particularly tough. I had to relearn how to be single and abstinent as a woman of faith, which was a deeply personal struggle. On top of that, balancing life as a single working mom raising three daughters and caring for a granddaughter was incredibly challenging.

I had to learn how to manage everything from parenting to finances while also allowing myself the space to grieve and heal. These experiences stretched me in ways I didn’t know I could handle, but they also fueled my passion for helping others. Those rough patches ultimately gave me the strength and purpose I needed to create She Moves Forward, Inc., and to show others that healing and thriving after loss is possible.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about She Moves Forward Inc.?

She Moves Forward, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to heal and rebuild their lives after loss. We specialize in grief wellness coaching and provide tools, resources, and support to help women move forward with purpose and strength. What sets us apart is our commitment to shifting the narrative around grief. While we recognize that “it’s okay not to be okay,” we also emphasize that it’s possible—and necessary—to recover and heal forward.

We are proud to be known as a “grief disrupter,” challenging the traditional approach to grief by providing tailored support for women in all stages of their healing journey. From workshops and one-on-one coaching to community events and resources, we help women navigate the complexities of life after loss, whether that means addressing finances, parenting, or even reimagining what happiness and fulfillment can look like.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and equipped to reclaim their lives. Our work is rooted in compassion, understanding, and actionable tools that inspire women to thrive—not just survive—after grief.

I want your readers to know that She Moves Forward, Inc. is here to walk alongside them through their healing journey. Our services are designed to meet women where they are, offering support that is both practical and transformative. Whether through our grief wellness coaching, speaking engagements, or resources like our books, “Suddenly Single: Navigating Grief While Colliding With Purpose,’ “Suddenly Single: Surviving the Demise of Your Relationship ‘, “”How to NOT Go CUCKOO While Caregiving: 7 Tips to Manage Stress and Grief While Caring for Your Loved One’, and “Happy Heavenly Birthday, Daddy!” for your little ones (Note: We only currently offer services to women 18+…though we’ve had a few male clients) we are here to remind women that while grief is a part of the story, it doesn’t have to be the end. There is hope, healing, and life after loss—and we’re here to help you find it.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is the power of resilience and purpose. Life’s challenges, especially grief, have a way of teaching us what we’re truly capable of when we embrace the healing process and allow ourselves to grow through the pain. I’ve learned that while grief can feel like the end, it can also be a beginning—an opportunity to rediscover who you are and what you’re meant to do.

Another key lesson has been understanding the importance of community and connection. No one should navigate grief alone. Through She Moves Forward, Inc., I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be to create spaces where women feel supported, validated, and equipped to move forward.

Lastly, I’ve learned to honor the seasons of life. It’s okay to feel broken for a time, but it’s also okay—and necessary—to heal and thrive. Every step of this journey has reinforced that healing is not only possible but essential for rediscovering joy and purpose after loss.

Pricing:

• Initial consultation: Free
• 1:1 Grief Coaching: 100$/hr
• Group Coaching: 75$/hr
• Speaking Engagements: $500 (min.)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shemovesforwardinc.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/w1XKhqFut5QRQo75/

Image Credits

Michelle Lineka Co Photography