Giving back to the community moves Katerina d’Santi.

“It feeds my soul. It definitely calls to me,” said d’Santi, an active volunteer for different organizations in the Auburn community.

Her efforts include a close association with GriefWorks ( www.griefworks.org ), which is celebrating its 10th year as a non-profit bereavement counseling agency serving King and Pierce counties.

GriefWorks has provided healing and hope to more than 10,000 people – children, teens, adults, and families – since 1998. It has brought grief support to schools, homes and the workplace.

It also has provided an opportunity for the skillful d’Santi to exercise her compassion and interest in palliative care.

The agency has trained professionals and volunteers in the community, such as d’Santi, equipping them to be a caring presence to the bereaved.

D’Santi, who is working on a social sciences degree, joined the GriefWorks’ board of directors in January.

“It is critical,” d’Santi said of the agency’s work. “They provide a very important service.

“For example, if a student passes away, other students need to talk about it,” she continued. “Many parents and teachers are uncomfortable talking about it. They are unsure of how to help. But GriefWorks is that outlet. We’re able to help and educate.”

D’Santi, a supervisor at PACCAR Inc. ITD Division, has lived in Auburn since 2002. She has lived and traveled throughout the U.S. and Mexico and has experience with Italian and various Latino cultures. She speaks fluent Spanish and offers this skill where needed.

“I’m here to help in any capacity,” she added.

Added Daryl Thompson, GriefWorks executive director: “She has desire to serve others. She is always asking to do more beyond her work on the board. … I’m very impressed with her.”

D’Santi brings a Sicilian and Latino ancestry to the board.

Coincidentally, another GriefWorks board member, Ed Vallejo, has the same combination of ancestry. Neither board member had met before, joining the board at different times.

Both board members will help bring diversity to the board as the agency tackles the challenges of changing demographics in the region.

“They both bring an interest of reaching out to different cultures and to all those who need grief counseling,” Thompson said.

Board members not only provide leadership, but they take on decision and policy making, as well as fundraising.

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Glimpsing Back and Paying It Forward:6:30-8 p.m., April 17, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. Donors event for GriefWorks. Hors d’oeuvres and local wines will be served, silent auction will entertain, leisurely viewing of museum exhibits offered. Please bring guests. RSVP, daryl@griefworks.org or (253) 333-9420.

Contact Auburn Reporter Editor Mark Klaas at mklaas@auburn-reporter.com or 253-833-0218, ext. 5050.

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