Meet Kimberli Gross

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberli Gross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberli below.

Kimberli, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

Honestly, I think empathy has always been a part of who I am. I’ve just always been a servant at heart — I enjoy helping people, meeting their needs, or connecting them with the right resources. It’s what comes naturally to me.

When I lost my mom, I learned firsthand what it meant to grieve in a world that wants you to “get over it.” That experience changed how I see people — it taught me to look beyond behavior and hear the story behind it. You start to recognize pain even when it’s hidden behind a smile.

My mom used to always say, “Consider the source.” That phrase sticks with me to this day. It taught me to look beyond a person’s words or actions and get to the why. When you understand the why, you can help move the needle forward. That perspective has guided so much of how I show up for people — with curiosity, not judgment.

Serving in the Air Force during 9/11 also shaped me. I saw fear, uncertainty, and grief up close, and it reminded me that pain doesn’t discriminate — it speaks a universal language. Those moments planted a deep desire in me to be present for others in theirs.

So for me, empathy isn’t just about feeling for someone; it’s about walking with them, helping them find hope again, and showing them they’re not alone. That’s really the heartbeat of Celebrate Still.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve always been the one people call when they’re going through something — the listener, the encourager, the connector. But after losing my mom, that role took on a whole new meaning. I learned firsthand what it meant to grieve in a world that wants you to “get over it,” and I realized how unprepared most of us are for loss.

I created Celebrate Still, Inc. in 2020 to help others find what I once needed — a safe space to heal, process, and rediscover life after loss. I create the spaces I needed when my world collapsed. Truthfully, I could have used a Celebrate Still. I needed a me. And that’s my why.

I also wanted to make sure I wasn’t just sharing from experience but from education and proven approaches. So, I went back to school — earning my Bachelor’s in Organizational Management and a Master’s in Human Services Counseling with a focus on trauma and crisis response. That knowledge helped me merge faith, compassion, and clinical understanding into everything I teach and every space I create.

Celebrate Still exists to normalize grief, provide real tools for healing, and remind people that life doesn’t end when loss begins. We do that through our Living Shattered grief support groups, one-on-one coaching, and annual community events like the Mother’s Day Brunch (May) and Happy for the Holidays concert (December), which bring comfort, connection, and joy during some of the hardest seasons of the year.

We also honor my mom’s legacy through the Brenda Mae Nursing Scholarship at Baltimore City Community College, supporting aspiring nurses who share her compassion for others.

Professionally, I’m excited about our next chapter — expanding our grief coaching curriculum and building partnerships with schools, churches, and community organizations. My focus now is sustainability and growth — not just for Celebrate Still, but for every heart we serve.

At the end of the day, Celebrate Still is more than a name — it’s a reminder that even after life shatters, you can still find beauty in the pieces.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are faith, resilience, and compassion.

Faith kept me grounded when everything around me was shifting. It gave me the courage to keep showing up — even when I didn’t feel ready or qualified. Faith reminds me that purpose is born in the hard places, not the easy ones.

Resilience taught me that growth doesn’t mean you never fall — it means you learn how to get back up differently. I’ve had moments where I didn’t know what was next, but I’ve learned that God always meets you in motion. Keep moving, even if it’s just one step at a time.

And compassion — that’s the heartbeat of everything I do. It’s what helps me see people beyond their pain. Compassion isn’t just about helping others; it’s about slowing down enough to listen, to understand, and to respond with care.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this:

Build your faith intentionally. Get quiet enough to hear God’s voice about your purpose.
Be kind to yourself while you grow. Development takes time — give yourself grace.
And serve others well. The best version of yourself will always be revealed in service.

Those three qualities — faith, resilience, and compassion — have carried me through every season. They’re not just what I practice; they’re who I’ve become.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely — collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. Celebrate Still was built on community, and I truly believe healing happens faster when we do it together.

Right now, I’m looking to partner with churches, schools, mental health professionals, and community organizations that want to provide safe spaces for grief, healing, and personal growth. I also love collaborating with creative partners — artists, educators, and event hosts — who share a passion for making hard conversations feel approachable and hopeful.

We also welcome partnerships and support from donors and sponsors who believe in the power of community healing. Your contributions help us expand our reach — from funding the Brenda Mae Nursing Scholarship to supporting our Living Shattered programs and annual events like the Mother’s Day Brunch and Happy for the Holidays concert. Every gift, big or small, helps us bring comfort, connection, and hope to grieving hearts.

Beyond programs, I’m also open to public speaking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions that help normalize conversations about grief. Because grief isn’t only about death — it’s also divorce, job loss, changes in health, broken relationships, or the loss of stability. My goal is to help people understand that grief is a part of life, not the end of it, and to change the narrative so we can foster healthy, healing outcomes.

If someone’s reading this and feels that tug to connect, I’d love to hear from them. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or visit www.celebratestill.org to learn more about our programs, partnerships, and giving opportunities.

And of course, follow us on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and X @celebratestill — for grief tips, encouragement, and upcoming events.

Because at the end of the day, this work isn’t just about me — it’s about us. Healing and hope are community efforts, and there’s always room at the table for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.celebratestill.org
• Instagram: @CelebrateStill
• Facebook: Celebrate Still & Kimberli Gross
• Linkedin: Kimberli Gross
• Twitter: @CelebrateStill
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kimberligross

Image Credits

Celebrate Still Exclusively uses:

Aisha Butler Photography
LGibbs Photography