Our Co-Founders

Stephanie, mother to three daughters—Samantha, Katie, and Madeline—and two stepsons, Joe and Nick, has faced an arduous journey through grief. The untimely loss of Katie at 22, due to a hiking accident on March 19, 2016, marked a significant turning point. Three years later came the death of her stepson Nick to PTSD/fentanyl poisoning.

Now, many years into her grief journey, Stephanie has come to understand that while each person’s path through grief is uniquely their own, there are common threads that connect this profound experience. She has worked in the corporate world for over thirty years and has switched over to a more service-oriented role, helping people know that they can find hope and even joy again through her work with KAREfarm and other consulting roles. Stephanie has emerged as a driving force, passionately connecting with other bereaved individuals and building a robust community of resilient people who support and fortify one another. Her approach blends strength, grace, empathy, and yes, also humor, as she works to support others embarking on similar journeys through grief.

Stephanie’s husband Mike is no stranger to grief. In addition to the heart-wrenching loss of stepdaughter Katie in 2016, his combat veteran son, Nick, also unexpectedly passed in 2019.

A proud Cincinnati native, Mike’s roots trace back to his formative years at Moeller High School, followed by graduation from the University of Dayton. His academic pursuits continued with a Master’s degree in Program Management, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

For 16 years, Mike delved into the realm of the Department of Defense, amassing a treasure trove of captivating stories from his experiences. Transitioning seamlessly, he spent over three decades in the field of IT, orchestrating successful projects and programs across the globe. However, Mike’s heart beats fervently for the management and nurturing of WhiteTail Ridge farm, the cherished host of KAREfarm. He is affectionately known as “Uncle Mike” or even playfully as “Uncle Jimmy (Beam),” and assumes the role of caretaker at WhiteTail Ridge farm, the cherished host of KAREFarm.

Now, as a father mourning the loss of Nick, Mike grapples with the immense pain of burying a son and confidant. The saying “we should never have to bury our children” resonates profoundly with Mike and Stephanie, who now bear the sorrow of burying two of their children. They are open-hearted about sharing their profound journeys with others.

Mike’s warmth radiates as he gathers around the fire, spinning tales and savoring a drink. His quick-witted jokes serve to lighten the mood or to offer a comforting presence. Whether it’s through shared prayer or heartfelt tears, he explores and helps navigate our paths of healing.

In 2016, Christa’s life underwent an irreversible fracture, dividing time into distinct chapters of “before” and “after.” The defining moment was September 17, 2016, when her eldest daughter, Avery, fell victim to a tragic accident caused by an intoxicated motorist. In the initial year of grieving, Christa embarked on a determined journey advocating for legal accountability in the state where Avery attended college. Her relentless efforts, in collaboration with Avery’s family, led to a pivotal turn in the case, overturning an agreed punishment to a guilty plea. Christa’s impactful victim impact statement not only brought justice but also set a significant legal precedent, paving the way for maximum sentencing.

Amidst her unwavering fight for justice, Christa tirelessly nurtures her three surviving younger children, Recognizing the unique impact of sibling loss on each child, she navigates parenting with a mindful approach. Beyond her roles as a property investment firm owner and a dedicated staff member at a local Kentucky high school, Christa holds a Bachelor’s in History, a Master’s in Teaching, and completed a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Kentucky.

Throughout her unimaginable journey through the loss of a child, Christa has made it her mission to process her grief and convey, albeit sometimes unconventionally, the nuances of this “new normal” to her family and friends. She has learned to reinvest in life, channeling her experiences into co-founding the Graveyard Gab podcast. Her passion extends to facilitating workshops during retreats, aiming to equip bereaved individuals or those weathering life’s trials with enhanced coping skills and essential tools for healing.