Wayfinder Family Co.
Supporting children, families, and organizations navigating change, grief, and loss
Grief education & consulting for children, families, & you…
Wayfinder Family Co. is a compassionate resource dedicated to supporting caregivers and parents navigating the complex journey of helping children through grief. We understand the profound emotional challenges of supporting grieving children and provide essential knowledge, resources, and community support. Our mission is to empower families by fostering resilience, understanding, and hope during one of life's most challenging experiences.
For Community Helpers, Educators & Professionals
For professionals, schools, and nonprofits seeking comprehensive grief education and support, Wayfinder Family Co. offers specialized training, curriculum development, workshops, and educational programs. We provide tailored resources that enhance organizational capacity to support grieving children and families, transforming grief literacy across educational, community, and professional environments. Our approach equips professionals with innovative strategies to create supportive, understanding spaces that honor individual grief experiences.
Meet the Founder
Jessica Porte is a consultant and educator with 14+ years of experience guiding organizations and communities through complex transitions. Her expertise spans grief support for children, families, and communities, to adaptive leadership strategies that empower organizations to navigate change effectively. Certified in Psychological First Aid and trained in Lego® Serious Play®, Jessica develops innovative solutions rooted in empathy and resilience
Family & Community Services
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Circle of Care Program - Substance Use Loss
Illinois Statewide Program Suporting Substance Use Related Death and Loss . Trainings, directory, and resources
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Consulting
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Brick by Brick
Family & School Groups using Lego® Serious Play®
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![Me.You.We. Family-centered Education Program]()
Me.You.We. Family-centered Education Program
“Jessica is a safety net you hope you never need, but will be so grateful you have it when you need it most. Jessica responded to my message about the unexpected news of our loved one with a comforting landing space. Not only did Jessica give me support, she quickly and easily used metaphors to teach me how to support my children. In just 15 minutes, she equipped me with skills that empowered me to handle the conversations with my children at a level that was appropriate for them. A situation I was scared to tell them about turned into a 'normal' experience for them because I had the skills. Seeing their grandma sick turned into a race with my son vs. his grandma's "chair car," and my daughter saying, "let's decorate your new chair like a parade, grandma." Jessica - thank you for giving me the skills that empowered me to provide my family with a safe space that allowed us the ability to navigate difficult times. "
- Jennifer Hintzsche, PhD, Founder of PherDal
GetGritty Podcast with Jaz & Jess
Grit by definition, are the particles that create traction and movement. Think of the exterior of a road or mountain and how those crevices are your leverages moving forward, and sometimes, they cause you to fall back.
This metaphor in life is a dynamic experience and GRIT is part of what helps us grow and it can be wildly uncomfortable… sometimes painful.
GetGritty is where we explore the many challenges in life and how grit makes us adaptable and more resilient humans. Hear the stories that build strategies and perspectives that help the parent, friend, professional, and friend.