Jillian Carpenter

Jillian Carpenter (she/her) earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon College in 2012 and a Master of Social Work Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2014. Jillian currently serves as the Program Director for Connor’s Heroes to support children and families through pediatric cancer treatment. Jillian has also been a dedicated member of the Board of Directors of Full Circle Grief Center.

Jillian has experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups as they navigate the grieving process after the death of their baby. Jillian has facilitated several Perinatal Loss Groups at Full Circle. Additionally, she has co-created and facilitated Full Circle’s Pregnancy after Loss and Parenting after Loss Groups. Jillian is the creator and facilitator of VCU Health’s Family Planning virtual Perinatal Loss Group. Jillian is passionate about supporting people who have experienced all forms of baby loss, including ending a wanted pregnancy. Jillian brings her clinical skills and personal experiences into the therapeutic space to validate and companion the bereaved through all facets of the grieving process. She approaches her clients with warmth and empathy to foster a relationship where their grief can be witnessed, nurtured, and honored. Jillian is skilled in embracing the complex duality of grief and humor. She operates from the assumption that people know themselves best.

Jillian is deeply committed to honoring the life of her daughter through holding space for other bereaved parents. She wants others to feel seen, heard, and less alone in their grief. In her personal time she loves to read, visit beautiful beaches, and spend time with family and friends (preferably combining all three of these into the perfect day).

Education

M.S.W., Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University

B.A., Randolph Macon College

Training

Supervisee in Social Work, Virginia