The Starfish Story

An old man had a habit of early morning walks on the beach. One day, after a storm, he saw a human figure in the distance moving like a dancer. As he came closer he saw that it was a young woman and she was not dancing but was reaching down to the sand, picking up a starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean."Young lady", he asked, "Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?""The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die.""But young lady, do you not realise that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference."The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves, saying: "It made a difference for that one."Adapted from the original by Loren Eiseley

What We Do

Starfish Associates is a multi-faceted, multi-talented group of compassionate individuals, with a lot to offer, and a lot of heart. If you're interested in working with us or want more information regarding any of the following, we'd love to hear from you.

Who We Are

Lois Hall, MS

Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist®, Owner of Starfish Associates, LLC

Lois has been working in the field of grief for over 30 years, and within the Public Health sphere for even longer. Her passion and tenacity for helping people is widely known, and she often finds herself reminding people that "Grief is a Public Health issue."Since being officially certified as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist® in 1998, she's helped countless people and doesn't intend to stop anytime soon. In 2023, she hired on her first associate (and favorite child), and has continued her mission to help the world by making a difference one life at a time.

Kade Hall

Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist®, Associate, & Designer

Kade (they/them) is a graphic designer, lifelong creative, and considers themself a living case study of raising a child using the methods in the Helping Children with Loss program. Finally certified in the spring of 2023, they have a passion for their community, and want nothing more than to help make the world a more safe, loving, and welcoming place for all.

Stefanie Hall, NBCT, MA.Ed

Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist®, Associate, & Educator

Stefanie is a recently retired educator after 34 years in public schools, working with grades 3-8 as a teacher, gifted intervention specialist, and Gifted Coordinator. Stefanie has been a Grief Recovery Method Specialist® since 2001, and has a heartfelt passion for helping children and those that work with them become better-equipped to process their grief.

Presentations & Talks

Starfish Associates is able to o