*Panel* ENM MythBusters

Terri Waibel, MSW, LCSW, FT (she/her) is the founder and clinical director of Center for Compassion, a multi-provider private psychotherapy practice located in Chandler, Arizona dedicated to supporting the traumatically bereaved after the traumatic death of a beloved person. Center for Compassion is creating a more compassionate world so that no person has limited support for grief, trauma, or suffering. Terri is also the founder of the Southwest Institute for Grief and Trauma Studies, an education body that is closing the gap in grief education for helping professionals. She developed the innovative therapy practice approach, Grief Affirming Practice® and was selected as the 2025 Healthcare Innovator of the Year by Phoenix Business Journal, a 2025 Woman Achiever in Healthcare by the Arizona Capitol Times, and the 2023 Arizona Social Worker of the Year. In 2025 she was also given Special Recognition of Distinguished Service to the Social Work Profession after her testimony & advocacy efforts to pass SB1036, the Social Work Compact in the state of Arizona. Terri’s dedication to civic engagement and volunteerism extends to additional community organizations such as the MISS Foundation serving bereaved parents and families, the Selah Carefarm as an Emotional Wellness Advisor, & the Semicolon Society. Terri volunteers her time formally mentoring and training graduate students and new therapists in the field. Terri is simultaneously honored and heartbroken to be present with grievers and proud to call herself a grief activist. She devotes herself to this work in memory of her brother Brian and her beloved daughter, Kyndrid.

Jace Ryden (he/him) has made Arizona his home for more than twenty years. He prides himself as being an outspoken advocate for transgender, LGBTQ+, and civil rights, and has worked with numerous organizations throughout the state to raise both awareness and funds. As an “out” transgender man, Jace has made it a point to use his powers (and privilege) for good, and speaks publicly about his transition and his experiences as a member of the trans community. Jace has presented trans ally workshops at numerous conferences and trainings since 2019, including the TransParent Conference in Denver, Let’s Get Better Together, Southwest Love Fest, and Maricopa Community Colleges.