Jill Batiansila

I feel I was meant to start this non-profit and God has been preparing me my entire life for this calling. 

When I was a child, I suffered the loss of my father who died at the age of 25 in a tragic plane accident. I experienced a great void, even amidst the support of my loving family. The stages of my own personal grief are scattered throughout my years. It wasn’t until 2016 that I knew what I would use this pain for a bigger purpose.

I want people to feel accepted, supported and met in their grief.

Nicole Guttridge

Hello, my name is Nicole and I am a wife and proud mama of two. I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and attended Oregon State University. My husband and I moved near Elk Grove in 2002 and enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities that this region has to offer. I work full time in the IT project management world and am probably best known for my cookie baking skills amongst our friends. In my spare time, you can find me with friends, family, working on a remodeling project, or cheering my kids on in the stands for sports and school activities. If I had to choose three words to describe myself, they would be dedicated, organized, and passionate about what I do. I am looking forward to joining these other incredible board members as we embark on raising awareness, encouraging others, and sharing hope through classes, fellowship, and encouragement.

Jessica Reynaga

My name is Jessica Reynaga, and Elk Grove has been my home for the past 22 years. I find immense joy in being a devoted mother, sister, daughter, tia, and wife – my family is the cornerstone of my life. I thrive when surrounded by those I love, cherishing the moments we share together. Crafting, DIY’ing and shopping are my creative outlets. I love the excitement of attending concerts and cheering on Bay Area sport teams.

Navigating the depths of grief has been a profound and challenging aspect of my life's journey. The loss of two of the most important men in my life, my brother and my father, has left an indelible mark on my heart. The experience of grief and true sadness is one I never anticipated or could have imagined. Coping with the void they left behind has been the hardest thing I've ever had to face. However, amidst the pain, I am grateful to have found a supportive community that has played a role in helping me cope, grow, and find peace through the intricate process of loss. I’m proud and grateful to be part of this team/community.

Crystal Jones

I live in Elk Grove, California with my husband and our two boys. I am a school psychologist who also has a passion for learning, people, and travel. My first experience with loss came to me at age 30. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer shortly after I was married and just before finding out I was pregnant with my first child. Although I am very thankful for the years that I had with my mother, her death came at a time when a daughter really needs her own mother. It was a shock to my system that I still relive at moments in my life years later. However, I am so grateful that I was able to use resources that were available to me to navigate my journey of grief and loss. My faith, family, friends, and some wonderful therapists gave me hope, peace, and comfort to see the joy in life. My hope is to give others the gift of resources on their own journey through loss.

Carly Saunders

Hi, I’m Carly! I’m a wife and mom of two. My husband and I married out of high school and after he served a 10 year military tour, we settled in Elk Grove where we could be within a couple hours of family. I work in the payroll department at a nearby City and when I’m not crunching numbers I love being outside in the sunshine- watching soccer from the sidelines, working in my yard or going for a hike or a run are my favorite ways to soak it in!

I’m honored to be a part of the Together We Heal Community Board. I’m surrounded by amazing board members and volunteers with a mission to provide support and comfort to those facing difficult circumstances. I am personally grateful for Together We Heal Community’s flower garden and the opportunity to get my hands in the dirt and take in the fresh air and open space while also serving in a capacity to bring someone a little bit of beauty and hope.

Unfortunately, we will all experience loss in our lives and my hope is that Together We Heal Community will serve as a resource to promote healing and wellness.