Our Training Faculty
Gabrielle Lawrence, PhD
Gabrielle is a licensed psychologist, a certified counselor in the state of Arizona, a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. She is a recognized clinician working in the area of grief recovery and traumatic loss. Dr. Lawrence received her Master's in Early Learning and Development in 1973 and her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. In her private practice, she specializes in working with children as well as working with adolescents and adults with issues of early trauma, abuse, bereavement and with couples in crisis. In 1989, she founded the Good Shepherd Counseling Center and in 1990, she co-founded New Song Center for Grieving Children, a support program for children and families who have experienced the death of a loved one. In 2002, Dr. Lawrence was a recipient of the Hon Kachina Award and the Scottsdale Life Magazine Five Who Care Award for her work as a founder of New Song Center for Grieving Children. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Lawrence is a recent board member and past president of the Arizona Association for Play Therapy. She is also is a member of the graduate faculty of the University of Phoenix in the Department of Counseling. She lectures for schools, hospitals, parents, professional, corporate and community organizations concerning children's issues and wellness and relationship management topics such as conflict resolution, anger and stress management.
Sandra Howlett, EdD
Dr. Sandra Howlett has been involved with New Song since 2003. Sandi holds a Doctorate of Education from Virginia Tech University. She has continued her studies in the areas of communication, personal growth, grief & loss, and spirituality. She has two decades of experience designing and delivering effective, highly interactive workshops and training programs. She is principle in Howlett & Company Inc., a twenty year old Phoenix based management development organization dedicated to grief education and support and improving relationships through communication, understanding, and experiential education. In addition to her faculty and volunteer facilitator roles with New Song, she is the Bereavement Specialist for Hansen's Mortuary and a speaker for Grief in the Workplace for the American Hospice Foundation. Her personal style is best described as content rich and compassionate balanced with humor! Sandi is a member of the National Speakers Association and the Arizona Bereavement Alliance (as well as Costco, Sam's Club and the Chick Filet Biscuit Club!). She is avid journaler and integrates it into her training. She is also an outstanding storyteller and finds that her stories remind her audiences of their stories, creating a link that is timeless. She has published articles in Bereavement Magazine and Values Realization Journal.
Rachel Thomas, MA, LMFT
Rachel has been practicing for almost 10 years and is licensed in both Arizona and California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has worked with a wonderfully diverse population and works with people with various life stressors such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and various personal growth issues. She specializes in infertility/reproductive care, grief and loss, and couple's therapy. Rachel is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor and has provided supervision to other practicing professionals as they move towards their license. In addition to her private practice, Rachel also coordinates and oversees the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration at Ottawa University's Graduate Counseling Program.
While working at San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, Rachel worked with individuals, couples, children, and families as they cope with the loss of a loved one. She coordinated a program for families and children of ages 4-99 called Grief Street: A Family Bereavement Program. After moving to Phoenix, she immediately connected with New Song Center for Grieving Children. She is a member of the Program Committee and facilitates various trainings with New Song as needed.
Craig Hansen
Craig Hanson was born into a funeral family. His parents started Hansen Mortuary, in North Phoenix, shortly after WWII. Craig started working for the family business the day he received his driver's license, however, his career began after college in 1976. In 1986 Craig and his siblings purchased the firm from their parents and immediately started expanding locations and services in the Phoenix Metro area.
To serve the needs of our communities the Hansen Family have six funeral homes located around the Valley. Other businesses owned and operated by Craig and his Family includes a crematorium, a memorial park for permanent memorialization and for families wanting to purchase funeral arrangements before the need, an insurance agency.