Meet Founder and Executive Director, Deanna Slifka
Deanna Slifka is the Founder and Executive Director of Sophia's Wings. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and provides the grief therapy to the families we serve.
Slifka has a BS of Science in Secondary Education from Youngstown State University and a MS in Counseling from Nova Southeastern University.
She is married with 3 children, 2 on earth and 1 in heaven.
Slifka is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. She is an Ambassador for Lifebanc and serves on the Donor Family Council.
Besides operating Sophia's Wings, Slifka is the Director of Youth Ministries at her church, works per diem for Belmont Pines Hospital as a trauma specialist, and is an independent contractor for Lifebanc's Bereavement Department.
The following is written by Deanna Slifka:
Sophia's Wings was formed in memory of my middle daughter, Sophia, who was born sleeping on May 29, 2012 and inspired by the free bereavement services I received from Lifebanc following Sophia's death.
After resigning from my position as a high school English teacher, I felt called to enroll in graduate school, obtain my Masters in Counseling and form Sophia's Wings, where we could provide bereavement services at no cost to families who have to know the pain of pregnancy and infant loss.
Through my own grief journey, I have learned that there is another side to loss. I have learned that both joy and pain can coexist within my heart and that if we allow it, our pain can transform us into more gentle human beings.
I find the work I do is sacred and it is a true honor to be able to companion families on their journey through grief.
