Healing at the Well

MANAGEMENT

CEO/Executive Director

Nicole Thomas and Amy D'Arcy

CEO/Executive Director Experience

Nicole's life passion has been to help others, a calling she answered from a young age as a teen mediator and later studying Psychology at the University of Oregon. Her career in healthcare marketing allowed her the privilege of working on brands that provided life-changing results for patients. When her husband passed away suddenly and tragically in 2019, Nicole was forced to confront profound grief while caring for her grieving twins. It was during this dark time that she met Amy, another young widow further along on the healing journey. Amy provided Nicole community, hope and healing when she needed it most. Attending a retreat for young widows called Never Alone Widows in 2021 sparked a vision in Nicole to create that same support system for others where she lived. She and Amy partnered to launch the first Never Alone Widows Locals group in San Clemente, CA. There they counseled over 200 widows, exposing the glaring unmet need for professional grief coaching during those first brutal days of loss. From this experience, the idea for Healing at the Well was born. Nicole's driving passion is to ensure no widow feels unseen, unheard or alone in their darkest moments. Her goal is to create a judgment-free safe haven where each woman can openly share her unique grief journey while being met with compassion. Nicole loves to travel, she enjoys a good outdoor concert, creating new memories over a meal with friends, and a day at the beach in San Clemente with her twins. The twins are thriving in school and are very active in cheer, softball, soccer and baseball. It is through our community of widows and children that our family has found hope and healing. Education & Credentials: B.A. in Psychology, University of Oregon Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C) Amy D' Arcy Amy's passion for helping women and children navigate life's challenges stems from over a decade as a Special Education teacher and college professor specializing in Child Development. Her commitment to nurturing healthy coping skills was deepened through her own journey as a widow. After losing her first husband 12 years ago and raising two young sons, Amy intimately understands the desperate need for connection, hope, and healing in the face of profound loss. Drawing from this experience, she is fully dedicated to providing a supportive environment tailored to each woman and child's unique story. As a proactive advocate for those grieving, Amy has initiated and led several support groups including Survivors of Suicide Loss and Never Alone Widows. Her greatest hope is that every woman and child who comes through her door feels seen, heard, loved and that they are not alone. In counseling sessions, Amy partners with each client to explore their personal journey, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and foster resilience. She provides an open, understanding space to share experiences and emotions while offering specialized grief support. Now remarried with a blended family, Amy has added perspective on the complexities of integrating new family dynamics after loss. She cherishes her two sons and four stepchildren, seeing her journey's richness reflected in their lives. Amy's Education & Credentials: M.S. in Special Education, National University B.A. in Human Environmental Sciences & Child Development, Point Loma Nazarene University Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Special Education Teaching Credential Health Science Teaching Credential Grief Counselor Certification (GC-C) Simple Wisdom "For the Children" Certification in Counseling Youth Through Loss

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