(612) 356-0277

tom@crocushillcounselingcenter.com

Thomas Ellis, MA, LMFT emeritus

While I am no longer providing therapy services, I am available for speaking engagements and group presentations. I've had two books published; “This Thing Called Grief: New Understandings of Loss” and “Enzo Isn’t There,” a children’s book, both of which can be found in most libraries, amazon.com and local book stores.

My specialty throughout my career has been primarily traumatic loss and complicated grief. The ambiguous loss work has included working with the M.S. Society, Veterans Administration, Brain Injury Association, Autism groups, to name a few. I continue to write, educate and present on these important issues, as I enter this next phase of retirement.

I was born and raised in Hastings Minnesota. I am a graduate of the University of St. Thomas, the University of Minnesota and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota where I earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have also completed a certification & licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am a parent and value family as a top priority. I am a life long learner and collaborate with others during challenging times. I also value the art of writing, music, visual work and the environment in creating a sense of balance.

My greatest passion is spending quality time with my two daughters. My father died in 1986 following ten years of a disability related to a brain tumor. Before founding CHCC, I was the Executive Director of the Center for Grief, Loss and Transition for 14 years beginning in 1996. I was also a 2nd generation Funeral Director, taking over for my father after he died. My life experiences and compassion for others is what brought me to this work. My focus has always been in working with individuals and families who have experienced a traumatic loss. I am also a musician, a gardener, enjoy traveling and being outdoors.

I am a member of the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the MN Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

(612) 819-0556 gayle@crocushillcounselingcenter.com

3109 W 50th St, Suite 330 Minneapolis MN 55410

Gayle Sherman Crandell, MA, LPCC

Gayle has been privileged to work with people living with and affected by life-challenging illness, grief and transition for over 30 years. She is a therapist, professional trainer and clinical supervisor. Since 2011, Gayle has facilitated a group for women living with metastatic breast cancer. She has presented at countless conferences and workshops nationally on the emotional needs of people at the end of life, caregiver grief, resilience among professionals and talking with young people about death.

Gayle’s approach to counseling is deeply impacted by her travel to Thailand, Spain, Bali, Kyoto, Australia, Singapore, and Western Europe, and having lived on both coasts before landing in the middle of the country (which she loves!) She is a political news "junkie" loves to garden without gloves, and cocoon at home with really good coffee. She lives in Minneapolis with her spouse of 25+ years and rescue dog, Joey -an old scruffy terrier who accompanies her to work each day. She loves her time with her adult kids who are peppered throughout the east coast, west coast, and old south.

Prior to Crocus Hill Counseling Center, Gayle was a therapist and program director at Center for Grief, Loss and Transition for over ten years. In Washington, DC, Gayle was in private practice working extensively with people living with HIV and cancer, and education director for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington and the St. Francis Center. She was part of a team who began LAYN, a homeless youth program in Hollywood, coordinated programs and provided counseling for the LA Response Center for survivors of sexual assault and worked with several former cult members at the California Institute for Women. Gayle contributed a chapter entitled "The Grieving Caregiver" to the book Caring for the HIV/AIDS Caregiver, and is an ADEC certified Thanatologist.