Voices for Change

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 Jerri Clark, resource and advocacy manager at Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC)

In her role at TAC, Jerri supports a national helpline, trains mental health advocates, edits content for TAC’s Schizophrenia and Psychosis Resource Center and teaches an eight-week seminar for families impacted by ambiguous losses related to severe mental illness (SMI). Her newly released book, Gone Before Gone, blends intimate memoir with practical self-help for healing alongside losses that forever lack clarity. A University of Kansas journalism graduate who has lived in Washington State since 1995, Jerri wrote for magazines and taught yoga before launching an advocacy career 10 years ago.

Gone Before Gone: When Mental Illness Steals Someone You Love provides guidance for navigating the emotional terrain of "ambiguous loss," a concept developed by Pauline Boss, Phd. When someone is forever changed by a psychiatric illness and/or is missing, incarcerated, or gone for reasons that lack clarity (like suicide), the resulting grief is complex. Jerri Clark's book offers direction and practical tools. You’ll feel as though a kind mom is holding your hand and helping you breathe as you bravely take one step at a time toward healing yourself. 

Author Mindy Greiling, a Minnesota advocate and former legislator, said this: 

"In Gone Before Gone, Jerri Clark shares her heart-breaking story, salted with exercises to help readers learn to live, as she did, with both grief and eventually peace or even joy. As the mom of a son with severe mental illness, I’ve often wondered how my life would have turned out if our son had died from one of his many suicide attempts. Jerri’s book helps me see how living with the ambiguous loss of him due to the ravages of his illness is my important grief work even though he is still here."

Jerri shared her story on PBS NewsHour in January 2019. 

Steve Goldbloom, producer of "Brief But Spectacular," offers this review of Gone Before Gone: 

"Jerri Clark writes with a clarity that only lived experience can produce. She tells the story of loving a son through psychosis, and through systems ill-equipped to help him. Her story stands in for countless parents, siblings, and families who have endured the gut-wrenching intersection of mental illness and institutions that too often respond with confusion or punishment instead of care. But this book is more than a retelling of grief. It is a steady, practical guide for surviving it." 

Mariana Alessandri, philospher and author of Night Vision, offers this review of Gone Before Gone: 

"This book is a gift to everyone experiencing ambiguous loss and to their loved ones. Clark never, not once, implies that the suffering involved in ambiguous loss is a 'gift' or 'blessing.' She offers her beautifully written story as an example of how to carry the both/and of life and loss, anguish and peace, chaos and control." 

Early pages in Gone Before Gone incorporate a letter from Calvin, a poem, and an inspiring Foreword by acclaimed author Pete Earley. Be sure to locate those elements in your e-book if the platform automatically skips to Chapter 1!

Jerri works as Resource and Advocacy Manager at the non-profit Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC). The postings on this site are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TAC. 

  Lauren Davis represents the 32nd Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives, which includes Shoreline, Lynnwood, northwest Seattle, south Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Woodway. She was the founding Executive Director and is the current Strategy Director of the Washington Recovery Alliance. The WRA is a grassroots movement of individuals and families impacted by addiction and mental health challenges driving large-scale change in public policy and public understanding.

Prior to serving in public office, Lauren led efforts to pass 2016’s Ricky’s Law, named after her best friend, which created an unprecedented crisis treatment system for youth and adults with life-threatening addiction. She received her bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies from Brown University and began her career teaching Head Start preschool at a transitional housing facility.

She then spent several years researching education access as a Fulbright Scholar in Ghana, West Africa. While there, Lauren started a small textile business that provides job training for adolescent girls and sustainable revenue for a Ghanaian-run educational NGO. Upon her return to the US, Lauren worked as an international development consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She then helped to launch Forefront, a suicide prevention nonprofit, where she directed school-based mental health programs. She has also taught mental health policy in the Masters program at the UW School of Social Work.

In the legislature, Lauren’s work centers on behavioral health treatment and recovery and criminal legal system reform. She lives in Seattle.

 Dr Jessica Yoos has been a practicing physician since 2000, initially as an anesthesiologist in her hometown of Bellingham, Washington. She has always felt passionate and has been drawn towards end of life care. In 2020, she became a volunteer provider with End of Life Washington, supporting patients desiring access to medical aid in dying (MAID). In 2023 she accepted a position as medical director for Envision Hospice. She is deeply humbled and honored to have the opportunity to care for patients during such an important time of life. She has two grown sons and one feisty golden retriever. In her free time, you’ll find her growing flowers and eagerly exploring Washington state and the world. 

 David's journey in long-term care started over 40 years ago in skilled nursing as a dietary aide, becoming a nursing assistant and nurse before moving to Seattle, where he worked with some of the leading and cutting-edge long-term care companies. Venturing into both Medicare cost reporting and pharmacy automation, he then moved into closed-door retail pharmacy and went on to become Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and Revenue Officer in two national assisted living companies. Before hanging up his corporate hat, he is now the owner of Next Step Transitions and Family Advisory Services. 

 His vision of ensuring that all modern agers and their families truly find the best options in aging has made him a consistent disruptor of the status quo in modern aging solutions. He has been an active part of the Western Washington aging community in many ways—from serving as a founding member and president of the South End Senior Care Coalition, founder of the NW LGBTQ Senior Care Providers Network, chair for the DSHS GLBT Advisory Committee, and past board member of Sound Generations and AARP, to serving as a member of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission, SILO, past board member of GenPride, Equal Rights Washington, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Puget Sound Healthcare Professionals.

Throughout his career, it has been his life mission to ensure improved services for all modern agers, with special attention to the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors and their loved ones.

Garrison’s decision to pursue a career in behavioral health was influenced strongly by his own

experience growing up with behavioral health conditions, and the desire it instilled in him to

help others receive the type of care which so benefited him. He began his career as a recovery

specialist for recipients of court-ordered in-patient treatment before transitioning into case

management for children, youth, and families receiving intensive outpatient treatment. He has

been with the North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization since 2023,

as their Assisted Outpatient Treatment Coordinator, where he has overseen the successful

implementation of the North Sound region’s first operational program for Assisted Outpatient

Treatment (AOT). By combining multi-faceted, outpatient, therapeutic treatment with close

court collaboration, AOT seeks to provide a high level of care and monitoring without the need

for involuntary hospitalization. As AOT Coordinator, Garrison has worked closely alongside

providers, advocates, court systems, funders, and community stakeholders. He is tremendously

grateful for the opportunities this work gives him to pursue his passion for providing care for

others when they need it most.

 Karin E. Taifour, MA LMHC GMHS
Owner and Principal, Aging Care Consultation Services PLLC
Washington and City of Seattle Business Licenses

Licensure:  
Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, # LH00010799
Licensed in good standing since 2006 

Specialty Credentials:  
• Geriatric Mental Health Specialist (DSHS certified)  
• Approved Counseling Supervisor (DSHS certified)

Education:  
• Certificate in Geriatric Mental Health, University of Washington
• Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences -- Systems Counseling, Bastyr University/LIOS
• Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, Georgetown University
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Oregon State University

Carson approaches real estate as a relationship-driven business rooted in trust, strategy, and long-term impact. Known for his high level of service and unwavering commitment, Carson brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every client experience. His work goes far beyond transactions—he is deeply involved in creating tailored plans, navigating complex negotiations, and ensuring a seamless path to closing with precision and care.

In addition to his success in real estate, Carson has played an active role in the development of Adult Family Homes, contributing to the expansion of high-quality, community-based care options for seniors. His involvement in this space reflects a broader commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and improving access to compassionate, personalized care environments.

Carson is also recognized for his philanthropic involvement throughout the community. He consistently shows up to support local initiatives, build meaningful partnerships, and give back in ways that align with his values of service and connection. His ability to bring people together and lead with authenticity has made him a natural choice as the Emcee for the upcoming “Voices for Change: Empowering Families Affected by Serious Mental Illness” event in June, where he will help guide conversations and elevate the voices of families and leaders across Washington.

Whether he’s supporting clients through a major life transition or contributing to community-driven efforts, Carson is known for doing whatever it takes. From helping prepare homes to being a steady advocate throughout the process, his presence brings both confidence and ease. Always accessible and highly responsive, Carson’s passion for what he does is evident in every interaction.

Prior to real estate, Carson spent over 15 years in retail sales, marketing, and management, where he developed the strong communication skills, business acumen, and work ethic that continue to define his career. His entrepreneurial background includes launching and partnering in multiple successful ventures, further strengthening his ability to think strategically and deliver results.

A graduate of the University of Washington, Carson enjoys spending his free time with his partner Amanda and their puppy, Kingsley. A lifelong ice hockey player, you can often find him on the ice when he’s not working. Carson and Amanda also share a love of travel and adventure, having explored multiple continents together since meeting abroad.