Lorri Opitz, MA
Director of Bereavement
Lorri has been a counselor at the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement center for over 25 years making her a “seasoned” counselor. She is experienced in working with children, teens, and adults and feels it is a privilege to walk alongside those who are grieving. Lorri strives to empower her clients to find meaning and pleasure in their lives after loss. Throughout her time at the Bereavement Center Lorri has been a guest speaker at churches, hospitals, and schools within the community. Lorri has presented many trainings offered at the bereavement center such as Bereavement Facilitator Training, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Volunteer Training, and Healing in the Classroom.
Lorri takes great pride in the creation and implementation of the cutting-edge thematic Children’s Art Bereavement Program offered several times throughout the year for ages 6-12. This program teaches grief concepts in a fun, developmentally appropriate way for children to learn and remember as they process their feelings.
Lorri facilitates the Sussex County support groups on the first and third Wednesday of the month as well as the Newton High School support group.
Lorri graduated with a master’s degree in Counseling from Montclair State University in 1997. She is married with four children and two very special granddaughters. In her time away from the office, Lorri enjoys party planning, crafting, and summers.