Tashel C. Bordere, PhD, CT

Tashel C. Bordere, PhD, CT (she/her) is an internationally-known scholar, author, speaker, consultant, and PI at the Center for Family Policy and Research at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Bordere is the Past President of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) Advisory Board member for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and past ADEC Board Member. She completed a Forward Promise Fellowship through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) focused on healing among Black youth. Dr. Bordere’s research focuses on intersectionality cultural trauma, stigmatized loss (gun violence), suffocated grief (a term she coined), Black youth and family grief and rituals. She has received numerous awards including the Outstanding Professional Service in the Field of Death, Dying and Bereavement Award (International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference), Dr. Ronald K. Barrett Award (ADEC), Excellence in Engagement in Outreach (MU), and the Outstanding Faculty Mentorship to underrepresented students award (MU). Dr. Bordere has done keynotes, workshops, trainings, and published numerous articles, book chapters, and books related to her research on inequities in loss, cultural healing, and culturally resonant practices. She co-edited and co-wrote the Handbook of Social Justice in Loss and Grief (Routledge). She developed SHED Grief Tools for Schools. Dr. Bordere has been featured in national/international media.