MY STORY OF GRIEF & PERSONAL GROWTH
In 2018, I faced one of the darkest chapters of my life when I experienced the death of multiple loved ones. I lost my father after a brave battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. Just four months later, tragedy struck again when my husband died after experiencing a sudden accident. As if that wasn't enough heartache, I experienced a miscarriage shortly after, grieving the loss of our second child.
These profound losses transformed my life in ways I could never have anticipated. They challenged me to confront my pain head-on. Through the guidance of grief support resources, including insights from Dr. Mari Marquez, I found that navigating through deep grief was not only about loss, pain, and sorrow; it was also about discovering strength and a path forward while honoring the memories of my loved ones and embracing personal growth.
Inspired by my journey...
I decided to channel my experiences into something positive, leading me to write "The Magical Soul," a heartfelt book for young children that aims to offer hope, solace, and comfort in the face of grief. I wanted to help children understand that even in the most challenging times, love and connection still exist. This was followed by my second book, "I Love You Always & Forever," which reminds children that they are still loved, even when there is a form of separation in their life.
To deepen my understanding of grief support and personal growth after loss, I earned a Ph.D. in psychology, focusing on the intricate journey of grief, personal and post-traumatic growth. Through my research, along with both professional and personal experiences, I’ve come to realize that while the pain of loss can be overwhelming, it often has the potential to catalyze profound personal growth and transformation. This process honors our pain while acknowledging the depth of our experiences and the significance of what we have lost. I’ve learned that, although the journey through grief is challenging, it can lead us to unexpected places that we may never have thought possible, as Dr. Mari Marquez emphasizes.
As a Researcher and a Personal Growth Educator ...
My mission as Dr. Mari Marquez is to inspire hope and open up possibilities for you by sharing research-backed tools and educational resources. These can facilitate positive changes in your life, particularly in the journey of personal growth after losing a loved one. I do this through the Growth After Loss Podcast and the upcoming Growth After Loss Initiative Program, set to launch in 2026. My professional background is rooted in personal development principles, post-traumatic growth, and academic research. With specialized training in post-traumatic growth, grief support, and prolonged grief disorder, I provide a compassionate and knowledgeable perspective in my work.
I am proud to be a member of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology, which reflects my commitment to excellence in the field. I currently serve as a facilitator for the Resilient Parenting Program at Arizona State University (accepting applicants) and as a Support Group Facilitator for Spanish-speaking widows through the Modern Widows Club. In my previous roles, I have supported individuals who have experienced the death of loved ones in traumatic losses by facilitating grief groups. In addition to pursuing my Ph.D., I hold an MBA with an emphasis in Leadership.
YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN ME ON:
YOU + ME = POSSIBILITIES FOR GROWTH
THE QUIZ: Take the Online Personality Growth Mini-Quiz
Explore your natural tendencies for nurturing personal growth after loss, guided by Dr. Mari Marquez, as you align your personality traits with effective grief support strategies.
THE PROGRAM: Growth After Loss Initiative
Develop Your Own Personal Growth Framework Based on Research Concepts to Support Yourself After a Loss with guidance from Dr. Mari Marquez. This compassionate step-by-step process is designed to help you create your personal growth framework, providing direction and effective grief support as you navigate the journey of personal growth and healing after the loss of loved ones. (COMING IN 2026) *Recommended for those who are at least ONE year post-loss.
THE SHOW: The Growth After Loss Podcast
The Growth After Loss Podcast, hosted by Dr. Mari Marquez, provides a compassionate space for grief support and personal growth after losing a loved one. Join Dr. Mari, a personal growth educator with a PhD in her field, for bi-weekly discussions that blend compassion, research, practical tools, and heartfelt conversations on navigating personal growth through grief. It’s an invitation to grow alongside your grief.
Arizona State University: The Resilient Parenting Program (Starting 01/12/26)
Dr. Mari Marquez is a facilitator with the ASU REACH Institute, where she leads the "Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families" (RPBF) program. This free online 10-session program offers essential grief support for caregivers, helping them to effectively support children after the death of a parent. It provides practical tools that encourage personal growth and strengthen family bonds through communication, grief management, and resilience building. The program is self-paced, with each unit taking about 30 minutes to complete (recommended to be at least 6 months post-loss).
If you are interested in attending The Resilient Parenting Program, please email Dr. Mari for more information. Include your first name, last name, email address, phone number, and zip code.
**There are 4 spots available.**
GRIEF BOOKS for CHILDREN: By Dr. Mari Marquez
Dr. Mari's internationally selling books, including "The Magical Soul" and "I Love You Always & Forever," are inspirational for young children. They provide hope, comfort, and connection after a loss or during times of separation.
DEVELOPED BY DR. MARI
Take the Online Personality Growth Mini-Quiz
EXPLORE YOUR NATURAL TENDENCIES FOR NURTURING PERSONAL GROWTH AFTER LOSS WITH GUIDANCE FROM DR. MARI MARQUEZ, WHO OFFERS GRIEF SUPPORT FOCUSED ON YOUR UNIQUE PERSONALITY TRAITS.
Unlock Your Weekly Dose of Personal Growth Insights!
The "Unlock Your Weekly Dose of Personal Growth Insights" newsletter, created by Dr. Mari Marquez, is designed to support you as you navigate life after losing a loved one. Each week, you will receive comforting insights, grief support tools, and strategies that will assist you on your personal growth journey. This compassionate resource aims to guide you through your process of development, growth, and remembrance after the loss of a loved one(s).