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Val holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, with specialized study in
grief, loss and disability. Previously, as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, she has guided Veterans Affairs clients with
service-related disabilities in their major transitions from military to civilian life. She has facilitated bereavement support groups
at the Massey Cancer Center, Medical College of Virginia, and served there also as an interviewer/researcher in a national study of
grief and depression. With Jewish Vocational Service in Minnesota, she designed and implemented a community-based rehabilitation program
which was accredited by CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Later, she developed support groups, guided
grieving families, and trained bereavement volunteers as a bereavement coordinator at a hospice in Maine.
In the past 3 years, she has devoted more time to speaking and writing about comforting, working to
revive what she believes is a lost art in our society today.
Staffing/Teaching/Presenting (MAINE):
University of Southern Maine, Center for Continuing Education, 2005-present:
The Art of Comforting
Maine Medical Center, Department of Pastoral Care, 2007:
The Language of Comforting
Cancer Community Center, 2004-present:
Comforting Skills for Group Facilitators
The Gift of Comforting
Taming Anxiety
Guided Imagery and Music for Healing
Allegiance Hospice, 2007:
The Language of Comforting
VNA Home Health and Hospice, 2007:
Keeping on an Even Keel
Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 2004:
Bereavement Group Facilitator Training
Southern Maine Community College, 2008 classes:
The How-to’s of Comforting on the Job
The Gift of Comforting
Portland Adult Education, 2008 classes:
Comforting Skills for Caregivers
An Even Keel for Your Interview
Maine Health Learning Resource Centers, 2004:
Reading Your Body’s Language
Maine Women’s Network, 2002:
The Power of Connection
True North, 2002:
Inner Career Retreat
Leapin’ Lizards Gift and Holistic Center, 2007:
The Gift of Comforting
Staffing/Teaching/Presenting (NATIONAL):
New Jersey
Christ Hospital, Women’s Health Series
Women’s Rights Information Center
Pennsylvania
Drug and Alcohol Nurses Conference
Minnesota
Odyssey, Gifted and Talented Program, Minneapolis Public Schools
Speech and Communication Skills Trainer
Virginia
Virginia Association for Hospices
Certified Nurses Institute
Cumberland Hospital
Virginia Baptist Hospital
Department of Rehabilitative Services
Drug and Alcohol Nurses Association
City of Roanoke
City of Bedford
Du Pont
Capitol Region Airport Commission
This End Up Furniture Company
Virginia Housing Authority
Writings
- The Language of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress
(To be published by Tarcher/Penguin,now being completed)
- Maine Women’s Journal, regular contributor, Leaps of Faith, 2005-07,
www.mainewomensjournal.com
- Author, Even Keel CD, script and narration, used as a self-help
relaxation tool
- Author, Ages of Your Life CD, script and narration, a guided imagery tool for life-planning
- Writer for web pages of The Maine Women’s Network, 2002-2003
- Slant, Richmond, VA, regular columnist, Habits Forming, 1987
Education and Certifications:
M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
Specialized training in life transitions and loss
B.S. Applied Theatre, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Including 2 years in Scotland and England teaching speech and drama to people with
disabilities (Anna Scher’s Children’s Theatre of Islington, Craigmillar Festival Society)
M.H.R.T.C. Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician, State of Maine
Mandt System, Portland ME, 2007: Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution,
Trauma Informed Services
C.R.C. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Illinois (1993-98)
Certified Rehabilitation Provider, Board of Professional Counselors, Commonwealth
of Virginia (1993-96)
Val Walker, MS
The Art of Comforting
(207) 846-5928
e-mail: Vnwswan@aol.com
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