Julie Lazar-Reskakis

Julie Lazar-Reskakis lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband, George. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Alfred University and a Master’s of Science degree in Audiology from Adelphi University. Julie worked as an audiologist in New York City for many years. After retiring, she became a Certified End of Life Doula through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), and has been volunteering at the Villa Marie Claire hospice in Saddle River NJ since 2016.

Julie went on to train with renowned grief expert, David Kessler, becoming a Certified Grief Educator and using her skills to co-lead bereavement groups. Julie became a Certified Perinatal Bereavement Specialist after training with the Baby Loss Family Advisors Organization and Sherokee Ilse. She is currently employed as the Perinatal Bereavement Specialist at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ. Julie is passionate about educating staff about perinatal bereavement on the Labor and Delivery units as well as the Emergency Department and Same Day Surgery units. She has also taught a bereavement class at the School of Nursing. 

Julie’s first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and there was very little available at that time in terms of acknowledgement or support for women and their families. Julie went on to have 2 boys who are now married adults.

Julie is a member of a coalition of bereavement specialists who meet quarterly through The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ, to share ideas and developments within the field. She also serves as the Advocacy Chair for the NJ Chapter of The Star Legacy Foundation, supporting research and encouraging advocacy and family support regarding stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and neonatal death. Julie is a member of the Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance (PLIDA), and attends their biennial perinatal bereavement conferences.

Julie is honored to be part of the dedicated team at Griffin Cares Organization, supporting women and their families through pregnancy loss, regardless of the duration of the pregnancy, with support, education and resources.