"Val Walker is not just a compelling writer – she offers her readers empathy and gentle guidance through relatable challenges we all encounter at some point in our lives. Her writing style is accessible yet beautifully descriptive, and her comforting tone encourages those who are suffering or struggling." --Kelli Daniel, Publicity Director, Dart Frogg Communications, LLC

 

Val is a contributing blogger for Psychology Today and the Health Story Collaborative. She is the author of The Art of Comforting, a Nautilus Book Award Gold winner that was recommended by the Boston Public Health Commission as a guide for families impacted by the Boston Marathon bombing. She is also the author of 400 Friends and No One to Call and speaks nationwide on building community and support after loss and major life changes.

 

With her background in rehabilitation counseling, grief support, and consulting, Val deeply believes we can break through the barriers that isolate us by sharing moments of wonder--even brief, fleeting moments that surprise and amaze us. She has a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and has led support groups for thirty years for people living with illness, grief, and trauma. 

 

Val has been quoted in The New York Times, Next Avenue, The Wall Street Journal, Parade, Men's Health, Marie Claire, Rewire, and Fatherly. Her articles and Q&As have appeared in AARP Bulletin, The Boston Globe, TIME, Chicago Tribune, BeliefNet, Babyboomer.com, Caregiver Solutions, Good Housekeeping, and Coping with Cancer.

 

Thriving in her communities in Boston, MA, Val enjoys teaching her "Words Galore" programs at Council on Aging centers, engaging seniors with wordplay, brain teasers, storytelling, and poetry.

 

She frequently visits Maine where she lived for 14 years before moving to Boston. Much of her writing has been inspired by her walks in Maine's Midcoast region. 

PRESENTER TESTIMONIALS

 

"Another absolutely wonderful workshop! It is rare to see so many participants so engaged–a testament to making the topic interesting and creating a safe space where the audience felt comfortable sharing."–Laura Vargas, MSW, LCSW, Director of Outreach Programs, Peer Support Community Partners, MA

"We're thrilled to have Val's knowledge and guidance for how to break through social isolation and build community."–Annie Brewster, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and practicing Internist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Founder, The Health Story Collaborative

"Val is not only a talented presenter. She is valuable because she cares about bettering people's lives. It is her passion, and it comes through in her writing, research, and presentations."–Aicha Kelley, Director of Programming and Transportation at Needham Aging Services, MA

 

"A true highlight of our day--grounded, inspiring, and deeply resonant for our audience."--Alyssa Lee, Director,Groveland Council on Aging, MA

"Her talk was timely, and I do believe everyone walked away with something to remember." —Dr. Megan E. Gibbons, Director, Center for Global Connections, Regis College, MA

"Thanks again for providing such a warm and enlightening presentation. There was a lot of information packed into an hour and you may have changed people's lives."–Karen Vermut, Coordinator of Adult Services, Queens Public Library, NY

"An inspiring program–I think the participants got a lot out of it and feel less alone in their worries and struggles."–Ilana Seidman, Program Coordinator, Newton Senior Center, MA

"Her classes have been well-attended with very enthusiastic participants."–Christine Chirokas, Program Manager, Acton Council on Aging, MA 

"Val gave us a great presentation and I have received many thanks for from our participants who found it helpful. She is very authentic and allows people to speak their truths as well."–Robyn Houston-Bean, Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation, and Grief Support Facilitator, SADOD (Support After a Death from Overdose)

"Val Walker's presentation here at the Newport Circle of Scholars was a great contribution to our senior members. Her message hit right on the center of what they care and worry about the most."–Ben Riggs, President, NewPort Circle of Scholars, RI

"With her perfect blend of education, knowledge, and experience–combined with a marvelous way with words–Val is a warm and engaging presenter and a wonderful writer."–Amy Handy, Book Editor, Artist

"For five years, Val Walker's presentations have drawn large groups interested in learning the vital skills of comforting. Family and professional caregivers have enjoyed her warm, compassionate, and practical approach."–Michele Johns (Retired) Executive Director, Cancer Community Center (Dempsey Center), Maine

"When Val taught our students training to be chaplains for several years, they gained a greater understanding of how to provide comfort and care. I would recommend Val as an inspirational speaker for anyone who wishes to be a comforting presence for others and also wishes to find ways to comfort themselves."–The Reverend Dr. Robert Morse, Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (Retired)

"Val is a warmly engaging speaker who allows us to address the unique issues of loss and grieving, so needed by those in distress. With her heartfelt compassion and knowledge, she gives us the language to comfort others. I have learned so much from her presentations."–Marie Worley, MS, CRC, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Sponsoring Member, Virginia Rehabilitation Counseling Association, VA