We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Showalter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, what inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by the families I have the privilege of walking alongside. They carry the heavy burden of grief and trauma in a world that often struggles to acknowledge or understand their pain. It takes incredible bravery for a parent to return to work after the loss of a child and remarkable strength to say, “I’m not okay,” when the world around them may pressure them to move on or “fix” the situation. It takes profound courage to face the raw, fluctuating emotions of grief and still find the strength to get out of bed each day.

The donor families, families whose loved ones have given the gift of life, I support are particularly inspiring. They endure a loss that many can hardly imagine, yet amid their own pain, they choose to help others. They want to ensure that no one else faces such heartache alone, which speaks to an extraordinary depth of compassion and resilience. Every single day, I learn from their strength, vulnerability, and commitment to making a difference, even in the wake of profound loss. They continually remind me of the power of human connection and how grief, while devastating, can also lead to acts of immense courage and love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has always been rooted in supporting families navigating trauma and grief. What sets my work at Taylor’s Gift apart is the unique focus on supporting families who have lost a loved one who became an organ or tissue donor. These special families are called “donor families”. One of my proudest achievements has been leading and growing the Taylor’s Gift Foundation’s Grief Support Services, where I have the privilege of serving as the Director. The families we serve inspire me with their strength, courage, and vulnerability. Like every career, I have experienced challenges. One of the most significant challenges has been balancing my self-care while working with grief and trauma daily. However, I’ve learned that acknowledging my limits, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care is essential to staying grounded and effective in my work. I’ve learned many lessons, but the most helpful is the importance of truly listening. Understanding others’ perspectives has enriched my work and strengthened the trust and relationships I’ve built with donor families and colleagues. If there’s one message I hope to share, it’s this: grief is not a solitary journey, nor should it be. Taylor’s Gift is a testament to the power of connection, the perseverance of the human spirit, and the healing power of helping others.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Taylor’s Gift Foundation. I am forever grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunity to learn from this incredible community. Through this work, I’ve experienced growth, healing, and a deep sense of purpose. Thank you for making a difference in my life and the lives of so many others!

Website: https://www.taylorsgift.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsgiftfoundation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taylorgiftfoundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorsgift/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/taylorsgift

Other: Hannah Showalter Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-showalter-lmsw-243666b8/

Image Credits
Michele’s family in honor of her husband Mike.

ENG Aviation Group

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