What is Griefology?
griefology (noun)
/ˈɡriːfˌɒlədʒi/ : The understanding of grief and all its WTF-ness
Griefology is where understanding grief begins—because grief isn’t just about death. It’s about any loss, big or small, and all its messy, WTF moments. Founded by Rashida Dinehart, the Chief Griefologist, Griefology blends personal experience and professional expertise to break the stigma surrounding grief. Through relatable insights, practical tools, and even a little humor, Griefology creates a space for healing, growth, and connection. Whether it’s social content, blogs, or printable resources, Griefology is here to help you navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between on your grief journey.
We believe…
Grief isn’t just about death—it’s about any loss. Whether it’s losing a person, a relationship, a version of yourself, or even a dream, grief shows up in ways big and small. All loss is valid, and all feelings deserve space.
You don’t have to grieve alone. Grief can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Healing happens in community, in honest conversations, and in spaces where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Grief is messy, nonlinear, and sometimes even funny. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and sometimes the most healing moments come when we least expect them—even through laughter. We honor the full spectrum of emotions, from heartbreak to humor.
Healing isn’t about “moving on”—it’s about moving forward. Grief changes you, but it doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck. We believe in growth, in carrying love and loss together, and in building a life where both can exist.
I’m your Chief Griefologist—a former marketing pro turned social worker, podcaster, and mom on a mission to make grief less isolating and more understood.
Grief entered my life early when I lost my mom at 15 followed closely by the death of my best friend. Those experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time, but as I got older, I realized just how much grief touches everything—our relationships, our sense of self, and the way we move through the world. Yet, no one really prepares us for it. That’s why I created Griefology—a space where we can talk about all forms of grief openly, honestly, and even with a little humor (because, let’s be real, grief is full of WTF moments).
From Marketing to Mental Health
For over a decade, I worked in marketing and advertising. But deep down, I knew my real purpose was in helping people navigate life’s hardest moments. So, I pivoted. Now, as a Master of Social Work student and future Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I’m combining my professional expertise with my lived experience to support individuals—especially mothers—on their grief journeys.
Bringing Grief Awareness to the World
With Griefology, my goal is to make grief more accessible, less isolating, and widely understood—for individuals, families, and even professionals who want to be more grief-informed. Whether it’s through blogs, social media, workshops, or one-on-one support, I’m here to help you navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between.
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s figure it out together.
About Rashida
-
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK: CLINICAL CONCENTRATION, 2023 – 2026
Saint Louis University, School of Social Work – St. Louis, MO
Anticipated Graduation: December 2026
BACHELOR OF JOURNALISM: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, 2008 – 2012
University of Missouri, School of Journalism - Columbia, MO
Minor: Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
-
SKILLS
Excellent Communication
Team Leadership Client
Management
Relationship Building
Cultural Humility
Problem Solving
Collaboration and Teamwork
TRAINING
HIPPA
MO Mandated Reporter
EBBP
Suicide: Ask. Listen. Respond
-
FOUNDATION PRACTICUM
Annie's Hope: The Center for Grieving Kids | St. Louis, MO | Aug. 2024 – Dec. 2024Collaborate with multidisciplinary grief support staff to plan and execute grief support programs for children, teens, and families, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Facilitate grief groups for children ages 8-10, providing direct emotional support and developing age-appropriate, 8-week curricula focused on coping strategies.
Support the coordination of grief groups, camps, and community events, providing hands-on assistance and ensuring successful program delivery.
-
DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICE
MediaCross, Inc | St. Louis, MO | Jan. 2022 – Jun. 2023
• Led a team of five account strategists to provide exceptional client service.
• Drove renewals and upsells across 25+ higher education clients by anticipating needs and offering creative solutions.LEAD STRATEGIST
MediaCross, Inc | St. Louis, MO | Nov. 2019 – Dec. 2021
• Managed multiple client accounts, directing teams to meet client goals.
• Provided ongoing strategic recommendations to enhance client marketing plans.SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Brighton Agency | St. Louis, MO | Jun. 2018 – Oct. 2019
• Built and grew client relationships as the primary contact for key accounts.
• Managed print and digital projects for a Fortune 500 agricultural company.MANAGER, MARKETING PLANNING
Famous Footwear (Caleres) | St. Louis, MO | Sept. 2015 – May 2018
• Oversaw seasonal planning for in-store and digital executions for a $1.6 billion company.
• Negotiated joint marketing plans, resulting in an additional $7 million in net income.ACCOUNT MANAGER
Paradowski Creative | St. Louis, MO | May 2014 – Sept. 2015
• Rebranded a $15 billion agricultural company, including developing new brand guidelines and collateral.
• Managed client projects from initiation to completion, ensuring on-strategy deliverables.ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Brighton Agency | St. Louis, MO | May 2012 – May 2014
• Managed an $8.7 billion healthcare company account to launch an ACA-approved plan.
• Developed project estimates and handled monthly billing invoices.
