Who We Are
Our Family Support Services department is comprised of Master's-level mental health professionals specializing in helping donor families through the loss of a loved one. Meet our team below.
Lara Moretti, Director has been working at Gift of Life since April 2003. She obtained her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and is both a licensed social worker and a certified thanatologist (the study of death, dying and bereavement). She has seen the Family Support Services department grow and expand in order to continue to provide the best possible care to donor families and recipients. Lara credits much of what she has learned about grief, compassion, strength and growth to the many donor families she has interacted with over the years. When not at work, Lara serves as chef, chauffeur and social director for her busy family which includes her husband and two children.
Shonda Brinson joined Gift of Life in August of 2019. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of New England. Prior to joining Gift of Life, Shonda worked as a Life Skills Manager at an agency for the blind and visually impaired. Her interests in the field of grief and loss lead her to two internships at a hospice and an organization for grieving children. These experiences reinforced her passion for helping others and her interest in supporting grieving individuals and families. Shonda looks forward to providing compassionate and personalized care to our donor families. When Shonda is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son, and participating in fitness and art classes offered in the city.
Emily Jauregui joined Gift of Life in April 2017. She received her Master’s in Community Counseling from the George Washington University. Prior to Gift of Life, she worked as a hospice bereavement coordinator. She is excited to be here and is amazed at the grace and selflessness of the donors and their families. Emily spends her free time with her husband on basketball courts and baseball and football fields watching her three children play.
Alexis Ashby joined Gift of Life in April 2024. She received her Master of Social Work from Temple University and is a licensed social worker. Prior to Gift of Life, she worked as a social worker on a postpartum unit and assisted in supporting families through grief following fetal loss. She is looking forward to being here and building lasting rapport with the many individuals she will work with. Alexis spends her free time at home with her cats, doing yoga, or traveling with her fiancé.