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Meet Our Founder & CEO

I'm Dr. Simbi Animashaun, the heart behind the United By Loss Foundation! 

My passion for supporting grieving mothers and families comes from both personal experience and my deep commitment to helping others find comfort and healing after pregnancy and infant loss. I know firsthand that grief can feel isolating, but I also believe in the power of community, understanding, and hope. 

 

With over 15 years in education and a doctorate in Educational Technology, my mission is to create compassionate spaces where mothers and families can navigate their grief with support and resources tailored to their unique journey. Whether through grief support workshops, community events, or online resources, I want every person who walks through our doors, physically or virtually, to feel seen, heard, and never alone.

Beyond my work with the United By Loss Foundation, I'm a mother of 4, an educator, a stroke survivor, and a passionate advocate for those experiencing loss. I believe healing isn't about forgetting; it is about honoring our loved ones while finding ways to move forward with love, resilience, and purpose.

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Meet the 2024-2026 Board of Directors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Board of Directors are a team of strongly committed individuals to improving the maternal mental health of black mothers experiencing pregnancy and infant loss in Georgia. 

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Fundraising & Development 

Brazil Jackson

Brazil Jackson is a respected speaker, coach, and business owner with extensive experience in social work, customer relations, business development, and mental health. As a practice administrator, she expertly manages private mental health practices and oversees intake coordination, ensuring a smooth and supportive therapy entry. Brazil also excels in coaching individuals and leaders, helping them achieve success and personal growth. Her blend of compassion and professionalism makes her a valuable addition to the United By Loss Foundation board.

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Community Outreach

Melody Evans 

​Melody Evans is a a military veteran with 11 years of service. She has a MBA in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. In addition to her education, Melody has several years of experience in Human Resources. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and devoted to serving her community. Finally,  her goal as a board member is to make sure the mission of the organization is being accomplished and help reach those who are suffering from a loss of a child by providing  them with the tools they need to be able to heal. 

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Grief Support Group Facilitator 

Kennethia Reese

Kennethia Reese is a dedicated HR Generalist with a strong people-centered approach. In addition to her human resources expertise, she is the owner of a successful cleaning business, where she has demonstrated excellence in customer relations and business development.

Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology, Ms. Reese is committed to expanding her impact by providing accessible mental health resources to the community and affirming that every concern matters. Her unwavering dedication to helping others, combined with her professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit, makes her a valuable asset to the United by Loss Foundation.

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Grief Support Group Facilitator 

Dyzala Mitchell

I am Dyzala Mitchell—a devoted wife, a proud mother of three, and someone who truly loves community. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and it inspires the way I show up for others. I am deeply passionate about people, especially women and children, and supporting them in meaningful ways. I believe connection, encouragement, and love can change lives. Creating safe, positive spaces where others feel seen and valued brings me joy. I am driven by purpose and guided by compassion in all that I do. Serving others is not just something I do—it’s who I am. I strive to leave every place and every person better than I found them.

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Emeritus Board Member

Deborah Coppula

Debbie Coppula is a professional development specialist at a children's museum and an instructional coach. Prior to that, she taught middle school for 10 years. She is passionate about education and making the world a better place  for everyone -- starting with women and children. She currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband, two children, and two dogs, but is dedicated to improving the maternal mental health for women and families in Georgia. 

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Emeritus Board Member

Dr. Cherry Pride

Dr. Cherry Pride-Smith resides in Conley, GA, with her wonderful husband. She has three daughters and five grandchildren. She retired in May 2021 after teaching middle grades Social Studies for 28 1/2 years. 

Volunteers 

United By Loss Foundation is in need of compassionate individuals who share our aim to support bereaved mothers and birth givers as we develop and offer our services in local hospitals and  OB/GYN offices in Metro Atlanta. If you are interested in volunteering for United By Loss Foundation, please contact us at info@unitedbylossfoundation.com

 

Typical tasks include organizing donations, printing and folding educational resources, making comfort boxes and miscarriage cards for OB/GYN offices, and preparing for special events. Volunteering has several benefits, such as improving your physical and mental health, helping you develop new skills, and giving you a sense of accomplishment, pride, and identity. 

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