Welcome to Transformation Talk. Every Thursday for a year, starting in September 2012, I’ll post an interview with someone who is a force for good in the world. These men and women have either deepened their passion or found their calling after experiencing a loss, trauma or diagnosis.

I want to broaden the conversation around grief and its transformative power. My hope is that in their words you’ll find echoes of your story. In their inspired actions, you’ll see yourself and your immense possibility.

*Special Request: The technology of Skype is amazing and imperfect. Please listen with your heart and forgive the occasional blips on the screen.

This week’s interview is with Vicki Culling, a social worker in New Zealand who supports bereaved parents and who educates health and caring professionals on the front lines of pregnancy loss and child death. I had the pleasure of meeting Vicki and hearing her speak at the MISS Foundation conference this fall. Her talk blew my mind and heart wide open (and you get to see me cry a little as I talk about it).

Running time is 23 minutes. Link to download audio only is below the video.

Download the audio file: (right-click or control-click on the link)

Vicki Culling, PhD, is a bereaved mother whose first daughter’s brief life changed the trajectory of her life considerably. She has a social work and research background but has worked in the area of perinatal and infant loss support and information for over 10 years now.

Vicki has been involved in Sands New Zealand, an organization that supports parents and families following the loss of a baby or infant no matter their gestation or age and no matter how they died. Her work with Sands has also led to working at a national level with government agencies and committees. Vicki recently set up her own business providing training to health and caring professionals who work with bereaved parents and families.

Vicki lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her husband Kevan and daughter, Phoebe a dog and cat and a house bus they regularly take holidays in.

You can find her at www.vickicullingassoc.co.nz or email her at [email protected] if you have questions about her work.