A Letter From Our Founder
Hello! I’m Rashonda Randolph — a proud Jacksonville, FL native and the founder of Grief Garden, a healing-centered initiative born from both professional dedication and personal loss. My life’s work is rooted in nurturing young minds, supporting families, and creating safe spaces for learning, growth, and healing.
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With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, I began my journey as a preschool and Lead VPK teacher, working with children of all cultures and backgrounds. I earned my National Child Development Associate Credential and Director’s Credential from Florida State College at Jacksonville — fulfilling my dream of one day opening my own preschool.
I’m trained in Brain Development and the Influence of Life Experiences on Lifelong Outcomes, Promising Literacy Practices, Reframing Conflict, Ask–Listen–Encourage, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, and CPR/First Aid/AED. These tools have allowed me to support children through social, emotional, and developmental challenges, reflecting my lifelong commitment to nurturing the whole child — especially those impacted by trauma or adversity.
As an Education Program Manager for over a decade, I’ve developed and led impactful educational, after-school, and summer programs with the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Inc. Beyond Grief Garden, I serve as a youth ministry leader at Central Baptist Institutional Church, where I mentor and uplift young people through faith, connection, and service. I also work part-time as a recruiter for the Florida Blue Foundation, helping bring healthy meals and wellness resources to the Eastside and other underserved communities.
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My professional journey is deeply shaped by personal experience. In 2017, I faced the heartbreaking loss of my son’s father — a moment that changed our lives forever. Grieving while parenting a grieving child revealed how few resources existed for children navigating loss. That realization became the heartbeat of Grief Garden: a safe, compassionate space where children and families can process grief, find comfort, and rediscover hope.
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Today, I work with children ages 7 to 18 and their families, guiding them through the journey of grief with empathy, creativity, and care. My mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that no child walks this path alone.
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Together, we can turn pain into power — and loss into legacy. 🌿