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WHO WE ARE

Don Canfield

When did you first take the classes? After I retired after 22+ years of being a Senior Minister, I wanted to share my volunteer time working with divorced/break-up families.

What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I found one of the best divorce recovery programs in the country and flew down to visit with them for a week. I asked permission to use and tweak that program and founded Divorce/Break-Up Recovery for the metro KC area.

How long have you been a facilitator? I’ve worked with divorce/break-up persons and families for almost forty years and Divorce/Break-Up Recovery in particular since we began in 2008.

What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? The positive help and change I have seen in people who participate in these Recovery groups.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? I have talked to numerous people who experience such feelings prior to participating. I suggest that they come and try it and if they feel it’s not the right time for them, they can stop and wait until they are ready.

Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I facilitate a Jackson County Family Court program called F.O.C.I.S. (Focus On Children in Separation) and have done that for 21 years. I enjoy playing racquetball, reading, and in retirement, “doing what I want, when I want, if I want.” I have 10 grandkids and enjoy doing things with them.


Kathy Christenson

When did you first take the classes? I was in the first class of facilitators in 2008.

What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? I believed in Don’s dream – to help others going through this tough journey.

How long have you been a facilitator? Since the very first group! 😊

What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? There is so much to learn about life, change, journey, support, etc. to help with all of life, not just the divorce process.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? Come try it.  It will be the best decision/present you can give yourself. It is so helpful to meet with a group of people going through the same pain and understand why and how it all happened. You will learn to forgive, not just in divorce, but in life.

Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I have a full time job and I have six grandchildren to keep my arms full.

Paula Higbee

When did you first take the classes? I was in the first facilitator class in 2008.

What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator? Our founder, “Don Canfield’ advertised the facilitator training Nd since at the time I was the coordinator for singles, it felt like a good match and next step.  I really wanted to help others on their divorce journey. .

How long have you been a facilitator? Since the very first group! 😊

What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? You never know what wisdom you can take away from helping others. Students are our teachers too!.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? The hardest part is walking in the door.  You have nothing to lose after that.

Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I am retired now so I can work out as much as I like. I like to cook, clean, organize and read.

David Wetzel

When did you first take the classes? Spring of 2023

What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator?  I believe this is a good and helpful program and I believe that it is Gods plan that when put in a place to help others it is our responsibility to do so.

How long have you been a facilitator? I just began and am looking forward to more.

What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? It is up to us to choose what we react to, and how we react. I believe attitude and how we approach life is less what has happened to us, but how we react to it.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? Its a big step forward in the healing process to be in the company of others who have, or are struggling with many of the same feelings and processes that you are. If you are not ready to share, that’s ok, you do not have to, but to know you do not have to feel alone and share when you are ready.

Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? I love my job, I like to garden, I like to spend time with my father, and love to praise and worship God. I enjoy travel, especially Hawaii.  It is the place that brings peace in my mind.

Courtney Ray

When did you first take the classes? Spring of 2023

What caused you to take the next step and become a facilitator?  This support group was one of the tools I picked up along my journey that helped me. I feel it is important to give back and have made this a goal of mine to find an organization to give my time back to. Becoming a facilitator has helped me to make my life whole by becoming a support system to others.

How long have you been a facilitator? Fall of 2023 is my first group.

What has impacted you the most in your day to day after taking and facilitating these courses? Never underestimate the power of listening to others. Providing space to hear someone tell their story is not only healing for them, but helps in my healing process as well.

What would you say to someone who is on the fence or nervous about opening themselves up to a support group like this one? No matter if you are ready to tell your story or not, taking the time to understand the steps, and thoughts you are going through will help to provide insights into what you are feeling. These feelings are strong and will make you feel like no one has a clue as to what you are going through. Being around others who are in similar situations reverses the affect of feeling lonely because you will discover that you are not in this alone.

Outside of being a facilitator what do you like to do for fun? Family get togethers and activities are my favorite. I enjoy baking, I enjoy being outside, the sun on my face, foraging in nature, hanging out in the pool in the summer.I enjoy collecting treasures while foraging and creating beautiful decor from them. Yoga is a must in my life. I recently obtained my passport and would like to add traveling to my fun bucket list.

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