Meet Keri Tutterow: From School Counselor to Grief Support Advocate

Keri Tutterow’s path to Valerie’s House began with a lifelong passion for supporting youth.

“I loved my school counselor, Ms. Mulkey in high school and just knew that I always wanted to be a school counselor,” she shared.

After earning her master’s degree in school counseling, she spent years helping high school students navigate their challenges.

But life took a heartbreaking turn about seven years ago when Keri’s husband passed away. Though she and her children never attended a Valerie’s House group themselves, the organization kept surfacing in her life.

“I kept hearing things about Valerie’s House... eventually I was like, you know what? I'm going to volunteer.”

Keri has been part of the Valerie’s House family for many years, leading groups for Valerie’s House teens and caregivers. Volunteering on group nights opened new doors for her.

“I initially thought Valerie's House would be a place of sadness and people would wallow in their grief, but I discovered that... it's a place actually of great joy and healing.”

After years in the school system, Keri has embraced the variety her new role offers. She now splits her time between the Charlotte County and Fort Myers homes, builds deeper relationships with families, and takes part in community outreach efforts that stretch her impact beyond the school system. Training and mentorship have always been close to Keri’s heart. She hopes to one day help train others in how to support people through grief, not just within Valerie’s House but across the wider community. Looking ahead, Keri has big goals.

“My big goal is to grow Valerie’s House in the community... so that people can really grow in their grief.”

Keri’s journey reflects the heart of Valerie’s House, transforming grief into connection, healing, and hope. We’re honored to have her as part of our family.