About me

Jessica Porte is a compassionate grief educator and consultant who has dedicated her career to supporting diverse communities through their most challenging moments. With over 14 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she founded Wayfinder Family Co. to create meaningful, person-centered solutions for children, families, and organizations navigating complex emotional landscapes that address change.

Driven by a deep commitment to human resilience, Jessica brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal empathy to her work. Her approach integrates scientific strategies and design thinking, drawing from her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master's in Leadership. Certified in Psychological First Aid and trained as a Lego® Serious Play® facilitator, she develops innovative tools that help individuals and communities transform grief, substance use challenges, foster care transitions, and profound personal losses. Drawing from her integrated perspective on leadership and personal change, she has successfully supported organizations through cultural shifts and critical transitions.

Jessica's professional journey is characterized by a humble dedication to building leadership from the ground up. She’s an active member with National Alliance for Children Grieving, International Crisis and Stress Foundation, Coalition for Grieving Students, and Society of Human Resource Management. Her work extends beyond traditional support methods, focusing on creating adaptive, resilient systems that honor each individual's unique experience.

As a first-generation Filipino-American based in Southern California, Jessica understands the importance of including cultural needs into support. She volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and serves as the Backstage Children's Director at Hālau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani USA Mainland Extension, reflecting her commitment to community and cultural connection.

Jessica has worked with global humanitarian organizations like Peace Winds Japan and supported Maui's community recovery after the 2023 fires. She currently leads training for Illinois' statewide initiative supporting those affected by substance use-related death and loss called the Circle of Care.