Colleen Rolland

President

Colleen Rolland is President of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), commencing her term in August 2019.  She is a Pet Loss Grief Specialist, certified through the American Association of Health Care Professionals and trained as a Pet Loss Counselor with the renowned Dr. Wallace Sife, a private practice Psychologist and founder of APLB, in 2014.  Colleen became his Deputy Trainer and was asked to join their Board of Directors in January 2015.

Under Colleen’s leadership, APLB adopted new Mission and Vision statements, identified Core Values, built & delivered a robust website, introduced new Chat Room technology, implemented a new 4-tier membership plan and benefit structure, installed new membership technology, and implemented Google Suite throughout the organization.  She co-wrote, implemented, and delivered a revised & expanded new Pet Loss Grief Specialist training program, which has certified 48 new specialists since February 2021, and co-authored the article “Overcoming the stigma of Pet Loss: considerations for counseling professionals.” Human-Animal Interactions Journal, November 2022.  She is interviewed regularly and participates in webinars internationally.

Colleen founded Pet Bereavement Services (PBS) in 2014 and continuously works with grieving clients. PBS aims to help establish such services across Canada, making compassionate grief support available to all who need it.

In her professional life, she had a 23-year career in an executive senior management position in a Property and Casualty Insurance software company; first as Director, and then as Vice-President of Corporate Sales & Service.  

Colleen has an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Classics & Anthropology and a Master’s Degree in Classics from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  She received the prestigious Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council scholarship for her Master’s studies.

Colleen lives on the Niagara Escarpment, which UNESCO has designated a World Biosphere Reserve, with her two saucy cats and a newly rescued and extremely naughty pup. She also rides her gracious gelding as often as possible.