Kristy Laschober

Ayana Thomas serves as the visionary driving Grieving Back to Life, she's dedicated to personal development and empowerment, of women with a particular emphasis on women affected by the criminal legal system struggling with grief, trauma, and adversity. Acknowledging the heavy burden these women bear, both prior to and after their encounters with the justice system, Ayana is committed to aiding them in overcoming their past challenges and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

As a grief advocate and counselor, she comprehends the profound and transformative impact of grief, capable of fundamentally reshaping an individual's identity. Operating out of the NY/NJ tri-state area, Ayana conducts her work primarily online.

Her mission is to spotlight the ongoing collective grief experienced by women impacted by the criminal legal system and emphasize the profound nature of their encounters and the resulting grief. Ayana founded GBTL to cultivate a community where grieving women can not only cope but thrive.

Ayana advocates for a shift in our discussions about grief, urging us to view it not as a problem to be solved but as an integral aspect of the human experience. She is available for workshops and keynote speaking engagements, sharing her inspiring journey of triumph over adversity.

In her perspective, life's challenges have contributed to her strength, resilience, and perseverance. Ayana firmly believes that she is not defined by her past but is instead an extraordinary embodiment of perfect imperfection.

Navigating grief can be challenging, but Ayana Thomas is here to emphasize that Grief is hard, but finding help doesn't have to be.

Why choose me?

I assist women impacted by the system who are grieving losses, thrive and find new purpose.

"Navigating Grief in the New Year"

Renewal and Resilience

New Jersey

February 12, 2024

Grief Workshops

Greif Circle of Healing

Harlem, NY

Ayana has been an inspiration. She has been very supportive and helpful in assisting my path to healing after the passing of my mother. I have a safe space to process my grief.

- Michelle

Such an inspirational person with a beautiful soul. Ayana motivates others to rise above it all and strive for better.

- Ashly

Ayana was a speaker at one of our youth events.  She was engaging, insightful and her message made a great impact on everyone in the room.  She definitely made a lasting impression on me.  I know her to be kind, compassionate and empathetic.  She has a real heart for the citizen of her community and desires to help anyone in need.  Let her help you today.

- Dana Godett, Youth Leader, Amazing Grace Church, Power of Credit 06/01/2019

Ayana is a beacon of light that shine everytime she speaks. Her ability to relate and connect with us was exactly what everyone needed. I pray she continue to wow, educate and help her audience.

- Francis

The most powerful thing she has done to help me with my healing process is listening. She makes herself available for you to allow yourself to be vulnerable and express what needs to be expressed. She listens without judgement and gives great suggestions to try out in your healing process. Very kind hearted, genuine and empathetic. I would recommend her a thousand times to those who just needs to be heard.

- James D'Antignac

Ayana is such a beautiful person inside and out. She has takes so much pride in all she does. She can motivate you into taking control of your life again after experiencing any type of loss. A very inspirational person that truly cares. It’s good to see how someone experienced the same things you have and coach you on how to positively deal with it in such a way that it wouldn’t affect your daily living. I so admire her.

- Antonieta

Ayana is a marvelous human being. She is a natural born leader, motivator and an inspiration to others, especially women. Never too busy to help another, and a great listener, whom strive to fine a solution instead of pacifying a problem.

- Modesty