About Us

Our Mission

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we support grieving mothers in our community as they navigate the unimaginable pain of losing a child to homicide. Our mission is to foster HEALING through connection, offering support groups, community meetups, and safe spaces where mothers can lean on one another. We believe in the power of shared experiences and the strength found in community, ensuring that no mother walks this journey alone. We provide these resources through generous donations, making healing accessible to all.

Our Vision

We create a safe and welcoming space for mothers who have lost a child to homicide. Believing in the power of community and connection, we foster healing through shared experiences, support groups, and meaningful gatherings. Here, moms can come as they are, finding strength in one another and hope in the bonds they build.

Our Board

Katie Wiggins

Founder & Executive Director

Bio

Katie Wiggins moved to Jacksonville from Orlando at the age of 12. Katie began her career in the criminal justice field before becoming a victim advocate and group facilitator in Northeast prisons helping Florida's restorative justice and recidivism rate. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. and has years of experience working in the field of mental health, counseling children, adults, families, and couples. Katie has incredible compassion for the hurting in our community. She is the owning counselor of Uprooted: Where Healing is Planted, a private practice in the Jacksonville area with a specialization in attachment and grief with a concentration in complicated grief due to homicide loss. Katie founded Healing Roots: Where Hope Is Found Inc. to help the community heal from the complicated grief caused by violent loss. As Executive Director of the board, she strives to provide support and safety to individuals and families served by Healing Roots within the community and co-members of the board.

Sara Simpson

President

Bio

Sara Simpson is a Jacksonville native who enjoys spending time in nature, baking, and traveling. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida (SWOOP!) and is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. With nine years of experience in the mental health field, Sara is deeply passionate about supporting children and families.
She brings a well-rounded skill set in clinical care, leadership, and program management, and is committed to building a stronger, healthier community through advocacy, education, service, and mutual respect. As President of the Board, Sara is dedicated to providing guidance, knowledge, and support to fellow board members, the individuals served by the organization, and the broader community.

Jennifer Henry

Board Member

Bio

Jennifer Henry is a strategic business consultant, speaker, and real estate leader with a strong background in operations and organizational development. With years of experience helping companies grow through systems, storytelling, and smart strategy, she brings practical insight and creative problem-solving to her role on the Healing Roots board. Jennifer also has a lifelong devotion to missions and a genuine desire to help others thrive. She is passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations in building sustainable, impactful operations that create lasting change in the communities they serve.