Five Questions: Karen Scott

Karen Scott, a former school and professional counselor, founded Lost and Found in 2001 with Springfield attorney Shawn Askinosie, and she added the executive director title earlier this month. The donation-funded organization, modeled after the Dougy Center in Portland, Ore., has helped more than 350 children and family members deal with the grief of losing a parent or sibling. Former director Robin Squires remains with the group as director of activities and fund raising.

Q: Where did the idea for the center originate?

A: I had known Shawn for years, and I knew he had his own grief issues because of the death of his dad when (Shawn) was in junior high. As he and I worked through his grief issues, I mentioned that it would be nice to have a Dougy Center, and he said, ‘What’s that?’ I told him, and he said ‘Then we’re going to have one.’ That’s how we got started. It’s an idea that was born out of a need.

Q: What did you do before this?

A: I was director of student support services for Springfield schools. I was actually with the district for 31 years and moved up through the ranks from teacher to counselor to administrator. I oversaw counseling, health services and all the things that help students deal with adversity. Plus, I was a private practice counselor and I taught at Drury. I’ve never had just one job; I don’t know how to do that.

Q: Why is it difficult for people to deal with grief?

A: We live in a society that doesn’t deal with death, people aren’t prepared for it, and we have unrealistic expectations for others, like they should be over it in two weeks. In two weeks, the shock is just wearing off and the sadness and reality is just beginning to set in. So they benefit from meeting with other people, realizing that they’re not alone, there are other people who have experienced similar things.

Q: How can businesses learn from the services you provide?

A: The biggest obstacle for adults is the unrealistic expectation of society, particularly employers. Most companies have two days to a week of bereavement leave, but that’s barely enough time to get the funeral planned. Wall Street Journal published a survey that said (businesses lose) $37 billion a year in productivity from the loss of a loved one, due to days off, inability to concentrate, family chaos. We provide a really valuable service not just to the families but to the community as a whole.

Q: What are your plans for the organization?

A: We’re going to be starting a young-adults group, and we’ll also be adding groups for older adults who have lost a spouse of many years or a child – there’s a huge need there. We’ll also be looking at offering something for employers – many could be more sensitive because they just aren’t aware of the need for workplace compassion.