Rainbow Kidz Grief Counseling

Whether you or a child you know has experienced the loss of a loved one, Rainbow Kidz is here to help you find healing and support during this difficult time. Rainbow Kidz is a unique community resource dedicated to meeting the special needs of children and their families. Rainbow Kidz is offered at no cost to families or schools and encompasses an array of services provided by licensed clinical social workers, including:

  • Weekly in-school grief support groups for children who have experienced a loss are offered in Iredell-Statesville and Mooresville Graded Schools, as well as private and charter schools throughout Iredell County.
  • One-on-one grief counseling for children who have experienced the death of a loved one.
  • Specialized care for children and families undergoing palliative or hospice care.
  • Camp Rainbow is offered two weeks in June for children experiencing grief and loss.
  • A grief support program for children at the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont and Statesville YMCA Summer Camp/Bridge Academy. 
  • Resources and tools to help parents better communicate with their children regarding grief and loss. We have a monthly parent support group that meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month. 
  • Emergency community crisis support in area schools following the loss of a student or staff member. 
  • Grief support for infant loss.

If you're interested in learning more about Rainbow Kidz, please call 704-873-4719. You can also fill out a referral form HERE and we will connect you with a Rainbow Kidz Counselor. 

If you would like to submit an application to volunteer with the Rainbow Kidz Program, please complete this FORM. You will also need to complete the background check form HERE. Thank you for your interest in the Rainbow Kidz Program.

 

 

 

Leigh Ann Darty, MSW, LCSW

Leigh Ann Darty, MSW, LCSW

Rainbow Kidz Director

Leigh Ann Darty serves as the Director of our Rainbow Kidz Program.  Leigh Ann is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and is a licensed clinical social worker certified in trauma.

She has extensive experience in pediatric social work and has worked in the field since 1987.

Leigh Ann is dedicated to the children and teens in our community struggling with grief and loss.  She is a native of Iredell County and currently resides in Statesville.  

 

Meredith Fleming, MSW, LCSW

Meredith Fleming, MSW, LCSW

Rainbow Kidz Grief Counselor

Meredith serves as a grief counselor for our Rainbow Kidz Program.  She received her master of social work degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Meredith has experience in both school and hospital social work settings.  She was a dedicated Rainbow Kidz volunteer for four years before taking a full time position with the program in 2017.  

Meredith is a resident of Mooresville and is passionate about supporting grieving children and helping them share their story of loss in order to find healing.

 

Michele Smith, MSW, LCSWA

Michele Smith, MSW, LCSWA

RAINBOW KIDZ GRIEF COUNSELOR

Michele joined the Rainbow Kidz team as a grief counselor in 2023 after working for Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County for five years as a medical social worker in homecare. Michele is currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate.

 

It was Michele's volunteer work at Camp Rainbow that inspired her to get a masters degree in social work from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2018. Michele is committed to helping children and teens in our community who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

 

Originally from Indiana, Michele has lived in Mooresville, NC with her husband since 1993.

Maria Ramon, MSW, LCSWA

Maria Ramon, MSW, LCSWA

RAINBOW KIDZ GRIEF COUNSELOR

Maria serves as a bilingual grief counselor for our Rainbow Kidz Program.  She received her Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University and is currently pursuing her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate.

Maria has experience working in the school system for over nine years, she has served as a school social worker and school-based therapist.  She had volunteered to interpret for Rainbow Kidz before taking a full-time position with the program in 2024.  

Originally from New York City, Maria has lived in Taylorsville, NC with her husband and child since 2003. Maria is passionate about supporting grieving children and teens of the community by providing them a safe place to share their grief.

Help us continue serving our community with compassion, comfort and dignity.

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Statesville Office

2347 Simonton Road
Statesville, NC 28625
Phone: 704-873-4719
Map & Directions

Mooresville Office

1325 Mecklenburg Highway
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: 704-663-0051
Map & Directions