Staff

Lizbeth Bowes joined the NACG team in 2023 as the National Program Manager. As a Child Life Specialist, she was responsible for providing psychosocial support for infants, children, youth and families to help reduce the stress and fears associated with hospitalizations and their multiple facets faced in acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. Prior to joining the NACG, Liz was the Program Manager at the Grief Center of New Mexico where she supported all who grieve by offering support groups, workshops and resources, oversaw community volunteers and provided professional training and education. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. Originally from Mexico, Liz currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, children and puppies. 

Malvern Tatenda Chiweshe, Ph.D., MPH, joined the National Alliance for Children’s Grief in June 2026 as Director of Strategic Projects. Most recently, he served as Director of the Societal Experts Action Network at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where he led efforts to connect scientific expertise with pressing societal challenges.

Malvern brings a uniquely interdisciplinary background to the NACG, with expertise spanning psychology, public health, and research. He has also held postdoctoral fellowships at Rhodes University in South Africa and at the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom.

Malvern holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Rhodes University, South Africa, as well as a Master of Public Health from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, where he additionally earned Certificates in Adolescent Health and Maternal and Child Health. His research has been published in Feminism & Psychology, the African Journal of Reproductive Health, the Journal of Health Psychology, and several other peer-reviewed journals. He enjoys long hikes across the DMV area.

Deirdra Flavin is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of children who are grieving and providing education and resources to those who support them. With over twenty years of experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and development, Deirdra’s career has centered on advancing social impact and fostering meaningful connections within communities. Deirdra joined the NACG in 2019 as the National Marketing and Development Director, and her work is focused on driving organizational growth, enhancing organizational recognition, and fostering collaboration, which has resulted in increased resources and support for the organization’s programs and initiatives. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Deirdra held senior roles in marketing and sales, where she gained extensive experience in strategic planning, relationship management, and achieving measurable results. Her ability to translate corporate strategies into mission-driven successes has defined her work in the nonprofit world, where she blends business acumen with a deep commitment to creating meaningful change. A native of Cork, Ireland, Deirdra holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Marketing Management from University College Cork. In 2021, she earned her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. Deirdra resides in Virginia with her husband and three children.

Julie Hennington serves as the part-time Business Manager for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), bringing more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and social service settings. She holds a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University and has worked in domestic and sexual violence services, child welfare, medical social work, and children’s grief support. Her experience at Texas Children’s Hospital deepened her understanding of the importance of grief support for children and families, leading to her ongoing volunteer work facilitating grief support groups at Bo’s Place in Houston. Julie brings strong organizational and communication skills, along with a deep commitment to the NACG mission.

Megan Lopez joined NACG in 2014 and serves as the National Program Director. Megan has served as a Social Worker and Program Leader throughout her nonprofit career and has provided support to children, teenagers, and families in a variety of settings. Megan is an experienced presenter and trainer using an interactive style in her teaching and facilitating on a variety of topics related to program management, childhood bereavement support, grief in the school setting, and group facilitation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. Megan resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and two children.