Janel Rafenstein

Janel Rafenstein is a full-time solo parent to two amazing kids, Micah (age 5) and Nicolai (age 3). In her down time, she works as contributing faculty in an occupational therapy program and also conducts eligibility assessments for California early start services. Janel’s professional background is in pediatric occupational therapy and public health, and she has been fortunate to work in a variety of settings providing services for children and their families. Janel suddenly and unexpectedly lost her husband Nick in March of 2018, when she was 37 weeks pregnant. The months after Nick’s death included giving birth, traveling solo with 2 kids (a trip requiring a plane, rental car and ferry), hosting a 2-year-old’s birthday party, and moving to be closer to her family. During that same time span, Janel also attended Camp Widow, which proved to be a life changing experience. It removed the loneliness she experienced after becoming widowed and brought together her widowed tribe, the Badass Widow Warriors.