Meet The Team

Executive Director
Chris Cano, Mdiv, FT
Chris is a seasoned grief educator and Fellow in Thanatology with more than 25 years of professional experience spanning grief education, Christian ministry, and funeral service. As Executive Director of Common Ground Grief, he integrates academic rigor with compassionate leadership to advance understanding of bereavement and its impact on individuals and communities. His work emphasizes the intersection of spiritual care, psychosocial support, and educational outreach, preparing both laypersons and professionals to respond effectively to the complexities of loss. Through decades of dedicated practice, Chris has established himself as a respected authority and advocate in the fields of grief and thanatology, promoting healing, resilience, and informed care among the bereaved.

Director of Operations
Liz Luevano
Liz Luevano is the Director of Operations at Forward Endeavors, ensuring our mission is effectively fulfilled. With strong background in nonprofit management, she is dedicated to optimizing programs, and fostering collaboration among staff and volunteers.
Meet The Board

Bill White
Board President
.jpeg)
Andrew Nishimoto
Board Vice President

Michael Guitar
Treasurer

Katie Larson
Secretary

Amanda Waters
Board Member

Katrina Chen
Board Member

Nancy Manriquez-Dowell
Board Member
![[Original size] endeavors.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/abd811_ab4b1a696f15410097adfe4d8ca51cfc~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_107,w_500,h_286/fill/w_131,h_75,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%5BOriginal%20size%5D%20endeavors.png)