Tynan's Story & Video

Tynan Dowell’s life changed forever with a tragic drowning accident that no mother should ever have to endure. 

“Clara was a chubby little girl with bright blonde hair and bright blue eyes, just like her daddy,” she shares.

As Tynan recalls her 14-month-old daughter Clara’s vibrant personality and the joy she brought to their family, she also recounts the harrowing experience of the accident and the subsequent loss. The support of her husband and the guidance of Bishop Vincke helped her navigate the initial stages of grief, but the journey towards healing required a different kind of support—one that Catholic Charities provided.



Tynan connected with Jessica Sampson, Director of Family Support Services and a therapist at Catholic Charities in Manhattan. Their first phone call marked the beginning of a therapeutic journey that would lead Tynan towards healing and growth.

“When I stepped into the offices of Catholic Charities, I felt very warm. I felt very welcomed. I felt very secure in being able to share my trauma, being able to share how I had been grieving,” Tynan reflects.



One aspect that stood out to Tynan was the emphasis on setting goals during her counseling sessions. “Setting those goals was one thing that was very helpful. I felt like in the season of grieving, it’s very easy just to be stagnant and just to kind of sit in it. She always encouraged me to set goals,” Tynan explains. “We were able to talk through what I specifically needed to work on, and what I could take home and work on together as a family as we were healing.”

Reflecting on her counseling experience, Tynan emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help in times of trauma and loss. She shares, “Everybody is going to have a cross to carry at some point in their life, and Catholic Charities provides opportunities for people to grow, to heal, to process, to learn, to set goals so that they can get through the trauma or the struggles or the cross that they have to carry.”