Greg Proulx, Ph.D.

1. Greg Proulx, Ph.D. A gift to all of us…a powerful and relentless advocate for change.

2. Through his examples and modeling he has helped me become a more reflective person, someone who is more able to understand challenges others face and how our personal perspectives influence our work. He taught me to "embrace complexity and tolerate ambiguity.” • Julie Smith-Mandrick

3. Greg taught all of us who knew him how to practice compassion and love by his example of calmness and consistency in his practice! I miss him dearly!!! • John D. Keller • Dr. Proulx was kind, gentle, intelligent, and so funny, always ending meetings and services with humor and positive energy.  It was a privilege and joy to get to know him over the years.  • Madeleine McConnell

4. Greg always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile for everyone, a great listener and could be present for the mothers in our LAMB support groups as they shared their histories of loss and struggle. I also remember his continual curiosity about babies and their relationships with the adults in their lives as well as his sense of playfulness and joy. • Marilyn Schmitt

6. The team working on the Early Childhood Comprehensive System grant for creating a trauma-informed early childhood system decided the team's name would be "Greg's Promise" because all six members were privileged to benefit from his generosity of time, knowledge and passion for children's behavioral health (or for early childhood). • During our consultations, Greg would regularly say, "the antidote for cortisol is affection." • Carlene Przykucki

8. Shortly after Greg’s death I was contacted by one of my neighbors whose young grandchild had received support from Greg. The gentleman was in tears while repeating, “Not Dr. Greg, not Dr. Greg. What will we do without him? No one will ever replace him in this world.” • Peggy Yachasz

9. Greg often described using Becky Bailey’s, “I Love You Rituals”. It is clear, sadly in retrospect, how much these describe what Greg brought to his work. He helped deeply conflicted families know and feel the love they had for each other. What a gift Greg shared – knowing and deepening love within his own family, his client families and his work families. • Barry Wright

10. Greg's joyful and compassionate presence will always be a wonderful part of my experience of MI-AIMH. • Bonnie Daligga • I loved Greg's kind, funny, and sweet spirit and appreciate how much he cared about the work, and about his colleagues. • Douglas Davies

11. He was always a forward thinker, embraced barriers as opportunities for growth, provided encouragement and helped Catholic Human Services establish as a reputable strong children’s behavioral health partners. •  Kara Steinke • Greg continually told my Circle of Parents attendees: “Always be in the moment when you are with your kids…Be aware that what you say to your kids at all times will affect them.” • Ruth Fleck

12. My first memory of Greg is at a Metro Detroit chapter meeting as he talked about his newborn daughter. • My last memory when he shared a mock-up of the Baby Bench Card and a picture of his sons taken on a family camping trip. • Both times he was radiant. • My memories of the many years in between are filled with laughter, passion for the work and a twinkle in his eye. • Joan Shirilla

14. Greg has been a funny, vocal and kind voice for babies and their families. I still smile when I recall his tale of his mother bringing cake to his dissertation defense. • Julie Ribaudo • To me, he has always been the quintessential representative of MI-AIMH. His kindness, dedication, humor and compassion will not be forgotten. • Jennifer Champagne

15. As a colleague, I knew with Greg that we could count on him to consult with us, to give direction to a case, share his clinical knowledge, and respond to clients and co-workers with genuine kindness.   • Becky Lahner • What I most respected about Greg was his seemingly effortless ability to be a powerful and relentless advocate for change, without raising his voice. His humor, his warm and genuine smile, and his humility were powerful tools. • Mary Schalk

16. Greg was a good guy in every way – a decent and caring person. I loved to sit next to him at Board meetings because he was so funny. We shared many a belly laugh together. • It was my pleasure to work with him on the Baby Bench Card. It was his brain child and he never lost the dream of creating it. • Mary Beth Reimer

17. I was having trouble with Layne about getting his hair cut. I asked Greg about this and he jokingly smiled and told me, “Ask someone else because look at me. I clearly do not like getting my hair cut, either!” • Emily Roussin

18. When thinking of Greg I think of the Magic Wand that he would sometimes bring to staff meetings and talk with us about how the parents of the children we see think we can just come in and wave the magic wand and everything will be better. • Mariah Giese

19. Greg always said, “Every day we have the opportunity to choose to be happy”. • Meg Nisbet • He went out of his way to be kind to me, but then being kind and thoughtful was his way.   • Deb Marciniak

20. Whenever I think of Greg, the term “joy-filled” comes to mind. He reminds me daily of the importance of reflective supervision, valuing relationships before budgets, humor before criticism, and enhancing strengths as I address a person’s challenges. • Cathy S. Meske

21. Greg was a gift to all of us. His “joie de vivre” was infectious and his sense of humor kept everyone laughing and smiling.   We were all so very blessed to have known him. • Maureen Sweet