What happens when grief meets grace? In this week’s episode of Conversations with Coach LA, we sit down with Shiaka McIntosh, Founder of Parties From Above — a Boston-based movement bringing joy to children who’ve lost parents to violence or overdose. After losing her child’s father, Marcus Hall, Shiaka transformed her pain into purpose by creating safe, celebratory spaces for grieving families. Since 2023, she’s hosted more than 100 birthday parties and community events, proving that joy and healing can coexist. Coach LA and Shiaka unpack: ✨ Post-traumatic growth and the science of resilience ✨ How community care heals childhood grief ✨ Why celebration can be a trauma-informed intervention ✨ Ways to turn personal pain into purpose 💜 Tune in → Believe. Empower. Transform. Always #BETonSELF
This week on Conversations with Coach LA, we’re talking about what it means to transform pain into purpose.
After losing her child’s father, Marcus Hall, to gun violence, Shiaka McIntosh could have let grief define her story — but instead, she decided to rewrite it. As the founder of Parties From Above, Shiaka has hosted more than 100 birthday parties and community events for children who’ve lost a parent to violence or overdose. Through balloons, music, and moments of joy, she’s creating healing spaces where grief meets celebration.
Join Coach LA as she and Shiaka explore:
✨ The power of post-traumatic growth and how purpose can emerge from pain
✨ Why play, joy, and community connection are vital in childhood grief recovery
✨ The emotional toll and triumph of grief-informed community work
✨ Practical ways to BET on SELF™ — even when your heart is heavy
This conversation is raw, real, and restorative — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible.
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According to the CDC, over 48,000 people die from gun violence annually in the U.S., leaving tens of thousands of children grieving a parent.
Research from the National Alliance for Children’s Grief shows 1 in 12 kids will lose a parent or sibling by age 18.
Studies in positive psychology confirm that community connection and joyful rituals significantly reduce trauma symptoms and foster resilience.