WHO WE ARE
About Us
Taking Time: South Bay is a non-profit Bereavement Support program located in Redondo Beach, Ca. We provide bereavement services for those who have experienced the death of a significant person in the form of individual support, bereavement support groups, education on grief + loss, and referrals for additional support and services.
The founders, Claire Towle, LCSW and Patty Ellis, Certified Bereavement Educator, have been providing services for the bereaved in the South Bay for over 25 years. They have responded to the needs of all ages who have experienced the death of a loved one from any cause, including sudden death from a traumatic event and death from illnesses. Their program is specifically designed for clients to take time to learn about and process grief and loss, receive support and develop coping skills to manage the sorrow and life transitions. The death of a loved one ends a life, but it does not end the relationship with the person. Patty and Claire’s expertise provides services and companionship while navigating the journey through loss.
This is a program of support, intervention, and prevention. Grief associated with loss is often overlooked or rushed. Unaddressed grief can lead to a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse. Death, grief, and loss are an inevitable part of life. Our services provide an ideal opportunity to take time for support, comfort, and growth.
allcove Beach Cities
Taking Time is contracted to provide bereavement services, including support groups for young people experiencing trauma and grief due to loss, for allcove Beach Cities clients. allcove is developing an innovative network of integrated youth mental health centers designed with, by and for youth that reduce stigma, embrace mental wellness, increase community connection, and provide access to culturally responsive services.
allcove Beach Cities welcomes young people ages 12 to 25 with mild to moderate needs, providing a unique space for them to access services, with resources and support for friends, family, and the larger community. The centers are embedded within the community they serve and reflect the unique needs of local youth.
The Team
Claire Towle, LCSW
Clinical Director
Claire has had over 30 years of experience as a Clinical Social Worker combining direct clinical care, supervision, program development and management responsibilities. She is proficient in short-term therapy, crisis intervention, group work and bereavement counseling.
Program Director
Patty Ellis
Patty Ellis began her bereavement support journey, after having lost her husband in an accident, she and her 12-year-old son attended separate grief support groups. There they realized they were not alone.
Joanna Gillis, LCSW
Board Member
Joanna Gillis began her clinical social work education as an intern at the community bereavement center The Gathering Place (TGP), leading grief support groups for children, teens and adults, and responding to crisis situations in schools. She continued to be involved with TGP for almost a decade, providing bereavement services, training, and outreach.
Paula A. March, LCSW, BCD
Board Member
Paula A. March, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years experience combining direct clinical care with teaching and management responsibilities. She has a strong background working with individuals, couples and families coping with life transition, bereavement and crisis situations. Ms. March works with survivors of trauma using cognitive behavioral techniques…
Anthony West
Board Member
After graduating from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management, Tony moved to Manhattan Beach to start a career in manufacturing. In 1970 he started his own business, Corrugated Specialties. In 1994, he sold his company, which had grown to $25 million in annual sales, to Union Camp Corporation, now a part of Fiber Containers, Inc. Tony’s wife, Linda West, LCSW is a long-time supporter of bereavement services and a friend of Taking Time.