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Gloria Joy Sklansky
Gloria Sklansky, beloved and extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and psychologist passed away in 2006 after a long battle with leukemia. Gloria is survived by her husband, three sons and their families, including three beautiful grandchildren, as well as countless friends.
I was lucky enough to be blessed with her friendship for many years and it is nearly one year after her passing that I finally am able to sit and write this epitaph.
To know Gloria was to adore her. I used to introduce her as the therapist's therapist, but in truth, Gloria was the best of so many things. For me, she was more than just a friend or a mentor, she was a second mother. I recall with great fondness our weekend outings, our afternoon cups of tea, and countless hours of chatting.
I miss her most, and feel her presence most, when I am working. Gloria is the reason I became a psychologist and was instrumental in my founding of Coastal Counseling and Coaching. Whenever I am with a couple in pain, a family in turmoil, or a person who is touched by sadness, I can feel her warm hand on my shoulder and her loving words in my head.
I loved her very much and I miss her every day. The greatest compliment was paid to me recently by a mutual client who remarked, "I miss Gloria, but you know, you're so much like her." To be like her is to embody unbridled optimism, kindness, love and joy. I hope that one day, I will be as fine and skilled a clinician as she was.
-Dr. Kathy Nickerson
The Gloria J. Sklansky Memorial Scholarship
Press Release - 06/2007
Rare are the moments when we realize we've just met someone who will alter our lives forever. These treasured few end up being mentors, spouses or dear friends. For those fortunate enough to meet her, Dr. Gloria Sklansky was one those sparkling "someones." Her work as a clinical psychologist brought prosperity, relief and joy to people struggling with life's most delicate hardships. And while Dr. Sklansky was a widely respected clinician, what distinguished her from colleagues was her seemingly effortless way of offering hope and a better future to even the most desperate situation.
Dr. Gloria Sklansky is remembered as mentor and confidant to family, friends and colleagues alike. It was close friend and fellow Psychologist Dr. Kathleen Nickerson, Principal Psychologist of Coastal Counselors & Coaching, who sought to memorialize Dr. Sklansky's life through the creation of a Scholarship award in her name. The Scholarship came to fruition after a random meeting between Dr. Nickerson and a young man named Jared Wigdor. "I was actually interviewing students for another Scholarship award," recalled Dr. Nickerson, "and Jared was merely assigned to me."
"When I met him, I was blown away by his dedication and compassion. At that moment, I knew I was in the presence of a person who was going to make the world a better place." Dr. Nickerson soon realized that Jared's desire to help others lead richer, fuller lives was the same as Dr. Sklansky's philosphy. Thus, the Gloria J. Sklansky Memorial Scholarship Award, and its first recipient, was discovered.
In many ways, Dr. Sklansky and Jared Wigdor are more alike than unalike. Mr. Wigdor has been recognized for his exceptional academic merit, having received the National Merit Scholarship, Toshiba Scholarship, Saddleback Valley Education Foundation Scholarship and others for maintaining a 5.2 GPA. Jared plans to pursue a double major in International Studies and Ethics, Politics and Economics at Yale University, where he was granted early acceptance. Driven as Dr. Sklansky was to help others and create positive changes in the world, he hopes to work for the State Department in protecting human rights globally.
The Gloria J. Sklansky Scholarship Award will now be given annually, and serves to underscore the mission of Coastal Counseling & Coaching, the Newport Beach-based practice Dr. Sklansky helped create. "We felt that this award could both help improve human lives and honor Gloria's memory," says Dr. Kathy Nickerson. "We look forward to the future with hope that students like Jared hold such a strong vision for leadership, strength, and protecting human rights."
Thinking of how Dr. Sklansky would react to the creation of this award and its first recipient, we learn the powerful legacy she leaves behind. "Gloria would be so proud of Jared," commented Dr. Nickerson. "She would be humbled and honored at being associated with someone like Jared, who is so caring and compassionate."
"Just like Jared, Gloria was bright and articulate," said Jack Sklansky. "They both share a concern for human rights and the human condition. Gloria cared so deeply for others, she was a blessing to me. She filled my life with joy, wisdom and love."
As the first recipient of the scholarship, Jared Wigdor is one of many who will be celebrated for embodying the same beautiful purpose as Dr. Gloria Sklansky. The Gloria J. Sklansky Award is more than a scholarship, it is an homage to a life lived in service. It is rooted in humanity's way to overcome hardship through love, respect and the promise of tomorrow.
To learn more about the scholarship, or make a contribution, please contact Dr. Kathy Nickerson at 949-222-6684.
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