Harrisburg, PA

Caspar David Friedreich's "The Cemetery" which depicts a figure standing outside the gate of a wooded cemetery.

Influences

What qualifies someone to be a death doula? While certifications and programs of study exist, there is no governing or regulatory body in this field. Below, I go into detail about my background, training, and influences that inform my work to help you decide if I’m a good fit for you.

Pieter Clasz "Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill." I love this painting because the quill is a feather (air), there is a chalice (water), burning incense (fire) and the skull itself can be representative of the material (earth).

Death Workers:

I do not come from a doula lineage, meaning I am a modern death worker with formal training. I honor BIPOC and other doulas who inherited their craft and learned through practice. I hope for a day when death care is once again a task shared openly and lovingly, undertaken in community.

  • I trained under and received certification from Beth Montgomery, who serves and teaches in Central Pennsylvania. She is an incredible resource for both care and education.
  • I am a member of the Order of the Good Death and highly recommend the resources they create and curate.
  • My aunt, Beth Hewett, is a writer and bereavement coach who has always been incredibly generous with her deep knowledge of thanatology and boundless care.
  • My little sister (in-law) is a constant inspiration and represents a new generation of death workers. As she has completed her studies at mortuary school, she’s always been more than happy to indulge my curiosities and keep me abreast of new challenges and innovations in the funerary industry.
  • The staff and my fellow volunteers at hospice have exemplified kindness, compassion, and teaching in the field. They have inspired me in each step on my journey through death work.

Spirituality

I am a Gnostic Christian, which means I have a mystical approach to Christian and apocryphal texts, emphasizing personal experience or “gnosis” of the Divine. I am a lay member of the Apostolic Johannite Church.

I have richly benefitted from studying a variety of spiritual and religious texts. Buddhism has taught me mindful presence in loving kindness. Jewish scripture has helped me to find faith and constancy amid sorrow. Indigenous traditions have taught me to act always in relationship to the Earth. African systems have drawn me toward personal and collective ancestors. Islam has taught me the value of discipline and deep platonic love. I carry Ganesha in my heart when facing a challenge. Esoteric practice brings me into direct conversation with the Divine. Secular humanism has taught me to appreciate love and life for what they simply are outside of any religious or spiritual context.

In my work toward becoming a hospice chaplain, I’m pursuing an M.Div degree. I’ve chosen to study in an Anabaptist setting because of that tradition’s commitment to peace, social justice, and living by the example of Jesus. This also brings me closer to my family’s roots and prevalent faith traditions in my community.

While I am ordained in the Universal Life Church which allows me to perform some ceremonies, I cannot administer the sacraments. I have not completed seminary and am not yet a chaplain. I am, however, eager and empowered to assist you in planning and creating activities, atmospheres, and ceremonies that reflect your values. I am here to participate whenever and however is appropriate and within your vision.

I don’t believe my path (or any path!) is the only way to go. In fact, I think we, collectively, are here to experience the full spectrum of belief and disbelief. I’m happy to meet you wherever you are. Whether you want the 23rd Psalm, Anton LaVey, or Stephen Hawking read at your bedside or your memorial, I am happy to make it happen.

Additional Training

  • I have completed 200-hour yoga teacher training specializing in Vinyasa at Yogacentric in Bel Air, MD (2018). This knowledge helps me to bring breath work, guided meditation, and gentle movement into my services.
  • I am trained and attuned in Reiki, bringing healing energy work into my practice. I studied with Rickie Freedman of Reiki by Rickie in Linglestown, PA (2012).
  • I have completed intuitive training with medium Maggie Salter which has strengthened my awareness of the world beyond our five senses (2023).
  • Studying improv at the Harrisburg Improv Theatre has taught me to say “Yes, and…” in life and has helped me to become a confident public speaker, accustomed to thinking on my feet.
  • My writing and teaching experience comes with me everywhere I go, greatly benefitting the legacy work I do with clients (crafting letters, obituaries, eulogies, and more) and offering workshops where I can be helpful. I received my MFA from the University of Baltimore (2013).