Past 2021 Events
January 13, 2021 - ZOOM Call - 7-8:30 CST
Death Doula Case Study Discussion
Part of our mission is to be a resource to end of life professionals; January’s topic will focus on the collective wisdom of the group as we will be going through several case studies. In a field where we are still learning and cultivating our practice, many have expressed interest in mentoring. We recognize the value of learning from each other as a necessary component to honing our craft as well as connecting with our community.
We are currently looking for Doula’s who would like to share their experience with a client(s) and would be willing to receive feedback from the group. Please contact Jane Whitlock at jvwhit@gmail.com
Death Doula Case Study Discussion
Part of our mission is to be a resource to end of life professionals; January’s topic will focus on the collective wisdom of the group as we will be going through several case studies. In a field where we are still learning and cultivating our practice, many have expressed interest in mentoring. We recognize the value of learning from each other as a necessary component to honing our craft as well as connecting with our community.
We are currently looking for Doula’s who would like to share their experience with a client(s) and would be willing to receive feedback from the group. Please contact Jane Whitlock at jvwhit@gmail.com
February 10, 2021 - Zoom Call - Obituary Basics: Writing with More Love Than Money - Angela Woosley
In this session, you will learn tips to help you write and publish an obituary or death notice. We'll cover what to include and exclude, obituary writing conventions, publication options and pricing. While this presentation focuses on Twin Cities metro pricing and publication, we'll explore other options to spread the word about funeral services. Most importantly, we'll share ideas to help you effectively capture a life story while getting the most for your money.
Bio - Angela Woosley, M.A. is a MN-licensed mortician, trained end-of-life doula, certified celebrant, home funeral guide, and founder of Inspired Journeys LLC, the Midwest’s first woman-owned and family-centered natural deathcare provider. Angela taught for over ten years in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota, teaching courses in funeral psychology, arrangements, business, and marketing, as well as serving as the program’s Writing Enriched Curriculum liaison, focused on improving discipline-relevant writing skills and instruction. Angela currently serves on the board of directors for the National Home Funeral Alliance
In this session, you will learn tips to help you write and publish an obituary or death notice. We'll cover what to include and exclude, obituary writing conventions, publication options and pricing. While this presentation focuses on Twin Cities metro pricing and publication, we'll explore other options to spread the word about funeral services. Most importantly, we'll share ideas to help you effectively capture a life story while getting the most for your money.
Bio - Angela Woosley, M.A. is a MN-licensed mortician, trained end-of-life doula, certified celebrant, home funeral guide, and founder of Inspired Journeys LLC, the Midwest’s first woman-owned and family-centered natural deathcare provider. Angela taught for over ten years in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota, teaching courses in funeral psychology, arrangements, business, and marketing, as well as serving as the program’s Writing Enriched Curriculum liaison, focused on improving discipline-relevant writing skills and instruction. Angela currently serves on the board of directors for the National Home Funeral Alliance
March 10, 2021 - Getting to Know You! Compassionate Communities - Mary Ann Boe
Promoting community-wide engagement to create a culture of belonging and care
Learn about Minnesota’s national model of the global compassionate community movement. Explore end of life doulas as ‘Journey Guides’ addressing fears, hopes, and goals with those who have been recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Experience belonging and peer support in a Compassionate Community Caring Circle.
Bio - Mary Ann’s commitment to creating compassionate communities is a gift from her son, Déva, who lived bravely with medical fragility for 14 years. After his death, she realized the importance of community and became a community weaver. Her professional experiences include the founding of The Cedar, a premier cultural center for world music and dance; and Deva Nation which created NicBluCares, the national Compassionate Community Model serving Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties in Southern Minnesota. This pilot initiative is a collaboration between primary care, public health, multi-sectors, and community residents. We are promoting an inclusive culture where all people feel that they belong and take seriously our responsibility to care for one another, especially in times of crisis and loss. Mary Ann Boe, maryann@nicblucares.com 651-303-0744, Executive Director, DevaNation.com, Project Lead, NicBluCares.com
Promoting community-wide engagement to create a culture of belonging and care
Learn about Minnesota’s national model of the global compassionate community movement. Explore end of life doulas as ‘Journey Guides’ addressing fears, hopes, and goals with those who have been recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Experience belonging and peer support in a Compassionate Community Caring Circle.
Bio - Mary Ann’s commitment to creating compassionate communities is a gift from her son, Déva, who lived bravely with medical fragility for 14 years. After his death, she realized the importance of community and became a community weaver. Her professional experiences include the founding of The Cedar, a premier cultural center for world music and dance; and Deva Nation which created NicBluCares, the national Compassionate Community Model serving Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties in Southern Minnesota. This pilot initiative is a collaboration between primary care, public health, multi-sectors, and community residents. We are promoting an inclusive culture where all people feel that they belong and take seriously our responsibility to care for one another, especially in times of crisis and loss. Mary Ann Boe, maryann@nicblucares.com 651-303-0744, Executive Director, DevaNation.com, Project Lead, NicBluCares.com
April 14, 2021 - Community Call - Integrative wellness practices at end of life - Christin Ament
Guided imagery, healing touch, aromatherapy, and music can all be applied at the end of life. Discover timeless practices that support, soothe and aid in managing pain and discomfort at the end of life.
Bio - Christin Ament is a palliative care provider in Minneapolis and greater Minnesota, managing the care of the chronically ill and terminal. Before her work as a palliative provider, she worked as a nurse in hospice, intensive care, and cardiac care. She was fortunate to have started a pilot program at Methodist Hospital where she offered integrative medicine to oncology, hospice, and palliative care patients. In this work, she incorporated her training as a death doula as well as her training as a nurse and integrative medicine practitioner.
Guided imagery, healing touch, aromatherapy, and music can all be applied at the end of life. Discover timeless practices that support, soothe and aid in managing pain and discomfort at the end of life.
Bio - Christin Ament is a palliative care provider in Minneapolis and greater Minnesota, managing the care of the chronically ill and terminal. Before her work as a palliative provider, she worked as a nurse in hospice, intensive care, and cardiac care. She was fortunate to have started a pilot program at Methodist Hospital where she offered integrative medicine to oncology, hospice, and palliative care patients. In this work, she incorporated her training as a death doula as well as her training as a nurse and integrative medicine practitioner.
May 12, 2021 - Voluntary Stopping Eating & Drinking (VSED) - Cassandra Sutherland - ZOOM @ 7:00-8:30CST
Join Cassa Sutherland as she shares her knowledge and stories around the use of Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking, otherwise known as VSED, as a supportive and compassionate end of life option. Through stories, we will cover the range of VSED experiences and explore VSED as an option for those diagnosed with dementia. The presentation will address common questions: is it legal? How long does it take? What medications are involved? And what appears on the death certificate? The evening will help listeners understand the preparation and process of VSED, as well as resources to support this personalized option.
Join Cassa Sutherland as she shares her knowledge and stories around the use of Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking, otherwise known as VSED, as a supportive and compassionate end of life option. Through stories, we will cover the range of VSED experiences and explore VSED as an option for those diagnosed with dementia. The presentation will address common questions: is it legal? How long does it take? What medications are involved? And what appears on the death certificate? The evening will help listeners understand the preparation and process of VSED, as well as resources to support this personalized option.
Bio - Cassandra Sutherland
Residing on the Coast Salish Lands of Bellingham, WA. For years she saw her future in International studies and politics. She earned her undergraduate degree in San Francisco before moving to Bolivia to work in sustainable development.
It wasn’t until she moved back to Washington to support her Father to navigate his end-of-life that she was introduced to compassionate death care. Cassa used her personal experience of her father’s dementia, VSED, and subsequent death to earn her Master’s in Global Public Health from the University of Washington. These days she gets the privilege of supporting Washingtonian's access Death with Dignity and VSED as the Client Support Manager for End of Life Washington.
She is passionate about making end-of-life options readily available and is hopeful that one day soon every human will know their choices. Outside of end of life care you find her with her wife and dog, either up a mountain or in the kitchen.
Residing on the Coast Salish Lands of Bellingham, WA. For years she saw her future in International studies and politics. She earned her undergraduate degree in San Francisco before moving to Bolivia to work in sustainable development.
It wasn’t until she moved back to Washington to support her Father to navigate his end-of-life that she was introduced to compassionate death care. Cassa used her personal experience of her father’s dementia, VSED, and subsequent death to earn her Master’s in Global Public Health from the University of Washington. These days she gets the privilege of supporting Washingtonian's access Death with Dignity and VSED as the Client Support Manager for End of Life Washington.
She is passionate about making end-of-life options readily available and is hopeful that one day soon every human will know their choices. Outside of end of life care you find her with her wife and dog, either up a mountain or in the kitchen.
June 9, 2021 - Community Call - Death into Life: A Look at Donation - ZOOM @ 7:00-8:30 PM CST
How can I support a client or loved one in the donation process? What all is involved in the donation process?" You may be familiar with these questions or ones similar. In this presentation, we will share about who is eligible for donation, the donation process and how we can all work together to support your patients, their families and save lives through donation. Bring your questions and your curiosity!
How can I support a client or loved one in the donation process? What all is involved in the donation process?" You may be familiar with these questions or ones similar. In this presentation, we will share about who is eligible for donation, the donation process and how we can all work together to support your patients, their families and save lives through donation. Bring your questions and your curiosity!
Bio - Laura Shaffer
Laura has been with LifeSource as a Family Support Coordinator for almost 6 years. Her past experiences include working as a Spiritual Care Counselor at Hazelden Betty Ford, serving as a Minneapolis Police Chaplain, and was on staff in the Pastoral Care Dept. at a large suburban church. Laura loves coming alongside others during challenging times and offering a supportive presence. Life-Source.org
Laura has been with LifeSource as a Family Support Coordinator for almost 6 years. Her past experiences include working as a Spiritual Care Counselor at Hazelden Betty Ford, serving as a Minneapolis Police Chaplain, and was on staff in the Pastoral Care Dept. at a large suburban church. Laura loves coming alongside others during challenging times and offering a supportive presence. Life-Source.org
Bio - Laura Shrode
Laura has been a Family Support Coordinator with LifeSource for about one year. Prior to this, she worked as a chaplain at the St. Cloud Hospital for 6 years and has worked with young adults in mission work. She loves being present with people and hearing their stories.
Life-Source.org
Laura has been a Family Support Coordinator with LifeSource for about one year. Prior to this, she worked as a chaplain at the St. Cloud Hospital for 6 years and has worked with young adults in mission work. She loves being present with people and hearing their stories.
Life-Source.org
July 2021 - No Community Meeting. We're taking a break to enjoy our beautiful summer weather and will return on August 11th. See you soon!
August 11, 2021 - Waiting and Wading: Navigating Black Grief - Rev. Dr. Jamie Frederika Eaddy
Few studies have explored the grieving process among people of African descent. Are there unique factors that influence how African- Americans grieve? And how do I enter into the grief experience with people of African descent without causing more harm?
This presentation will examine the African American experience with grief, provide helpful tips for advocacy, and identify ways to wait with and wade through the waters of grief with empathy.
Few studies have explored the grieving process among people of African descent. Are there unique factors that influence how African- Americans grieve? And how do I enter into the grief experience with people of African descent without causing more harm?
This presentation will examine the African American experience with grief, provide helpful tips for advocacy, and identify ways to wait with and wade through the waters of grief with empathy.
Bio:
The Rev. Dr. Jamie Frederika Eaddy is a Pastoral Theologian, Loss Navigation Specialist ™️, Death Doula, chaplain, author, and poet with over 20 years of experience providing spiritual and emotional support to the community.
She is the CEO of Thoughtful Transitions, LLC, and provides holistic support to individuals and communities navigating their way through trauma, grief, and loss; and serves as the Director of Program Development for the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA).
The Rev. Dr. Jamie Frederika Eaddy is a Pastoral Theologian, Loss Navigation Specialist ™️, Death Doula, chaplain, author, and poet with over 20 years of experience providing spiritual and emotional support to the community.
She is the CEO of Thoughtful Transitions, LLC, and provides holistic support to individuals and communities navigating their way through trauma, grief, and loss; and serves as the Director of Program Development for the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA).
September 8, 2021 - A Radical Death Conversation - Rev. Karen Hutt, Christin Ament, and Emily Stacken
Rev. Karen Hutt, Christin Ament, and Emily Stacken recently hosted the Radical Death Series, a four-part series of conversations that aimed to widen our lens and broaden our scope when engaging in discussions around death and dying. As part of her final capstone project at United Theological Seminary, Emily documented the incredible insights and offerings shared by the many panelists. The learnings indicate how essential it is that death work center issues of life to help make the good death accessible to all people. Join us for a presentation to dive deeper into these topics, followed by a Q & A and further dialogue about what’s next in the work.
Rev. Karen Hutt, Christin Ament, and Emily Stacken recently hosted the Radical Death Series, a four-part series of conversations that aimed to widen our lens and broaden our scope when engaging in discussions around death and dying. As part of her final capstone project at United Theological Seminary, Emily documented the incredible insights and offerings shared by the many panelists. The learnings indicate how essential it is that death work center issues of life to help make the good death accessible to all people. Join us for a presentation to dive deeper into these topics, followed by a Q & A and further dialogue about what’s next in the work.
Rev. Karen Hutt is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served congregations in Chicago and now at First Universalist in Minneapolis. She is Vice President for Student Formation, Vocation and Community Engagement at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Rev. Hutt is also a Clinical Pastoral Educator with ACPE and a Board Certified Chaplain. She is committed to the evolving innovation in the field of chaplaincy and care provision.
Christin Ament Ph.D. is a palliative care provider in Minneapolis and greater Minnesota, managing the care of the chronically ill and terminal. Before her work as a palliative provider, she worked as a nurse in hospice, intensive care, and cardiac care. She was fortunate to have started a pilot program at Methodist Hospital where she offered integrative medicine to oncology, hospice, and palliative care patients. In this work, she incorporated her training as a death doula as well as her training as a nurse and integrative medicine practitioner.
Emily Stacken is one of the organizers of the Radical Death Series, a four-part series of conversations aimed to interrogate the phrase “good death” while prioritizing issues of racial equity, collective grief, and what it means to embrace death as inseparable from life. She attended United Theological Seminary and received a Masters of Arts in Leadership. Her final capstone, Radicalizing Death: A Death Positive Movement for Social Change, explores Ernest Becker’s concepts in The Denial of Death, and how this research informs the current Death Positive movement and its potential for both individual and collective transformation.
October 13, 2021 - Anatomy Bequest-Whole Body Donation - Linnea Siedlemann
Please join us for the answers to these questions: What is whole body donation? How does it support medical advancements in Minnesota? Can one be an organ donor and a whole-body donor? How do people who are interested sign up? There will be an opportunity to have your questions answered, as well. Hope you can be part of the conversation.
Bio: Linnea Seidelmann of the University of Minnesota Medical School Anatomy Bequest Program (ABP) is a donation coordinator and presents information sessions for ABP education and community outreach. In her role as donation coordinator, Linnea speaks with individuals planning ahead-considering whole body donation and with next of kin after death has occurred. Before joining ABP in July 2016, Linnea worked for 10 years as a funeral home and cemetery manager in Seattle, WA. Linnea is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health as a mortician and graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota. Linnea is encouraged about the trend toward death being mindfully planned as an integral part of life. Her personal interests include spending time outside gardening, hiking, canoeing, and Nordic skiing.
Bio: Linnea Seidelmann of the University of Minnesota Medical School Anatomy Bequest Program (ABP) is a donation coordinator and presents information sessions for ABP education and community outreach. In her role as donation coordinator, Linnea speaks with individuals planning ahead-considering whole body donation and with next of kin after death has occurred. Before joining ABP in July 2016, Linnea worked for 10 years as a funeral home and cemetery manager in Seattle, WA. Linnea is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health as a mortician and graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota. Linnea is encouraged about the trend toward death being mindfully planned as an integral part of life. Her personal interests include spending time outside gardening, hiking, canoeing, and Nordic skiing.
November 10, 2021 - Let's Talk About Grief - Karen Greer
How do you deal with grief in your professional work? How do you deal with grief from your personal life? At work, we need to be the stalwart ones and still, sometimes that situation connects us to our personal life journey! At some point is it important to consider all the grief? Come join our group as Karen Greer leads us in a discussion of our life journeys and grief. We have been accustomed to our own grief but in the last year, we have been so connected to the Global journey with grief. Come let’s talk!
Bio: Karen Greer M.Ed, Memorial Celebrant, Ritualist and Grief educator. Karen has chosen an End-of-Life focus for the next chapter in her life after a series of events that happened from 2015-16. Her best friend died overnight from a heart attack unexpectedly. A college friend passed six weeks after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a friend’s 90-year-old mother died and was asked to conduct the funeral. Karen realized that she was being invited into ministerial work which would focus on the end of life.
How do you deal with grief in your professional work? How do you deal with grief from your personal life? At work, we need to be the stalwart ones and still, sometimes that situation connects us to our personal life journey! At some point is it important to consider all the grief? Come join our group as Karen Greer leads us in a discussion of our life journeys and grief. We have been accustomed to our own grief but in the last year, we have been so connected to the Global journey with grief. Come let’s talk!
Bio: Karen Greer M.Ed, Memorial Celebrant, Ritualist and Grief educator. Karen has chosen an End-of-Life focus for the next chapter in her life after a series of events that happened from 2015-16. Her best friend died overnight from a heart attack unexpectedly. A college friend passed six weeks after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a friend’s 90-year-old mother died and was asked to conduct the funeral. Karen realized that she was being invited into ministerial work which would focus on the end of life.
December 8, 2021 - Mortality Meditation - Emily Cross
Join us to be gently guided through bodily death and the soul's detachment from physical form. Come to experience deep relaxation through the 'letting go' or 'falling away' of life. Once guided 'back to life', participants report a greater appreciation for the ordinary goings-on of day-to-day existence and appreciate a shifting of priorities. Download Pre-Ceremony document here.
BIO
Emily Cross is an end-of-life doula, musician, and artist living in Dorset, England. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where her visual artwork centered around mortality and loss, she moved to Austin and quickly became integrated within the arts and music scene. In 2015 she decided to pursue a career serving the dying and earned professional certifications from the University of Vermont and from Quality of Life Care. She established her personal practice in 2017 and brings her unique set of skills to her work with the dying and their families. She has recently relocated to Dorset, UK, and now practices her doula work through The Virtual Death Doula Network, which she co-founded in 2020. Emily is the creator of Steady Waves Living Funeral Ceremonies, a transformative, immersive experience intended to spur serious reflection about mortality and life priorities.
Join us to be gently guided through bodily death and the soul's detachment from physical form. Come to experience deep relaxation through the 'letting go' or 'falling away' of life. Once guided 'back to life', participants report a greater appreciation for the ordinary goings-on of day-to-day existence and appreciate a shifting of priorities. Download Pre-Ceremony document here.
BIO
Emily Cross is an end-of-life doula, musician, and artist living in Dorset, England. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where her visual artwork centered around mortality and loss, she moved to Austin and quickly became integrated within the arts and music scene. In 2015 she decided to pursue a career serving the dying and earned professional certifications from the University of Vermont and from Quality of Life Care. She established her personal practice in 2017 and brings her unique set of skills to her work with the dying and their families. She has recently relocated to Dorset, UK, and now practices her doula work through The Virtual Death Doula Network, which she co-founded in 2020. Emily is the creator of Steady Waves Living Funeral Ceremonies, a transformative, immersive experience intended to spur serious reflection about mortality and life priorities.
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