The Collaborative Speakers Bureau
CEOLC's Inclusive End-of-Life Community
Welcomes All & Educates Many
With tenacity of spirit, passionate courage and warm generosity, the Collaborative's members are committed to culturally changing the way we think, feel and talk about death. Rather than avoiding even the mention of what has become taboo in modern times, dying is the one thing we all have in common, so why not talk about it openly?
We are aware this is a big ask. Sweeping change doesn't happen quickly, but this is how it begins. We are working toward an evolution of the heart, and we understand that the seeds planted today may not bear fruit for generations, but we plant them anyway. And we show others how we did it, encouraging them to make it their own—continue this work in their own way.
The humble knowledge and hard-won wisdom earned through failures and successes, noble dreams and harsh reality-checks have positioned Collaborative members to share their experiences, teach the curious, reach the resistant, and call for a new way of living that respects, but does not fear, the inevitable. Death is the most natural part of life, and honoring it with dignity and grace can deeply enrich the way we live.
If you or your organization would like a Collaborative Member to speak at your event, teach a workshop or class, offer a presentation about the end-of-life work we do, please search our speakers by topic or contact us for a customized program.
Sara Aumann
I offer free 30-45 minute presentations to hospice and hospital staff on what an end of life doula is and can provide in partnership with the medical team.
I am trained by the International End of Life Doula Association. I’m certified Reiki II and have completed several other trainings for my own personal development that round out my offerings….studying loving kindness meditation with monks, Landmark Worldwide curriculum for living, mediumship and empowered wisdom, outlaw yoga, essential oils, oracle and tarot cards and crystal use. Last but not least, I’m a LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
Christine Pollock
Christine loves to co-create classes and workshops that support the preparation and open discussion around End-of Life and Dying with the intention that we are all educating and resourcing each other.
As an End-of-Life Doula, Christine co-led a presentation on, “What is an End of Life Doula”? to the local Seniors Generation Group in Durango, CO in 2020.
Topics for talks or discussions include:
- Front line caregivers providing comforting care
- “Best Three Months” Vision Plan
- Holistic care modalities for peace and comfort
- Fill the “care-gap” within existing health care systems
- Stewards of Dying Consciously
- Doulas are a Resource
- Green Burials
- The Best Three Months Care Plan at End of Life
Read the article, “Dying with Grace: A Sacred Transition”, written by Christine and published in EPIC Magazine Durango Edition Jan/Feb 2020. The article focuses on the contemplation of your beliefs around dying and creating a vision for your death.
A Complimentary Care Guide called, Durango End-of-Life Doula Care Guide – A Loving Approach to Death & Dying, written and prepared by Christine is available on her website.
Christine is currently working together with a Self-Compassion course creator and leader to support the development and co-leadership of a 7-week class online on the End of Life Review. Scheduled for Spring 2023.
Tawnya Musser
- Home Funerals & Community Death Care (law, logistics, ritual, & more)
- Medical Aid in Dying
- Voluntary Stopping of Eating & Drinking
- Eulogy & Obituary Writing
- Eco-Friendly Options in Death
- Grief in the Workplace
- Disenfranchised Grief
- Suicidal Ideation
Tawnya offers presentations and workshops on topics that include but are not limited to:
- Home Funerals & Community Death Care (law, logistics, ritual, & more)
- Medical Aid in Dying
- Voluntary Stopping of Eating & Drinking
- Eulogy & Obituary Writing
- Eco-Friendly Options in Death
- Grief in the Workplace
- Disenfranchised Grief
- Suicidal Ideation
Have a special request? Tawnya is happy to custom craft and/or co-create presentations and workshops on just about any topic in the death, dying, and grief space. Feel free reach out to share your ideas & requests!
Vanessa Johnston
Vanessa Johnston has delivered many successful presentations for all types of organizations, from small church groups to the statewide Colorado Guardianship Association. As an End-of-Life Doula, her passion lies in describing the many facets of the modern Death-Positive Movement. This new approach to death and dying attempts to demystify the process that is the natural final milestone for everyone. She can clarify the toxic history of embalming and introduce audiences to recent advances in funeral practices, such as more ecological choices like green burials and aquamation. In addition, Vanessa can reveal the work of an EOL Doula and the importance of thoughtful Life Reviews and Vigil Plans. Finally, Vanessa is happy to share various resources for completing legal documents like Advance Directives and helpful tips for having difficult conversations with loved ones. Her enthusiasm comes from inspiring the public to live their best lives by embracing death.
Veronica Wiley
I have over five years’ experience leading classes and lectures on mindfulness, meditation, and yoga philosophy as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. My final presentation for business school can be found on their YouTube channel, in which I introduce my doula practice Outside Rites, Ltd. and Corpse Pose Yoga.
Kerry Arquette
Kerry Arquette is an experienced speaker well known for her ability to craft talks for a wide range of audiences. She has been featured at the National Mensa Convention, on national podcasts, and for students in high school through university. Kerry, a certified death doula, holds a M.S. in Criminology. She looks for opportunities to talk about the work of end-of-life midwives, and a process of systematically preparing for death emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Kerry also lectures on the history of dying and death in America—a history that culminated in the creation of death doulas.
As a criminologist, Kerry explores the subject of dying while incarcerated, and how death doulas might play a role in easing the passing for the convicted who die without family support. Finally, Kerry believes death—the elephant in the middle of the dining room table—should be talked about. She mediates organic group discussions on death and dying. Kerry’s talks have been called “compelling, informative, and life-changing.”
Past speaking engagements include: The Chicago Mensa Convention, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Community College, Southwest Writer’s Convention, and more.
Emily Nelson
Emily Nelson is the Founder of Be a Tree Cremation, one of the first water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) facilities in Colorado. She offers expertise in eco-friendly cremation and entrepreneurship. Emily has presented for numerous executive groups in her previous role at Service Corporation International as well as educational forums within the death care space. With nearly 10 years of experience in marketing for the healthcare and death care industries, she can speak to consumer trends and reaching customers in an ever-evolving space.
“As a Pioneer in the alternative/ “green” funeral industry, Emily Nelson has been an asset to have as a guest speaker for our DeathWives students. Her bold work in bringing water cremation to Denver is refreshing and environmentally impactful.” -Erin Merelli, Founder of DeathWives
Custom Programs
For a customized program, please let us know a few details about your needs for a speaker & we will get back to you soon.
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