End-of-life issues have been a part of my story for as long as I can remember. For a long time, I tried to ignore that illness, death, and grief kept showing up around me, suggesting that I pay attention. It was when I finally acknowledged these inklings that my vocation began.

My personal experiences with death and dying have been numerous. My professional experiences include a Master of Divinity degree from Seattle University and serving as a:

• hospital chaplain
• grief counselor for an out-patient hospice
  
• emotional caregiver and medical liaison for families facing end-of-life decisions in hospital settings
  
• creator of obituaries, memorial services, rituals, and photo memory books in honor of people's loved ones

For what it's worth, I drive a bright yellow Beetle and I love to laugh. I believe in living life deeply, with intention, and with humor, and that matters of life and death can include all three.