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Our Team
Meet Our Death Educators
Lisa Bonneville
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD and the Death Doula, Parents & Guardians Death Cafe, General Death Cafe
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Glen Burkholder
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program, Pre & Perinatal Hospice, Death Doula Certificate Program, Our Babies, Our Grief
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Robyn Ferrier
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD and the Death Doula
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
Cari Ferguson
Death Doula Certificate Program, Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program Candidate Advisor
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager and facilitates both the General Death Café as well as the Caregivers Death Café.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager and facilitates both the General Death Café as well as the Caregivers Death Café.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Molly Hockin
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Certificate Program
Termination Subject Matter Expert
Molly is a Registered Midwife in Ontario, practicing in the GTA. With her experience and passion for working with clients through perinatal loss and abortion, particularly through a home-centered midwifery model of care, Molly brings a wealth of knowledge to HHA as our Termination Subject Matter Expert. She also teaches the section on abortion for HHA’s Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula training.
Termination Subject Matter Expert
Molly is a Registered Midwife in Ontario, practicing in the GTA. With her experience and passion for working with clients through perinatal loss and abortion, particularly through a home-centered midwifery model of care, Molly brings a wealth of knowledge to HHA as our Termination Subject Matter Expert. She also teaches the section on abortion for HHA’s Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula training.
Kayla Moryoussef
End-of-Life Care in Long Term Care (LTC Four-Point Plan), Spoonie Death Cafe
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Julie Anne Mauno
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program
Julie-Anne Muano is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker (PNSW), a faculty member for the PNSW program at Mohawk College, an Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (IPLD) and a Social Work student. She helped create HHA’s Our Babies, Our Grief and is part of HHA’s Death Education team for the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate program.
She lives and works in Northeastern Ontario and is passionate about providing perinatal support to families, including infant and pregnancy loss support. Her interests include trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice, decolonization, perinatal grief support, and postpartum mental health and well-being.
Julie-Anne Muano is a Registered Perinatal Support Worker (PNSW), a faculty member for the PNSW program at Mohawk College, an Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (IPLD) and a Social Work student. She helped create HHA’s Our Babies, Our Grief and is part of HHA’s Death Education team for the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate program.
She lives and works in Northeastern Ontario and is passionate about providing perinatal support to families, including infant and pregnancy loss support. Her interests include trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practice, decolonization, perinatal grief support, and postpartum mental health and well-being.
Terri Viola-Wilson
C.A.N.D.Y. Café program manager, Talking with Kids about Dying, Death & Grief Subject Matter Expert, Talking with Kids about Dying & Death Workshop and Certificate Program, Parents & Guardians Death Café
Bianca Zimperi
Death Doula Certificate Program, Advanced Care Planning Subject Matter Expert
Bianca is a lawyer and member of the Hamilton Law Association. She is also a writer and certified life & wellness coach, and the creator of the online platform @good.grieving. In her work, she hopes to educate society on providing better support to grievers while also inspiring grievers to learn to live alongside their grief. As HHA’s Advanced Care Planning Expert, Bianca is a guest speaker for the Death Doula Certificate Program. She also participates in HHA's "What would you do" nights.
Bianca is a lawyer and member of the Hamilton Law Association. She is also a writer and certified life & wellness coach, and the creator of the online platform @good.grieving. In her work, she hopes to educate society on providing better support to grievers while also inspiring grievers to learn to live alongside their grief. As HHA’s Advanced Care Planning Expert, Bianca is a guest speaker for the Death Doula Certificate Program. She also participates in HHA's "What would you do" nights.
Meet Our Facilitators
Lisa Bonneville
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD and the Death Doula, Death Cafés
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Lisa is a death doula and hospice and bereavement counsellor, as well as a facilitator for HHA’s Death Doula and MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Programs. She believes that communication plays a huge role in preparing for end-of-life as well as the grief that follows. She’ll talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about dying, death and everything in between.
Most of Lisa’s experience is in residential hospice but she has also worked in long-term care, funeral homes and had the privilege of caring for palliative Catholic Nuns. Many people have had a hand in supporting and guiding her along the way to where she is today, and she does her best to pass on this wisdom and knowledge in her own teaching.
Glen Burkholder
Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula Certificate Program, Pre & Perinatal Hospice, Death Doula Certificate Program, Our Babies, Our Grief
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Glen is a co-founder of Home Hospice Association and has been a funeral director since 1986. Originally from the Niagara Region, he moved to Toronto in 2012. He is a member of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Toronto District Funeral Directors Inc. and the Ontario Funeral Service Association. In February 2023, Glen joined the team of McKersie & Early Funeral Home in Milton, Ontario.
Glen is especially passionate about HHA’s continued education and training mission, and is deeply involved in the development and facilitation of the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula certificate programs.
A proud father of two, Glen is committed to family and community. He has volunteered with Daval Hospice, Stamford Lions Club, Big Brothers Association of Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Historical Museum Cemetery Tours, Niagara Falls Block Parent Association and the Knights of Columbus. Glen also enjoys getting his hands dirty with home repairs and renovations, and some of his favorite things to do include photography, the outdoors and enjoying a country drive on his motorcycle.
Stephanie Byfield
Death Cafés
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilfried Laurier University, a Diploma in Fitness & Health Promotion, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University.
As a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, a Death Doula in training, and 30 years in the health and wellness industry, Stephanie appreciates the importance to living life to the fullest and taking the time out to reflect on our experiences, and sharing knowledge and wisdom with others.
As an individual who lives with a life-limiting condition, Stephanie understands the peaks and valleys that someone with a chronic disease may experience. From personal experience and as a member of the BIPOC community, Stephanie has a unique perspective on grief, death and dying, and their impact on those within marginalized communities.
The BIPOC Death Cafe is a safe space where individuals can share their truths, beliefs, and opinions without being judged by their ethnicity and/or race. Stephanie always looks forward to facilitating this group and learning from everyone's experiences.
Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wilfried Laurier University, a Diploma in Fitness & Health Promotion, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University.
As a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist, a Death Doula in training, and 30 years in the health and wellness industry, Stephanie appreciates the importance to living life to the fullest and taking the time out to reflect on our experiences, and sharing knowledge and wisdom with others.
As an individual who lives with a life-limiting condition, Stephanie understands the peaks and valleys that someone with a chronic disease may experience. From personal experience and as a member of the BIPOC community, Stephanie has a unique perspective on grief, death and dying, and their impact on those within marginalized communities.
The BIPOC Death Cafe is a safe space where individuals can share their truths, beliefs, and opinions without being judged by their ethnicity and/or race. Stephanie always looks forward to facilitating this group and learning from everyone's experiences.
Jordan Cleland
Death Cafés
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Christy Ann Conlin
Death Cafés
Christy Ann Conlin is a death doula, celebrant, novelist, essayist, and creative engagement facilitator who guides individuals through explorations of grief, loss and legacy. Her doula practice focuses on providing vigil, companioning and legacy project work. Christy Ann volunteers at Valley Hospice in Kentville, Nova Scotia. She is a student in the Grief and Bereavement Program through OISE at the University of Toronto. Christy Ann is the author of three acclaimed novels, Heave, The Memento and The Speed of Mercy. She also creates radio documentaries and podcasts for CBC. Christy Ann is a licenced teacher specializing in Adult Education. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Christy Ann is uplifted by moments of joy and love in the tangle of everyday life. Her journey was forever transformed when she realized that death is as natural as birth. Christy Ann was born and raised in seaside Nova Scotia and now resides there with her sprawling intergenerational family. Christy Ann believes that compassionate storytelling and creative expression play a vital role in revealing the answers, wisdom and solace we all hold within.
Christy Ann Conlin is a death doula, celebrant, novelist, essayist, and creative engagement facilitator who guides individuals through explorations of grief, loss and legacy. Her doula practice focuses on providing vigil, companioning and legacy project work. Christy Ann volunteers at Valley Hospice in Kentville, Nova Scotia. She is a student in the Grief and Bereavement Program through OISE at the University of Toronto. Christy Ann is the author of three acclaimed novels, Heave, The Memento and The Speed of Mercy. She also creates radio documentaries and podcasts for CBC. Christy Ann is a licenced teacher specializing in Adult Education. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Christy Ann is uplifted by moments of joy and love in the tangle of everyday life. Her journey was forever transformed when she realized that death is as natural as birth. Christy Ann was born and raised in seaside Nova Scotia and now resides there with her sprawling intergenerational family. Christy Ann believes that compassionate storytelling and creative expression play a vital role in revealing the answers, wisdom and solace we all hold within.
Devon Eisentrager-Read
Death Cafés
Devon is a social worker with 20 years of experience with addictions, child and youth services and family violence. She currently works with the Provincial Government in Addiction and Harm Reduction in the area of Gambling addiction.
In 2023, she enrolled in The Death Doula Program through Home Hospice Association and is a member of the Calgary Chapter of HHA and Moonlight Memory Walk. She has a special interest in Death Cafés and is committed to cultivating rich and meaningful discussions on death, dying and living your best life.
Devon is a social worker with 20 years of experience with addictions, child and youth services and family violence. She currently works with the Provincial Government in Addiction and Harm Reduction in the area of Gambling addiction.
In 2023, she enrolled in The Death Doula Program through Home Hospice Association and is a member of the Calgary Chapter of HHA and Moonlight Memory Walk. She has a special interest in Death Cafés and is committed to cultivating rich and meaningful discussions on death, dying and living your best life.
Cari Ferguson
Death Doula Certificate Program, Infant & Pregnancy Loss Support Training, Death Cafés
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager and facilitates both the General Death Café as well as the Caregivers Death Café.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager and facilitates both the General Death Café as well as the Caregivers Death Café.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Robyn Ferrier
Death Doula Certificate Program, MAiD and the Death Doula, Death Cafés
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
As an end of life doula certified with HHA, Robyn uses her spiritual direction and grief educator training to support individuals and their caregivers through all aspects of this sacred season. Robyn creates and provides safe space to explore what dying can look like, exploring wants and desires, ritual and celebration, navigating family relationships and, when appropriate, allowing space to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying - all within or without a faith context. It is her belief that no one should have to walk their end of life journey alone.
Robyn meets in person with clients in the Guelph-Waterloo area, virtually with international and long distance clients, volunteers with Bridge C-14 (www.bridgec14.org) and can be found at www.robynferrier.com.
Daniel Gilbeau
Death Cafés
Daniel is an HHA Death Doula Candidate, Death Café Facilitator, and a board member with HHA's Eastern Ontario Chapter. During his 37-year career with the federal government, Daniel worked in Human Resources and Information Technology, finishing as a Team Leader before retiring in June 2024.
A proud Métis Indigenous person, Daniel co-founded and co-chaired the Indigenous Circle at Shared Services Canada for the last decade of his career. He also served as President and Vice President/Chair of the Ottawa Regional Métis community.
With a background in energy medicine, including EFT Tapping, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki, Daniel pursued Death Doula training through HHA as he neared retirement, confirming his passion for end-of-life care. His goal is to educate others about HHA's services and to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals in their end-of-life journeys, ensuring they have the option to die at home if they wish.
Daniel lives in Bells Corners, West Ottawa, with his wife, Theresa. He has four adult children and three grandchildren.
Daniel is an HHA Death Doula Candidate, Death Café Facilitator, and a board member with HHA's Eastern Ontario Chapter. During his 37-year career with the federal government, Daniel worked in Human Resources and Information Technology, finishing as a Team Leader before retiring in June 2024.
A proud Métis Indigenous person, Daniel co-founded and co-chaired the Indigenous Circle at Shared Services Canada for the last decade of his career. He also served as President and Vice President/Chair of the Ottawa Regional Métis community.
With a background in energy medicine, including EFT Tapping, Therapeutic Touch, and Reiki, Daniel pursued Death Doula training through HHA as he neared retirement, confirming his passion for end-of-life care. His goal is to educate others about HHA's services and to support both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals in their end-of-life journeys, ensuring they have the option to die at home if they wish.
Daniel lives in Bells Corners, West Ottawa, with his wife, Theresa. He has four adult children and three grandchildren.
Jen Gillean
Our Babies, Our Grief
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
Gabrielle Lahaie
Our Babies, Our Grief
Gabrielle has always had a passion for community engagement, and being a part of Our Babies, Our Grief has allowed her to participate in her community in such a meaningful way.
Gabrielle graduated from Brock University with a B.A. Hon and attended Humber College for their Funeral Service Education program. She has been active in the Death Care industry since 2019, helping families deal with loss and grief.
From Gabrielle: "It is a great honour and privilege to help people when they need it the most. Death is an unfortunate reality in every single person's life, yet we as a society shy away from talking about it. We need to break this stigma and have these hard conversations. Doing so is so freeing."
Gabrielle has always had a passion for community engagement, and being a part of Our Babies, Our Grief has allowed her to participate in her community in such a meaningful way.
Gabrielle graduated from Brock University with a B.A. Hon and attended Humber College for their Funeral Service Education program. She has been active in the Death Care industry since 2019, helping families deal with loss and grief.
From Gabrielle: "It is a great honour and privilege to help people when they need it the most. Death is an unfortunate reality in every single person's life, yet we as a society shy away from talking about it. We need to break this stigma and have these hard conversations. Doing so is so freeing."
Marlene Morrow
Death Cafés, Advance Care Planning Workshops
Marlene Morrow, known better as Mar, is an HHA-certified Death Doula. She has a Child and Youth Counselor background and has worked in schools as an Educational Assistant and on a Mental Health ward at a Children's Hospital as a Child and Youth Counsellor. She has also worked supporting children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and their families through respite, running a day program and operating a group home.
Her more recent passion has been educating and helping people feel comfortable talking about, and being around, dying and death, given that dying is the only guarantee we have in this life! Mar strongly believes that, if not sudden death, everyone deserves to die in the manner that they choose for themselves.
Marlene Morrow, known better as Mar, is an HHA-certified Death Doula. She has a Child and Youth Counselor background and has worked in schools as an Educational Assistant and on a Mental Health ward at a Children's Hospital as a Child and Youth Counsellor. She has also worked supporting children and adults with physical and mental disabilities and their families through respite, running a day program and operating a group home.
Her more recent passion has been educating and helping people feel comfortable talking about, and being around, dying and death, given that dying is the only guarantee we have in this life! Mar strongly believes that, if not sudden death, everyone deserves to die in the manner that they choose for themselves.
Kayla Moryoussef
Death Doula Certificate Program; Death Cafés
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Kayla has been a death and grief worker since 2012. In 2018, she was trained and certified as a Death Doula through Home Hospice Association, where she now trains and teaches others. She works in Toronto (and everywhere - virtually!). She started her private practice, GoodDeath.ca in 2019.
Kayla believes in access to equitable end-of-life care as a universal human right, and is committed to supporting & cultivating communities equipped to better care for their dying.
Stéphanie Rouet
Café Mortel
Stéphanie knows that change is a fact of life. Having lived in five different countries and worked in various entertainment and social services, connecting with people is the keystone of her career.
Her work as a social worker in dementia care encouraged her to reflect about end-of-life experiences for long-term care residents and families.
For Stéphanie, becoming a death doula was a natural way to instigate change. Because the challenges are vast and the conversations are so fascinating, Stéphanie sees death cafes as an excellent way to gather people and talk through such important issues.
We all get to die, but Stéphanie is hoping that we can all go through this transition with grace and feeling loved.
Stéphanie knows that change is a fact of life. Having lived in five different countries and worked in various entertainment and social services, connecting with people is the keystone of her career.
Her work as a social worker in dementia care encouraged her to reflect about end-of-life experiences for long-term care residents and families.
For Stéphanie, becoming a death doula was a natural way to instigate change. Because the challenges are vast and the conversations are so fascinating, Stéphanie sees death cafes as an excellent way to gather people and talk through such important issues.
We all get to die, but Stéphanie is hoping that we can all go through this transition with grace and feeling loved.
Sandra Spicer
Death Cafés
Sandra is a Death Doula Candidate in Ottawa and has completed the "Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief" and the "MAiD and the Death Doula" Certificate Programs through HHA. She presently works as an Educational Assistant with Deaf students and has worked for 37 years with students from Kindergarten through High School. Sandra has college certificates in Human Psychology/Crisis Intervention and Trauma & Addictions Recovery Studies and has also trained as a volunteer to work at the Rape Crisis Centre. She currently volunteers with The Ottawa Mission and soon will also be volunteering with the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. Sandra values peace, equity, human connection and compassion. She brings these to her work with HHA and is looking forward to supporting people in talking about death through HHA Death Café facilitation.
Sandra is a Death Doula Candidate in Ottawa and has completed the "Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief" and the "MAiD and the Death Doula" Certificate Programs through HHA. She presently works as an Educational Assistant with Deaf students and has worked for 37 years with students from Kindergarten through High School. Sandra has college certificates in Human Psychology/Crisis Intervention and Trauma & Addictions Recovery Studies and has also trained as a volunteer to work at the Rape Crisis Centre. She currently volunteers with The Ottawa Mission and soon will also be volunteering with the Roger Neilson Children's Hospice. Sandra values peace, equity, human connection and compassion. She brings these to her work with HHA and is looking forward to supporting people in talking about death through HHA Death Café facilitation.
Dame Stirling
Death Cafés
As a Death Café facilitator, Dame Stirling is passionate about holding a safe space for people to have the conversations that never seem to have a right place or time, and is happy to be able to provide this space.
As a Death Café facilitator, Dame Stirling is passionate about holding a safe space for people to have the conversations that never seem to have a right place or time, and is happy to be able to provide this space.
Jen Thompson
Our Babies, Our Grief
Our Babies, Our Grief holds a special place in Jen's heart ever since she gave birth prematurely to 2 beautiful baby girls, Lydia Marie and Ella Ruth. Both of her babies died as a result of the premature birth, and she remembers desperately searching for support within her community and not being able to find anything. Our Babies, Our Grief was exactly what she needed back then but didn't have to help her process her grief and begin to heal, which is why she is thrilled to be able to bring this kind of support to her community now.
Our Babies, Our Grief holds a special place in Jen's heart ever since she gave birth prematurely to 2 beautiful baby girls, Lydia Marie and Ella Ruth. Both of her babies died as a result of the premature birth, and she remembers desperately searching for support within her community and not being able to find anything. Our Babies, Our Grief was exactly what she needed back then but didn't have to help her process her grief and begin to heal, which is why she is thrilled to be able to bring this kind of support to her community now.
Terri Viola-Wilson
Talking with Kids about Dying, Death & Grief Certificate Program & Workshops; Death Cafés
Terri is C.A.N.D.Y. Café's Program Manager and HHA's Subject Matter Expert for Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief. She is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them.
With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters through C.A.N.D.Y. Café - including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Terri is C.A.N.D.Y. Café's Program Manager and HHA's Subject Matter Expert for Talking with Kids about Dying, Death and Grief. She is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them.
With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters through C.A.N.D.Y. Café - including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Meet Our Leadership
Jordan Cleland
Facilitator Coordinator
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Jordan is a death doula, breath guide, social worker, and researcher who finds great joy in supporting people on their unique life paths. In both her professional and personal pursuits, she nurtures authentic connections and navigates through experiences with intention.Her practice is person-centered, rooted in knowing that people have the answers they seek within themselves, and she offers tools to support the revealing of those answers together. Her most poignant daily contemplation is that she too will die; and so, she asks how to live life in alignment with what’s important to her. She works with lightness and a deep humility for every individual's journey of life and death.
Cari Ferguson
Death Doula Candidate Advisor
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Cari is a trainer for both the Death Doula and Infant and Pregnancy Loss Doula (ILPD) training programs, as well as being the Candidate Advisor for the IPLD Certificate Program. Additionally, Cari is HHA's communication manager.
Cari is deeply passionate about death and grief education. She is the founder of Strong Winds Consulting, a professional bereavement service that provides insight, guidance, and companionship to those approaching their end of life as well as grief support to those in mourning.
Precilla Garcia
Intern Coordinator
With her passion for fostering learning opportunities and community engagement, Precilla coordinates our student placement program at HHA. From liaising with colleges to conducting interviews to providing comprehensive onboarding and guidance, Precilla ensures that our interns embark on their HHA journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
While her primary focus revolves around internship coordination, Precilla wears many hats at HHA. She also manages our LinkedIn profile and plays a pivotal role in promoting our Free Education initiatives. Precilla's expertise in graphic design and video production, coupled with her keen interest in analytics, makes her an especially popular member of our team and a great asset to our marketing efforts.
Beyond her role at HHA, Precilla does freelance marketing and works with kids as an early childhood educator, embodying her unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and learning in every facet of her life.
With her passion for fostering learning opportunities and community engagement, Precilla coordinates our student placement program at HHA. From liaising with colleges to conducting interviews to providing comprehensive onboarding and guidance, Precilla ensures that our interns embark on their HHA journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
While her primary focus revolves around internship coordination, Precilla wears many hats at HHA. She also manages our LinkedIn profile and plays a pivotal role in promoting our Free Education initiatives. Precilla's expertise in graphic design and video production, coupled with her keen interest in analytics, makes her an especially popular member of our team and a great asset to our marketing efforts.
Beyond her role at HHA, Precilla does freelance marketing and works with kids as an early childhood educator, embodying her unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and learning in every facet of her life.
Jen Gillean
Pathway Coordinator
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
As HHA’s Pathway Coordinator Jen is responsible for organizing the frontline care component of our programs and partnerships. She’s also one of our dedicated facilitators leading the Our Babies, Our Grief Progressive Healing Groups for those who’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss. Jen is an HHA-trained Infant & Pregnancy Loss Doula and co-facilitates the free peer-based support group, Birth Trauma Ottawa. You can also find her doing great things on Instagram & TikTok @inthemomentwithjen.
As a Certified BFW Childbirth Mentor and a Birth & Bereavement Doula, she’s drawn to working with people going through challenging fertility- and birthing-related experiences, especially having to do with grief, trauma and/or persistent pelvic pain. A lot of her work helps folks in learning self-regulation practices to ease discomfort.
Pam Keetch
Bello Project Program Manager & Volunteer Engagement Team
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services.
In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association.
In addition to coordinating our volunteers and managing the Bello Project, Pam sits on HHA’s Board of Directors and is the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region.
Pam is an advocate for animal welfare and has volunteered extensively with dog rescue services.
In the fall of 2017, she was inspired by the work of the Bello Project in providing unique home-based hospice and support services for pet owners, and joined Home Hospice Association.
In addition to coordinating our volunteers and managing the Bello Project, Pam sits on HHA’s Board of Directors and is the Chapter Champion for the Eastern Ontario Region.
Tracey Robertson
HHA Co-Founder & CEO
Driven by a profound commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality end-of-life care, Tracey co-founded Home Hospice Association with a mission to address two critical questions: If 69% of people wish to die at home, why can’t they? And if 84% lack access to comprehensive hospice care, what can be done about it?
Tracey’s dedication to making a good death possible for everyone began as a volunteer event coordinator at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton, where she discovered her passion for end-of-life care. After 12 years of raising funds and awareness, including establishing a community hospice association in the Niagara Region, she realized that most communities could not afford residential hospices. This insight, combined with inspiration from national hospice models in the U.S., led her to envision a national, not-for-profit organization for Canada dedicated to providing equitable and compassionate end-of-life care and support. As HHA's first CEO, Tracey serves as the organization’s key ambassador, passionately sharing its vision and mission with communities across the country.
Driven by a profound commitment to ensuring everyone has access to quality end-of-life care, Tracey co-founded Home Hospice Association with a mission to address two critical questions: If 69% of people wish to die at home, why can’t they? And if 84% lack access to comprehensive hospice care, what can be done about it?
Tracey’s dedication to making a good death possible for everyone began as a volunteer event coordinator at Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton, where she discovered her passion for end-of-life care. After 12 years of raising funds and awareness, including establishing a community hospice association in the Niagara Region, she realized that most communities could not afford residential hospices. This insight, combined with inspiration from national hospice models in the U.S., led her to envision a national, not-for-profit organization for Canada dedicated to providing equitable and compassionate end-of-life care and support. As HHA's first CEO, Tracey serves as the organization’s key ambassador, passionately sharing its vision and mission with communities across the country.
Sara Rodenhizer
Professional Development Programs Outreach & Accounts Manager
Sara holds a BA and MA in English from the University of Ottawa and is currently pursuing her MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. She is a passionate community business developer with a decade’s experience successfully owning and managing a thriving business and queer community hub in Berlin, Germany.
Sara's journey with HHA began as a Business Intern, later evolving into a committed volunteer role where she co-led our marketing efforts. Now, as a member of the Professional Development Team, Sara manages our outreach efforts and ensures that anyone interested in training with us receives the support they need. She also plays a significant role in HHA’s communication and editorial departments, overseeing our bi-monthly community newsletter and managing our Instagram account @hhahomehospice.
Sara firmly believes in the power of mutual support and collaboration to drive positive change. She is committed to contributing her skills to businesses and organizations that make a difference in their communities.
Sara holds a BA and MA in English from the University of Ottawa and is currently pursuing her MBA in Community Economic Development at Cape Breton University. She is a passionate community business developer with a decade’s experience successfully owning and managing a thriving business and queer community hub in Berlin, Germany.
Sara's journey with HHA began as a Business Intern, later evolving into a committed volunteer role where she co-led our marketing efforts. Now, as a member of the Professional Development Team, Sara manages our outreach efforts and ensures that anyone interested in training with us receives the support they need. She also plays a significant role in HHA’s communication and editorial departments, overseeing our bi-monthly community newsletter and managing our Instagram account @hhahomehospice.
Sara firmly believes in the power of mutual support and collaboration to drive positive change. She is committed to contributing her skills to businesses and organizations that make a difference in their communities.
Terri Viola-Wilson
C.A.N.D.Y. Café Program Manager
Terri is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them.
With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters through C.A.N.D.Y. Café - including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Terri is a retired teacher with over 30 years of engaging with young people in the classroom, on sports teams, in choirs, and in social justice movements. During those years, one of her passions was helping to improve communication between her students and the adults who cared for them.
With the mental welfare of young people in mind, Terri helped develop the C.A.N.D.Y. Café program. Drawing on both her personal and professional experiences, as well as her continuing education in childhood trauma and child and youth grieving, Terri brings empathy and knowledge to everyone she encounters through C.A.N.D.Y. Café - including young people of all ages and the adults who live, work, and care for them.
Meet Our Core Volunteer Team
Mustafa Khaja
Salesforce Task Specialist
Mustafa is currently a student at Durham College, where he majored in Human Resource Management with Honours. This September, he will begin studying Data Analytics for Business Decision Making. Passionate about technology, science, and business, Mustafa enjoys leading teams through effective collaboration. He is highly valued by his HHA colleagues for both his technical expertise and positive attitude.
Mustafa has contributed to HHA's activities in various ways, including creating donation reports, developing email templates, acknowledging donor contributions, and integrating participant data into Salesforce. He is also responsible for training staff on using OneDrive for volunteer record-keeping, creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and preparing job descriptions for various roles.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends, and reading.
Mustafa is currently a student at Durham College, where he majored in Human Resource Management with Honours. This September, he will begin studying Data Analytics for Business Decision Making. Passionate about technology, science, and business, Mustafa enjoys leading teams through effective collaboration. He is highly valued by his HHA colleagues for both his technical expertise and positive attitude.
Mustafa has contributed to HHA's activities in various ways, including creating donation reports, developing email templates, acknowledging donor contributions, and integrating participant data into Salesforce. He is also responsible for training staff on using OneDrive for volunteer record-keeping, creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and preparing job descriptions for various roles.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends, and reading.
Heather Smerek
Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs
Most recently, Heather has worked with Home Hospice Association as the Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs. Previously, she was the Program Coordinator for Older Adults and started as a social service work intern. She has her diploma in Social Service Work for which she earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest average of all Humber diploma graduates and the Academic Award of Excellence for the highest average of all Humber Social Service Work graduates. Currently, she is completing a Bachelor of Social Science in Addictions and Mental Health. She is committed to client-centered, holistic, and empowering care.
Most recently, Heather has worked with Home Hospice Association as the Program Coordinator for Individuals with Substance Use Issues and Mental Health Needs. Previously, she was the Program Coordinator for Older Adults and started as a social service work intern. She has her diploma in Social Service Work for which she earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal for the highest average of all Humber diploma graduates and the Academic Award of Excellence for the highest average of all Humber Social Service Work graduates. Currently, she is completing a Bachelor of Social Science in Addictions and Mental Health. She is committed to client-centered, holistic, and empowering care.
Taijah Stone
Moonlit Memory Walk Organizing Committee
Taijah's journey with Home Hospice Association (HHA) began as a placement student while completing a Social Service Worker diploma at Humber College. Now, she is a dedicated volunteer for the Moonlit Memory Walk, where she manages event logistics. Drawn to HHA's mission, Taijah chose to volunteer because of the organization's impactful work in providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Taijah's journey with Home Hospice Association (HHA) began as a placement student while completing a Social Service Worker diploma at Humber College. Now, she is a dedicated volunteer for the Moonlit Memory Walk, where she manages event logistics. Drawn to HHA's mission, Taijah chose to volunteer because of the organization's impactful work in providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Nula Tabry
Graphic Designer
Nula is a volunteer graphic designer helping HHA with its various print and digital material needs since 2021. She is dedicated to making sure that each design piece contains the key information to deliver the desired message clearly while maintaining the brand integrity. Nula believes in the importance of HHA’s initiatives to support people who are facing death along with their loved ones by offering resources that are sensitive to the individual's cultural, spiritual, or financial needs.
Nula is a volunteer graphic designer helping HHA with its various print and digital material needs since 2021. She is dedicated to making sure that each design piece contains the key information to deliver the desired message clearly while maintaining the brand integrity. Nula believes in the importance of HHA’s initiatives to support people who are facing death along with their loved ones by offering resources that are sensitive to the individual's cultural, spiritual, or financial needs.
Queen Uwadia
Moonlit Memory Walk Organizing Committee
Death was a topic that Queen found difficult to discuss, as it was considered taboo in her family. This lack of open conversation led to a lifelong curiosity about this mysterious phenomenon. Despite this, no one in her surroundings wanted to have frank and open discussions about death. To seek answers, Queen pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, gaining experience in primary care clinics, hospitals, and hospice care. Although she learned a great deal, Queen continued to question her next steps in healthcare. This journey led her to discover Home Hospice Association (HHA), whose mission resonated deeply with her. The roles of Death Doula and the Moonlit Memory Walk fundraiser particularly stood out. Queen has since joined the Moonlit Memory Walk as a volunteer to better understand the organization's mission and explore how she can contribute to this important work.
Death was a topic that Queen found difficult to discuss, as it was considered taboo in her family. This lack of open conversation led to a lifelong curiosity about this mysterious phenomenon. Despite this, no one in her surroundings wanted to have frank and open discussions about death. To seek answers, Queen pursued a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science, gaining experience in primary care clinics, hospitals, and hospice care. Although she learned a great deal, Queen continued to question her next steps in healthcare. This journey led her to discover Home Hospice Association (HHA), whose mission resonated deeply with her. The roles of Death Doula and the Moonlit Memory Walk fundraiser particularly stood out. Queen has since joined the Moonlit Memory Walk as a volunteer to better understand the organization's mission and explore how she can contribute to this important work.
Meet Our Interns
As a small, grassroots charity, we rely on the dedication and contributions of interns to move the goals of our organization forward. Our two internship tracks - the Social Justice Internship and the Business Management Internship - give us the opportunity to work alongside people committed to developing their skills while furthering our mission of ensuring that every person has access to quality end-of-life care.
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