The Grief Alchemist & Shadow Whisperer

I was living my life the way that I thought it was ought to be lived. Following the path laid out for me.

I had encountered Death before, but it was truly when I was caring for both of my parents when I started to walk the path. They were both sick with cancer at the same time. First my Dad died from lung cancer and while my Mom remained in remission from leukemia it would return and she would die eight months later. As I sat next to her bed those last weeks and moments, I would meditate, breathe, and search for forgiveness and compassion.

The years of wandering followed, searching for answers to questions that only those on the path dare ask, started to shine a light upon dark crevices in my being. It lit a path to my shadow work. Often in quiet bedrooms or hospital rooms with the dying, I would see glimpses into the Great Mystery, confirming something that was Knowing deep within my heart.

I would become a death doula (trained at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Toronto, 2015), grief educator, and psychotherapist (2016). I would start a non-profit organization called the Dying Well Collective with a dear colleague. We would host hundreds and hundreds of people over the next few years in Death Cafes. We would sit vigil with the dying. We tended to families who needed extra care and support. I wanted to support others on their journeys - carrying a lantern to light the Path.

In the early years of my grieving, I found story (thank you Firefly Creative Writing in Toronto!). I wrote a story about Grief as the demanding sibling of Death, and that story would spark a newfound relationship with Grief. The idea of this character (reminding me of Death in Sandman by Neil Gaiman) allowed me to examine the complexity of Grief and the complexities of my relationship with her.

And then I encountered Death and walked the path of Grief, befriending Grief and allowing Her to transform and reshape my being and perspective.

It was in those small writing groups that I found the courage to write words on paper and speak them out loud. It was in those spaces, through the kindness and encouragement of facilitator and participants, that I continued to write. And in so doing, found healing.

Now I live in the West, I still sit with clients transforming their pain and their grief. It continues to be sacred work, work I am honoured to be able to do. And I often encourage clients to pick up paper and pen and use writing in whatever form to process their emotions and transform their relationship to Grief.

That’s my story — one of transformation, shadow work, and a deep dive into the heart of the Great Mystery.

Now, I’m here to guide you through the twists and turns of your own grief journey, with a quirky smile and a heart that knows the terrain well. Whether we’re navigating the shadows or basking in the light of newfound understanding, I’m here with you every step of the way. So, shall we dance with the mysteries together?