I am a celebrant, death doula, dance teacher, and yoga instructor. I lead grief movement classes throughout Pittsburgh, including regular classes at Art in Motion dance studio, private grief retreats, and as a special guest at Point Park University's dance department. I also offer individual grief movement sessions in person or by video call. I completed my End of Life Doula training through Going with Grace, hold a PA state Visual Art Education certification, and am an ordained minister through American Marriage Ministries.
I entered deathwork and grief support after experiencing an extended period of hospitalization surrounding the birth of my son, followed shortly after by the deaths of both of my grandmothers. While dancing and creating artwork have always been important in my life, they became vital to living my life in the midst of significant loss. In the past, I looked at grief as something to be cured, with the expectation of an eventual future without pain. I now seek out ways of working with pain, finding ways to accept it as part of life and exploring avenues to expand around it.
As a celebrant, I believe in honoring the creativity of the people I work with. Understanding the desires and talents of the families takes priority, whether they find more comfort in tradition or design surprising ways of celebrating those they love. My own family has taught me that both weddings and funerals can be as unique as the people involved, and I enter each ceremony with reverence and joy.
Outside of my work, I love hosting parties for family and friends. It continues to be one of my favorite ways of celebrating life and remembering my grandmother, Mimi. Between parties, my husband, son, and I love hiking, traveling, and taking a lot of naps.
IG: @jellosaladlady