Helen Stickney, Ph.D.
[she/her]
I am a meditation instructor and death doula specializing in contemplative approaches to mortality and grief. As a doula, my role is to support individuals and their loved ones through the various phases of the end of life process. I am available to support everyone involved in the dying process with embodied approaches to integrating loss and transformation. Meditation and deep listening are present in all aspects of my work.
Helen Stickney (she/her)
I am a meditation instructor and end of life companion specializing in contemplative approaches to mortality and grief. In 2014, I left a career in academia and pursued a calling to help those at the end of life. I began my deathcare journey as a hospice volunteer offering Reiki, but it quickly evolved into path of walking alongside individuals and families as they navigated illness, death, and loss of all kinds. I currently work in development for a local hospice and I am the database manager for the local green cemetery. As a member of Pittsburgh Community Deathcare, I offer one-on-one grief support virtually and in person, and I facilitate meditation groups, educational workshops, and group ceremonies for processing our own mortality and for integrating grief of all kinds (outdoors preferred).
As a death companion, my role is to support people through the various phases of the end of life process. Death affects our loved ones as well as those who are dying. I am available to support everyone involved in the dying process. Meditation and deep listening are integrated into all aspects of my work.
I am a trained meditation instructor, who has been meditating for over four decades, focusing most recently on somatic approaches to mindfulness. In my work, I guide people through body-based practices to help them work directly with emotions and well-being, embracing our human experience as a way to heal and grow.
In addition to my work with Pittsburgh Community Deathcare, I am the former director of the Three Rivers Free Clinic for the People and have held leadership roles at a number of meditation centers. I received Death Doula Certification in 2017 and a certificate in Integrative Thanatology from the Open Center in 2021. A full list of trainings and certifications is available upon request.
I’m located in Allegheny county and am happy to drive within 15 miles of the 15209 zip code. I have office space for in person meetings in Millvale, PA. Virtual consults/session available via Zoom. $75/hr for one-on-one sessions. $100/hr for groups. Reduced rates are available if needed. For more information, please send me an email.
Email: helen.stickney@gmail.com
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Lorraine Laster
I am a death doula and yoga teacher. As part of my deathcare service, I hold grief support groups, as well as workshops that look at African American grief and death rituals. I also offer private yoga classes to support people working through challenging emotions.
I am a Pittsburgh-proud, Cheyney University graduate (BA, Social Sciences), with a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh. And I am a trained death doula through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). Also, after years of personal practice, I am now certified as a yoga teacher through the Himalayan Institute and I offer private yoga classes.
As part of my deathcare service, I hold grief support groups, as well as workshops that look at African American grief and death rituals. I’m also available to hold bedside vigil when one is near the end of life and be a support to family as they navigate the loss of a loved one.
Through my work, I have laughed and cried with folks of different ages, race, religion, socio-economic status, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and I’ve found my true calling in the heart-to-heart connections I’ve felt holding space for those in their time of need.
With my education and experience, I aim to bring greater cultural competence into the deathcare field, and in my personal work, I want to support those with limited resources, as well as those who don’t have access to grief support and doula services.
All of my services are available both in-person and virtually. For doula assistance, workshop information, yoga classes, or any other inquiries, I can be contacted at 412-478-6333 or Lorraine.laster@gmail.com.
Gianna Bottone
My path to deathcare has been shaped by lived experiences as well as educational and professional training. During my own grief journey, I’ve followed my bodily awareness through movement/ dance and art-making to address and process my emotions. In my educational and professional life, I use Art Therapy to explore people’s needs and emotions. My goal with clients is to aid in processing their grief and to help them reconnect emotions, sensations, thoughts, and experiences to achieve overall congruence.
My path to deathcare has been shaped by lived experiences as well as educational and professional training. During my own grief journey, I’ve followed my bodily awareness through movement/ dance and art-making to address and process my emotions. In my educational and professional life, I use Art Therapy to explore people’s needs and emotions. My goal with clients is to aid in processing their grief and to help them reconnect emotions, sensations, thoughts, and experiences to achieve overall congruence.
I had the opportunity to bear witness to the end-of-life journeys and deaths of my paternal grandfather and grandmother as well as my maternal grandmother. Each of these losses brought up different needs and considerations. I noticed that the loss of a friend due to mental health issues and that of a beloved pet both brought up new aspects of grief that enabled me to reassess and learn more about myself. Through reflection, expression of emotions, disconnections and reconnections, storytelling, and creativity , I was able to access different facets of myself and grow within my own understanding of life, death, and grief. This, in turn, aided me in helping others.
I have a Bachelor's degree from Eckerd College with an Art Therapy Concentration, combining psychology, human development, and fine arts, as well as a Masters in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University. I also have an End-of-Life Doula certification from the University of Vermont. I take an eclectic, integrative, and holistic approach to therapy, utilizing Art Therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices to better understand the needs, concerns, and wants of all I work with. I strive to offer a collaborative environment built on transparency and authenticity for those I work with as well as their families.
My aim for any and all deathcare work is to create a safe, trusting space grounded in collaboration, presence, and healing. Incorporation of the micro, mezzo, and macros needs of clients provides a holistic and communal healing opportunity. I offer art therapy to everyone I work with because it provides a container to hold tough feelings and vulnerability I have witnessed the power of rituals through art therapy exploration in helping individuals and their families to move through the end of life toward finding healing and peace.
When I take my therapist/ doula hat off, I can be found reading, watching movies, hiking, and making art- painting, drawing, mixed media, jewelry and dance. I love to spend time with animals, especially my two cats. I also have a love and affinity for rocks of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Please feel free to contact me for doula assistance, collaboration, or other inquiries at:
gigibottone0@gmail.com
Rev. Marguerite Aebi
Reverend Marguerite Renee Aëbi (Maggi) An Ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister educated through One Spirit Seminary, I am a committed member of the clergy professionally affiliated with THE THREAD Seminary. This prepares me to minister as support counsel and spiritual care to those individuals seeking peace from life trauma, grief and religious confusion. I personally received Initiation into the Sri Vidya tradition of the Himalayas December 2006, Vows in the Buddhist way of life Nov. 13, 2022 and Ministerial Ordination June 5, 2025.
Reverend Marguerite Renee Aëbi (Maggi)
An Ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister educated through One Spirit Seminary, I am a committed member of the clergy professionally affiliated with THE THREAD Seminary. This prepares me to minister as support counsel and spiritual care to those individuals seeking peace from life trauma, grief and religious confusion. I personally received Initiation into the Sri Vidya tradition of the Himalayas December 2006, Vows in the Buddhist way of life Nov. 13, 2022 and Ministerial Ordination June 5, 2025.
Formerly a Physical Therapy Assistant, I opened an Alternative Therapies office in the mid 90’s and after almost 28 years as a Massage Therapist she was trained and began practicing as an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) These careers overlapped and truly supported one another. Well versed in anatomy I went on to teach the 200hr and 300hr training for Yoga teachers with the Himalayan Institute in Pittsburgh, PA. My own studio (Yoga On Mars) was opened in 2016 to serve Veterans and those trying to manage their PTSD whether as a result of combat trauma or life trauma. Combining the 12 steps of Recovery and the philosophies of the Yoga Sutra as well as training and Certification through the Warriors At Ease program out of Walter Reed Military Hospital I am a trauma informed teacher with deep compassion for those seeking to manage their symptoms. Personally, I am a Gold Star Mom since losing my son SSgt Ed Greiner Jr 82nd Army Airborne March 6, 2012 and subsequently losing my youngest son Kristopher to a heroin overdose that same day, March 6, in 2015. Experience in teaching workshops combining the 12 step recovery and the practice of yoga (trauma informed) has been a passion for over 15 years. I have presented and taught at the WVDAAC conference, at Case Western Reserve University, with the Wounded Warriors Retreats and for the Semper Fi Odyssey Program for Veterans (Marine Corp & Army) in Boswell, PA. Most recently I had been doing volunteer classes in yoga for the VA in Butler, PA.
Contact: 3RoadsIn.org
Email: maggiaebi@gmail.com
Carolyn Webb
I'm a Master's level clinician with a main focus of treatment in trauma, but vast experience with various other mental health conditions. I possess over 25 years of experience in the field with additional certifications in crisis work including my contributions as a counselor with the National Crisis Helpline as well as the Medical Reserve Corp where I specialize in Psychological First Aid. Outside of my work I enjoy nature photography, music, baking and spending time with my friends and family.
I'm a Master's level clinician with a main focus of treatment in trauma, but vast experience with various other mental health conditions. I possess over 25 years of experience in the field with additional certifications in crisis work including my contributions as a counselor with the National Crisis Helpline as well as the Medical Reserve Corp where I specialize in Psychological First Aid. Outside of my work I enjoy nature photography, music, baking and spending time with my friends and family.