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
Media:
Nisha Bowman, MSW, LSW, APHSW-C, CGCS, NEDA Proficient
Palliative care social worker and death doula available for consultation and collaboration
Professionally, I am a hospice and palliative care social worker and a death educator who works in both inpatient and outpatient medical settings. In my heart of hearts though, I am a death doula, a death midwife, or (my favorite) a deathwalker.
Unfortunately, life circumstances have not allowed to me to work exclusively as a death doula. However, while I wait for that opportunity to arrive, I am more than content to use my specialized skills in my palliative care work while also taking every opportunity I have to speak about end-of-life, death doulas, and dying as well a death as resources allow. Examples of my recent endeavors include interviews in the media, talks/presentations, and community projects related to this work.
While I am not currently available to sit at the bedside, I am available for consultation and collaboration. Please feel free to email me for pricing and further discussion at tanishacbowman at gmail.com.
Media links
There's A 'Pattern' Of Politically Connected People Getting Appointed To State Gaming Control Board
Lynne Ireland-Knight
I am a Death Doula committed to making death education a part of our community conversation. Having had the honor of holding space at the bedside of three family members as they took their last breaths, I was awestruck to the core by the experience of death.
I am a death doula committed to making death education part of our community conversation. Having had the honor of holding space at the bedside of three family members as they took their last breaths, I was awestruck to my core by the experience of death. The intensity was palpable, and the time-outside-of-time surrounding each passing was one of quiet reverence. The most recent case was the death of my oldest son from colorectal cancer on March 8th of 2021. The path to his final days was not a peaceful one. But even though he was filled with anger and frustration, I had to honor these feelings and meet him where he was. I spent the final night with him not only as his mother, but as his death doula.
At the time my son died, I was not even aware that death doulas existed. But soon after this, I saw a post on social media advertising an end of life doula training through the University of Vermont, and I knew I needed to pursue this path. I have spent the past 37 years working with individuals with disabilities. I’ve worked in group homes, managed an employment program for individuals with disabilities, and advocated for people with brain injuries. (I was a facilitator in a peer study on brain injury that is published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.)
Currently I work with students in special education, helping them reach their post-high school goals. I’m also exploring how I might become more involved with end-of-life support services. I recognize that the subject of death is historically taboo, and I want to play my part in bringing the conversation into the mainstream. I believe that the ability to face death consciously can greatly enhance our everyday lives. And planning ahead, if and when we know the end is near, can lay the groundwork for an easier, more meaningful transition. I am available for consultations, presentations and workshops.
I can be contacted at lynne_knight@msn.com or 412-498-1288.
You can also contact me via Promise Me Momma.
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.
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.