This work is, at its heart, about presence...
It’s about coming together at a time that can feel uncertain or overwhelming, and creating space to honor a life with care and attention. I’m drawn to this work because of the way it brings people back to what matters most.
I’ve worked with individuals and families in end-of-life and memorial ceremonies for over 17 years. Again and again, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to pause—to reflect on a life, to share stories, and to mark a passage in a way that feels real and connected. My role is to guide that process.
I listen closely, I ask thoughtful questions, helping shape what emerges into a ceremony that reflects the person who has died, and the people who are gathered to remember them.
Some families come with a clear sense of what they want. Others aren’t sure where to begin. Both are welcome.
Together, we find a way forward that feels grounded and true.
My background includes work in hospice settings, as well as training in home funeral guidance and end-of-life care. I’ve also spent time in roles centered around grief support and community singing at the bedside. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how people move through loss, and how meaningful it can be to feel supported in that process.
I’ve seen how meaningful it can be to pause and mark life’s transitions.
When people feel heard, included, and supported, it can help create a sense of connection and meaning at a time when both can feel difficult to access.
Over time, I’ve come to see this work as part of something larger—accompanying people as they move through significant thresholds in life, and, at times, continuing that support beyond the ceremony itself.
If this feels like what you’re looking for, I'd love to hear from you.
You can learn more about how I work here
“Arissa listens with open ears and a big heart… each ceremony is thoughtful, respectful, and deeply human.”
— Julie G