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Healing & Transitions

“Ceremonies offer a unique opportunity for collective healing, for individuals, families, communities and even nations. Ceremonies are cornerstones of many cultures. Rich in tradition, symbolism, and meaning, they transform the everyday secular experience into something sacred. Within the co-created sacred space, profound change occurs, not only for the individual, but also for the community as a whole.” ~ Sally Brucker, LCSW-C, ATR-BC, CAGS, CLCC and Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant

When the time comes—as it does for each of us walking this Earth—there will be the need to grieve, to pray, to forgive, to heal, to rise from the ashes, to step into the dawning unknown, where we can be held by our loved ones, by our communities, and by the collective embrace of that which is bigger than we are alone. Wrapping these moments in ceremony—whether brief and fleeting, for a time, or extending through ages and generations—we demonstrate our reverence and respect for the human condition we all share.

“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.” ~ Luciano De Crescenzo

Ceremonies:

Chronic and Life-Threatening Illnesses
Addiction and Recovery
Pregnancy Trauma and Infant Loss
Relationship Reclaiming
Conscious Divorce
Forgiveness Ceremonies
Gender Identity and Transitions
Renaming Ceremonies
LGBTQ+ Coming Out
Prisoner Re-Entry
Employment Transitions (layoffs, retirement, organizational changes)
Sacred Dying and Bereavement
Community Healing of Shared Trauma
Honoring Change of Seasons / Solstice / Equinox / Moon Cycles

Ifa-El Akbar Lewis

Certified Life-cycle CelebrantLast Writes of Passage Ceremonies

Serving the Area: Front Range, Northern CO Arapahoe, Boulder Counties Glendale, Colorado 80246 United StatesPhone: (720) 921-6767Email: vnxoneyrjvf@lnubb.pbz

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I became a Certified Life-cycle Celebrant in 2012 and have certified in Funeral Ceremonies, Healing, and Transition Ceremonies. My master’s degree is in Faith-based Counseling from the Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver, and my B.A. in Sociology was earned from Metropolitan State College of Denver.

I inadvertently wrote my grandmother’s eulogy by chance in 1989 when I mailed a goodbye poem to her in Chicago, Ill., which eventually became the main eulogy for her service). Thus, began my interest in comforting those that mourn.

I value inclusion, and work with all cultures and faith traditions, especially those with no religious affiliation. My love of nature inspires my support of Sustainable and Green Funeral efforts. I conduct cremation, and scattering ceremonies, and I’m interested in Home Funeral ceremonies. An animal lover, I perform Pet Memorials with the same compassion as with a human family member. I work with the LGBTQ community and create Gender Transition ceremonies, as well as renaming ceremonies.

Working with the family’s requests, I organize personal and unique ceremonies. No two ceremonies are alike. They are always tailored to reflect who the loved one really was. I get the family members involved, leading them through the difficult transition of their physical loss, to a spiritual appreciation. Families I have worked with describe me as a very honest, articulate, and compassionate person, with a gift for creative and comforting words—weaving in humor at the appropriate times.

A unique feature of my practice comes from my love of sport. I also have an interest in retirement and/or funeral ceremonies for athletes and sports fans as well.

I am a member of the Green Funeral Alliance. I am committed to sustainable practices. I am motivated by those that say they do not want a “funeral.” The thought of being sad is a turn off for them, and they want something spiritual, but more life-affirming and refreshing. Families that want something different usually want something that is not religious, but significant.

My process is finding a theme in the deceased person’s life that I use to explain how they connected with the world on a deeper level than what is observed. A person’s “hidden theology” or personal belief systems can be revealed through their love of fishing, walking in nature or watching Star Wars over and over. I enjoy researching movies and sayings from the deceased to weave together their unique story.

Michele Daubert

Life-Cycle Celebrant & Body Worker

Serving the Area: Front Range Boulder, Colorado United StatesPhone: (215) 350-9155Email: fcvevgngynetr@pbzpnfg.argRML-CC Profile Page: Michele’s Full Profile

Ceremony Types: Celebration of Life > Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > End-of-Life > Funerals > Healing & Transitions > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > LGBTQ+ End of Life > Living Memorials > Pet Funerals / Memorials > Rites of Passage / Milestone Moments

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It was in my early 30’s when I became conscious of the power of ceremony. I attended a Full Moon Circle, with a friend, conducted by a Cherokee ‘Grandmother’ and crystal Healer. We were five women, in the moonlight, sitting at the edge of the Trinity Hot Springs, in Paradise, Idaho. Through words, song, and heart-centered intention we created a portal of sacred space. Since then, I have engaged in and performed many ceremonies.

There are several aspects of ceremony and ritual that intrigue my sense of curiosity, style and imagination; namely, the necessity of slow time; the transitional and transformative nature of ceremony; as well as the burgeoning freshness of ritual.

Life’s cycles have a way of bringing us to the ‘windows of opportunity’ transitional times offer. When we decide to consciously enter the liminal, we spread our wings/imagination and skywalk into the unknown of soulful transformation. During these times, activating slow time has a way of inviting the heart and mind into an understanding that “something other” takes precedence. It is within that connection with Mystery that a freshness of ritual can loosen from practices of the past, while staying true to ritual’s purpose – which is to affect an integrated shift in our consciousness, so as to deepen our connection to the next phase of life.

Charles Eisenstein, a public speaker, gift economy advocate and author encourages us to “bring the old ways forward.” Ceremony and ritual are the old ways. It is up to us to breath new life into them. And, some would say, our age of high tech is seriously calling out for the old ways to co-mingle with the new.

As an autodidact, my interests focus in the arenas of Psychology, Religious/Spiritual Studies, Healing Arts, Esoteric Science and Yoga Philosophy. I have been a Body Worker for over 30 years, and have taught Yoga and Meditation since 2002. I’ve assisted many into their ‘death song’ as a death mid-wife/doula. I have also volunteered for many organizations, such as Hospice, The Shanti Project, Domestic Violence Shelters, and currently I volunteer with the national organization, Alternative to Violence Project, here in Colorado.

With great delight, during my 50’s, I completed two years at the College of Southern Idaho, graduating with honors. It was a wonderful way to give my intelligence a reason to celebrate! J And then, in 2018, after two decades of spiritual study and practice, through the Corelight Community, it became clear that the next step on my path was to become an Ordained Minister. For years I had prepared, for months I had been called, for the Ceremony I was ready. As a result, I also offer my services as Spiritual Counselor.

Ben Martin

Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®Essential Ceremonies

Serving the Area: Front Range Western Slope Foothills of Colorado Denver Metro Littleton, Colorado United StatesPhone: (303) 819-3034Email: Ora@rffragvnyprerzbavrf.pbzCelebrant's Website: Essential Ceremonies, LLCRML-CC Profile Page: Ben’s Full Prolfile

Ceremony Types: Celebration of Life > Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > Ceremonies for Families & Children > End-of-Life > Funerals > Healing & Transitions > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > LGBTQ+ Weddings > Pet Funerals / Memorials > Rites of Passage / Milestone Moments > Union Ceremonies > Weddings

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Katherine Roy

Life-Cycle CelebrantWine Country Ceremonies

Serving the Area: Across the Western Slope & Mountain Towns, Eastern Utah & Everywhere in Between Palisade, Colorado 81526 United StatesPhone: (970) 261-2257Email: xnguvebl@jvarpbhagelprerzbavrf.argCelebrant's Website: Wine Country Ceremonies

Ceremony Types: Celebration of Life > Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > Ceremonies for Families & Children > End-of-Life > Funerals > Healing & Transitions > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies > LGBTQ+ Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > LGBTQ+ Weddings > Pet Funerals / Memorials > Rites of Passage / Milestone Moments > Union Ceremonies > Weddings

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Marsanne Howard

Life Cycle CelebrantWinding Road Ceremonies

Serving the Area: Fort Collins, Estes Park, Longmont, Loveland, Lyons, Greeley, Rocky Mountain National Park, Northern Front Range LaPorte, Colorado 80535 United StatesPhone: (970) 219-3107Email: Znefnaar.jep@tznvy.pbzCelebrant's Website: Winding Road Ceremonies

Ceremony Types: Celebration of Life > Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > Ceremonies for Families & Children > End-of-Life > Funerals > Healing & Transitions > Rites of Passage / Milestone Moments > Union Ceremonies > Weddings

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Valerie Nicholas

Life-Cycle Celebrant & End-of-Life Doula

Serving the Area: Arvada Front Range Golden, Colorado United StatesPhone: (970) 682-4416Email: Inyrevr@TvsgfbsYvsrPrerzbavrf.pbzCelebrant's Website: GiftsofLifeCeremonies.comRML-CC Profile Page: Valerie’s Full Profile

Ceremony Types: Celebration of Life > Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle > End-of-Life > Funerals > Healing & Transitions > Living Memorials > Pet Funerals / Memorials > Rites of Passage / Milestone Moments

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I am a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, with specialties in funerals, as well as, healing and transition. My education and professional background are in exercise science and gerontology. I have also received supplemental training in Advanced Care Planning and as an End of Life Doula and have been a hospice volunteer for over 15 years.

Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed planning parties and gathering friends and family around to celebrate. Fast-forward many years and this calling is still the same but the calling has deepened.

I enjoy celebrating all of life’s milestones and transitions, but one in particular has grown to have profound meaning for me—living legacy celebrations. Other names for this celebration are living funerals, living celebration of life, or simply… the party of a lifetime.

Living legacy celebrations can follow some of the traditional funerary customs (music, prayers, readings, rituals, eulogies—religious or not) but living celebrations involve the dying. These ceremonies and celebrations are for those who are terminally ill or advanced in age. The guest of honor is… the dying loved one.

These ceremonies provide the opportunity for the honoree to share their life lessons and stories through an interview process. This life review can be very cathartic and healing. After I interview my client (and their family/friends) I create a ceremony script to include everything my client finds relevant, which they can review. These celebrations can be large or intimate, in a home, restaurant or large venue—anything goes!

Nowadays it is increasingly possible to know when someone is approaching the end of their life. Therefore, why not plan a celebration of life with their input, presence and participation!

Working in this field inspires me to live each day to the fullest! I enjoy all things outdoors that Colorado has to offer from trail running to gardening… and I truly believe that “Life should not only be lived but celebrated.” ~ Osho

Click here to see Valerie’s full celebrant profile.

Jean Stracy

Life-Cycle CelebrantBlue Sky Celebrations

Serving the Area: Northern Colorado Front Range Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson Counties Denver-Metro, Colorado 80203 United StatesPhone: (720) 240-8191Email: wfgenpl@oyhrfxlpryroengvbaf.pbzCelebrant's Website: Blue Sky CelebrationsRML-CC Profile Page: Jean’s Full Profile

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Lisa Davila

Life-Cycle CelebrantCelebrant Lisa

Serving the Area: Front Range from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs Other areas also considered Colorado United StatesPhone: (303) 887-3928Email: YQ@pryroenagyvfn.pbzCelebrant's Website: Celebrant Lisa

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I believe that we are all connected as one and not only do we each have our own unique story, we have an underlying shared experience waiting to be uncovered. My 20 years spent working in health care taught me to listen first. Each person is unique and knows themselves and their bodies better than anyone else on the planet. I believe ritual and meditation is not present in our daily lives as much as it could be. There is a comfort and a knowing that comes from practicing and honoring ritual in order to not only understand ourselves but to grow and expand.

Ceremony is a wonderful way to honor a life that has passed on or to give presence and acknowledgement that a time or situation has changed. When life changing events occur, we emerge anew. Just as a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, honoring the metamorphosis can bring healing peace. I believe funerals and end-of-life celebrations should be personalized to tell the story of someone’s journey that captures and reflects their true spirit and essence. These ceremonies should be reflective of the life that was lived in an authentic and heartfelt way and be inclusive of all who have gathered in remembrance.

My passion shines through in my ability to listen and connect with people and support them with a calming and healing presence to create a meaningful ceremony. My poise and expertise as a celebrant is supported by more than 20 years advocating for the well-being of others as an RN, educator, public speaker, certified stress management instructor and a Reiki practitioner.

Services Offered:

Ceremonies Across the Life Cycle: House & Home Blessings/Clearings, Honoring Goals & Accomplishments; Healing Ceremonies: Chronic & Life-Threatening Illnesses, Addiction and Recovery, Conscious Divorce, Forgiveness Ceremonies, Gender Identity and Transitions, Renaming Ceremonies, LGBTQ+ Coming Out, Employment Transitions (layoffs, retirement, organizational changes), Honoring Change of Seasons/Solstice/Equinox/Moon Cycles; End-of-Life Celebrations: Ash Scattering, Celebration of Life, Eulogy, Funeral, Goodbye Celebration, Living Funeral/Memorial, Memorial Services, Pet Ceremonies/Memorials, Sacred Dying and Bereavement, Wake, Fare-Thee-Well Celebration, Living End-of-Life Celebration, LGBTQ+ Celebration of Life

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Regis University
Master of Science in Nursing Leadership – Regis University
Graduate Level Academic Certificate in Health Care Education – Regis
Second Degree Reiki practitioner
Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant – Celebrant Foundation & Institute
Certified Holistic Stress Management Instructor – American Holistic Nursing Assoc.
Certified Grief Counseling Specialist – International Assoc. of Trauma Professionals

Work Experience:

RN, Nurse Manager and Patient Experience Officer – Denver VA
Clinical Team Manager – Iora Primary Care
Director of Service Excellence – Platte Valley Medical Center

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Healing & Transitions

Ceremonies:

Ifa-El Akbar Lewis

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Michele Daubert

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Ben Martin

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Katherine Roy

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Marsanne Howard

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Valerie Nicholas

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Jean Stracy

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Lisa Davila

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