Meet The Author

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of families through some of their most difficult moments. As a licensed funeral director and long-time member of our funeral home’s leadership team, I’ve learned that when the service ends, the journey for the family does not. There are decisions to make, details to manage, and emotions to process—and it can feel overwhelming. Having walked alongside grieving families for years, I know that guidance is just as important after the service as it is during.

One thing I’ve learned is that when a service ends, the journey for the family does not. There are forms to file, accounts to close, benefits to apply for, memories to preserve—and always, there is the need for compassion and guidance. My background in funeral directing and preneed planning, along with experience in business operations and community service, has equipped me with both practical strategies and deep empathy to support families through this period.

After the last guest has left and the flowers are taken home, questions arise that no one feels prepared to answer: “How do we handle the estate?” “Who needs to be notified?” “How do I find a moment to breathe?” I have stood beside families as they struggled through these questions and watched the weight it places on them. I’ve seen firsthand that grief is a marathon, not a sprint, and that administrative tasks can compound emotional strain. I’ve also seen how helpful it can be when someone offers clear steps and reminds you it’s okay to take them one at a time.

Guiding Pathways was born out of this experience. It combines checklists, logs and resources with gentle reminders that healing takes time. It offers practical guidance on everything from closing bank accounts to managing social media profiles, while also encouraging you to look after yourself—resting when you need to, reaching out for help, and allowing space for memories and stories. I wrote it to serve as a companion during a period that can feel both overwhelming and isolating.

My hope is that these pages provide you with clarity, comfort and confidence as you take one step at a time. May they lighten your load, honor your loved one’s memory and remind you that you are not alone on this journey. Thank you for allowing me to share in your path toward healing.