“Erica was my death doula as I laid my dog, Pineapple, to rest. Pineapple got a lymphoma diagnosis and I was completely unprepared emotionally to handle losing her. Erica swooped in and handle all the painful logistics of her end of life arrangements, offered anticipatory grief support to my boyfriend and I, and helped facilitate a home funeral. 

Pineapple passed a few weeks sooner than we expected, and when it became apparent that it was about to happen, Erica jumped into action and made the painful process go as smoothly as it could for such an unexpected timeline change. I wanted to have my dog’s bones preserved, and Erica handled all the arrangements with it. After we said goodbye, I received grief support from Erica for about a month, and my boyfriend did too. We both found it extremely beneficial in our pain. 

I would highly recommend working with Erica as a death doula. She anticipated needs I didn’t know I would have, gently and intentionally walked my boyfriend, Pineapple, my other two dogs, and I through the end of life and grief process with resources, planning, and compassion. She’s a fellow animal lover and didn’t judge the immense pain I felt and still feel over losing my soulmate dog. I look forward to attending the grief groups Erica holds, and while I hope I do not have a reason to hire her again soon, I know that when the time comes to say goodbye to another loved one, be it human or pet, I can count on the supportive services Erica provides as death doula. “

—L.L.

"Erica was an incredible support to our family as we began the difficult task of cleaning out our mom's home about a year after her passing. She provided a great framework for the project by facilitating a Zoom meeting ahead of time to get a sense of our overall goals, any concerns we had, and how we envisioned things going, which also gave her an idea of how she could best guide us during the process. During the weekend-long project, Erica provided a source of quiet strength and affirmation that we were moving in the right direction through active listening, gentle guidance, and just taking the lead on the more difficult tasks like cleaning out mom's closet and helping us make decisions on if things should go, stay, or be put aside for future sorting. It was a difficult first step, but her presence throughout the weekend made it so much easier, and even joyful and celebratory at times. It felt like we were honoring mom even as we were saying goodbye in some ways.

Erica handled everything with openness, positivity, and lack of judgment, and also with lots of laughter, coffee, and snacks along the way (she's great at making sure you stay hydrated, which is so important and often forgotten!). Her support, energy and just everything made the task/experience so much easier and lighter. She was just amazing and we appreciate her so much for all her help and support."

—K.K. & J.K.

"Erica is the most compassionate person I know. When I lost my mother to cancer, I had just moved from Chicago to LA, and was surrounded by palm trees, sunshine and misery. Erica reached out, and knew just what to do: hold space for my grief. When I moved back to Chicago, we immediately re-connected in person, and she encouraged me to do a memory ritual for my mom. But really, it was for me. And that's the beauty of Erica's work: she helped me touch and accept the part of me that was missing: my mom. Because of our work in the memorial ritual (and it is WORK to grieve), I've dedicated myself to the practice of healing my heart, and finding room in this life to love and realize my mom is not gone: she has transitioned, but lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. Life is brighter, more manageable and you feel understood when you are in Erica's world. I know she will continue to help people heal. She did for me."

— B.E.

"After my mom died, I worked with Erica on processing an immense amount of grief and pain. I felt like I could tell her my story and express all of my feelings without judgment or discomfort. She wanted to get to know my mom and asked such thoughtful, deep and loving questions about her as a person. She curated a beautiful ceremony for me to release guilt that I was feeling. I am so grateful for the emotional, spiritual and practical support she provided me during the hardest time of my life."

— A.D.

"Erica is a gifted human being. Her natural compassion, kindness and caring ways are a gift to those around her. She is skilled at helping others navigate grief - even complex grief. She supports, she listens, she validates, she guides. Her presence in my life through devastating losses and complicated challenges has brought invaluable healing. We need more people like Erica in the world."

— A.S.

"Erica supported a family & community of mourners earlier this year, of which I was a part, with the sudden loss of a friend and mother. She led a beautiful memorial and even in the midst of managing logistics and Big Feelings, she was (and continues to be) there for anyone who needed her wise support. As they say, the one thing in life we prepare least for that affects us all is death. Having a trained professional who is so knowledgeable and passionate about the grieving process along the way was such a gift."

— D.S.