Posted by: sara | October 15th, 2025

Back in February, I was invited to attend a circle of death and dying workers which was hosted by Meg Toben at her Eco-Institute in Chapel Hill. There were death doulas, hospice workers, nurses, elder companions, therapists. We were asked to tell a little about ourselves and our "edges" and our needs as we sat around in a circle. I talked about being a home funeral guide and Death Cafe host, my involvement with the Funeral Consumers Alliance and my celebrant work. My "edge" was that I was getting "creaky" (aging!) and I needed to develop a succession plan. After we broke for a meal together, two young women basically cornered me and said they wanted to meet with me and learn more about my home funeral work. Meg has had lots of experience with the dying, but no formal training; Tatyana has had the doula training but no experience. For the past few months, we have had intense mentoring/education sessions, and they are remarkable learners! I feel so blessed that they will now step forward to take over this work for me. Meg Toben is a mother, sister, godmother, daughter, and aunt with over two decades of being invited to the bedside of her beloved friends and family. Meg brings a warm, calm, friendly presence and offers her skilled hands for healing touch. Meg’s “day job” is directorship of an environmental education nonprofit, The Eco-Institute, whose programs happen on her family’s land, Sanctuary Farm.
Tatyana’s background in psychology, psychedelics, various wisdom traditions, and mind/body approaches braids itself into offerings for individuals and large communities alike. She has many years of experience holding space for those at crossroads or liminal transitions and helping people live the time they have on earth consciously. Tatyana has a calling to support the sacred passage out of life, having added death midwifery and ceremonial work to her practice: Project Yes PLLC.
The transition of "passing the torch" and entrusting work to the next generation feels like a real rite of passage. Meg and Tatyana have been gifts to me, coming along at just the time I needed them (always ask The Universe for what you need!).
It is Fall, my favorite time of year, and deeply significant as my home funeral guide journey comes to a close. I want to thank all of you for the time you have entrusted me with this purpose, and all the gifts and experiences you have blessed me with along this path.
Also, deep gratitude to you for welcoming Meg and Tatyana to this work. I know they will thrive in their new roles. Bright and competent, each with their own unique talents and capabilities, I have witnessed their energy and enthusiasm, and I am excited for you to get to know them better.
There we are. Love and peace to each of you. Thank you.