2024-2025 Professional Trainings

Will this training certify me?

If you meet all eligibility requirements and complete all assignments, then you will receive a certificate of completion through Guided Cycles, however these fields are currently an unregulated field of work in the United States from national certifying institutions. The certificate does confirm that you have received the appropriate amount of professional training to my standards from my organization.

Are these Doula trainings? Why aren’t they called Doula trainings?

I tend to veer away from calling myself and my trainings “doula” because of the etymology of the word, which often is interpreted as meaning “female slave” or “female servant”, and historically, doulas were the head servant of households. Also, as many doulas have advocated for integration and acceptance into medical institutions, I was wary of history repeating itself as it did with the criminalization of the Grand Midwives. Some states are now challenging the ability for Birthworkers/Birthkeepers and Deathkeepers to utilize the term “doula” to describe themselves. In any case, I prefer to use Deathkeepers for “death doulas”. You can describe yourself as you feel (within legal parameters).

I do not meet the 25-hour prior death or grief support eligiblity requirements? May I still be considered?

You may. You may book your interview with me, and we can see if we may be able to negotiate the terms. There will be additional practical support assignments given within the training, so one would have to work diligently to maintain their studies and work. However, the required prior support must be completed prior to program completion and certification and will be non-negotiable. I forsee these practical support experiences as being crucial to maintaining our validity as more people become aware of our role and work.

What can I expect from your program (s)?

Rigorous, thorough teaching. I take education very seriously. It is intentionally intense, culturally-informed and trauma-informed because, as professionals, you will be navigating very heavy emotions, crises, traumas, and cultural backgrounds.

Do you have more financially accessible options?

Sometimes, I have scholarships if grant funding is available. I also have added an option for sponsorships from people if they so choose. If someone provides a sponsorship donation, then it will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis (after acceptance into the chosen program). In addition, I offer payment plans that may have negotiable options, as long as all payment is received prior to the start of the program.

What happens if I am not able to complete all work within the 9-month timeframe?

There will be frequent check-ins to help keep everyone focused and able to graduate on time. However, there is a 3-month extension factor for those who may need it. By January of the following year, if all requirements have not been met, then a $500.00 additional fee will be obtained prior to receiving your certification.

Do you cap your trainings?

Yes, depending on the program, no more than 20-35 people may be allowed in a cohort. I value one-on-one relationships, and I also need to allow myself space to personally learn about the students that are part of the professional programs. This requirement does not apply to my non-professional programs, which are also capped, but at larger sizes.

I am already a Death Doula/Deathkeeper. May I attend your class as a refresher?

I appreciate the consideration. The content is often very different from other programs out there, so you will have to navigate the exact same requirements as all other students. However, if you are searching for continuing educational content, I would suggest my many other non-professional, more lower-cost options, such as The Foundational Black Deathkeeper Lineage Studies, American Death Studies, or my shorter community classes.

Why should I choose this program over others?

You shouldn’t. I do not look at these programs in a capitalistic or competitive way; I have not only attended several classes myself from my peers, but I also actively encourage my students to do the same. You should choose whichever program from whichever organization and teacher best aligns with your beliefs, values, and financial experience. Also, just because one is desiring to enroll in my program and has the financial means does not mean they will be accepted.

Is this a lifetime certification?

Yes, but I emphasize the need for students to still obtain at least 40 hours of annual continuing education hours. Also, students will have access to their recordings and other curriculum materials for as long as the website and business is available.

What happens after I graduate from the program?

You will receive a voucher for (2) virtual community classes to utilize as part of your continuing education experience after you graduate. You will also receive a 25% discount code that will not expire for future professional trainings (all eligibility and prerequisite requirements will still be intact). For any future in-person Retreats or Classes via Guided Cycles, you will receive a 50% discount code that will not expire. All graduates will also be added to a private graduate group and have their listing available on the website as long as they maintain sufficient ethical standards.