Kelly considers the opportunity to lead funeral and memorial services among a human’s greatest privileges. She feels humbled and energized by the task of assisting families to honor the uniqueness of a loved one’s life and legacy as they gather, remember, and share their grief. She finds meaning and blessing in learning the stories of an individual and then crafting them into a beautiful, memorable picture through words, story, and ritual.
Kelly has worked extensively with families experiencing grief and loss through her work as a hospice chaplain, a hospital chaplain, and a grief-support group facilitator. She has specialized experience in infant death and pregnancy loss. She is comfortable working with families where grief is complicated by manner of death, estranged relationships, or other delicate concerns. She is guided by the conviction that every person deserves a dignified and respectful closing to their life on Earth.