About
bio
Hi, I'm AJ (they/them). I am a queer, nonbinary, nerdy, sober, human living on the unceded land of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, and Molalla Tribes, in what is commonly referred to as Portland, Oregon. I am a parent, a caregiver, and a recovering academic. If I had a theme song, it would be "I'm Sensitive" by Jewel. I am an Enneagram 2. If we work together, we will be discussing the Enneagram!
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My practice is informed by my own journeys through grief, which you can read more about here. I'm a member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance, and I continue my education on a regular basis by taking additional specialty courses on Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), herbal support for grief work, home abortion support training, and other grief support workshops.
values and beliefs
My values are anti-capitalist, anti-racist, and unapologetically queer. This means I myself and my practice embrace radical honesty, self-reflection, questioning old belief systems, and community-centered care.
I believe that dying, divorce, abortions, and grief are all inherently Good Things. They have become socially stigmatized due to capitalism alienating us from our ancestral, community-based roots.
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I believe that liminal spaces, spaces between two places, are sacred, and that being present in these places is liberating.
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I believe that every person has the right to complete bodily autonomy.
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I believe it is everyone's right to go through big, transformative life events with a community that is compassionate, trauma-informed, and radically celebratory.
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I am a student of justice. I pull from the collective knowledge of the social movements that came before me, and embody those values in my personal life and into my practice. I believe change comes from the collective work of communities and not through individual efforts. I acknowledge the work, the struggles, and the progress made by the Movements for Black Liberation, First Peoples and Indigenous Rights, Queer Liberation, Reproductive Rights, Women's Rights, Disability Justice, Environmental Justice, and Labor.
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I believe the over-medicalization and over-professionalization of sacred rites of passage such as dying, divorce, and abortion causes harm, but that together we can change how we experience grief and transitions.
strengths
I bring a unique blend of strengths and experiences to support you and your loved ones during life's most profound transitions. Here are some:
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I thrive in high-stress situations, providing a calming presence when you need it most.
Advocating for others comes naturally to me, as I firmly believe in the importance of honoring your choices and wishes.
Setting and maintaining boundaries is a crucial aspect of my approach, and I empower others to do the same. I will always be in your corner.
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As an Enneagram 2, I am fundamentally motivated by helping people above all else. This passion is unwavering, and I genuinely love accompanying individuals and families through their journeys.
My queerness, my trauma-informed approach, and my personal experience with divorce and abortion give me a profound empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives. I have a keen knack for identifying needs and addressing them thoughtfully.
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Finally, my creativity shines through in planning ceremonies and rituals, offering you a personalized and meaningful experience.
