About the Center for Death Education

Death education is preparation for life.

At the Center for Death Education, we believe that accurate information and open conversation help individuals and communities make sense of their experiences, prepare for what lies ahead, and meet dying, death, and grief with greater confidence and compassion.

Accurate and Accessible

We bring research, professional expertise, and practical guidance to the public in ways that are clear, understandable, and easy to access.

Live and Interactive

Our classes are offered live online so learners can ask questions, connect with others, and participate in real-time conversation.

Knowledgeable Instructors

Our classes are led by thanatologists and other qualified professionals whose education and experience support informed, evidence-based learning.

Respectful Learning

We embrace diverse experiences and perspectives and foster a learning environment grounded in thoughtful, open, and compassionate conversation.

Meet Our Instructors

Learn from professionals who bring knowledge, experience, and care to every class. Instructors are listed alphabetically.

Rah Adams

Rah Adams

Rah Adams holds a Master of Science in Thanatology from Edgewood University and is a Certified Thanatologist (CT) through ADEC.

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Adam Annable

Adam Annable

Adam is ADEC Certified Thanatologist, a Certified Grief Coach, an APFSP Certified Funeral Service Practitioner.

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Kailey Bradley

Kailey Bradley

Dr. Kailey Bradley is the co-owner of Refuge Counseling and is an adjunct professor of thanatology at Marian University.

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Jane K. Callahan

Jane K. Callahan

Jane is an end‑of‑life doula and author in Durham, NC, who has supported hospice patients for eight years through her practice.

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Jason Clamme

Jason Clamme

Jason is passionate about educating people about hospice care, advance care planning, and other end-of-life topics/issues.

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Terri Daniel

Terri Daniel

Dr. Terri Daniel is an end-of-life educator, inter-spiritual hospice chaplain, and death studies professor in Portland, OR.

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Meghan Jacobson

Meghan Jacobson

Meghan is a Certified Child Life Specialist through the Association of Child Life Professionals and a Fellow in Thanatology.

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Libby Kramer

Libby Kramer

Libby Kramer holds a Master of Science in Thanatology from Marian University and is a Certified Thanatologist.

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Emma Mock

Emma Mock

Emma holds a Master of Thanatology from Marian University and a Grief Counselor Certification from the AIHCP.

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Patricia Sears

Patricia Sears

Patricia M. Sears is an End-of-Life Navigator, UVM-Certified End-of-Life Doula, and Death Literacy Specialist based in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

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Chelsea Stygles

Chelsea Stygles

Chelsea currently serves as Outreach Director at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation in Wilmington, NC, with a focus on education.

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Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie holds graduate degrees in thanatology, philosophy, and gerontology, and teaches university‑level courses on death, dying, and grief.

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Meet Our Board and Administrative Team

Meet the people who guide and support the Center’s educational mission.All board and administrative roles are volunteer positions.

Why I Founded the Center

The Caregiving Journey That Became a Calling

For the last five years of my grandmother’s life, I was deeply involved in her care. Yet when she entered hospice, I realized that despite all those years of caregiving, I still did not understand death or know what to expect.

That moment changed me. It led me to study thanatology and eventually to found the Center for Death Education so that others could approach dying, death, and grief with clearer guidance, meaningful support, and greater preparation.

Read the Founder’s Story