Category Archives: Professional Advice

How Does Aromatherapy Help Those With a Terminal Illness? An Interview with Marika Fleri of Aroma Treasures

Marika Fleri enlightens us on the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils during periods of death, loss and grief

Today, SevenPonds speaks with Marika Fleri of Aroma Treasures. With 11 years of experience in the field of aromatherapy, Marika is devoted to her practice in Malta. She received ITEC diplomas in both Anatomy Physiology and Aromatherapy, and is currently … Continue reading

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Who Takes Care of Us When We Live Longer and Die Slower? An Interview with Karla Erickson

Sociologist Karla Erickson talks about what it means to care for an aging population that lives longer than ever – and dies slower than ever

Today, SevenPonds speaks with Karla Erickson, Associate Professor of Sociology at Grinnell College in Iowa. With a PhD in American Studies from the University of Minnesota, Karla has written a book on class, community and gendered labor titled The Hungry Cowboy: Service and … Continue reading

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How Can a Celebrant Assist Grieving Loved Ones with Planning Memorial Services? An Interview with Lissin Lev Chaya

Lissin Lev Chaya shares the advantages and challenges of having a celebrant plan memorial services

Today SevenPonds speaks with Lissin Lev Chaya, a certified life-cycle celebrant. Currently based in Pacifica, California, she received her training and certification from the Celebrant Foundation and Institute. She has been performing rituals and ceremonies for over 20 years. Today, … Continue reading

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Should You Consider Organ Donation? An Interview with Marisa Hemenez

Marisa Hemenez of the California Transplant Donor Network speaks with us about the importance of planning ahead for organ donation

Today SevenPonds speaks with Marisa Hemenez who works as a Family Care Services Educator for the California Transplant Donor Network (CTDN) in Oakland. Marisa has extensive experience in and has worked with counseling families as they deal with loved ones … Continue reading

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Why Do We Now Have Sleek Modern Cremation Urns? An Interview with Steve Prastka

The owner of Capsule Urn discusses how his designs will change the way you think about cremation urns

Today, SevenPonds speaks with Capsule Urn company founder Steve Prastka. Located near Portland, Oregon, Capsule Urn aims to update the often outdated or traditional perception that our culture has of vessels and cremation urns. American-made, design-driven and entirely contemporary – … Continue reading

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How Can You Arrange an End of Life Celebration Through a Cremation Service Provider? An Interview with Ronette Leal McCarthy

Ronette Leal McCarthy shares with us the insights of creating a special end-of-life ceremony.

Today SevenPonds interviews Ronette Leal McCarthy, an Illinois licensed attorney and counsel at Elements, the cremation company. Ronette earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and Chicago. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Ronette … Continue reading

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