Embracing Transitions: Insights from End-of-Life Practitioners and Guides

December 9, 2023 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at Durham Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27701)

Register at: https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/event/11174516 (contact library via registration for accessibility needs)

Please submit your questions for the panelists here: https://forms.gle/atDUMf136jF7SMGT9

End-of-Life Practitioner Bios

Moderator: 

Jenny Bingham completed her MSW in social work with a focus on death and dying. As well as working in hospice as a social worker, Jenny became involved in the beginnings of the home funeral work, 17 years ago, training with several of the pioneers in the field. A support and consultant for families who want to care for their loved ones at home, before death, at death and after death, Jenny offers workshops and consultations on creating a death plan, including funeral arrangements, organizing a vigil, celebrating a memorial service, alternative cremation and green burial options.

Panelists: 

Jane Dornemann of Peaceful Crossings Durham is an end-of-life doula who has been practicing since 2018. She trained with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) and is a member of the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). She also holds an End-of-Life Professional Certificate from the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. She is a volunteer with Duke Hospice, and lives with her husband, son, and 2 dogs in Durham.

Keturah Beckham is a licensed clinical social worker who currently serves as a community case manager at a local hospital. Her professional journey began in skilled nursing, where she focused on providing support to older adults and their families in making important decisions about quality of life and end-of-life wishes. Alongside her work in private practice, Keturah furthered her expertise by completing specialized training as a Death Doula through Going With Grace in 2022. This training has equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge to offer holistic care and support to individuals and their loved ones throughout the end-of-life journey. Keturah’s dedication and compassion ensure that individuals receive the opportunity to express their wishes and receive compassionate and dignified care as they approach the end of their lives.

Liv Neely (they/them) is a white, queer, and neurodivergent psychotherapist, doula, and artist currently living and creating on the land of the Eno, Tuscarora, and Occaneechi peoples (Durham, NC). Liv came to NC to design and complete a Bachelor of Arts in Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal health. They have trained and served as a community doula since 2018 supporting folx directly through pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage, bereavement, and grief, and abortion. Additionally, Liv cofounded a community-rooted nonprofit offering accessible doula support through grassroots and Reproductive Justice-based doula trainings. Liv has experience conducting bench research in reproductive oncology and clinical research in reproductive mood disorders.

At present, Liv works as an outpatient psychotherapist (LCSW-A) with the New River Wellness Collective, offering care from a position of anti-racism, anti-ableism, sex and kink positivity, harm reduction, and the “Health at Every Size” framework. Liv practices with adolescents and adults, specializing in gender-affirming care, trauma, and support through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and bereavement/grief. As an active student of Disability and Healing Justice, Liv values the significance of intersectionality, leadership of the most impacted, interdependence, sustainability, and collective liberation and strives for a practice rooted in the innate healing wisdom of individuals and communities.

Susan Creech is the founder and owner of Advocate By Your Side and has been advocating for family, friends and patients during her 17 years as a nurse. Over the course of her career, Susan has primarily served seniors, cancer patients and provided care and comfort to individuals and their families at the end of life. Her goal is to focus on the unique needs of each individual and family served. As an End of Life Doula, she holds space for spiritual, emotional and practical support for people who are planning for the end of their life or are nearing the end of life.