On Grief and Death: Guidance, Care, Clarity

About Me

Hello, I’m Michelle Desmond and I’m glad you’ve found your way here. As a thanatologist (expert in death, dying, and bereavement), I am passionate about making an impact on the modern experiences of loss and grief.

Conversations about these topics can feel daunting or uncomfortable. In my work with companies, wellness destinations, schools, and individuals I create a welcoming, understanding, knowledgeable environment. My work is informed by formal education in the science and theory of death and grief - in line with the realities of modern life.

I come to this work after a lifetime of personal loss (my father in my teens, my husband and my best friend in their thirties, and my mother during the pandemic). I left a successful corporate leadership career to obtain a Master of Science degree in Thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement).

I offer an integrative approach that fuses insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, culture, ethics, and more to address the complexities of loss.

My Master of Science degree in Thanatology means that I am deeply educated in all things death and grief, beyond my own lived experience.

These credentials are important in a world where so little is known and understood about these topics, yet they inevitably affect us all - often in ways we do not expect or understand. My portfolio of services is rooted in a passion for applying education, experience, and expertise to teach, support, and build better human solutions.

What I Do

  • The demand for wellness experiences is at an all time high, with interest in travel for grief growing with it. I partner with preeminent destinations across the world to offer tailored workshops that pair compassionate, grief-informed classes with modalities such as bodywork, breath work, art, and sound healing. The goal is to offer guests an array of ways to tend grief and find practices that make an impact into the future.

  • Grief (of all kinds) affects how we operate and interact in the workplace, yet organizations rarely have the knowledge or capability to help team members cope with it. I offer classes to companies of all sizes, in multiple formats, to bring education and resources to help address these challenging situations.

  • As a former corporate leader who balanced leading a career with caregiving and grieving, I understand the difficulties and hardships of showing up as a leader while dealing with life’s most difficult situations. I provide guidance and coaching to those facing these challenges themselves, or supporting employees who are. These services are not counseling or mental health care, rather active partnerships offering actionable tools and resources.

  • As the awareness of the needs we all face with caregiving, end of life planning, and grief of all kinds grows, many firms are developing solutions. I bring a unique combination of extensive business leadership experience, and formal education in thanatology (the study of grief and death) to help these businesses develop and operationalize science-backed, financially sound programs, products, and services.

What People Are Saying

Wellness retreat attendee

“It was a thorough introduction to a complex topic.  I appreciate hearing that there is no one right way to grieve.  I like hearing thoughts on things to say to someone grieving and what someone who is grieving can ask of others.  Michelle's expertise shines through as does her warmth, humor and grace.”

Wellness retreat attendee

"The Grief Guidance session was particularly impactful for me, it was enlightening to explore the various theories of grief. I appreciated how the facilitator maintained a positive atmosphere in the room, allowing me to express my thoughts freely without feeling overwhelmed. It truly felt like a safe space."

Corporate event attendee

"Hands down one of the most helpful and informative events I have attended. Grateful to work for a company that creates space for people to learn how to support each other during our most vulnerable moments."

Corporate event attendee

You were amazing educating us on a topic that is challenging and so personal to each individual - you are inspiring!"

Master of Science degree student, Thanatechnology class

"It was a fascinating course. Definitely challenged how I thought about this landscape. Thank you for leading us on the learning journey."

Contact me

Together, we can create solutions that honor unique experiences of loss and guide you or your organization through the many facets of grief and death, whether that be through classes and workshops, coaching, or consulting.

I look forward to connecting with you on how I can help.