Testimonials

What Students are Saying…

~

“Wow! You have created something truly remarkable — a living, breathing experience that brings depth and insight, particularly around such a profound subject as death. It’s both beautiful and thought-provoking in ways I hadn’t expected.”  – Zelene Fowler

~

“This was beautiful, amazing, lovely, a little scary, entirely gorgeous, and simply magical!  thank you, Olivia!! ” – Vicki Karlan. Enter the Grave

~

“The Death Doula training with Sacred Crossings expanded my heart and mind in ways I’ll carry with me forever I can’t recommend it enough!”  – Kelsey Donohue

~

“Taking the death doula class with Olivia was one of the most profound experiences of my life. She guided us with grace and depth into the sacred terrain of dying—not as something to fear, but as a transition to be held with comfort, beauty, and even joy.  The poetry was exquisite, the music soul-stirring, and the new language we learned offered a fresh, compassionate lens on death and dying. Olivia’s presence was a gift—gentle, wise, and deeply human.  – Sandy Adamski

~

“This training exceeded my expectations. The location was so relaxing and intimate and the information was very relevant. As a hospice nurse of 25 years I took this course to enhance my spiritual practice and learned so much.  Olivia has such a calming presence and is an amazing storyteller. She facilitates compassion and trust among the students. She is definitely a gift.”   –  Lisa St. Clair-Simmons

~

“This training more than met my expectations. Olivia is a gifted teacher. This training was life altering, it more than met my expectations. I feel that I am armed with the necessary information to live my life more fully and embrace death as part of the continuum, no longer a separate chapter. I’m very glad I made the choice to attend Sacred Crossings.” – Sandra Moss

~

“This weekend was uplifting, eye-opening and soul satisfying/soothing. I cannot stop talking about it!  I want everyone I know to experience the feeling.”  Marissa Gallien  – Enter the Grave

~

“Oh Yes! This was beyond my expectations.  I had my doubts about how good a Zoom class could be, but I was delighted with the format and with how well we all worked together.  I found it a remarkably intimate space!  I especially welcomed the course’s spiritual focus and I learned so much more than I expected to learn.  I’d taken an EOL doula course before, which I thought was excellent… but this was excellent-plus.  The interaction was huge.  Olivia is such a loving, embracing teacher.  She really made us all a part of the group in such a gentle, simple way.  I could not have loved this training more.” – Margaret Manos

~

“This training is profound. It isn’t just for those in the death care field, but for anyone who honors their body, spirit and life”. – Mandy Ingber

~

“Every element in Enter the Grave was meaningful and well thought out, from the readings, to the exercises to the profound, thought-provoking discussions. The content is deeply loving and absolutely beautiful.  I am so grateful that I got to be a part of it.”  – Deb Scorsone

~

“This training was uplifting, eye-opening and soul satisfying. I can’t stop talking about it!  I want everyone I know to experience the feeling.”  Marissa Gallien

~

“Taking the death doula class with Olivia was one of the most profound experiences of my life. She guided us with grace and depth into the sacred terrain of dying—not as something to fear, but as a transition to be held with comfort, beauty, and even joy.

The poetry was exquisite, the music soul-stirring, and the new language we learned offered a fresh, compassionate lens on death and dying. Olivia’s presence was a gift—gentle, wise, and deeply human. This class changed the way I see the end of life. I now feel called to support others in entering that final threshold with reverence, peace, and love.” – Sandy Adamski

~

“This training more than met my expectations, it was life altering.  Olivia is a gifted teacher. I feel that I am armed with the necessary information to live my life more fully and embrace death as part of the continuum, no longer a separate chapter. I’m very glad I made the choice to attend Sacred Crossings.” – Sandra Moss

~

“Olivia created a container that was sacred, safe and cohesive to move through a tremendous amount of content that was emotionally stimulating with ease, tenderness and grace. Thorough, sensitive and complete.” – Satya Love

~

“I was expecting ‘training’ in the true sense of the word – didactic sessions filled with ‘how to’s’ and how ‘not to’s’. This wasn’t training – this was an experience.  Opening yourself to the reality of death and suffering through many deeply personal experiences, shared vulnerability with others and powerful practices to take with you on your journey to guide and truly help others and yourself.”  – Sylvia Stone

~

“The Death Doula Training was beyond my expectations – so beautiful, expansive, overwhelming (in a good way) and unbelievably informative. I was so grateful that this webinar training was offered in 4 days and appreciated the breaks and the films at night to deepen perspective. It was a lot of information but somehow I feel like taking it all in at once helped to crack me open even more.” – Antonia Stout

~

“This training exceeded my expectations. The In-Person location was so relaxing and intimate and the information was very relevant. As a hospice nurse of 25 years I took this course to enhance my spiritual practice and learned so much.  Olivia has such a calming presence and is an amazing storyteller. She facilitates compassion and trust among the students. She is definitely a gift.”   – Lisa St. Clair-Simmons

~

“Thank you from the core of my being for the absolute life changing Conscious Dying class. The way it was structured and the information we were provided was amazing. I have walked with in the presence of this class all week noting how it has changed the way I move, speak and see.  Thank you for all the handouts, movie links and book suggestions ensuring us all to be well equipped for whatever comes next. The fear of death has been removed with an excited awareness. I would recommend your class to anyone, to help them live empowered, enlightened and in love. Thank you for being “love in action”.      – Ayreka Buonanno

~

“My experience was beyond anything I could have imagined – full of revelations, miracles and profound transformations. – instead of just feeling ready for Death, I can be excited for it!”   – Nam Joti Khalsa Jones

~

“This has been a life-altering program for me, and I loved every minute of it. I’m ever grateful.” – Cindie White

~

“The weekend was precious! So deep, so personal, so sincere! It was much more than I had imagined.” – Katya Pemberton

~

“The content, the format, the Beautiful Presence Olivia brings… all of it, made for a truly transformational weekend.         – Marsha Straubing

~

“The instruction is organized within a safe, sacred, and loving space that even over zoom, the power, tenderness and spirituality is felt very profoundly, it is absolutely an amazing and unique experience. This is what I have instinctively been looking and hoping for my entire life.” – Clara Forwell

~

“Enter the Grave is not for the faint of heart. Like death, it will ask a lot of you and it will be up to you on how you choose to respond- with closed fists or with soft open hands. I recommend the latter.” – Erika Lim

~

“Wow, Wow, Wow, what a remarkable weekend! The container you built for us all was extraordinary! I knew it was going to be powerful however it went above and beyond my imaginings.” – Michelle Shaw (Enter the Grave)

~

“This workshop not only broke through the fear of death but better yet revealed the beauty and freedom of the whole act of dying in such a way as to make me yearn to witness it in another before experiencing my own. I understood on a deeper level that I am not my body. It is only my human meat sack that dies. Better yet I need no protection from it. It is a rite of passage. My compassion for the experience is magnified. It is natural and a blossoming of my spirit into the next chapter of my journey.” – Patricia Wilson (Enter the Grave)

~

“How easy and natural it was to ‘fall into the space’ that Olivia created among participants – spiritual, sacred and sustained.  She has a gift which she has cultivated from both her personal and professional work and shares it openly and honestly.  There is so much to gain personally from these sessions – whether you use it professionally is secondary.” – Sylvia Stone

“I just facilitated my first Celebration of Life this past weekend – the process went exceedingly well because I felt fully prepared due to my Celebrant training sessions with you. I jumped off the deep end with over 500 people in attendance while holding space for and honouring a 35 year old mom and her 7 month old unborn baby. Heartbreaking, their sudden death has rippled through the community and has left a void for many.

The tears streamed down my face for most of the ceremony, however your words of knowing this would happen, allowed me to stay grounded while giving others the permission to let go and be in their grief.

So, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for allowing me the privilege of taking part in your courses with Sacred Crossings. Feeling like my role as a Death Doula/Soul Midwife is about to take off, I truly feel blessed with the tools and knowledge I need because of the gift of your wisdom, experience and true compassion.” – Andria Lee Winters

~

“This class literally changed my entire mindframe and gifted me with such a beautiful way of softening into the death experience – that death can burn away everything but love. It was such a new way of looking at death that as a physician who has spent her entire life trying to prevent death, it was life changing. Thank you so much Olivia, from my heart.”     – Laura Koniver

~

“This is a class for everyone. Olivia has tenderly created a truly life-changing, life-giving weekend. A deep dive into the mystery, the void, that is held so generously and lovingly by her and the group, and resulting in the most beautiful, profound shift in my relationship not only to death, but to myself.” – Jessi Campbell

~

“Not only did this workshop meet my expectations, but it went far beyond into the depths of my soul. Olivia has a beautiful way of weaving the practical with deep spiritual wisdom amongst her teaching.” – Alexi Hedlund

~

“Olivia’s uncanny ability to teach, coach, think, encourage, console, pull up relevant videos and images, and manage the arbitrary malfunctions in Zoom was simply amazing. And for three days straight!” – Nancy Brennan

~

“The nuts and bolts information on how to execute a home funeral was presented in a very clear manner. The photos, videos and demonstration were of the utmost value. I loved how you always brought the sacred into each step and infused it into the class structure… but it did not take over and lose the purpose of this class. I will always remember this experience. It inspired possibilities in my life.” – Kelly Hurley

~

“This was one of the most uplifting, inspiring, supportive and empowering experiences of my life – I learned how to be guided by the soul of the deceased and to let them be my northern star in every choice. I feel ready!” – Kendell Klein

~

“I chose this training in part because I knew it would include going through legal documents and procedures surrounding death care, but the course is so much more than that. It is truly amazing to witness Olivia’s deep wisdom from years of personal experience in the room with death; each of the personal stories she generously shares throughout the course is a precious gem. I only wish that it could last longer than a weekend!” – Fern Massar

~

“For anyone unsure of putting 3 days aside to train with Sacred Crossings, I can assure you it’s the only way to go! I took an online Death Doula certification course before signing up with Olivia because of the flexibility of doing it on my own time. It was informative and convenient but was lacking the human connection. Olivia’s knowledge and personal journey was shared with such intimacy and there were so many life changing and deeply personal experiences shared by my fellow students that taught me so much. It all allowed for such a safe space to talk through my questions and fears. Taking a weekend to focus on that with this community was priceless!! I finished the Sacred Crossings Doula training completely energized and with more passion and confidence that this work is exactly what I should be doing.” – Karima Elbaz

~

“Being in the ‘end of life’ field is an honor, and Olivia personifies that sense of the sacred through and through. Her content touches the heart and her information hits the spot of what we need to know legally and professionally in this business. I would highly recommend this training to anyone interested in honoring anyone’s end of life experience and beyond.”  – Shelley S. Whizin

~

“This workshop exceeded my expectations. I knew I was in for a treat, but did not expect to feel so connected to such an amazing group of people. The course work was rich, deep, and timely!” – Sara Rojas

~

“The information, experience and wisdom offered in this course is the antidote to the fear and ignorance that are the cause of this unnecessary suffering and cost. It can help people die and grieve and heal in natural meaningful ways.”                    – Anneke Campbell

~

“This insight, this empowering journey into the grave is something everyone should experience.”  – Moon

~

“I am very moved by the sacredness that Olivia teaches us. I really love the way she presents each step of the process. I am in awe of all that she brings to the families and their loved-one who is in the process of transitioning or have already transitioned. She spoke of how she falls in love with each body she is with. The classes were not only very informative but also very moving. I feel that Olivia is bringing back, into our culture, how we honored the the process of dying as a natural way of life and death. I am looking forward to being of service in this most sacred way.”  – Jackie Cole

~

“The workshop opened my eyes to the tender complexity of all involved in caring for the dying with dignity and love. This work is blessed and important for families who wish to consciously honor their loved ones.” – Sarina Daly Goode

~

“Some of the deepest work I have ever experienced.” – Stacey Kalish

~

“This training went way beyond my best expectations. The workshops combine practical information with spiritual and emotional exploration. The very full schedule is presented with a relaxed, loving, unhurried attitude in a gorgeous environment. I highly recommend this training for everyone.” – Callan Edwards

~

“I want to THANK YOU for a wonderful consciousness raising weekend. I really got a lot out of your workshop and truly appreciate the opportunity to have explored the subject of death in such a safe and accepting space. I admire your ability to navigate a high energy/emotionally charged room of people and steer the discussion with such a steady, loving hand. All of us shared personal feelings and experiences over the course of the three days, which was made easier by your willing to do the same.” – Brent Pierson

~

“This workshop gave me information, knowledge and experience invaluable to my becoming a death midwife. It gave me the gift of inspiration and validation for this path of death midwifery and to lead a fuller life. Thank you!” – Michael Weil

~

“This is a powerful workshop that has completely changed my view on death and the dying process. No one wants to talk about dying, but there is so much to learn and understand.  I highly recommend this for EVERYONE… in fact it should be a requirement for graduating high school.”  – Thea Nathan

~

“Olivia is at the forefront of the Conscious Dying Home Funeral movement and has a wealth of information both practice and spiritual from her years of service. I would like to be of service to family and friends as they approach the end of their lives and I would never have known how without Olivia’s workshops. This training will assist you personally as you contemplate your end of life wishes and you will find yourself reaching to advise friends who want to know more.”           – Christi Engel

~

“Anyone serving or drawn to service in end of life and after-death care will highly benefit from The Art of Death Midwifery Training. This program is fully heart centered yet filled with practical and legal information to create a solid foundation for everyone to grow from. The exploration of personal, spiritual, and cultural beliefs while honoring all was profoundly moving and has affirmed my calling and commitment to this sacred work.” – Birgitta Kastenbaum

~

“One of the best workshops I have ever taken. Olivia is a consummate professional and inspirational teacher. Loved, loved, loved my experience. Thank you!” – Sharon Ehlers

~

“I feel the most ME that I’ve ever felt in this lifetime.” – Annie D

~

“Olivia’s Death Midwife Program is a profound way to get in touch with life, and to recognize death as one of our greatest allies and teachers. Her ability to hold everyone in sacred space is glorious and it allowed me to dive into the mystery within that I’ve been longing for.” – Grinnell Morris

~

“Olivia’s creates a beautiful container, allowing such depth of being… along with all of the important information. This creates space for heartfelt and informed decisions. Absolutely 
Life-changing and life-affirming!”  – Suzanne Strachen

~

“I am so appreciative for the spiritual aspect of this training. The attention to ritual and ceremony and helping familiarize attendees with some concrete ways to open up deepening conversations with dying persons (and to ask / invite ourselves to do the same).” – Morgan Dunbar

~

“I could write a book on my experience over the course of the series for Death Midwives. I have literally been transformed by the power that Olivia is able to draw out of others, strangers yet. Her presence invites the soul to open up and fly, even soar to new heights.  I was so moved by the compassion, integrity and wisdom of each of the participants. They came together as one unit of love from separate lives to create a beautiful moving experience for us all. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.” – Rev. Everett C. Alexander, PhD

~

“This class changed my Life in profound ways. And I know it will effect my death with beauty.” – Ivy Thomashoff

~

“Highly, HIGHLY recommend this workshop to ANYONE & EVERYONE interested in conscious dying, being/working with the dying, or anyone who’s going to die one day! Olivia is not only one of the most amazing & extraordinary people I know; she is also a powerful, gentle, humble and masterful, teacher! A profoundly loving, generous & intuitive guide, who blends experiential learning with valuable insights, vital information, interactive participation, & soul-stirring entertainment, so that everyone comes away with something that pays for the workshop 10 times over!!  Absolutely essential for anyone working with the dying or interested in an alternative to what’s often missing in end of life care. Olivia brings to death midwifery a profound sense of sacredness & divine simplicity. She teaches us that the end of life journey isn’t something to be afraid of, but is a unique, precious, and tender process. Moreover to cherish the opportunity & be able to experience greater ease, clarity, and grace with this sacred journey, even playfulness and humor, that take the fear out of dying and death and invigorates the love and light we are in essence.” – Presence Eden Grace

~

“Caring for the dead and those left behind is a gift and honor. Thank you for showing us all the ways we can help empower those left behind in this process.”  – Nikki Rand

~

“What I have learned through these weekends has given me the tools to take care of my family members and friends at the end of their lives in a most beautiful way. I am so grateful that I can give this gift of love to my own parents some day and create such a gentle, respectful and sacred container for their final journey. Thank you Olivia. I am forever grateful for your wisdom and the generosity of your teachings.” – Keiko

~

“I have loved every part of this training. The information is vital for us all to know for our personal rights and those of our loved ones. I feel prepared to help my friends and family walk through the process of dying and funerals after this training. Eternally grateful for this knowledge.” – McLean McGowan

~

The Bridging Heaven and Earth retreat provided an opportunity to succumb to the deepest memories, greatest fears and, most importantly, newfound joys. The setting is magical and filled with birdsong, ocean rhythms and singing trees. Sunrise, sunset and stars mark the passage of the day. The programming is filled with unique soul searching experiences, opportunities to dig deep with the support of others and FUN! The facilitators and caterers put their heart and soul into this special time. Nothing like it. – Sylvia Martin Stone