Deathschool Evolved
Step into the Mystery
For years, Deathschool Evolved has been a transformative space for those seeking to engage deeply with end-of-life care, doulaship, and the mysteries of mortality. Now, after 7 years, 24 sessions, hundreds of graduates, thoughtful evolutions and big changes, Deathschool is back in its new evolution: Deathschool Evolved
Spring Mornings Deathschool Evolved
April 20 to June 15, 2026 | 11am-12:30 (sometimes 1pm) MDT
17 Session (13 Live Zoom Sessions + 4 Self-Paced Lessons)
an invitation
to step into this
uncharted territory as a guide
for others and also
as someone
willing to explore
the depths of your
own humanity.
So what has evolved?
For years, Deathschool Evolved has been a transformative space for those seeking to engage deeply with end-of-life care, doulaship, and the mysteries of mortality. Now, after 7 years, 24 sessions, hundreds of graduates, thoughtful evolutions and big changes, Deathschool is back in its new evolution: Deathschool Evolved.
Session 25 will bring you much of the same tried and true cornerstone death education you expect from this program, but with some meaningful changes. Instead of 12 classes over 6 weeks, we will have 17 classes over 8 weeks - more time for sharing, processing and case studies.
🌿 Deathschool Evolved Certification: 50 Hours of Professional Training in Death Philosophy and Doulaship
🌿Affordability and Access! Because I am teaching this solo, I can drop the cost. 17 classes for $1695.00, all inclusive of final exam and certification. (Payment plans available. One scholarship will be offered Soon)
First Time Offering: Online Learning Option
In response to the overwhelming number of sign-ups last session, I’ve opened a fully remote option for the first time. For learners who can’t commit to our live 11am classes, you can still receive the recordings and full course materials to study on your own time, at a slightly lower cost. To be clear: this option does not include the live classroom experience — the conversations, mentorship, friendships, and community that form when we learn together. Live learning is the best. But this is a strong second option… and if your schedule is packed, it may be the best option for you.
Ready to Begin?
Step into the Mystery
For over 7 years, Deathschool Evolved has been a cornerstone program, offering profound journeys and transformative learning to those on the death doula path.
Dates: April 20 - June 15, 2026
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesday
Format: 8 weeks, 17 classes
Investment: $1295.00 with payment plans available at checkout.
Scholarships: Scholarship will be announced in late March.
Step into the Mystery
For over 7 years, Deathschool Evolved has been a cornerstone program, offering profound journeys and transformative learning to those on the death doula path.
Dates: April 20 - June 15, 2026
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesday | 11 am - 12:30 pm (sometimes 1pm) MDT
Format: 8 weeks, 17 classes (12 live sessions and 4 recorded)
Investment: $1695.00 with payment plans available at checkout.
Scholarships: Scholarship will be announced in late March.
Over our 17 Classes together we will study
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![Abstract spiral pattern with dotted lines on a green background]()
The role and philosophy of death doulaship in stages.
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![Legacy work and pre-planning, 11th hour vigil, and after death ceremonial care.]()
Legacy work and pre-planning, 11th hour vigil, and after death ceremonial care.
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![Grief traditions, ancestral healing, and cultural anthropology.]()
Grief traditions, ancestral healing, and cultural anthropology.
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![The industrialization of funeral care and alternatives like green burial practices.]()
The industrialization of funeral care and alternatives like green burial practices.
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![Creating rituals, meaningful funerals, and rites of passage that transcend templates]()
Creating rituals, meaningful funerals, and rites of passage that transcend templates
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![Resources and running a death care business.]()
Resources and running a death care business.
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![Exploring afterlife beliefs across cultures and personal reflections.]()
Exploring afterlife beliefs across cultures and personal reflections.
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![The ethics of MAiD, suicide, and complex cases in modern deathwork.]()
The ethics of MAiD, suicide, and complex cases in modern deathwork.
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![Building a sustainable, impactful business as a death doula.]()
Building a sustainable, impactful business as a death doula.
“Deathschool Evolved is an invitation to step into this uncharted territory, not only as a guide for others but as someone willing to explore the depths of your own humanity.”
— Erin Merelli
Class Outline
Click the “+” for a deeper description of each session
Module 1: Introduction to Doulaship and the Funeral Industry
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Introductions, orientation and overview of the syllabus.
Creating the space
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Lecture: Death Doula 101.
The stages of dying.
The role of death doulas history, scope, and essential skills.
Legacy work.
Discussion: The need for this work in our modern society.
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Exploring our fear of death and the relationship between fear and grief.
Frameworks for understanding grief in collective contexts.
Epigenetics and inherited grief.
Assignment: Research ancestral lineage and write the story of an ancestor who may not have been properly grieved.
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The history of funeral care in the U.S., including the rise of embalming.
The industrialization of funeral care and its societal impacts.
Lecture: The modern funeral industrial complex.
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Ancestry & Lineage Study and Presentation
Module 2: Know Thyself
Students will watch these 4 videos on their own time. Please have module 2 recordings and assignments complete by our next live meeting
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Reflect on your family’s relationship with grief and its impact on your ability to express your own.
Explore what unexpressed grief remains and how you can begin to move it.
Consider your personal legacy. What are you leaving behind?
Assignment: Write a reflective journal entry and create a symbolic expression of grief (e.g., art, movement, or ritual).
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Research the landscape of death work in your area
Death doulas, hospice volunteer programs, and corporate funeral homes.
Green burial legalities and providers.
MAiD legal status and practitioners in your state.
Explore notable death workers and reflect on the "death culture" of your region.
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Research afterlife beliefs in three religions or spiritual traditions.
Compare and contrast their themes with your own beliefs about the afterlife.
Reflect: How do these beliefs influence your perspective and practice as a death doula?
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Begin planning your final project: a 5–10 minute presentation to honor your dead loved ones or explore unresolved grief.
Engage with grief across time, beyond the veil and in this world.
The format is up to you (e.g., story, dance, altar, video, or song).
Module 3: Progressive Death Care: Ethically, Environmentally and Ceremonially
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Lecture: Evolution of eco-conscious burial practices.
Water cremation and natural organic reduction systems.
Guest Lecture: Emily Nelson of Be a Tree Cremation
Case study: Death certificates and burial permits.
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Lecture: The philosophy and function of funeral services.
Rituals, memorials, living funerals, rites of passage, and other ceremonies that honor the individual and serve the bereaved.
Crafting: Templates for creating meaningful and personalized funerals.
Exploring altered states in ceremony.
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Lecture: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
History: Variations of assisted suicide across cultures.
Discussion: Ethical considerations for death doulas.
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Now that we know more about the options, what would you choose
Workshop: Considering our own end-of-life arrangements.
Discussion: Sharing end-of-life ideologies and preferences for burial and memorialization.
Sheree Browne on funeral pre-planning.
Pre-planning options, paperwork, cost, and regulations.
Module 4: Case Studies + Business
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Interactive practice: Apply what we’ve learned.
Group work: Analyze real case studies to explore approaches as a death doula.
Problem-solving and ethical decision-making.
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Transition your passion project into a sustainable business.
Learn networking and marketing basics for death doulas.
Create and refine client contracts together.
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Student presentations of final projects.
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Final student presentations.
Closing ceremony.
Ready to Begin?
Step into the Mystery
For over 7 years, Deathschool Evolved has been a cornerstone program, offering profound journeys and transformative learning to those on the death doula path.
Dates: April 20 - June 15, 2026
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesday
Format: 8 weeks, 17 classes
Investment: $1295.00 with payment plans available at checkout.
Scholarships: Scholarship will be announced in late March.
Step into the Mystery
For over 7 years, Deathschool Evolved has been a cornerstone program, offering profound journeys and transformative learning to those on the death doula path.
Dates: April 20 - June 15, 2026
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesday | 11 am - 12:30 pm (sometimes 1pm) MDT
Format: 8 weeks, 17 classes (12 live sessions and 4 recorded)
Investment: $1695.00 with payment plans available at checkout.
Scholarships: Scholarship will be announced in late March.