Hi, I am Karisha. I have been doing death work most of my living life and I did not even know it. I am guessing that you are reading this because you are looking for someone who is a little corky, kind and experienced to talk to. That’s me!
My path in life has led me to this important work. Without thinking about it as a career as a young child I used to ride my bike to the local hospital and volunteer as a candy striper.
My attention was on the third floor where the seniors lived. I would bring them new magazines, hold their hand and just listen to their stories.
I continued to volunteer with seniors as I grew up, but I did not know that you could make caring a career until I went to college.
I bring years of experience working with seniors as a nurse’s aide, in recreation, with the arts, in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, area agencies on aging, education, facilitating support groups and now as an executive director for a non-profit that helps keep seniors at home and in the community.
In 2014 I started a private business called Remedy By Design that helps people plan for the second half of their life.
Working in the aging field for over 20 years makes me familiar with how the medical systems work and that we try to keep people alive longer without quality of life being considered. Death can be isolating and alienating. Most of us have not seen or experienced a beautiful death and do not know how to provide support for a loved one who is entering this journey to the end. Having someone there with you who has been through it can be an asset in navigating these confusing times.
As a death doula I offer supportive, compassionate and non-medical care to gently guide you up to and through death and dying. I will empower you to have the courageous conversations necessary while navigating pre-planning for what you consider a good death and after-death care.
Building relationships on trust, authenticity and earning my reputation as a person who can address real life issues or refer you to someone who can are threads woven through my career. I believe I am a very good listener. These traits are at the core of my practice, employment and death doula work. I bring a calm, caring presence. My specialty is helping families feel at peace and part of the planning process.
In addition to honoring and supporting people at the end of life, helping homebound seniors and death education are near and dear to my heart. This is showcased in my work, education and my monthly death café.
On a more personal note. I was born in Hamilton, NY and went to school at Sherburne Earlville. I got married at the Merrill House at Colgate University to my best friend from high school and we happily have two boys and a chocolate lab that make up our family and home in Cazenovia.
I hope you see how all of this has brought me to you.
A little more about me….
Education:
Ithaca College: Bachelors of Gerontology / Health Care Administration
Miami University: Masters in Gerontological Studies
Certification:
International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA)
Boards/Committees:
Chair for the Madison County Long Term Care Advisory Council
Advisory Council for the Madison County Office for the Aging
Coordinator for the Madison County Community Living Advocates Senior networking group
Committee for the Cazenovia Library Outreach to home bound seniors
Cazenovia Library Literacy Outreach
Featured:
Syracuse Women’s Magazine January 2025
Who’s Who
Received the Hometown Hero Award during covid for my work with seniors in the community
Wanna know even more details?
Check out my Linkedin account
Photograph taken by Katie Becker Photography
what does your name mean?
Karisha (car-ISH-a).
Where did my name come from?
I have been told that Karisha is a name that carries both uniqueness and beauty. With origins that may vary across cultures, Karisha often reflects a blend of influences, exhibiting a richness that is increasingly appreciated in our diverse society.
The name Karisha can be associated with notions of love and grace. It invokes a sense of warmth and compassion, qualities that many aspire to embody in their daily lives. Individuals named Karisha often find themselves as beacons of positivity, uplifting those around them with their infectious energy and caring nature.
In literature and nomenclature, every name tells a story. The resonance of Karisha goes beyond phonetics; it signifies a personality marked by both strength and gentleness. The presence of someone named Karisha can inspire those in their midst, making them natural leaders who foster unity and understanding.
I believe this does tell you a lot about my personality.
