Day 3465- Joining IANDS Advisory Board
I am thrilled to share some exciting news: I have been selected to serve on the Advisory Board of IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies). This is a deeply meaningful milestone in my journey of grief, healing, and exploring the nature of life, death, and what lies beyond.
For those unfamiliar, IANDS is a pioneering organization dedicated to the research, education, and support of near-death experiences (NDEs) and spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). Since its founding in 1981, IANDS has led the way in merging science, spirituality, and lived experiences to shed light on what happens when we transition beyond this life.
The Path That Led Me Here
My journey into this work began in 2015 with the sudden and devastating passing of my daughter, Shayna. Losing her at just fifteen years old shattered my world, but it also set me on a path of discovery and healing that I never could have imagined. Shayna’s transition launched me into a search for answers, meaning, and connection, and it is her light that continues to guide everything I do.
To share what I was learning, I launched the Grief 2 Growth podcast in November 2018, where I explore life, death, and the afterlife with experts, experiencers, and those searching for healing. The podcast has become a platform for hope and understanding, reaching people worldwide who are navigating their own grief and existential questions.
Along the way, I was honored to connect with IANDS and to contribute to their powerful mission. I have spoken at IANDS conferences several times, including the incredible honor of serving as the Opening Night Distinguished Speaker at the 2023 IANDS Annual Conference. Standing on that stage, sharing Shayna’s story and my insights, was a deeply humbling and affirming experience.
Why IANDS Matters to Me
IANDS’ work is vital. For those of us who have lost loved ones, the research into NDEs and spiritually transformative experiences provides more than just hope—it offers a new understanding of existence itself. These experiences show us that death is not the end, that love endures beyond the physical, and that our relationships with those who have transitioned can continue in beautiful and meaningful ways.
This aligns perfectly with the work I do through Grief 2 Growth, Helping Parents Heal, and my role as Vice President of the SoulPhone Foundation. My focus has always been on helping others find healing and growth, no matter how profound their loss or how heavy their grief.
What I Hope to Contribute
As a member of the Advisory Board, I hope to bring the perspective of a parent who has faced the unimaginable loss of a child, as well as my experience as a grief educator, podcaster, and speaker. I will advocate for continued dialogue between bereaved individuals, experiencers, researchers, and spiritual seekers, ensuring that these transformative truths reach and support as many people as possible.
My personal mission is to help others understand that death is not goodbye—and IANDS is at the forefront of proving this truth to the world. By validating and sharing these experiences, we can help people heal, grow, and live with a deeper sense of purpose and peace.
Looking Ahead
I am honored to join such an esteemed group of scholars, experiencers, and thought leaders on the Advisory Board of IANDS. I look forward to contributing to this incredible organization’s work and continuing to explore the mysteries of life, death, and the eternal connections that bind us all.
If you’re unfamiliar with IANDS, I encourage you to explore their resources and learn about their groundbreaking work: IANDS Advisory Board.
This is not just about understanding near-death experiences—it’s about understanding life itself. I am grateful for this opportunity to walk alongside so many others as we continue “walking each other home.”
