Founder of Serenity Funeral Planning Consultants

My journey into funeral planning began with a personal loss. In 2008, I lost my uncle unexpectedly and for the first time, I witnessed just how overwhelming funeral arrangements can be—so many decisions, so much pressure, and very little guidance. Not really knowing our options, we took what was presented to us, only to find out later that we had other options at a lesser cost, especially in terms of funeral planning.

In 2009, I lost five more family members, including my oldest sister. That season of grief led me to keep my mind busy and help others to never have to feel like I did in 2008. The feeling of unpreparedness, wishing we could have done better if only we knew our options, and how the arrangement meeting felt so transactional made me determined to assist families in navigating their choices. The entire process felt draining both emotionally and financially. It is a day I will never forget and one that sparked a passion inside of me to want to help others be prepared.

In 2009, I began working as an Advance Planner, assisting families with pre-need arrangements at a cemetery, and I quickly realized how much essential information families were not being told. Time and time again, I heard things like, “No one told me that,” or “I thought my policy covered everything.” I knew something had to change, particularly in the context of funeral consultations.

After retiring in 2021 from a 25-year career as a High-Performance Systems Engineer, I returned to the funeral industry—this time with a mission. The pandemic had left so many families grieving, and I wanted to be someone who truly helped them plan with compassion and empathy. But what I found was disappointing. Too often, families were treated like transactions. It was more about the company's bottom line and the pressure on the sales team to meet quotas. That was truly unfortunate, and I saw a clear need for compassionate, unbiased guidance—someone who could help families plan without pressure.

That’s why I started Serenity Funeral Planning Consultants. The name Serenity was intentional—because every family deserves peace of mind. I’m here to help you plan with confidence, clarity, and care—whether you're preparing in advance or navigating a recent loss. You don’t have to do it alone or be afraid to start the planning process.

In 2024, I began writing my book, and in 2025, I published Empowered Funeral Planning: A Practical Guide to Planning Without Pressure—to help people everywhere understand the funeral planning process as if they were sitting down with a trusted advisor. The book covers every major aspect: funeral terminology, required vs. optional services, consumer rights, essential documents, and the decisions families often face, including cremation services. It even includes a planning worksheet at the back to help readers organize their wishes, outline next steps, and feel more prepared.

My goal is simple: to bring peace, clarity, and confidence to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Serenity empowers your plan—so you can move forward without fear, regret, or confusion.