Lexanne Jarosz

Becoming a CNA at 16 and born into a family that owns a cemetery, started preparing me for a world I didn’t originally set out to be a part of. While working in nursing facilities, ICU, and hospice, I began to see a pattern… while most people were running from death, I seemed to be running into it. Wanting to learn more and be present with those experiencing death in all its forms, with the family or the individual themselves. I embarked on a journey; few want to walk, and it has led me to a beautiful place as an end-of-life and grief specialist. I want to be a light for others in their darkness. My vision for my community is to create a safe space for people to connect the body, mind, & spirit that focuses on death, dying, grief, trauma, & education. Looking at humans as a whole being where everything is connected. A true “WHOLISTIC” practice… awaking the senses & moving through the sacred work that is involved with death, dying, & grief both earth side and through transitioning to the next realm. As a forever student, I plan to continue working towards deepening my knowledge of death, dying, and the bereaved, while deepening my understanding of the connection that the body, mind, and spirit has as a whole through course work and experience. Amongst my many titles, my favorite is being a mother & a wife. I am a 2023 graduate holding a Bachelor’s in Science with a concentration in Small Business & Entrepreneurship. I obtained the Grief Coaching certification through The Institute of Professional Grief Coaching, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. I studied with grief expert, David Kessler to obtain the Grief Educator Certificate, shortly followed by studying with Paul Denniston receiving his Grief Movement Certificate. I've also studied with Frank Anderson, MD a psychiatrist that specializes in trauma. In 2022, I attended the ICCFA convention where I obtained the Funeral Celebrant certificate through Insight. Prior to then I attended the University of Vermont to earn the End-of-Life Doula certificate amongst being a graduate from Illinois Valley Community College with an Associated Degree & Massage Therapy Certificate in 2020. While in massage school, I became a Usui Reiki Practitioner. I also hold a 200-hour Yoga Certificate through Aura Wellness Center. My family has proudly owned and operated Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL since 1935. I am a proud NEDA and ABMP member.