Keynote speaking & education
A speaker who actually knows what happens when no one plans ahead.
Rachel brings real funeral-director expertise, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and a refreshing lack of euphemisms to every stage, workshop, and training room.
Why book Rachel?
I'm Rachel, a licensed funeral director and embalmer with more than a decade of experience helping people make difficult decisions with greater clarity and fewer regrets. I provide honest, inclusive funeral education for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, chosen families, and the professionals who serve them.
Most speakers talk about this topic from a distance. I've been in the room — with families in crisis, with people who had no documents, with chosen families who had no legal standing. I know exactly what goes wrong when people aren't prepared, and I know how to fix it. Expect practical guidance, human conversation, and the occasional well-timed joke.
Credentials
- Licensed funeral director and embalmer
- More than a decade of hands-on funeral service experience
- Educator for funeral professionals and community organizations
- Speaker at conferences, community events, and professional trainings
What I speak on
Topics that fill the gaps most people don't know exist.
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Funeral Planning
Community & generalWhat every queer person needs to know — and what happens when they don't. Legal protections, document essentials, and how to make your wishes stick.
End-of-Life Documents Every Queer Person Needs
Community & generalA practical breakdown of advance directives, healthcare proxies, and the paperwork that protects chosen families when it matters most.
Serving LGBTQ+ Clients with Competence and Care
ProfessionalsFor funeral professionals, healthcare workers, and social workers who want to do better — concrete guidance on inclusive funeral care, not just sensitivity training.
Protecting Chosen Family: Legal and Practical Preparation
Community & generalHow to ensure chosen family members have legal standing and practical authority — before a crisis makes it too late.
Creating Meaningful, Affirming Memorial Services
Community & professionalHow to honor a life that didn't fit the standard script. Practical and creative guidance for families, celebrants, and funeral homes.
Documenting Your Wishes: A Practical Workshop
Community & generalA hands-on session for individuals and families who want to get their paperwork in order — funeral preferences, legal documents, and the conversations that make them stick.
All topics can be customized for your audience, time slot, and goals. Tell me about your event →
How we can work together
How we can work together
Keynote
45–75 minutes. Ideal for conferences, symposia, and large community events. Customized to your audience and theme.
Workshop
Half-day or full-day. Hands-on, interactive, and built around your participants' real questions and situations.
Professional Training
For funeral homes, hospices, hospitals, and social work teams. Practical, evidence-based, and judgment-free.
Panel & Moderation
Rachel is a skilled moderator and panelist for conversations about death, grief, LGBTQ+ rights, and end-of-life care.
What people say
Don't take my word for it.
"Rachel managed to make a room full of funeral directors laugh, cry, and completely rethink how they serve LGBTQ+ families. That's not easy. She's the real deal."
Conference attendee
Funeral director, Midwest
"I've sat through a lot of 'inclusive care' trainings. This was the first one that gave me actual tools I could use the next day. Specific, practical, and delivered without condescension."
Workshop participant
Hospice social worker
"Our community hadn't talked about death planning openly before. Rachel made it feel safe, necessary, and even a little funny. People are still talking about it months later."
Event organizer
LGBTQ+ community center
Book Rachel
Let's talk about your event.
Fill out the form below and Rachel will get back to you within 2 business days. No pressure, no pitch — just a real conversation about whether this is a good fit.