LaborOut Agenda

LaborOut will bring together leaders, practitioners, and advocates across the deathcare space for a day of learning, connection, and forward-thinking conversation.

The program will feature inspiring keynote talks, practical workshops, and engaging panel discussions designed to explore what’s possible when we rethink how we care for people at the end of life.

You can expect both big-picture inspiration and actionable insights from reimagining the role of Death Doulas and community support to exploring real-world strategies for creating a more compassionate, human-centered deathcare system.

Itinerary

  • Workshop participants ease into the day with creative prompts and a welcome circle to get grounded and set the tone.

  • Our first session focuses on the foundations of floral design. From tool basics to flower care and simple composition tips, you’ll start building confidence and finding your creative rhythm.

  • Participants will be responsible for brining their own lunch, but we'll provide water and some additional snacks throughout the day.

  • With the basics fresh, we’ll dive into hands-on arranging. We’ll explore shape, scale, and movement while encouraging personal style through floral design.

  • To close the day, you’ll create a final piece to share with the group. We’ll reflect on your process and celebrate the creativity that unfolded.

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Meet Our Speakers

Kacie Gikonyo is a registered nurse, death doula, public speaker, and online educator, and the founder of Death Doula School. She is also the author of Laboring Out of Life, equipping heart-led professionals with the skills and confidence to transform end-of-life care while building meaningful, sustainable practices of their own.

Death Doula + Educator

Kacie Gikonyo, RN

Mikey Marin, known as Mikey the Death Doula, is the founder of Healing Hearts House LLC, offering compassionate, holistic end-of-life care. She supports individuals and families with comfort, education, advocacy, and steady emotional presence.

Mikey Marin

Death Doula + Reiki Master

Chelsey Ernst, PA-C

Chelsey Ernst, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant with over a decade of experience and a deep commitment to palliative and end-of-life care. She is the creator of Your Palliative PA, an educational platform dedicated to demystifying serious illness, advance care planning, and death.

Founder of Your Palliative PA

Dr. Bob Uslander is a pioneer in palliative and end-of-life care and will serve as the keynote speaker. As co-founder and medical director of Empowered Palliative Care and Empowered Endings, he brings over 37 years of experience leading a more holistic, compassionate approach to caring for patients and supporting their families. Through his work, he continues to inspire a new vision for end-of-life care—one rooted in dignity, presence, and empowered support.

Palliative Care Physician + Founder, Empowered Endings

Dr. Bob Uslander, MD

Lisa Vigil Schattinger is an advocate for the U.S. Model of medical aid-in-dying and patient autonomy in end-of-life care. Her professional trajectory began in women's health and evolved into a dedicated focus on supporting terminally ill individuals seeking patient-centered end-of-life options. As board president of the Death with Dignity National Center, Lisa provides dual-level leadership, shaping national policy while simultaneously driving advocacy for state-level end-of-life options.

Lisa Vigil Schattinger, MSN, RN

Founder, End of Life Options

Molly McMahon Graziano

Co-founder of the Aid in Dying Collaborative

Molly McMahon Graziano is a leader in compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare advocacy, education, and nonprofit leadership. As co-founder of the Aid in Dying Collaborative, she works with organizations across the U.S. to expand access to end-of-life options, including Medical Aid in Dying, work deeply informed by her personal experience caring for her parents.