Meet Our Speakers:
Laura Hoekstra, BS. MA, Certified Grief Educator
Owner/Death Doula, Grace in the Leaving End-of-Life Doula Services, LLC
Laura brings her lived experience as a young widow, single mother, and caregiver for both parents to her work as an End-of-Life Doula. She received her certification through The Dying Year in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is a member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance. She is also a Certified Grief Educator, First Steps Advance Care Planning Facilitator through Respecting Choices (R) and holds a SAGECare Platinum Credential for LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training.
Her business, Grace in the Leaving, was founded in 2022 after she retired from a full-time career in education and business. She serves individuals and families facing life-limiting illness, grief, and loss. In her roles as advocate, companion, and educator, she facilitates workshops, book studies and gives custom presentations for churches, community organizations, health institutions and more. Topics include:
Conversations on End-of-Life, Death and Dying
Dying Well: How to Plan and Prepare
End-of-Life What? The Work and Value of Death Doulas
Navigating Grief: Your Own and Those You Serve
Along with her EOLD work, Laura is a volunteer hospice musician and 11th Hour Companion, and also volunteers as a Victim Advocate through the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. She was recently recognized as a 2024 “16 Over 60 Honoree” with Senior Neighbors of Kent County. seniorneighbors.org/16over60
You may visit her website at: www.graceintheleaving.com
Kristi Davis is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and Program Manager at the Alzheimer’s Association - Michigan Chapter. Kristi has been working in her current position that exclusively serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and dementia, for the past 9 years. Kristi is a frequent presenter about topics in the field of dementia and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Prior to working at the Alzheimer’s Association, Kristi worked for 15-years as the recreation manager for a community-based residential and support program. There, she designed and implemented activity programming for people with IDD, including individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.
Kate Pierce, LMSW is a Program Director at the Alzheimer’s Association-Michigan Chapter. There, she develops programming for individuals, families, and professional caregivers of people with comorbidities such as HIV and developmental disabilities. She is also a past member of the editorial board of ALZ Magazine, the official magazine of the Alzheimer’s Association..
Nicole McDonald, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist and Wellness Coach
Nicole is a licensed massage therapist and wellness coach with over 5 years of experience in the field. Specializing in therapeutic and deep tissue massage, she is dedicated to promoting holistic wellness and helping clients achieve their physical and emotional well-being. Nicole has worked with a diverse clientele, ranging from athletes seeking recovery to individuals managing chronic pain.
With a background in anatomy and physiology, she integrates various techniques tailored to each client's needs, ensuring a personalized approach that fosters relaxation and healing. Nicole is passionate about educating clients on the benefits of massage therapy and self-care practices, believing that knowledge is an essential component of wellness.