Death with Steph

09/03/2026

What are the rituals you celebrate?

Birthdays, weddings, graduations, holidays- these moments all come to mind...they invite us to pause, reflect, and honor change. But what about loss and grief- whether from physical deaths or "little deaths" that cause routine changes? These transitions are usually met without the same intentional space.

I am honored to be leading a ritual during WabanZen, a weekend designed for rest, reflection, and renewal. This Release Ritual is a sacred gathering that offers an opportunity to acknowledge what is ready to be transmuted into something else-maybe it's a relationship, a role, a dream, a season of life, or even a loved one who has died- It's not about removing the grief or the memories surrounding it- but instead creating an intentional space to reflect on these moments and reconnect with yourself and what matters most.

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As a friendly reminder, grief is not something to "fix", but is important to witness. When we create space to reflect on what has been, we also create space for what is becoming.

Trade the noise of everyday life for the sounds of rustling trees, crackling campfires, and gentle waves on the shore. This September, join us for WabanZen, a brand new adults-only (18+) weekend wellness retreat at YMCA Camp Wabansi, where nature becomes your sanctuary for rest, reflection, and renewal.

Set along the beautiful Bay of Great Lake Michigan in southern Door County, WabanZen invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself, with others, and with the outdoors. Your weekend registration includes rustic lodging, wholesome meals, an event t-shirt, and a flexible, choose-your-own adventure schedule. Explore yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbalism workshops, nature walks, kayaking, reading, writing, art, and more! Or simply spend your time exactly as you need it: relaxing in a hammock beneath the trees, watching the sunset over the water, or relaxing around a campfire with friends.

Whether you come on your own, with a partner, or alongside family or friends, WabanZen is a place to unplug from the pace of daily life and reconnect with what grounds you. There are no expectations, no pressure, and no perfect itinerary, just space to breathe deeply, move intentionally, rest completely, and discover your own path to renewal.

Take a deep breath with us. The woods are waiting. The water is calling. Come find your WabanZen.

Registration now open!
» Full-Weekend: https://tinyurl.com/WabanZenFullWeekend
» Saturday-Only: https://tinyurl.com/WabanZenSaturdayOnly

05/07/2026

This course has expanded my knowledge on the different types and styles of grief. For our final project we were instructed to write about ways we can integrate the concepts and materials into our life/practice. I came up with a grief workshop - rooted in community and creativity - and am excited to be doing some behind the scenes work to bring this to life---- stay tuned, I'm hoping to have my first one setup this fall!

03/18/2026

While I couldn't make it down to Oshkosh for Deathwalker Doula Services Ask a Death Doula event, I took the day to start my Grief Support Certificate through UW Madison! I'm looking forward to learning more about different grief styles and how I can better support people navigating death and loss.

01/23/2026

Hi, I’m Steph Baierl 👋
I’m a Death Doula, guide, and human who believes that talking about death can actually help us live more fully.

I walk alongside people and families during times of transition- navigating aging and end-of-life- by offering education, presence, and compassionate conversation when it’s most needed. My work is rooted in the belief that deathcare doesn’t have to be clinical or frightening; it can be human, compassionate, and deeply meaningful.

If you’re curious on how we can relate differently to death… welcome. You belong here.