Educational Offerings
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I am passionate about death and dying education. I love connecting with others in a dynamic learning environment. Whether teaching a course, facilitating an open conversation, bringing people together to learn, heal, or build community, it makes my heart sing. Please find my offerings below and let me know here if you have any questions.
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Death Cafes
​Ongoing Virtual Facilitated Group
2nd, 3rd, 4th Tuesday of the Month,
10:00am-11:30am PT / 1pm-2:30pm ET)
A safe and supportive space for open conversations about death and dying, grief and loss. It is a space for deep sharing and deep listening and gallows humor! There is no agenda, no teachers, no beliefs. This is a discussion group, not a grief support or counseling session.
The Death Cafe movement began in 2011 by Jon Underwood in England and has spread worldwide. You can find out more at www.deathcafe.com.
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I have been honored to lead these weekly groups online since April, 2020 for Mission Hospice and the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation.
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Please sign up on Eventbrite. They are free and open to all.
Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation Death Cafes
2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, 10am-11:30am PST.
For more information and to register: EKRF Cafes
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Please note:
*There is one zoom link for all of the 2nd Tuesday Death Cafes and another for the 4th Tuesday Death Cafes. If you have the link, registration is not necessary; you can join directly via the link below at the correct time:
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Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation (EKRF) Death Cafe
Zoom link for 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10am-11:30am PT
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​Elisabeth Kubler Ross Foundation Death Cafe
Zoom link for 4th Tuesdays of the month, 10am-11:30am PT
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​​Mission Hospice (MH) Death Cafe
3rd Tuesday of the month, 10am-11:30am PT. Free.
For more information and to register: MH Cafe
Please note: Here is the Zoom link to join the MH Death Cafes if you prefer not to register.
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Participant comments:
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​"As someone who has attended Death Cafes facilitated by Rhyena Halpern since May 2021, it is hard to put into words the many ways I have benefited from her ability to create an atmosphere where I have felt comfortable to share my deepest thoughts and feel truly heard. A group of strangers become trusted confidants under her guidance. In the true spirit of Death Cafe's mission, Rhyena opens the door for all who enter to ‘increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'."
- Anne R, Conn.
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"I can't believe what a sweet, tender space you create. It calms me and soothes me. Thank you." - - Nancy L, London
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"Thank you, Rhyena, for creating such a safe container and holding each of us with love! I keep coming back for that warmth and safety."
- AN, San Mateo CA
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"Its been so hard these 5 years since my father died. Coming to these death cafes every week, along with my bible study group, my therapist and my sister, as well as just the passage of time have helped me so much to let go of such heavy, daily grief and sorrow. I felt like it was never going to change but now I really feel lighter. Having the death cafes to come to each week was huge for me. I am so grateful. As I write this, the clouds have disappeared and the sun came out, and is shining brightly!"
- Death Cafe Participant
End of Life Intentions for Pragmatists and Seekers
Next series meets Thursdays evenings from 9/4 to 10/9 (open to California residents)
Register here
This six-week course is a friendly, comprehensive, and accessible primer on planning and setting intentions for the end of our lives. Topics include meeting our wise elder, legacy and life review, ethical wills, defining our end of life wishes, environmentally friendly disposition of the body and memorials, caregiving, solo aging, beginning again after profound loss.​​
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Comments from students:
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"This series offers you a beautiful journey into living and dying."
-Nancy L, Kansas City
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​​"Rhyena is a gifted teacher. I loved learning from her! I'm so inspired by the work she does." ​
“This series of classes was so informative, thought provoking and well formulated. I'd actually take it all over again."
-Abbie K, Virginia Beach
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"I can't thank you enough for getting me in gear. Because of your sessions, I realized that I need more support. Not from a therapist (of which I have two different kinds. Yikes!), but from someone with particular expertise and sensitivities. Thanks again for your kindness, your expertise, and your wonderful ways of engaging us all in the group."
-Caron, Portland, Maine
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"As a pastor, I found this class helpful for my ministry. As someone who has watched loved ones die, and also did not get to say good-bye to some loved ones, this class was healing." -Cecily B, San Jose, CA
"This class was so amazing that I am going to attend Rhyena's death cafes. I want to be around her more and sign up for a Third Act coaching session. I feel touched by her loving presence, her listening and her patience! "
-Donna W, Washington DC
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Spiritual Dimensions of Nearing Death
Next series meets Thursdays evenings from 10/16 to 11/20 (open to California residents)
This five week course explores the presence of death, nearing death, the realm of 'life' after death, or understanding the special awareness and communications of the dying via a curriculum of readings, meditations, videos, contemplation, and group discussion.
​Student comments:
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"Whether you just started exploring your mortality or you already meditate on your own death regularly, the course will uplift you. It is one of a very few places where you can talk openly about death, express your fears, ask questions, and become more intimate not only with your own mortality but also with what your final hours may look like. Every person should take this or a similar course in preparation for the final act."
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" I would like to express my gratitude for the selfless effort you put into this course. I would like to continue this journey. Please keep me informed regarding your similar sessions and seminars. Since I am a Catholic priest working at present in Germany, I will try to join as time permits. I consider it to be a great blessing to have attended your class."
"Rhyena was a knowledgeable guide for exploring the spiritual aspects of death and dying. Having the time to talk about death and the process of death in a calm and serene space with her guidance, both increased my knowledge of dying and lessened my anxiety of death."
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"As a pastor, I found this class helpful for my ministry. As someone who has watched loved ones die and also did not get to say goodbye to some loved ones-this class was healing. As someone who will die, I continue to be intrigued in the process of dying."
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Upcoming Presentations
Please join me!​​
Thursday evening, Sept 18th, 5:00-7:15 PT
Joint screening of the beautiful documentary "Last Flight Home"
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As a former documentary filmmaker and avid viewer of films on death and dying, I believe this is one of the best.
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Following the viewing I will hold a discussion.
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No fee or registration required. Just use this Zoom link
Meeting ID: 266 180 4146
Passcode: Flight
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Past Presentations
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2025
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* Ethical Wills (Sept)
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* End of Life Doulas Panel
2024
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* Reimagine's Room for Grief Support group (Nov and Dec)
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* Navigating Grief in the Workplace (Nov)
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* End of Life Planning (Nov)
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* What the Heck is an End of Life Doula Anyway? (March)
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* What is a Green Burial? (Nov)
* Eldercare Specialists (Sept)
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* Live Instagram Interview with Let's Reimagine CEO Brad Wolfe (Oct)
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Synopsis:
"Behind a white picket fence, on an unremarkable suburban street, Eli Timoner is about to die. Just as he lived, he will do so surrounded by his loved ones, on his own terms. Lucky enough to live in one of the few states that allows medical-aid-in-dying, the Timoner family embarks on a mission to help their beloved patriarch exit the world with the same grace and dignity with which he lived.
Through stunning verité footage recorded by his middle child, LAST FLIGHT HOME takes audiences on a moving journey through Timoner’s life during his final days, illustrating a modern day success story built on the power of human connection. As the family opens up to provide an enlightening view of a universal experience, this intensely intimate film also offers a lasting legacy of one man’s life and his commitment to both living – and dying – with agency and grace."