Upcoming events and workshops
August 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most East Brookfield, MA
The East Brookfield Senior Center will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the East Brookfield, a Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
These will take place in August and September
The East Brookfield Senior Center is located at 110 Pleasant Street, East Brookfield, MA
August 26th workshop is titled Coffee and Conversation and will be held on Wednesday, August 26th at 1:00 p.m. We will start our series with just that, coffee and conversation, (maybe lemonade or tea since it will be a hot summer day and in the afternoon!) gentle discussions about life, death and what matters most. It is all about starting to have these conversations in order to feel more ease.
Monthly Care for the Caregiver Series-Auburn, MA: September 3rd: Navigating Grief and Loss: Past, Present and Future
August 6 and September 3 – First Thursdays, a monthly series (see attached photo)
Laura will be presenting on Navigating Grief and Loss on Thursday, September 3rd for the final “Care for the Caregiver” Series workshop.
I hope you will check out the other featured presenters. All of these women are powerhouses in their fields and I feel deeply grateful and honored to be included.
For more information visit www.achievemhw.com
Presenters include Erin Tanner at Achieve Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Jennifer LaBonte of Inspire Family Medicine and Dr. Donna Bartlett of Wellhood Consulting.
September 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most East Brookfield, MA
The East Brookfield Senior Center will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the East Brookfield, a Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The East Brookfield Senior Center is located at 110 Pleasant Street, East Brookfield, MA
The workshop I have titled Kitchen Table Talks and will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 1:00 p.m. We’ll sit down at the Kitchen Table and talk about all the things. Included in this conversation will be where and how to start navigating advance planning. Participants will receive a free workbook to take home as part of a grant from Compassion and Choices. When we have these conversations and start to make plans and have things in place, it allows us to feel freer and live fully and with more ease.
September 10, 2026 Being a Friend in Grief Workshop Barre, MA
A compassionate and interactive workshop that offers conversation, tools and resources for all of us to better understand grief and how and when we can offer support and or be supported in our own grief.
Barre/Hardwick Senior Center Barre MA The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 10th from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm.
Please register with the Senior Center directly by calling 978-355-5004
September 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most, West Boylston, MA
Join us for Being a Friend in Grief, a workshop on how to navigate grief with others, and ourselves. What feels and is helpful, and what to say and not say. Take home resources and interactive exercises make this workshop one where everyone will find a helpful takeaway, or many!
The workshop will be on September 14th 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and is hosted by the West Boylston Senior Center and supported through funding from the West Boylston Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
September 2026: Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most, North Brookfield, MA
Haston Free Public Library will host this workshop supported by the North Brookfield Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The event will take place on Monday, September 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Library
Haston Free Public Library is located at 161 North Main Street, North Brookfield, MA
September 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most East Brookfield, MA
The East Brookfield Senior Center will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the East Brookfield, a Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The East Brookfield Senior Center is located at 110 Pleasant Street, East Brookfield, MA
The final workshop in this series is titled Being a Friend in Grief and will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. This compassionate, interactive workshop will offer conversation, tools and resources for all of us to better understand grief and how and when we can offer support and or be supported in our own grief.
September 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most ~an introductory evening~ Clinton, MA
The Clinton Council on Aging in partnership with Bigelow Free Public Library will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Clinton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The workshops will be held in October and November, with an introductory evening on Wednesday, September 23rd 6:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Bigelow Free Public Libary.
The three workshops will be held on October 1, 15 and November 5 and those will be held at the Clinton Council on Aging Carriage House. Please see the details on flyer, and on each upcoming event. The workshops are made available thanks to a grant from Clinton Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
October 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most ~Coffee & Conversation ~ Clinton, MA
The Clinton Council on Aging in partnership with Bigelow Free Public Library will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Clinton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The Clinton Council on Aging Carriage House is located at 271 Church Street Clinton, MA.
October 1st is the first workshop in a three- part series. This workshop is titled Coffee and Conversation and will be held on Thursday, October 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Carriage House at the Clinton Council on Aging. We will start our series with just that, coffee (decaf or maybe iced tea) and conversation, gentle discussions about life, death and what matters most. It is all about starting to have these conversations in order to feel more ease.
Please register online at the Library’s website.
October 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most ~Kitchen Table Talks~ Clinton, MA
The Clinton Council on Aging in partnership with Bigelow Free Public Library will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Clinton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The Clinton Council on Aging Carriage House is located at 271 Church Street Clinton, MA.
Thursday, October 15th, the workshop is titled Kitchen Table Talks and will be held at 6:00 p.m. We’ll sit down at the “Kitchen Table” and talk about all the things. Included in this conversation will be where and how to start navigating advance planning. Participants will receive a free workbook to take home as part of a grant from Compassion and Choices. When we have these conversations and start to make plans and have things in place, it allows us to feel freer and live fully and with more ease.
Please register on the Bigelow Free Public Library website. This program is FREE to participants .
November 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most ~ Being a Friend in Grief ~ Clinton, MA
The Clinton Council on Aging in partnership with Bigelow Free Public Library will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Clinton Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The Clinton Council on Aging Carriage House is located at 271 Church Street Clinton, MA
The third in a series workshop is titled Being a Friend in Grief and will be held on Thursday, November 5th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. This compassionate, interactive workshop will offer conversation, tools and resources for all of us to better understand grief and how and when we can offer support and or be supported in our own grief.
November 19, 2026 Kindred Grief Care Book Discussion Barre, MA
Learning has come to me in different ways- through books and teachings, through mentors and coaches and through real life experiences. The real life experiences over the past year have truly been difficult ~ loss is loss is loss ~ and one on top of another on top of another changes a person and provides learning that you never knew you needed, and that you definitely didn’t want! A bonus for my clients in so many ways.
I am very excited and proud of my dear friend, mentor, and Death Literacy Educator Francesca Lynn Arnoldy, Author & Doula This past year she authored yet another wonderful, powerful and beautiful book that is a tool for all of us. It is so easy to be in grief alone, to push people away, and yet, it makes it more difficult. Kindred Grief Care allows us to come together in community, to learn how we can show up for each other in times of loss, how important community is, and how sometimes, just showing up and not saying anything is what we need.
Join me for one of these book discussions. Register in advance so I can reserve your book and we’ll explore this together, in a safe and comfortable space. This one is at Barre MA Senior Center in November. There will be others announced shortly.
WAITLIST/INQUIRY–Living Fully and Dying Prepared Community Series! Fall 2026 Spring 2027-6 week workshop-See Info Below
Coming Soon: Multiple locations in Worcester County, Massachusetts- PLEASE Scan the QR Code or click here and add yourself to the waitlist to receive updates on Fall 2026 workshop and Spring 2027 workshop. Currently, we are planning to run ONE six week workshop each Fall and Spring. If the demand is there, we will add workshops accordingly.
You can view people’s thoughts on the program on the testimonials page.
Thank you for your interest.
Map of Memory Lane, a children’s book & workshop
Coming soon: If interested, please inquire to get put on the list for the next session.
Children can join Laura for a 30-45 minute workshop or individual session where they can explore “Memory Lane.” Using a wonderfully written picture book by Francesca Lynn Arnoldy with art by YoungJu Kim, this book can actually be used for “children of all ages.” It is a gentle walk through the main character’s life with her Nana, and how Memory Lane can be accessed. Francesca has included a companion activity book for supporting kids through the process. In addition there will be a one page “Tips for Supporting Children through Difficult Conversations and the Inevitability of Loss” for parents to take home.
Gift Certificates
Holiday shopping? special occasion? just because… but you can’t quite come up with something unique or creative? A gift certificate is a wonderful option. Laura says, Personally, yes, send me one, I love to have the flexibility to buy something for myself and not feel guilty about it!!
So, “The Journey Before Us” offers a solution for your gift giving needs, a gift certificate in any denomination and it is valid for any of the services offered, whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, consultation or planning. You can’t go wrong.
Email us at thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com or call 802-734-0879
Past events
These are past events and workshops. Should you not find what you are looking for in our current offerings, please reach out to inquire, our schedule is always changing.
July 23, 2026 Life Review & Legacy Projects, Barre/Hardwick Senior Center, Barre, MA
Laura is presenting a one hour workshop on Life Review and Legacy Projects at the Barre/Hardwick Senior Center in Barre, MA. This workshop is one of 5 “Pillars of Preparedness” organized by the Senior Center to give community members resources to begin important conversations, planning and preparing for wherever they are on their journey.
Call the Barre/Hardwick Senior Center to reserve a spot. 978-355-5004
July 30, 2026 Bequeathing & Decluttering, Barre/Hardwick Senior Center, Barre, MA
Laura is presenting a one hour workshop on Bequeathing & Decluttering at the Barre/Hardwick Senior Center in Barre, MA. This workshop is one of 5 “Pillars of Preparedness” organized by the Senior Center to give community members resources to begin important conversations, planning and preparing for wherever they are on their journey. Don’t let the “stuff” weigh you down. Easy tips and tricks to clearning away some extra things, and feeling more “space” in your life!
Call the Barre/Hardwick Senior Center to reserve a spot. 978-355-5004
February 18, 2026 Life Review-Templeton Senior Center
Join Laura at Templeton Senior Center for an Introduction to Life Review!
What is life review? It’s your story, the experiences that have made you who you are today. It also can include thoughts about what is to come, what you would still like to do, accomplish, see, where you might like to go.
May 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most in Shrewsbury, MA
The Shrewsbury Council on Aging will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Shrewsbury Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
These will take place in May, June and July
The Shrewsbury Senior Center is located at 98 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA
May’s workshop is titled Coffee and Conversation and will be held on Wednesday, May 20th at 10:00 a.m. We will start our series with just that, coffee and conversation, gentle discussions about life, death and what matters most. It is all about starting to have these conversations in order to feel more ease.
June 2026 Making Space: Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most, Shrewsbury, MA
The Shrewsbury Council on Aging will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The Shrewsbury Senior Center is located at 98 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA
June’s workshop is titled Kitchen Table Talks and will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at 10:00 a.m. We’ll sit down at the Kitchen Table and talk about all the things. Included in this conversation will be where and how to start navigating advance planning. Participants will receive a free workbook to take home as part of a grant from Compassion and Choices. When we have these conversations and start to make plans and have things in place, it allows us to feel freer and live fully and with more ease.
June 2026 Making Space-Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most in West Boylston, MA
West Boylston Senior Center is hosting two workshops in the Making Space- Conversations on Life, Death & What Matters Most series facilitated by Laura. The workshops are made available thanks to a grant from West Boylston Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The first workshop is Kitchen Table Talks on Wednesday, June 24th We’ll explore what values and wishes are important to people, and other meaningful topics, how to start conversations with family and friends and much more.
The second workshop Being A Friend in Grief will be hosted in September.
July 2026 Making Space: Conversations about Life, Death & What Matters Most, Shrewsbury, MA
The Shrewsbury Council on Aging will host a series of monthly workshops supported by the Shrewsbury Local Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
The third in a series, July’s workshop is titled Being a Friend in Grief and will be held on Wednesday, July 15th at 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This compassionate, interactive workshop will offer conversation, tools and resources for all of us to better understand grief and how and when we can offer support and or be supported in our own grief.
The Shrewsbury Senior Center is located at 98 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury, MA
November 3–Living Fully and Dying Prepared- A six-week workshop in Barre, MA
A welcoming workshop that invites you to reflect back, turn inward, plan ahead and find peace on your journey. We will use the book “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared” by Francesca Arnoldy.
Anticipate engaging activities & discussions about life and how to prepare in advance for its end, adding to clarity and your peace of mind. Led by a caring, knowledgeable educator.
DATES : Mondays: November 3, 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 8 (please hold 15 for make-up class)
Please REGISTER online by scanning code or clicking here.
Special Rate: $65.00 includes the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Workbook (a $21-24 value) and other resources. This rate is made possible by a grant from The Community Death Literacy Project. Workbooks are available to you as soon as you register, Laura will arrange for delivery.
December 1– Free Info Session-Living Fully Six Week Workshop
Come by the West Boylston Senior Center and meet Laura. Learn about the upcoming six week workshop series, ask questions and try a sample exercise from the program.
Monday, December 1st at 10:00 a.m. Please register for this Free Info Session by calling the West Boylston Senior Center directly at 508-835-6916.
December 8th- Sip, Shop and Soothe Your Soul – in West Boylston
Reserve your space today for this intimate gathering for women. Erin Tanner, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Laura will explore “The Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” because as many know, it is not always the happiest or most joyful time, especially for those experiencing new losses in their life, missing traditions and so much more. Join us, won’t you?
5:00 pm is the Sip and Shop and as long as you come over by 6:00 pm you will be right on time for the workshop portion. Registration is on Erin’s website by clicking here
Free Information Session at Paige Memorial Library
Tuesday, October 7th at 6:00 p.m. Meet Laura and learn about the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Six Week Community Series. We’ll have an engaging conversation about what one can expect in the six week series. You can view the workbook, hear about other resources and ask questions. We’ll do an interactive exercise from the series that you can participate in/experience and sharing is optional. This info session, as well as the six week series offer a gently way to wade into conversations about our own mortality, how to prepare in advance by reflecting on where we are, what we wish to do with our one life and how we want to leave- what it means to live our life fully.
Please let the library know you are going to attend by calling them at 413-477-6704 or emailing them at director.paigelibrary@gmail.com
Free Information Session at West Boylston Senior Center
Tuesday, September 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Meet Laura and learn about the Living Fully, Dying Prepared Six Week Community Series. We’ll have an engaging conversation about what one can expect in the six week series. You can view the workbook and ask questions. We’ll have an interactive exercise that you can participate in, sharing is optional.
Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, what is it? Ask Laura! February 12th in Barre, MA
Join Laura for a free one hour conversation. You’ll hear about what integrative coaching is, how it is is similar and different to other types of coaching. Also, how it could support you and your needs in daily life, in special circumstances and with your own wishes for preventative wellness and support for chronic illness or diagnosis.
At Listening Wellness Center Barre, MA. This is being offered on two dates. Wednesday, February 12th 6:00 pm-7:00 pm or Tuesday, February 25th 10:00 am-11:00 am
RSVP needed. Please click here to register.
Creative Connections, a workshop for kids, ages 3-5, February 18th or February 20th in Barre, MA
Together, we’ll read the book “Map of Memory Lane” by Francesca Lynn Arnoldy, Contemplative Doula. Then, we’ll explore, draw and color our favorite memories. Each participant goes home with their own copy of the book, and a handout packet.
Cost is $16.00 per participant. Ages 3-5 years old. Parents should plan to stay with child.
Inquiries for ages 6-10 year olds can be made with Laura directly (email her at thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com) or through Listening Wellness Center by contacting the office.
Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, What is it? Ask Laura! Free Info Session February 25th in Barre, MA.
Join Laura for a free one hour conversation. You’ll hear about what integrative coaching is, how it is is similar and different to other types of coaching. Also, how it could support you and your needs in daily life, in special circumstances and with your own wishes for preventative wellness and support for chronic illness or diagnosis.
Question and answer time is included.
At Listening Wellness Center Barre, MA. Tuesday, February 25th 10:00 am-11:00 am
RSVP needed. Please click here to register.
If the timing doesn’t work for you, but you are interested in learning more, please reach out and schedule a one on one with Laura.
Death Discussions with a Doula, February 27th
Join us for a meaningful conversation about death and dying in a safe, comfortable environment. Our aim is to increase awareness, to shift the conversation from one of fear and avoidance to one of familiarity and comfort.
Thursday, February 27th 11:00am-12noon
FREE and open to the public. Being offered at Woods Memorial Library 19 Pleasant Street Barre, MA
Please register on library website, click here.
Facilitated by Laura Dusha Nelson, Death Literacy Specialist/End-of-Life Doula
Please NOTE: This is not grief support, bereavement support or counseling.
Being a Friend in Grief Workshop, March 25th in Barre, MA
An interactive workshop where we’ll discuss the language of grief including what to say, what not to say and how to offer emotional care and assistance to the bereaved with sensitivity. We’ll also explore what we might need in our own times of grief.
Register online by clicking here. Workshop is at Listening Wellness Center in Barre, MA.
Tuesday, March 25th 6:00pm-7:45pm
“Being a Friend in Grief” Workshop – Thursday December 12th in Barre, MA
an interactive workshop led by Laura Dusha Nelson at Listening Wellness Center in Barre, MA on Thursday, December 12th 7:00 pm-8:15 pm
Grief is universal. Grief is personal. And grief can be overwhelming. How can we show up for people facing loss? What can we say? What can we do? What kind of support is actually beneficial? We’ll discuss the language of grief including what to say and what not to say, how to offer emotional care and practical assistance to the bereaved with sensitivity.”
$10 per person, register online-click here (see flyer for QR code and contact information if questions.)
**This is not mental health training or grief support; it is a community education event meant to help increase our courage, confidence, and connection as friends, loved ones and neighbors.
Gift Certificates available
Gift Certificates to “The Journey Before Us” for all of your holiday shopping needs. A gift certificate is a wonderful option when you aren’t sure what “just the right thing is for someone.” Laura loves gift certificates that way she can pick out something herself, and not feel guilty about shopping! Maybe someone you know feels the same way.
Our gift certificates are valid in any denomination and for any of the services offered, whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, consultations or planning. It is “truly” a gift. Please reach out with any questions.
Email us at thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com or call 802-734-0879
Living Fully and Dying Prepared 6 week workshop in Barre, MA Thursday evenings January 2025
A six week workbook series to Reflect Back, Plan Ahead and Find Peace on Your Journey.
Starts January 30th in Barre, MA 6:30 pm for 6 weeks.
Join us for this series at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre, MA
Don’t miss out! Reserve your space-click here $129.00 per person. Only 7 spaces available.
Please purchase “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared” workbook, available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
Email thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com with any questions. Full details of workshop on flyer. Additional offerings will be coming up in the future in various locations.
