About the Death Comadre Curriculum
There are many titles for those that facilitate end of life transitions such as a Death Doula, Death Midwife or Death Comadre. Because the work of the Collective spans womb to tomb, some refer to themselves as Womb to Tomb Comadres. Regardless of the aspect of transition that you are called to support, in the training individuals have the opportunity to receive a certificate to facilitate different aspects of grief and loss.
Our training is available for anyone who is interested in being better educated in preparing for death and supporting others, whether as a family member or a professional. Broken up into two major sections, Sacred Transitions and The Business of Death this training reviews both Indigenous and Western teachings regarding end of life transitions to the legalities and logistical considerations of death and post-death arrangements.
CC’s History
In the fall of 2023 we piloted our very first training with over 80 registrants to support our community with education and resources about death. From various experts and experienced individuals, participants learned how to be a thoughtful caregiver to someone experiencing the end of their life or someone who lost a closed loved one. We held sessions around prenatal & infant loss, suicide, alternative body disposition, and conversations around grief with our family and children.
Death Comadre Curriculum 2025
May 31st - June 28th
Virtual
The Cihuapactli Collective is honored to open up for the second cohort of the Death Comadre Curriculum from May 31st to June 28th. Those who complete all parts of the training will receive Death Comadre certification through the Cihuapactli Collective.
The Cihuapactli Collective strives to be inclusive of our community. A Spanish version of this training will be available toward the end of 2025.
Schedule
Sacred Transitions
May 31st (9am-2:30pm)
9am-10:30am -What is a Seath Comadre?
10:45am-11:45am -The Stages of Dying
12:30pm - 2:25pm - Pregnancy and Infant Loss
June 7th (9am-3:30pm)
9am-11:00am - What about the Babies?
11:15am-12:30pm - The Last Ecstatic Days
1:30pm - 3:30pm - Navigating Suicide & Unexpected Loss
The Business of Death
June 14th (9am - 3:30pm)
9am - 3:30pm - Estate Planning
11:15am - 12:15pm - Life Insurance
1:00pm - 3:20pm - Pregnancy Release & After Care Support
June 21 (9am - 3:30pm)
9am - 11:10am - Funeral Services
11:30am - 3:00pm - Alternative Body Disposition
June 28th (9am-3:30pm)
9am - 11:00am - Hospicing Organizations
11:00am - 12:30pm - Death Binder
1:00 - 3:30pm - Home Funeral
Presenters
Many of our presenters…..general info about them, connections, how or why selected, etc.
About our Presenters
Dr. Enjolie Lafaurie
Enjolie is a grandmother, mom, sister, comadre, psychologist, hypnotherapist, womb-to-tomb comadre, and business owner of Inspired Therapies, LLC. Originally from Southern California, she is Afro-Cuban (Taino/Arawak) and Guatemalan (Maya). Her role as a Death Comadre surfaced as early as childhood. One of the most impactful experiences was upon losing both her father and husband a day apart from one another in 2009. Upon deciding to become certified as a death midwife, her family's response was, “don’t we do this already?” The Collective has been taught by our elders, ways to support families with ceremony in times of birth and death. Enjolie and many others feel privileged to support the community through those sacred transitions and to support in practical and logistical areas associated with the business of death.
Role in curriculum
Dr. Gerardo Vazquez
Short bio
link to full bio
Role description in curriculum
Maria Parra Cano
Short bio
link to full bio
Role description in curriculum
Liz Ricario
Liz was born in Durango Mexico, the land of the Tepehuanes people. Her maternal lineage stems from harvesting the land and political advocacy. Liz migrated to San Jose, California with her two siblings and parents. Liz’s family moved to Maryvale in Phoenix, Arizona where Liz was able to become engaged in local non profit organizations and pursue her education in Elementary Education.
link to full bio
Role description in curriculum
Dr. Deshawn Taylor
DeShawn Taylor, MD MSc (she/hers) is an award winning Gynecologist, Family Planning Specialist, Gender Affirming Care Provider, Reproductive Justice Activist, and Author whose work advances reproductive health care access through direct services, education and training, advocacy, and leadership. Dr. Taylor solo operates Desert Star Family Planning, an independent abortion clinic founded in 2013. The non-profit Desert Star Institute for Family Planning that Dr. Taylor founded in 2017, houses coalition work and community programs advancing access to reproductive healthcare for multiply marginalized communities.
link to full bio
Role description in curriculum
Mayra Alvarado
Mayra is Maya K’iche’ born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, and has lived in Arizona for most of her life. She earned her B.S. in Family and Human Development and her master’s in social work with a Latino Cultural Competency Graduate Certificate from Arizona State University. Before pursuing her master’s degree, she worked as an educator with first-generation, low-income high school students.
link to full bio
Role description in curriculum
What to Expect & FAQ’s
Other Questions
For questions please write to both Liz@cihuapactlicollective.org and Enjolie@cihuapactlicollective.org