Here at the HeartWay, our mission is to do our part to create a world
in which no one ever has to die alone, in pain, or without love.
We’re called to support and love the dying and their families as they navigate the most beautiful transition there is.
The HeartWay provides invaluable support by collaboratively crafting a visionary map alongside individuals nearing the end of their lives and their families. This empowering process aids in navigating the intricate challenges of fear, complex medical systems, emotional and spiritual terrains, as well as practical decisions related to end-of-life matters.
During the end-of-life transition, we support the dying, their caregivers, and their loved ones by providing:
- End-of-Life Care
- End-of-Life Advocacy & Planning
- Grief Counseling
- Personal Education
- Healing Meditations, Ceremonies, Funerals & Memorial Services
Meet Our Founder
Andrea Deerheart, PhD, (or Deerheart, as she’s lovingly known) is the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life through honoring death. Her pioneering work draws on her wisdom gathered over decades spent providing loving care and healing to those on the journey of conscious living and dying.
Because she wasn’t allowed to visit them in the hospital or attend their funerals, she developed an intense fear of death and dying.
Years later, a dear friend was on the board of directors for a hospice organization. Deerheart asked if they needed any hospice volunteers — and her life changed forever.
Now Andrea’s trailblazing work centers on teaching about issues related to aging, radiant well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, and living a more compassionate life — as well as grief, loss, and mindful, compassionate care.
She’s the author of the recording Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Andrea is also a 500hrRYT yoga instructor (the highest international standard for yoga teachers), a Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, and a sought-after consultant, educator, writer, and poet.
Meet Our Senior Director
NIKKI BRAKE brings over 20 years of nonprofit, development, and major gifts experience. She was drawn to the mission and purpose of The HeartWay. She understands how unique and deeply needed these services are for so many people around the world.
Nikki amplifies the mission and vision of The HeartWay by sharing her heart and compassion to help others while educating and supporting those who are grieving.
Meet Our Associate Director
LAUREN GELGUR-YOON is a Certified Practicing Gerontologist with an RCFE License and vast experience working with various age groups. She also has a Masters in Gerontology and Mental Health First Aid and Grant Writing Certifications.
What drew her to The HeartWay was the compassion and mission driven focus in helping others at the end-of-life. She studied social isolation and depression amongst older adults for over 10 years and is passionate about helping others and making the world a better place to live.
Meet Our Devoted Board Members
Andrea Deerheart, PhD is the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life through honoring death. Her pioneering work draws on her wisdom gathered over decades and centers around teaching about issues related to aging, radiant well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, and living a more compassionate life — as well as grief, loss, and mindful, compassionate care.
She’s the author of the recording Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Andrea is also a 500hrRYT yoga instructor (the highest international standard for yoga teachers), a Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, and a sought-after consultant, educator, writer, and poet.
Dr. Marc Halpern (Dr. Shiva) is the founder and President of the California College of Ayurveda, the oldest school of Ayurvedic Medicine in the United States, and a leader in the development of Ayurvedic Medicine in the West.
Mary Franz is honored to be a founding board member of The HeartWay. She served as Secretary for the Board for four years. Now retired, Mary’s career as a psychotherapist found her working in a variety of settings.
Ladan Sahafi is the CEO of Axon Consulting, Inc., an engineering firm providing process engineering and process safety services to the refining and mining industry.
Mr. Michael J. Goodman’s career in real estate has spanned 30 years. The last 16 years in real estate have included development, consulting, and real estate brokerage.
Lorraine Chavez comes to us with a wealth of experience in corporate marketing, development, and sales. Having personally benefited from The HeartWay's services, she is not only a supporter but a true advocate for the profound impact of our mission.
Dr. Denise DeZolt is an ELP who came to this space after a career in higher education. She is also a reiki master, hospice volunteer, and professional development presenter. She has over 40 years of experience in higher ed. in global quality assurance, accreditation, and compliance.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe that an equitable world is a richer life for us all.
Each day, we actively create, recognize, celebrate,
and value the diversity among us.