WRITER. DEATH DOULA. LIFE OPTIMIZER.
Meet Tess
My story is rooted in both personal experience and purpose.
I believe we can live well when we have the tools to face the hard stuff. With a background as a professional Irish dancer on Broadway and a financial regulation lawyer in New York, I now help people tackle taboo topics—death, grief, change, and uncertainty—so they can live with more clarity, meaning, and connection.
After profound personal losses and years of serving the dying and their families, I became an end-of-life doula. I’m also a yoga teacher, astrologer, and Reiki master—practices that continue to shape how I hold space for others.
Today, I work with individuals and organizations to reflect, plan, grieve, and grow. Through writing, workshops, and private guidance, I offer real stories, proven tools, and practical wisdom to help you move forward with confidence and compassion.
Obstacles are opportunities to grow. ♡
REAL STORIES. PROVEN TOOLS. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE.
Writer
I write to make meaning, normalize life’s hardest conversations, and inspire change. My essays and stories have been published in national outlets and resonate with readers around the world.
End-of-Life
Doula
I support individuals and families through end-of-life planning, hospice journeys, and legacy projects with dignity, presence, and heart.
Life
Optimizer
I help you align with what matters, create meaningful rituals, and design a life of purpose, balance, and well-being.
MY APPROACH
Blending wisdom, practices, and presence.
I draw from writing, grief work, astrology, yoga, meditation, and energy healing to offer guidance that meets you where you are. My approach is holistic, practical, and deeply human.
Compassion
Holding space with kindness, empathy, and respect.
Ritual
Honoring transitions and creating meaning through intentional acts.
Clarity
Cutting through the noise so you can make aligned decisions.
Connection
Building community and reminding you that you are not alone.
BEYOND THE WORK
In Community
When I’m not writing, guiding, or holding space, you’ll find me in community—co-hosting events, teaching workshops, and sharing everyday moments.
Exploring nature and finding stillness.
Adventures with my dogs and loved ones.
Travel, good stories, and meaningful conversations.
CERTIFICATIONS, PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & TRAINING
FAQs
What’s Tess’s story?
Tess began her career as a professional Irish dancer, performing in Riverdance and productions by Michael Flatley, before becoming a financial regulation lawyer in New York.
Her life changed profoundly when her best friend died in a plane crash over the Atlantic Ocean. The loss led Tess on a spiritual journey through New York City and India, shifting her life away from control, logic, and certainty toward service, spirituality, and flow.
She later trained as an end-of-life doula, volunteered in hospice care, led a local death doula collective, and served on an advisory council focused on elder financial protection. She also studied astrology, Reiki, meditation, yoga, and mediation.
Tess eventually found love in an unexpected chapter of her life and now lives in Missouri with her husband and their dogs.
What did Tess do before her major midlife career pivot?
After years of competitive Irish dance, Tess joined the Irish dance chorus of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. She toured throughout North America and became the understudy for the role of Morrighan.
She also performed in Michael Flatley’s Feet of Flames in London. After returning to New York for law school, she appeared in the Broadway production of Riverdance and participated in promotional performances while earning her J.D.
Her final professional dance performance was a St. Patrick’s Day appearance on Good Morning America with Riverdance.
After putting herself through law school, Tess practiced law in New York, primarily in the field of financial regulation, until making a major midlife career pivot.
Where has Tess spoken or appeared?
Tess has spoken, taught, presented, or appeared at libraries, writing conferences, yoga centers, retreats, end-of-life events, and educational organizations.
What are Tess’s astrological “Big Three”?
Tess is a ♋️Cancer Sun, ♌️Leo Rising, and ♏️Scorpio Moon.
What’s the one thing Tess thinks everyone should do?
Treat each day as a gift.
What’s Tess’s biggest weakness?
Chocolate and cappuccinos! 🍫☕️♥️
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