“The 5 part course exceeded all my expectations. I have often shelved the idea of thinking of my own death or disability, but Christa’s simplified approach to writing Wills, Representation Agreements, Power of Attorney, and thinking of my own funeral/memorial based on a value driven reflection helped to demystify this often overwhelming paperwork. Rather than being paralyzed by this decision making, Prep School provided opportunities for learning and reflection and then focussed my attention on a step-by-step methodology that had me finishing the course with a much clearer vision of how all of the end of life pieces fit together”

— N. Ninnow, Prep School Graduate

“I feel such relief after taking Prep School!

I thought my husband and I had done a good job getting our estate in order, but I realized during the course that there was still a lot of work to do, especially because our goal is to not be a burden on our kids when we pass.

Completing some of this paperwork was both harder and easier than I had imagined. Harder because there were a number of questions that I had never considered, especially around the topic of medical incapacitation. Easier because we were given lots of different tools to help us complete the tasks.

Anyone who is serious about making the role of an appointed medical representative or executor easier needs to take this course!”

— T. Underwood, Prep School Graduate

“Being asked to consider circumstances that may arise, such as an unexpected death or an event that would make one unable to make their own medical decision, created an opportunity to ponder what being “alive” means to each of us and in turn to hone in on personal hopes, values and wishes. Taking care of my end of life ‘story’, (although framed in mystery and unknowing), offers me an opportunity to give a gift of enduring love to my family and friends- the people I cherish the most in this lifetime. Thank you, Christa”

— B. Hornby, Prep School Graduate

“I did the Prep School Bootcamp and it was a fantastic experience! Christa is a wonderful person who makes the overwhelming process of getting your affairs in order, as it were, into a meaningful and deep reflexive moment. She fosters a positive environment that allows participants to feel comfortable to share things and ask questions. She takes checklists and works with them as prompts that will lead to meaningful reflection that is essential when working through your advance care planning holistically.”

—A. Garcia, , Prep School Graduate

“This is without doubt the most valuable course I have EVER taken. (I have a Ph.D. so I have taken a LOT of courses!). The course is skillfully designed with a fine balance between the pure information content with the more emotional pieces, paced in weekly sessions with time to zero in on homework (not onerous) between classes. ”

— A. Henderson, Prep School Graduate

“The Prep School program provided a personalized and guided step-by-step process for addressing the important details related to putting my affairs in order. The combination of work-book, resources, course participants, and, in particular, an incredibly supportive and experienced educator - Christa Ovenell - meant that I was able to accomplish what would normally be an extremely difficult task, within a short period of time and in an engaging and affirming manner. I highly recommend Prep School and Christa Ovenell (the Death's Apprentice)!“

—S. Barclay, Prep School Graduate

“I so appreciate being able to learn from Christa’s hard work and experience. As a fellow funeral director and death doula, I see her trailblazing a route that allows others like me to walk (and run) with more ease! Thank you Christa, for all the work you are doing to shine a light on the value of the death care industry and how we can do things better“

— Kara K, Mentee and previous ACP client

“Christa is an outsanding educator with deep knowledge and the ability to deliver complex material in engaging ways”

— Lorraine A, United Church Minister, Bowen Death Collective founding member

“The depth of knowledge, lack of gatekeeping, and genuine belief Christa holds that ‘rising tides float all boats’ make her structured courses and personal guidance during office hours feel like one of the most supportive places on earth. I used to get sad when class was wrapping up, that’s how much fun it was!

— Susannah M, mentee and emerging doula

“Christa is an outstanding facilitator. She has a both a depth of knowledge and the ability to communicate that knowledge in ways that are disarming and engaging. She’s a hell of a teacher. ”

— Jeffery D, Professor & workshop participant

“This course was so helpful and transformative. From the very first session, we were learning so much. Christa’s approach was so incredibly supportive…it’s not an easy topic to get excited about and Christa finds a way to make her enthusiasm contagious. “

— Emily P, Prep School Closed-Cohort participant