Alexis Hart

Alexis Hart, a Los Angeles native, is a seasoned death care professional with over a decade of experience across various facets of end-of-life and death care. Her extensive background spans mortuary and cemetery services, medical examiner, hospice, and pathology, establishing her as a guiding light during families' darkest moments.Passionate about nature, Alexis seamlessly integrates its healing power into her work, enhancing the support she provides to those in need. As a co-founder of both Prism Memorial and Get Stiff Podcast, alongside Shannan Guillory, Alexis is deeply honored to educate and serve grieving families, offering compassion and expertise throughout their journey.

Soul Soaks: Gentle Soaks, Deep Healing

Alexis will provide a brief yet comprehensive overview of how grief affects the physical body, and offer guidance on using the five senses to facilitate self soothing and healing. She will give an explanation on how each ingredient that is being offered aids in the healing process, explaining their individual benefits and their role in supporting individuals through grief. This session will emphasize how Prism promotes self-care for those grieving, and educates on accessible, cost-effective practices—such as taking a bath or shower—that can alleviate physical symptoms associated with grief. Additionally, Alexis will include a brief historical context lesson on the role of baths in ancestral healing traditions. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to create their own individual healing bath soak using the materials provided.

What was the catalyst for you stepping into this work? How did you end up here, at this moment, doing what you do?

From a very young age I had always been curious about death and dying. I wondered why it was never talked about, especially when it was going to happen to all of us. I have always known deep down that I was meant to do this work, and to be the guiding light during families darkest times. After years and years of working in the end of life and deathcare space, I saw a lack of grief support for families after they lost their loved ones. The true turning point for me was when I myself experienced a loss, and saw firsthand the lack of resources that followed. I had to find my own ways to navigate through grief, with nature and holistic practices being the foundation of my healing. Prism is the embodiment of everything I hoped and wished was available to me at that time.

What do you hope people get from working with you or interacting with your services?

I hope that everyone feels like they are seen and heard. I want to make end of life, grief, and death, a natural topic for us to have open discussions about. My workshop focuses on the importance of using the senses to help ease the physical and emotional discomforts that sometimes can come with grief. I want to normalize talking about lower cost effective options of coping with a loss, such as taking a bath. I want people to understand that simple self care is essential in navigating through grief. I also want people to have a better appreciation for the healing powers of nature. We can learn so much from it, and use it as a tool in helping guide us through grief. And with Prism, I hope that whoever chooses us has a newfound sense of community. To understand that they are not alone in their grief, even when it feels like it. 

What do you wish was different about the way we are supported when dying, grieving, and navigating end-of-life in general? What would you change?

First and foremost I wish we were more open with discussing it. I feel that dying, grief, and end of life are usually very falsely portrayed in the media. I wish it was taught in school curriculums and discussed more openly in society. I dislike how frequently death and grief are seen as these battles to be overcome and won. Western society and culture is so far behind in how we handle this topic. I feel if we change our perspective, and allow ourselves to openly express our concerns and struggles, it becomes less scary. 

What would you say to someone who is nervous about attending events about death or grief?

I truly understand. It’s extremely daunting to attend an event that’s focused on these subjects, especially when it’s a topic that is so rarely discussed. It’s even more difficult when you are deep in the throes of grief yourself. What I will say is that this is a safe space, and to be surrounded by people who understand what you are going through provides a profound level of deep healing and comfort that you may not be able to find anywhere else. It’s okay to be nervous, and we are here for you. 

If someone meets you at the resource fair - what's a question you invite them to ask you? 

Please ask me anything that will help you along in your journey! I am an open book, and am open to answering any questions that you may have about my experience working in this industry. I enjoy talking about all things grief, death, and dying. I also love talking about nature and all things self care. I am here for you, thank you for trusting me.