Meet the Team

Angela (she/they) is a licensed mortician and owner of Inspired Journeys, the Midwest's first woman-owned and client-centered natural deathcare provider. Angela learned about NOR through her work teaching in the Program of Mortuary Science at UMN, and is now honored to educate and assist folks with green burial, water cremation, home vigils, end-of-life doula work, and funeral celebrants.

Former MN Senator. In 2010, she passed legislation to remove the requirement for embalming when a body is viewed publicly on private property (such as a private home, a church, a funeral home, or a NOR facility.). Carolyn deeply appreciates green burials but has hesitated to “buy real estate in perpetuity.” She watched over the years as Katrina Spade took an idea and turned it into reality with Natural Organic Reduction and is now pleased to help make NOR legal here in Minnesota.

I reached out to the NOR Action Group after reading Angela Woosley's editorial in the Star Tribune and then soon after heard her speak at a Northfield gathering discussing death and dying as part of living life with more intention. Being in nature is my happy place and I appreciate the full circle process of NOR that allows me to become nature after my death. The more I learn about it the more I am committed to using my grassroots advocacy/lobbying experience to help make NOR a reality here in Minnesota.

Erik (he/him) was introduced to NOR through a course reading at the University of Minnesota and has turned what was a personal passion for his own eventual composting into a broader exploration of making NOR accessible in Minnesota. He currently exploring these possibilities as a FINNOVATION Fellow. Read more about his journey.

Jacob Grippen is no stranger to volunteer work, and organizing around and advocating on issues. Jacob became interested in NOR after watching a Caitlin Doughty video on the topic, which highlighted the work of Recompose in Washington State. 

Instructor for several business-related courses at the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. My background includes MN licensed mortician, business/sales strategy at US Bank Equipment Finance, local and national grassroots advocacy work related to consumer product safety and currently serving as Director of Parents Against Tip-overs (501c3). Would love to see NOR legalized in Minnesota to bring more natural disposition options to our state.

Entrepreneur who has launched non-profit and for-profit organizations in MN. Jennie became connected with NOR by meeting Erik (Live On MN) at the 2023 MN Cup Grand Finale event at the University of Minnesota. She is excited to champion alternative deathcare practices in Minnesota.

Megan (she/her) is a certified death doula and works at Send Off Funeral Home.

Psychologist (retired), social justice facilitator, circle keeper, writer, grandmother. I am working toward legalization of NOR in Minnesota because it is consistent with my core belief—that we are all related, responsible to and for the earth and all its inhabitants, now and in future generations. That belief guides the choices I make day to day. The natural organic reduction of my body would allow me to honor that commitment when I die.

Susie (she/her) produces televison ads and in her spare time advocates for various things she cares about including legalizing human composting in Minnesota. A long time follower of Katrina Spade's efforts to create, legalize and operationalize human compsting, she was spurred by the positive response at Katrina Spade's GNF talk with Angela Woosley to jump into action. She is also passionate about updating conversations around death and dying in ways that work for families and make end of life less mysterious and more connecting for all. She compiles end of life rescources as she learns on her website.

Taelor (she/her) is the Dir of Communications for Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial, a signature service of MM currently offering NOR to Minnesotans through a partnership with Return Home in WA state. We are interested in offering choice and relevant ceremonies and disposition options to every family we serve.

I'm a Certified End-of-Life doula practicing as a community grief companion. I work with folks a bit 1:1, provide resources, and have hosted group spaces for grieving and processing. My full-time work is in tech where I've spent most of my career. I live with my partner and two awesome step-kids. I always identify as a writer, runner, and maker.