Our Team
Candace Ohanessian
MSc, MICDA
Principal
Candace is an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and registered funeral provider (reg. no. F0000562U) who believes that one of the most life-affirming things a person can do is prepare for one's death. She has worked for over 20 years with people in transition, from recovery from addiction through family turmoil to end-of-life care and families in grief. She sees her role as helping individuals plan for and have their preferred death, and helping families embrace and support not only the dying person but each other to the greatest extent possible.
Candace is on the Board of Directors for Holistic End of Life & Deathcare Australia (HELD) and a member of the Australian Home Funeral Alliance (AHFA), Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN), Institute of Community Directors (MICDA) and Palliative Care Victoria (PCV). She holds a BA in Human Development and an Masters of Science in Transpersonal Psychology. In addition to doula training with Preparing the Way and celebrancy training with Sally Cant, she also has trained in addiction counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, and ASIST suicide prevention.
Candace serves all of greater Melbourne.
Malia Dewse
Planning Specialist
Malia is a holistic end-of-life planner who works with individuals and families to plan for the inevitable before it’s really needed. She supports people to understand nine distinct areas of activity, prioritising according to current and future needs. She provides information, resources and research to enable clients make informed decisions that are consistent with their wishes and values.
Her compassionate and professional methodology is tailored for each client. There is time for planning slowly, raising concerns and discussing issues with loved ones, as well as digesting the information provided. Plans are completed when the individual is confident their needs are met.
Malia is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of the Natural Death Advocacy Network and was a board member of Tender Funerals, GEM and several family violence services. Whilst in the public service she held a number of management and executive roles and received several awards, including the Victorian IPAA award for Leadership in the Public Sector in Evidence-Based Policy.
Iain McKinnon
End-of-Life Coach
Iain is a qualified end-of-life coach, funeral arranger, celebrant, and palliative and aged care aromatherapist with post-graduate qualifications in coaching. His work as a registered nurse leading palliative and HIV/AIDS units has given him a unique and deep respect for the dying process. In his work he has supported hundreds of individuals who were dying and did his utmost to ensure their end-of-life journey unfolded, as much as was possible, in the way that mattered to them.
As an end-of-life coach, Iain encourages people to develop their own ability to embrace change and deal with adversity, to make their own choices and decisions whilst being supported, informed, listened to, and valued. As a funeral arranger and celebrant, Iain can not only support planning for end-of-life and after death, but also arrange the funeral/memorial and conduct the service. This ensures continuity of care and a consistent presence throughout the journey.
As an end-of-life aromatherapist, Iain crafts blends to support specific disease processes and symptoms, and also common side-effects of medications and treatments, both physical and psychological. These may be in the form of diffuser oils, massage oils, spritzers, bath oils or dream pillows.
Iain serves metropolitan Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley.
Melanie Cookes
End-of-Life Doula
As a practical end-of-life doula, Melanie can help with anything that’s needed. For those who are living illness-free, Melanie can assist with planning and paperwork to make everything smooth when the time comes. For those who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, she can assist with planning, transport, scheduling, rostering, family facilitation, legacy work, liaising with medical staff and more. After a person has died, Melanie can assist with after-death body care, vigils, funeral or memorial arrangements and bereavement.
Melanie strongly advocates for the people who use her services, and endeavours to restore to them their capacity, control and choice. She honours and respects the beliefs and values of the people she serves, and her goal is to help identify what is most important to a person at the end of life and help them to have their preferred death.
Melanie serves all of greater Melbourne.
Sandra Miranda
End-of-Life Doula
Sandra is dedicated to supporting individuals and their loved ones through the end-of-life journey with empathy, kindness, and respect. She believes everyone deserves to make choices that reflect their values and wishes. Central to her approach is being present—whether it’s listening, sharing memories, laughing, or facilitating meaningful conversations.
Sandra works to create a peaceful environment where you can make informed decisions, empowering you throughout the process. Her goal is to provide comfort and compassion, ensuring you feel safe and supported. She believes in walking alongside you, ensuring that you feel heard, valued, and respected.
As a collaborative partner, Sandra works with you to ensure that your choices align with your needs, values, and preferences. She acts as your informed guide, helping you make decisions and advocating for your wishes to ensure your needs are met.
Sandra offers services such as Funeral Planning, Advance Care Planning and Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) applications. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating difficult times, Sandra is here to support you every step of the way.
Sandra serves Croydon, the Yarra Valley and the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
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