Our Team

Candace Ohanessian

MSc, Cert IV, MICDA

Principal

Candace is an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant, and registered funeral provider 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 and family turmoil, to end-of-life planning, 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), Dying With Dignity Victoria (DWDV), Institute of Community Directors (MICDA) and Palliative Care Victoria (PCV). She holds a BA in Human Development and a Masters of Science in Transpersonal Psychology. In addition to doula training (Cert IV) with Preparing the Way and celebrancy training with Celebrants Training College, she has trained in addiction counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy.

Candace serves all of greater Melbourne.

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.

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.