Stepping Stones Tool Kit - End of Life Planning

Date: May 10th

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

My name is Honey Berg. I’m a retired educator who has spent over 30 years ensuring that the needs of teachers, students and their families were the focus of my work.  I was an elementary school teacher and then a principal for 20 years. I was promoted to director and ultimately retired as an Assistant Superintendent of Education. 

After retiring, I concentrated my efforts on becoming a Hospice volunteer.  My goal was to bring as much comfort and compassion to my clients as possible.  I’m certified in Reiki, Healing Touch, Aromatherapy, and Vigiling.   I also received certification as an End of Life Doula.

During my time with Hospice, I became acutely aware of the need for non-medical support for patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. My commitment to these patients led to the establishment of “Stepping Stones”. Our goal is for Stepping Stones to help fill this void and  support people facing newly diagnosed or advanced illness while advocating for their well-being.

My name is Jane Selig.   I learned that my love of children went beyond loving my own when I took a part time job at the school district.  Supporting the kids became my joy, the part time became full time as a school secretary.  The school, the kids and parents became my second family and Cambrian School District was my second home for 25 years. 

During those years of working at the district, I was also a caregiver for my mother, then my grandmother and grandfather, and finally my father.  I knew at that time there was a calling to care for my loved ones in their last days. I felt it my honor to see them thru this life and on.

I was inspired to become a hospice volunteer because of my experiences with hospice who so graciously cared for my family. Once retired, I became a volunteer.  I felt a strong compassion for those who were ill and wanted all the tools.    I trained in Aromatherapy, Reiki, Healing Touch and became a Certified End-of-Life Doula.  I have supported patients in their home, in residential care facilities and most recently in a hospice house.

I started Stepping Stones, with my good friend who shares the same passion for caring for others.  Our mission is to advocate and improve quality of life for clients and their families who are navigating a life-threatening illness.  My heart is the driver of this journey.  I am always grateful for the perspective it gives me.