Other Services

There are so many ways I help people share their memories and stories.

You might find me at the farmer’s market hosting a game about food memories, or leading a workshop on the meaning behind an important photo. People also call me when they are feeling overwhelmed by boxes of memorabilia, or when difficult diagnosis makes them want to write a goodbye letter to someone they love. Whatever your story, there’s a way to begin.

Here’s a few of them:

Handwritten letter on white paper in black ink, addressed to a grandson named Ezra, expressing love and sharing memories.

Letters to Loved Ones

WHAT: A single letter, or a collection of letters, to expresses your values, shares your family history, and pass along your blessings and hopes to your loved ones.

WHO IT’S FOR

  • Seniors (65+) or those facing a serious health diagnosis who want to express themselves in a lasting way to their family members

  • People who are estranged or working through family conflict

  • People of any age doing estate planning

  • TIMELINE: Depends on number of letters

  • INVESTMENT: $150/hour

WHY DO IT?

A letter to loved ones gives a person the chance to tell a loved one what you mean to them, what you are important, and to pass along your hopes, dreams, and values.


WHAT: A group experience where people have encouragement and support to preserve stories about defining life experiences that have shaped them.

I have taught workshops at senior centers and privately. Reach out to me for Workshop examples, which include classes on autobiographical writing, legacy letters, and writing a story behind a photo.,

PLACE: We meet in person in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and surrounding areas.

TIMELINE: Dependent on enrollment and workshop

INVESTMENT: Dependent on number of sessions

Backstory Workshops + Events

Two women sitting at a table with paperwork, pens, and a phone, in a room with wooden walls and a piano in the background.

WHY DO IT?

Connection, reflection, expression with peers and the chance to finally get your stories on the page.

A NOTE ON ACCESSIBILITY:

My workshops are designed so that everyone can participate, including those who have difficulty writing due to mobility, physical, and verbal challenges.

No writing is required. We use a variety of approaches to help participants share and capture their stories, including verbal storytelling, partnered sharing, and dictation. I will always find a way to make it work. If you have specific accessibility needs, please let me know before registering.

Life Story Sessions

WHAT: Hourly sessions that provide seniors with focused time to tell stories, organize memorabilia, and document the history behind important objects.

WHO IT’S FOR:‍ ‍

  • Seniors (65+) who need help organizing their photos, stories, and objects

  • People facing a serious health diagnosis

  • Those doing estate planning and want to review their objects and heirlooms

  • Those who want stories and parts of their histories documented but don’t want to take on a large project like a book

  • In person: Those living in Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, Kensington, San Francisco and surrounding areas.

  • TIMELINE: Ongoing

  • INVESTMENT: $150/hour

An elderly woman with white hair and glasses sitting on a brown leather couch, looking at a stack of papers.
A wooden box filled with yellowed files and documents, with handwritten notes indicating dates from June 39, 1955, visible on one of the files. A bed with a blue pillow and a clipboard resting on it are in the background.
Close-up of elderly person's hand holding yellowed papers or letters inside a large old book, in a cozy room with a bookshelf in the background.

WHY DO IT?

Many seniors crave companionship and someone to tell their stories to, while adult children worry about their isolation. Life Story Sessions offer elders meaningful company, a bright spot in their days, and the chance to reflect on a life well-lived.