Join the space for
Empowered Grievers

Learn the art of “living well and dying better”

It’s so hard to find time to nurture ourselves and honor our emotions. Let me make it easy with this 5 minute reflection. If you are looking to gift yourself a little kindness, this is it.

Your Space for Mourning

Somehow I am in my mid 40’s, looking back on the last 20 years at how grief has shaped who I am and what I believe - and I want to talk about it.

Dealing with death every day for two decades hasn’t made me melancholy or a downer at parties; it has empowered me to embrace every moment as it comes. I know that now is the most important place we can be, and that nothing else is guaranteed.

I also know that it is important for me to share what I have learned during my career in death care, to empower you to approach the end of life with less fear and more wonder.

Licensed as a death care professional and with certifications as a grief support specialist and death doula, I would love to empower you to live well and die better!

About Jokotifa

Mourning Space, grief support services in Redding, CA for mourning

My Offerings

At Mourning Space, we honor the many ways grief and transition show up in life. Whether you're navigating loss, letting go, or preparing for change, we offer personalized services to support your unique journey.

Our offerings include:

Looking for something more personal? We’re happy to collaborate on custom offerings tailored to your situation.

Explore Offerings

What is a Death Doula? Why are you a Mourning Doula?

→ Definition

A Death Doula offers non-medical, compassionate care and support to a person and their family during the dying process - before, during and after a death.

Here, I am a Mourning Doula - focused on the opportunity and life-affirming power of grief.

→ What I Do

I am building a community of empowered grievers who intend to save the world by living well and dying better. I seek to educate and uplift those that are grieving a person, place or thing - and offer mentorship to those in a supporting role.

→ How I Can Help

I am committed to helping YOU live well and die better. If it is support around death and dying that is needed, please see my offerings. If you need inspiration to Own your Life - come hang with me on YouTube! Additional offerings coming soon…

What’s Inside the Griever’s First Aid Kit

Grief doesn’t come with instructions. This kit gives you a place to start—simple, compassionate tools for the hardest days.

When you purchase, you’ll receive:

✨ The Griever’s First Aid Kit (Digital PDF)

Bare Minimum Checklist → the essentials for the first days when you can’t think straight.
Grounding Practices → quick ways to calm your body and mind in moments of overwhelm.
Practical To-Dos → clear guidance on what truly needs your attention now, and what can wait.
The “Parking Lot” List → a simple system to set aside non-urgent tasks without guilt.
Scripts for Asking for Help → ready-to-use phrases so you don’t have to find the words yourself.
Scripts for Saying No → boundaries to protect your energy when people don’t understand.
Rituals & Journal Prompts → small practices to help you hold love and memory in the midst of loss.
Affirmations → gentle reminders to carry with you in the months and years ahead.
Resources & Recommendations → where to find in-person grief support, plus curated book suggestions.

Get First Aid Here

✨ Bonus Companion Pack

Guided Meditation (audio) → a short practice to help you rest when your body feels too heavy to carry.
Phone Wallpapers (affirmations) → six calming reminders designed as lock screens, so support meets you every time you open your phone.
Script Cards (printable + screenshots) → asking-for-help and boundary-setting phrases you can keep on hand or share with friends.
Choices Sorter Sheet → a printable “permission slip” to separate what’s urgent from what can wait.

Get First Aid Now

Owning Life with Jokotifa

I’m exctied to share my new podcast about embracing the beginning, the end, and the messy middle of our time on Earth. I’m so grateful you're here! I started this podcast in November of 2024 as an olive branch to my community - Gen X moms doing their best to raise good kids, connect with their ancestors, and break generational trauma...all while working that 9-5! I share what I have learned from indigenous wisdom, working in death care, and by owning my own journey from awkward kid to married mom, just trying to find my place...

Listen on Youtube

The Blog

Blog

The Science Behind Death

I loved that someone asked a science question when I asked what information folks wanted me to share. The reason? That is why I chose this profession – the science. It turns out that is not what has kept me here, but it is still woven into what I love about this work.

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Mother’s Day Grief

Good morning and thank you for being here - from the bottom of my heart. I know that you have an endless source of education and entertainment options and, if you are here, you have made a choice to spend time with me. I hope it is a choice that makes your life better, so if there is something I can do in that regard, please let me know.

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Support Loved Ones & Listen…

What if the situation was not about listening to your surroundings, rather you were being asked to listen to someone speaking to you? Would it be easier or more difficult to a) stay quiet and b) hold your attention?

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The Road

I was introduced to this poem this week and it surprised me with it’s potency. I even took the time to learn it in Spanish, as I felt like it preferred to be spoken in its native language.

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So What Does My Kid Think About it All?

On a recent drive from grandma and grandpa’s house, I thought it would be fun to interview my 12 year old on what he thinks of all this gestures to my mortician job and the fragility of life that surrounds us always.

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People be Peopling

I have learned some wonderful things during my time in funeral service and have seen some transformative, healing moments. I have also had the opportunity to watch people unravel - times of high stress can open the door to the worst versions of ourselves. Sometimes we aren’t sure who we are going to meet until the day of a death occurs - but by then it may be too late to create or enforce boundaries.

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Figs

Do young women still read Sylvia Plath? I know many of us of a certain age sure did and The Bell Jar is one of those books that meant something. In our teenage melancholy, we saw ourselves reflected in her life and situation - awkward, bumbling, intelligent and on a mission.

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The Transition Talk

This weekend I spent quality time catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while. Over tea, she tells me that she had the opportunity to dabble in death doula-ing, as her neighbor had passed away just recently. Naturally, I wanted to know more..

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When Life Gets In the Way

I am a Virgo, which means I like order and things being *just so*. When things are put in their place and surfaces are shiny, I feel on top of the world! If only I could keep it that way. I am also a busy person..

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From Joe to Poe

When I met my husband, Sam, Abby was the female in his life. A lump of a Rottweiler who loved to sneak up on the couch when no one was looking. I did not have much experience with the breed myself, but my husband was a Rottweiler guy…

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Client Testimonials

"Dear Karen, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate everything you did to help our family during my mother’s recent passing. Members of the family expressed to me how you eased the burden around all of her arrangements."
– Joan F.
“It is comforting in life to see a person doing exactly what they have been formed to do. Karen brings an authenticity, an empathy, and a professionalism to her work that together show as part ministerial and part ‘it’s as if she knew my loved one and was part of our family.’ Tapping into her soothing and calming nature brings peace and comfort at a time when they are needed greatly. She reminds us that we are loved.”
– Jake M.
“Dear Karen, thank you for being there for my husbands services; he always admired your grace and professionalism. “
– Margaret B.
“We asked for Karen to perform a celebration of life for my Mother in law because we knew that she would take the time to do it right. Through story gathering and attention to detail, she created a eulogy that honored her life and spoke to what she meant to all of us. After the service had concluded, several family members shared that she now felt like an adopted cousin – that is the level of care that she brings to her services. This is truly a calling and a passion for her and it was visible throughout the service. I would highly recommend her for traditional or non-traditional gatherings.”
– Ralph L.

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Podcast Interviews

View From a Hearse with Bruce Goddard

Learn more about me, what I believe, and how my workbook can help you lay a bad habit to rest, in my most recent podcast interview with host Bruce Goddard, on View From a Hearse. Bruce has been an inspiration for me as a funeral professional and public speaker. I am happy to be following in his footsteps and to have the opportunity to speak with him on his podcast.

The Death of Her with Kyle McMahon

Learn more about what a death doula is and what they do, what my two decades in death care has taught me and how I see death as beautiful as life as I speak with Kyle McMahon on his show Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don’t Discuss.

The Clip Out - The Peloton Fan Club

Learn more about Mourning Space’s founder, Jokotifa Alaye. On Crystal’s show The Clip Out, we discuss nutrition, health, and my work as a death doula guiding others through grief.