Anesthesiologist, Health Ethics Consultation Certified Death Doula Certification

Lisa Caramico, MD, HEC-C, is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine and a pediatric anesthesiologist at Bridgeport Hospital. Over a 30-year career caring for patients of all ages, she has developed a deep commitment to end-of-life ethics, education, and patient advocacy.

Following the death of her spouse, she became passionate about helping others navigate serious illness, dying, and bereavement with compassion and clarity. Dr. Caramico is Chair of the Bridgeport Hospital Ethics Committee and has completed Death Doula training through INELDA. She holds degrees from Vassar College and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

To read Lisa’s personal story

Physical Therapsit , Wellness Coach

Barbara Franzino is a Connecticut-licensed physical therapist with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals restore mobility, resilience, and overall well-being. She is the founder of SoulCare Physical Therapy, LLC, where she provides personalized, trauma-informed care focused on long-term healing and functional wellness.

Barbara earned her degrees in Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Biomechanics from New York University and has advanced training in myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, therapeutic yoga, and women’s health coaching. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based physical therapy with somatic and mindfulness practices to support whole-person healing.

To read Barbara’s personal story

Licensed Social Worker

Lori Burns-Galdenzi, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with thirty years of experience at Yale New Haven Hospital. Her clinical work centers on grief, loss, and medical trauma — supporting individuals and families through serious illness, oncology care, and complex life transitions. She co-founded Yale’s Perinatal Palliative Care Program, offering advocacy and support to families facing terminal pregnancies and fetal anomalies. Lori founded LBG Therapy, LLC, a private practice specializing in grief and loss, and served on the Board of Directors for Hope After Loss, where she championed trauma-informed standards of care. She believes no one should grieve alone.

To read Lori’s personal story

Researcher; Event Planner; Certified End-of-Life Doula

Suzy began her career as a segment producer for: Live! Regis & Kathie Lee; Good Morning America and The CBS Morning Program. 

She later earned an M.S.E from Bank Street College of Education working as a teacher and parenting coach.

Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings her jobs included: co-founder and outreach director: The Sandy Hook Promise; Care Coordinator: Newtown Recovery & Resiliency Team; and Producer of The Avielle Foundation’s Brainstorm Experience Speaker Series.

Suzy is the founder of the online resource, Trauma Informed Parent which provides information on childhood trauma.

Suzy currently produces Newtown, CT’s speaker series: Newtown Talks.

Suzy also works as a researcher for writer, Andrew Solomon author of The Noonday Demon and Far From the Tree.

To read Suzy’s personal story

Jennifer Barahona has dedicated three decades to nonprofit leadership, community recovery, civic engagement, and social change in Connecticut. A lifelong resident of the state, she earned degrees from the University of Connecticut and Columbia University and has focused her career on macro social work, collective impact, and public service. She has led major community initiatives following both 9/11 and the Sandy Hook tragedy, served as a nonprofit executive, and currently serves as Connecticut’s Deputy Secretary of the State. A trained death doula, Barahona has also advocated for Medical Aid in Dying legislation in Connecticut for more than 15 years after losing her mother to ALS.

To read Jen’s personal story