Before the Casket helps people talk about what matters most — before a crisis hits.
Educate • Facilitate • Support
We do WHAT?
Medical education for end-of-life planning
Seminars for difficult conversations
Personalized nurse support

Problem & Solution
When people avoid conversations about death, loved ones are left guessing—often resulting in guilt, trauma, and complicated grief. In healthcare, a lack of communication training leads to moral distress for providers and unnecessary suffering for patients. Before the Casket bridges that gap. We help people make informed decisions and talk about them—and we teach healthcare professionals how to lead these conversations with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Through our workshops, tools, and real conversation, we empower everyone to make informed, values-based choices before the crisis hits.
WHY: Before the Casket empowers you to advocate for yourself and find peace.
HOW: Educating and facilitating conversations
WHAT: Sips & Wishes - a relaxed, interactive workshop presented by nurses for a non-medical audience to learn about medical treatments for documenting your end-of-life wishes.
Death Essentials: Skills you shouldn't learn on the floor - an accredited workshop presented by nurses for medical professionals.
Compassionate Conversations - seminars presented by nurses for medical professionals.
Comfort Compass - personalized support from a nurse advisor.
4 Reasons Why
Normalize Death
Is it hard to talk with your parents or kids about death? Has a friend told you about the guilt and second-guessing they do because they had to decide if they should put a feeding tube in their mom? Do you freeze when your patient says, "I'm done"? Our culture hides death, and many healthcare professionals see death as failure. Luckily for you, you have found two nurses who want to help with these difficult conversations. We want to explain what it means to “do everything” to “save” a life.
Comprehensive & Humanized Health Care Information
Real medical equipment is shared to demystify the tools. Medical treatments and their purpose are discussed. Real stories are shared to help the information sink in. Sharing personal experiences isn't just for the presenters, but the participants, too. We want to hear your stories. And ask any "taboo" question. Learning about the sequence and side effects of these medical treatments and interventions helps you make educated decisions about what you want for your body.
Proven Strategy, Highly-Effective Education
All of the curriculum is purposeful and designed by Master's prepared educators. You are encouraged to ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussions. Participants report feeling energized, comforted, and empowered following the workshop.
Innovative, One-of-a-Kind Solution to a Selfless Act
With this unique education, you have the chance to discover your wishes and amplify your voice. It's expected that your loved ones will experience grief when you're gone. Before the Casket offers a solution to the guilt of not knowing what you want. Please do this for them.

Sips & Wishes
Join our relaxed and interactive workshop presented by nurses, where non-medical people can learn about medical treatments and the importance of documenting end-of-life decisions. Gain valuable knowledge and tools to advocate for yourself and have meaningful conversations with your loved ones. Our experienced nurses will guide you through the process, ensuring that you feel empowered and informed about your options. The exclusive workbook allows you to take notes during the workshop, then helps guide the conversation with your loved ones, ensuring that your wishes are understood and respected. Document your wishes in our custom Preferences Packet.

Comfort Compass
Take advantage of our personalized support from a nurse advisor. Where compassion meets expertise. Collaborative consultations tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need assistance in making medical decisions, navigating healthcare systems, brainstorming, advocacy, or simply someone to talk to, Comfort Compass is direct access to a nurse. Always using a holistic approach, this service is available as a one-time session or ongoing basis in-person or virtual. Acute emergency support is also available.

Compassionate Conversations
Seminars presented by nurses for medical professionals
- Hospice 101: But I don't work in hospice! (1 or 2 contact hours)
- From ER nurse to death advocate (1 contact hour)
- More seminars coming soon!

Death Essentials: Skills you shouldn't learn on the floor
A one-day workshop presented by nurses for medical professionals
Join our transformative workshop to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care with grace and empathy. Discover the power of emotional intelligence at the bedside, explore the nuances between palliative care and hospice, and master the art of meaningful end-of-life conversations. Gain insight into the dying process, delve into self-reflection and grief, and equip yourself with essential conversation techniques for profound connections. (6.5 contact hours)

Amy Hensley, MSN, RN
Co-Founder and Owner
Educator • Advocate • Conversation Catalyst
How I define myself
mama bear, supportive friend, oldest daughter and sister, compassionate hospice nurse, movie lover, former graphic designer, passionate human, social introvert
I haven't always...
I wasn't always my true authentic self. I found my voice and the strength to use it. The goal is to grow.
My values...
My values: honesty, courage, authenticity
My catchphrase: from uncomfortable comes change
My strengths: harmony, discipline, consistency, connectedness, relator
Wherever you are, I want to help move you one notch more comfortable and empower you to advocate for yourself.
Bio
I was a graphic designer for nearly twenty years before I went to nursing school. While I worked at a critical access hospital doing everything from birth to death, I got my MSN and then started teaching. During my teaching career, I found my voice and encouraged students to find their voice. Realizing that my passions include end-of-life guided me to become a hospice nurse and end-of-life educator. We all bring to the table our experiences, viewpoints, concerns, biases, and expectations. Giving grace to myself and those around me has helped me have uncomfortable conversations with humor, awareness and understanding. I'm becoming more comfortable with asking for what I want.
Why we're good together
We each bring different traits, strengths, viewpoints, and needs to Before the Casket. We laugh and drink on the deck, letting those we love interrupt and add to our story. We commiserate and share the joys of motherhood. We can say scary thoughts out loud and cry without judgment. We collaborate and brainstorm constantly. When one is down, the other sits and provides a safe space. We're growing individually and together.
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