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Here at the HeartWay, our mission is to do our part to create a world
in which no one ever has to die alone, in pain, or without love.


We’re called to support and love the dying and their families as they navigate the most beautiful transition there is.

The HeartWay provides invaluable support by collaboratively crafting a visionary map alongside individuals nearing the end of their lives and their families. This empowering process aids in navigating the intricate challenges of fear, complex medical systems, emotional and spiritual terrains, as well as practical decisions related to end-of-life matters.

During the end-of-life transition, we support the dying, their caregivers, and their loved ones by providing:

  • End-of-Life Care
  • End-of-Life Advocacy & Planning
  • Grief Counseling
  • Personal Education
  • Healing Meditations, Ceremonies, Funerals & Memorial Services

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Andrea Deerheart: A Compassionate Guide in Life, Death, and Beyond.


Andrea Deerheart, PhD—affectionately known as Deerheart—is a deeply compassionate visionary, healer, and advocate for conscious living and dying. As the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life by honoring death, she has devoted her life’s work to easing the fear, suffering, and isolation that often accompany life’s final transitions.

Her journey into this sacred work was born from personal loss. As a child, she was shielded from death—kept from visiting loved ones in the hospital and unable to attend their funerals. This early experience left her with a profound fear of dying and death. Yet, life had other plans. Years later, a dear friend introduced her to hospice care, and from the moment she stepped into this sacred space, her life was forever changed. With decades of experience providing heart-centered care, Deerheart has become a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of aging, grief, loss, and end-of-life care. Her work extends beyond bedside vigils—she is a teacher, storyteller, and advocate, illuminating the path toward a more compassionate relationship with death and, in turn, a more meaningful way of living.

Dr. Andrea Deerheart’s work is a heartfelt weaving of wisdom, compassion, and deep presence. Drawing from the rich tapestries of cultural mythology, yoga, meditation, and spiritual traditions, she guides individuals toward embracing both life and death with grace and peace.

As an author, teacher, and healer, Deerheart has dedicated her life to illuminating the path of conscious living and dying. Her writings, including Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Elli’s Ride: Death Beyond Imagination, My Life My Death: My Life, My Death: A Sacred Guide to Planning, Legacy, and Peace.and the essential textbooks Principles of End-of-Life Care and Clinical Skills for End-of-Life, serve as beacons of knowledge and support for those on this sacred journey.

Her education spans psychology, mythology, and yoga, fields that intertwine seamlessly in her teachings. A 500-hour RYT yoga instructor and Certified Yoga Nidra Master Instructor, she masterfully uses these practices to bring healing, deep rest, and transformation. A beloved educator, consultant, and poet, she continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us that through embracing death, we truly learn to live.

Through her work, Deerheart reminds us that death is not something to fear—it is a sacred transition, an invitation to deepen our understanding of love, loss, and the eternal connection we share with one another.

✨ “When we embrace death with an open heart,
we awaken to the fullness of life.” ✨
– Dr. Andrea Deerheart 

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Andrea Deerheart: A Compassionate Guide in Life, Death, and Beyond.

Andrea Deerheart, PhD—affectionately known as Deerheart—is a deeply compassionate visionary, healer, and advocate for conscious living and dying. As the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life by honoring death, she has devoted her life’s work to easing the fear, suffering, and isolation that often accompany life’s final transitions.

Her journey into this sacred work was born from personal loss. As a child, she was shielded from death—kept from visiting loved ones in the hospital and unable to attend their funerals. This early experience left her with a profound fear of dying and death. Yet, life had other plans. Years later, a dear friend introduced her to hospice care, and from the moment she stepped into this sacred space, her life was forever changed. With decades of experience providing heart-centered care, Deerheart has become a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of aging, grief, loss, and end-of-life care. Her work extends beyond bedside vigils—she is a teacher, storyteller, and advocate, illuminating the path toward a more compassionate relationship with death and, in turn, a more meaningful way of living.

Dr. Andrea Deerheart’s work is a heartfelt weaving of wisdom, compassion, and deep presence. Drawing from the rich tapestries of cultural mythology, yoga, meditation, and spiritual traditions, she guides individuals toward embracing both life and death with grace and peace.

As an author, teacher, and healer, Deerheart has dedicated her life to illuminating the path of conscious living and dying. Her writings, including Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Elli’s Ride: Death Beyond Imagination, My Life My Death: My Life, My Death: A Sacred Guide to Planning, Legacy, and Peace.and the essential textbooks Principles of End-of-Life Care and Clinical Skills for End-of-Life, serve as beacons of knowledge and support for those on this sacred journey.

Her education spans psychology, mythology, and yoga, fields that intertwine seamlessly in her teachings. A 500-hour RYT yoga instructor and Certified Yoga Nidra Master Instructor, she masterfully uses these practices to bring healing, deep rest, and transformation. A beloved educator, consultant, and poet, she continues to inspire and uplift, reminding us that through embracing death, we truly learn to live.

Through her work, Deerheart reminds us that death is not something to fear—it is a sacred transition, an invitation to deepen our understanding of love, loss, and the eternal connection we share with one another.

✨ “When we embrace death with an open heart, we awaken to the fullness of life.” ✨

– Dr. Andrea Deerheart 

Meet Our Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce that Nikki Brake has been promoted to Executive Director of The HeartWay!

With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, special events and major gifts experience, Nikki has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Since joining The HeartWay over four years ago, she has been deeply committed to our mission, recognizing the critical need for compassionate end-of-life care in a fragmented healthcare system.

As Executive Director, Nikki will continue to amplify The HeartWay’s mission and vision, sharing her heart and compassion to support those who are grieving while educating and empowering individuals in their journey.

Please join us in congratulating Nikki on this well-deserved promotion!

Meet Our Executive
Director

We are thrilled to announce that Nikki Brake has been promoted to Executive Director of The HeartWay!

With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, special events and major gifts experience, Nikki has been an invaluable asset to our organization. Since joining The HeartWay over four years ago, she has been deeply committed to our mission, recognizing the critical need for compassionate end-of-life care in a fragmented healthcare system.

As Executive Director, Nikki will continue to amplify The HeartWay’s mission and vision, sharing her heart and compassion to support those who are grieving while educating and empowering individuals in their journey.

Please join us in congratulating Nikki on this well-deserved promotion!

Meet Our Associate Director


LAUREN GELGUR-YOON is a Certified Practicing Gerontologist with an RCFE License and vast experience working with various age groups. She also has a Masters in Gerontology and Mental Health First Aid and Grant Writing Certifications.

What drew her to The HeartWay was the compassion and mission driven focus in helping others at the end-of-life. She studied social isolation and depression amongst older adults for over 10 years and is passionate about helping others and making the world a better place to live.

Meet Our
Associate
Director


LAUREN GELGUR-YOON is a Certified Practicing Gerontologist with an RCFE License and vast experience working with various age groups. She also has a Masters in Gerontology and Mental Health First Aid and Grant Writing Certifications.

What drew her to The HeartWay was the compassion and mission driven focus in helping others at the end-of-life. She studied social isolation and depression amongst older adults for over 10 years and is passionate about helping others and making the world a better place to live.

Meet Our Devoted Board Members

Andrea Deerheart, PhD is the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life through honoring death. Her pioneering work draws on her wisdom gathered over decades and centers around teaching about issues related to aging, radiant well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, and living a more compassionate life — as well as grief, loss, and mindful, compassionate care.

She’s the author of the recording Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Andrea is also a 500hrRYT yoga instructor (the highest international standard for yoga teachers), a Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, and a sought-after consultant, educator, writer, and poet.

Dr. Marc Halpern (Dr. Shiva) is the founder and President of the California College of Ayurveda, the oldest school of Ayurvedic Medicine in the United States, and a leader in the development of Ayurvedic Medicine in the West.

Mary Franz is honored to be a founding board member of The HeartWay. She served as Secretary for the Board for four years. Now retired, Mary’s career as a psychotherapist found her working in a variety of settings.

Ladan Sahafi is the CEO of Axon Consulting, Inc., an engineering firm providing process engineering and process safety services to the refining and mining industry.

Lorraine Chavez comes to us with a wealth of experience in corporate marketing, development, and sales. Having personally benefited from The HeartWay's services, she is not only a supporter but a true advocate for the profound impact of our mission.

Dr. Denise DeZolt is an ELP who came to this space after a career in higher education. She is also a reiki master, hospice volunteer, and professional development presenter. She has over 40 years of experience in higher ed. in global quality assurance, accreditation, and compliance.

Volunteers Are The Heartbeat of
The HeartWay

Our volunteers generously give their time and resources,
coming alongside us to co-create a world in which life has more depth and meaning — because we embrace and honor the end-of-life process.

"The example that Dr. Deerheart sets for living a life of service continues to motivate me. I hope to provide for those at the end-of-life and their families in meaningful ways that help fill the current gaps in our western medical system."

“The heart-centered approach to client care is why I volunteer, attend the Death Cafe, and the ELP training program. I am honored to learn from Dr. Deerheart about how to support the dying and their families during life’s most tender moments.”

“Dr. Deerheart... genuinely puts serving from the heart as the number one priority for herself and the entire organization. I know when I volunteer time at the HeartWay, it will absolutely touch and lift the hearts of others. That makes it worth my time!”

“I am touched and inspired by Andrea and the HeartWay. Embracing others and their families in a loving and compassionate way as they transition is certainly a spiritual gift.”

DR. THOMAS DANIEL

JUDY IANNACCONE

PAMELA LOCKE

BRAD McMAHON

Would you like more information about becoming a volunteer?

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Volunteers
Are The Heartbeat of
The HeartWay

Our volunteers generously give their time and resources,
coming alongside us to co-create a world in which life has more depth and meaning — because we embrace and honor the end-of-life process.

“Dr. Deerheart’s love for end-of-life care inspired me to join The HeartWay through the ELP Program. Volunteering there has been immensely rewarding, teaching me to offer profound support during this journey of transformation for individuals and families.

DR. THOMAS DANIEL

"The example that Dr. Deerheart sets for living a life of service continues to motivate me. I hope to provide for those at the end-of-life and their families in meaningful ways that help fill the current gaps in our western medical system." 

“The heart-centered approach to client care is why I volunteer, attend the Death Cafe, and the ELP training program. I am honored to learn from Dr. Deerheart about how to support the dying and their families during life’s most tender moments.”

JUDY IANNACCONE

“The heart-centered approach to client care is why I volunteer, attend the Death Cafe, and the ELP training program. I am honored to learn from Dr. Deerheart about how to support the dying and their families during life’s most tender moments.”

“Dr. Deerheart... genuinely puts serving from the heart as the number one priority for herself and the entire organization. I know when I volunteer time at the HeartWay, it will absolutely touch and lift the hearts of others. That makes it worth my time!”

PAMELA LOCKE

“Dr. Deerheart... genuinely puts serving from the heart as the number one priority for herself and the entire organization. I know when I volunteer time at the HeartWay, it will absolutely touch and lift the hearts of others. That makes it worth my time!”

“I am touched and inspired by Andrea and the HeartWay. Embracing others and their families in a loving and compassionate way as they transition is certainly a spiritual gift.”

BRAD McMAHON

“I am touched and inspired by Andrea and the HeartWay. Embracing others and their families in a loving and compassionate way as they transition is certainly a spiritual gift.”

Would you like more information
about becoming a volunteer?

JOIN OUR FAMILY

Our Expert Advisory Committee


Who dedicate their time, resources, heart, and soul.
We are indebted to their presence and generosity.


JUSTINE AMADEO Editor and Writer
NADIA BABAYI Non-profit Consultant
ALESSANDRA COLFI Art Therapist, Healing Grief thru HeArt Therapist
KATHY DUVERNET Non-Profit and Donor Management Consultant
SCOTT & LINDA MAVEL Business Consultants
VIVIAN TIPTON Executive Director of Hospice of the Foothills
DANIEL VICARIO MD Medical Oncologist & Co-founder SD Cancer Center
GINA VUCCI Strategy, Marketing, and Business Development
HEIDI WINGO Education Regulation Consultant and Advisor

DR. PAUL BRENNER
Psychosocial Oncologist at San Diego Cancer Center
In loving memory of his decades of selfless service, providing compassionate,
integrative, and comprehensive support to those facing life-threatening
diseases and death.

Our Expert Advisory Committee


Who dedicate their time, resources, heart, and soul.
We are indebted to their presence and generosity.


JUSTINE AMADEO Editor and Writer

NADIA BABAYI Non-profit Consultant

ALESSANDRA COLFI Art Therapist, Healing Grief thru HeArt Therapist

KATHY DUVERNET Non-Profit and Donor Management Consultant

SCOTT & LINDA MAVEL Business Consultants

VIVIAN TIPTON Executive Director of Hospice of the Foothills

DANIEL VICARIO MD Medical Oncologist & Co-founder SD Cancer Center

GINA VUCCI Strategy, Marketing, and Business Development

HEIDI WINGO Education Regulation Consultant and Advisor

DR. PAUL BRENNER
Psychosocial Oncologist at San Diego Cancer Center

In loving memory of his decades of selfless service, providing compassionate,
integrative, and comprehensive support to those facing life-threatening
diseases and death.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that an equitable world is a richer life for us all.
Each day, we actively create, recognize, celebrate,
and value the diversity among us.