About

Lauren Hunter-Smith is an artist, gardener, amateur mycologist, Mama, and the founder of Bluegrass Death Doula. Lauren is a native of Lexington and graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she studied painting and biology.  Following college, Lauren served in the Peace Corps as a Women’s Health Volunteer in Benin, West Africa.  Upon her return to the Bluegrass, Lauren worked with several local nonprofit arts organizations, including the Headley-Whitney Museum and Kentucky Theater. Lauren made the leap to death care professional after completing her death doula certification in 2021. In addition to being a death educator and companion, Lauren is a home funeral guide, natural burial advocate, non-denominational celebrant, sound therapist, aromatherapist, meditation guide, and sought out speaker. Through Bluegrass Death Doula, she offers advanced care directives and funeral planning, legacy project assistance, comfort therapy, living funeral planning, vigil education, home funeral guidance, celebrant services, and green burial guidance.  Lauren currently serves as an Advisor to the Board of Windy Knoll Memorial Sanctuary in Lawrenceburg, KY.