Redefining life one thought and action at a time
Our Founder
Shantell Riley
Shantell's own personal experience with trauma and death (her oldest son, Jevontese Riley Sr was murdered March 2016) realizing trauma and death were very common in her community. So common, the community considers these events as a normal way of life. Normal is far from the truth. Understanding how trauma can impact an individual's well-being which in turn, their ability to function in and as part of the community. Especially in the black community whose grief and trauma are very unique. Shantell has noticed as she was providing bereavement support for individuals who experience pregnancy and infant loss grief was a "luxury for those who have access to resources" and a gap needed to be closed by creating access to resources.
On her journey towards healing, already a registered nurse for 16 years, has become an End-of-Life Doula, Reiki practitioner, registered yoga teacher, and certified grief counselor. The combination of education, training, and lived experience equipped her to serve the community. She is the owner of both Blue Lotus Life, providing wholistic wellness services and Dignity With Departure proving end-of-life education and support. She is the mother to 3 sons, and 1 grandson. Redefining Life Services was founded to create accessible programming and services that focus on moving a community from surviving to thriving. The intention to provide support, education, and empowerment meeting individuals where they are with consideration for the whole person and their unique human experiences.