Artistic Ritual Thanato-sensitive Service
ABOUT ARTS &
ANDRIENNE PREST
Andrienne believes that every moment matters and that art is a powerful vehicle to find meaning. Her artistic practice is a life-long journey.
Death comes to each of us. Ritual brings an opportunity to animate the senses, thoughts and feelings. Intention provides direction in a liminal space where calm and peace join hands ~ a place where the heart is uplifted.
Her professional experience span four decades. Beginning in both the House of Commons & Senate in executive legislative & procedural roles.
Following the arrival of two children, Andrienne worked in the role of doula on-call in Ottawa hospitals and home births before, during, and after the transition of midwifery becoming regulated. Providing continuity of care across the stages of prenatal, labour & birth, and postpartum, in addition to community development, constituted a broad learning landscape. Training and education over 15 years included: public health protocol; emergency care; family violence; substance abuse; mental health strategies; lactation science and newborn care.
Sharing multi-disciplinary information collaboratively served to deepen her understanding of an integrative mind/body well-being and an interest in death care. Leading within the doula community, Andrienne helped create educational programs for colleagues and clients faced with infant loss. Today the gaps in knowledge and support are less. We have a better understanding of processing grief when loss occurs at any age and stage.
Good communication is an essential part of working with people. It is an equal measure of skill and art bound by compassion and best listening. How we access our voice with others largely depends on our own inner dialogue.
Supplementary to work in human birth and physiology, Andrienne dedicated a year studying yoga and training in meditation. Many years of private practice and teaching since then keeps her energetic and motivated to assist others.
In 2018, Andrienne completed 200+ hours of formal study in funeral rites with the Celebrant Foundation & Institute.
Canadian attitudes and standards are evolving with the introduction and acceptance of law for Medical Assistance In Death (MAID). Awareness and access to palliative care has increased. People are encouraged to have conversations around what constitutes quality care from within an individual point of view.
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In the role of end-of-life presider, she is grateful for each engagement with clients and has received only positive feedback. Her further education and research is ongoing daily.