Kaitlyn Pietras

Hello! I’m Kaitlyn, a queer Jewish grief worker and visual artist based in Los Angeles. My practice is rooted in the intersection of grief, death, and art, creating meaningful spaces for those navigating life’s most profound transitions. I received my Death Doula certification from Jill Schock at Death Doula LA. With a BA in Architecture and an MFA in Design for Live Entertainment from UCLA, my background in art and storytelling allows me to create environments that feel physically, energetically, and spiritually supportive for my clients and their loved ones. I’m committed to lifelong learning and recently attended Allison Bagg’s Ancient Future Sound Academy to deepen my understanding of sound as a healing modality. I love providing my clients with tools that have resonated with me in my own grief journey. In addition to my death doula training, I completed the Deeper Deathwork intensive with DeathWives, focusing on end-of-life care and grief studies. I’ve also completed Herbalism for Grief, a 10-part course on plant allies for grief, trauma, and herbal rituals taught by Mara June of Motherwort + Rose, as well as The Herbal Academy’s Introductory Herbalism Course. I’m passionate about integrating rituals and art into my practice. A recent spell I wrote, inspired by the Jewish ritual of Tashlikh, is featured in Grieving as Shapeshifting: Spells for Coming Undone. Additionally, I’m a contributing artist in The Rebis Vol. 2: Chariot and have an art piece featured in the Jewish Zine Archive’s Omnibus. Currently, I am the Curator + Director of Programming at Studio DDLA, a death and mortality-centered art gallery and community space in Chinatown, Los Angeles, where I also facilitate monthly queer grief circles.

Kaitlyn (she/her) is a queer Jewish grief worker and visual artist. She is the Curator + Director of Programming at Studio DDLA, where she recieved her Death Doula certification under the guidance of Jill Schock. Kaitlyn is passionate about tending to personal and communal grief, connecting with her ancestors, and serving the LGBTQIA+ community. She has a deep love for plant magic + Jewish mysticism.