Behind Carolina Memorial Sanctuary is a team of dedicated individuals who do this work out of love and passion with the desire to be of service to their community. Regardless of their individual roles, everyone on the Sanctuary team assists with burials and the support of guests. Below you can learn more about each of the Sanctuary’s dedicated staff and the path that led them to Carolina Memorial Sanctuary.
Caroline Yongue – Founder & Director
In 1995, Caroline began working towards a greater understanding of the death and dying process when she discovered her own fears around the transition and journey each of us will take. That was over 20 years ago and since that time, as a Death Care Midwife and Doula for the Dying, Caroline has been offering education and assistance through the Center for End of Life Transitions. In 1999, Caroline met Billy and Kimberley Campbell, founders of the first conservation burial ground in the United States: Ramsey Creek Memorial Preserve. That meeting sparked the dream of offering this type of burial in the Asheville area. Many years and many conversations later, Carolina Memorial Sanctuary became a reality when we purchased our land in December of 2015. Aside from death care assistance, Caroline does have other interests: Her Buddhist spiritual practice, Jasper and Boysenberry – her furry family, using her hands to create art, and baking. When asked why she has chosen to follow this path: It’s not often that a person has the opportunity to create a community sanctuary which allows the meeting of open hearts. There is nothing else I’d rather do. Death will touch each of us. No one will be left out. It is a gift and honor to be part of this transition.
Watch Caroline’s Tedx Talk about Home Funerals
Karly Michel – Administrative Assistant
Karly Michel is thrilled to be part of the Sanctuary team and offer administrative and onsite support for guests. She hails from Miami, FL, and has lived and traveled coast to coast. In her former life she was a theater artist, herbalist, and now, end-of-life planner and good death advocate. She is most inspired to promote candid and open conversations about death and provide as many resources for those who feel overwhelmed, scared and or alone along their end-of-life journey. When not at the Sanctuary, you’ll find Karly exploring a waterfall, relaxing in the garden, or making herbal remedies for her home apothecary.
