About Me

Who: I have been working with people throughout my adult life first as a therapist and counselor, and now as an actor, writer and Celebrant. I am a certified celebrant by the InSight Institute. I love the creative process and enjoy collaboratively coming up with solutions. I have also spent much of my work life embracing and creating dialogue about diversity and inclusion which is one of my core values. I believe in creating a space where people feel listened to and empathized with. I believe the best work comes from true collaboration and facilitating people’s vision and desires. I also love to think outside the box when it is appropriate. When I am not working, I ride bicycles, hike, rollerblade and sing with my guitar.

Why Celebration of Life: I want to create memorable funerals and celebration of life ceremonies because I have learned through losing friends and family that a person stays with us once they die and how we celebrate their life also stays with us. Making peace with death and allowing everyone to grieve in their own way begins with the ceremony and rituals we create together. I love creating rituals and using words and passion to conduct a ceremony that allows people to experience the full range of emotions and memories related to the person they have lost.

Why Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies: Commitment Ceremonies and Weddings when personal and unique are a touchstone for a couple and their community. I want to collaboratively create and perform a ceremony that has meaning for everyone there and that will sustain the couple on their journey together. Each ceremony is unique to the personalities and values of the couple. I will help facilitate an experience that has dignity, joy, love and if appropriate humor. A good wedding reminds us of the power of love and community. It is a renewal that we can come back to anytime we need to be refueled.

Testimonial

Carrie Gibson is a celebrant with a unique gift, in that she has the ability to bring together today’s families of diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds as well as their prior experiences.  She invests a significant amount of time with family members and friends in an effort to get to the essence of a person’s life stories and an understanding of who they are to those that love them and wish to remember and celebrate them..  Carrie is an excellent option for funeral directors to consider for those families looking for an alternative to the traditions of the past while including the elements from them that still have value to them.

-Roger Vander Plaat, Lazear-Smith Vander Plaat Memorial Home