Poignant Stories. Applicable Take-Homes.

Since 2007, Sara has enjoyed engaging audiences of 15 - 1000+ people, speaking on topics both within and outside of the death care profession.  Drawing on her extensive experience as a Funeral Celebrant and Celebrant Trainer with InSight Institute, she offers enthusiastic, interactive seminars and webinars for the professional development of various funeral homes' staff and is a dynamic keynote speaker for conventions and events across Canada.

Past engagements include conferences with the Ontario Funeral Services Association (OFSA), Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals (OAFCP), World Vision Canada, Caregivers Luncheons, Women’s Retreats, Annual Memorial Services and more.

The two most popular topic requests are below and all can be adapted to fit a time frame of 40-60 minutes.

Beyond the Obituary:  What I’ve Learned from 750 Funerals - And Why It Matters for Yours

Some people say, “Just cremate me”—not because they don’t think they matter, but because they don’t want their loved ones to make a fuss. Others say, “Just throw a party,” imagining laughter and toasts at their favourite pub or golf course. But in both cases, what’s often missing is the most meaningful part: the chance for people to gather, reflect, and hear the story of a life—together.

In this inspiring and down-to-earth session, Certified Celebrant Sara Hawkins gently challenges the idea that simple has to mean shallow. A personalized goodbye doesn’t need to be fancy, expensive, or traditional to be powerful.

Having personally crafted and officiated over 750 funerals, Sara has seen firsthand the difference a well-told story and thoughtful ceremony can make—for grieving families, for future generations, and even for those who thought they didn’t want anything at all. With warmth, clarity, and compelling real-life examples, she offers a fresh vision of what’s possible. This session will leave attendees with a deeper understanding of how a personalized service doesn’t just honour a life—it helps people heal.
 

All Attendees will: 

• Gain insight into how thoughtful end-of-life planning can be a powerful gift to loved ones

• Discover the difference between a generic service and a Celebrant-led, story-rich farewell

• Hear real examples of meaningful ceremonies that helped families heal

• Receive practical tools, including the "Legacy Conversation Starter" guide

Ideal for:

• Retirement residences

• Seniors' groups

• Pre-planning funeral events hosted by funeral homes or community centres

"Sara was instrumental in elevating the quality of our event. Her heartfelt tribute to the professionals being honoured, paired with her wealth of experience as a celebrant, brought a seamless and personal touch to the event. We are grateful for her expertise and the grace with which she helped make the evening memorable."

Karen Ayres, Ontario Funeral Services Association, Executive Director

The Ripple Effect: How Small Actions Create Lasting Change

Legacy. It’s a word that pops up everywhere—on social media, in books, from influencers and leaders of all kinds. We’re constantly encouraged to “live intentionally,” “make every day count,” and “be the best” at everything we do. But let’s be real: all that noise can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and even disheartening at times.

In this engaging and hopeful presentation, Sara invites you to explore what it truly means to leave a legacy that matters—one that isn’t about hustle or perfection, but about small, authentic actions that create powerful ripple effects.

Drawing on her personal experiences and years of listening to the stories of those who have lost a loved one as a Funeral Celebrant, Sara shares heartfelt examples of what people remember most “at the end of the day.” She weaves together insights, humor, and genuine encouragement to help you see how your everyday choices and presence shape the world around you.

Attendees will leave this session:

• Clearer about the simple, impactful ways they can make a difference—at home, at work, and in their community

• More aware of how they may have chased validation or identity, and how to gently recalibrate for deeper meaning

• Equipped with ideas for sustainable self-care and renewal so they can keep showing up as their best self

Ideal for:

• Companies and associations seeking to inspire and reenergize their teams

• Sales teams looking to find deeper meaning and motivation

• Non-profits eager to show appreciation for their volunteers

• Professionals in caregiving, healthcare, EMS, funeral services, and more

• Anyone who wants to live and work with intention, no matter their position or profession

“We were delighted to have Sara speak at our annual Caregivers' Luncheon. She is a genuine storyteller and speaker, and her moving presentation engaged everyone in attendance. Not only did Sara share powerful stories from the families she has served through her Celebrant work, but she also gave us practical ideas on how each of us can make an impact – helping us to recognize and appreciate what's truly important in our lives. Sara's heartfelt passion is infectious, and we all left encouraged, inspired and grateful.”

Don Smith, Owner and President of Smith’s Funeral Homes, Burlington

Have another keynote or breakout session topic in mind?