Kai Wonder
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Licensed Social Worker and trained Death Doula with 9+ years of experience supporting individuals and families through serious illness, dying, and grief. Skilled in hospice care, bereavement counseling, and trauma-informed practice, with a deep commitment to dignity, meaning-making, and culturally responsive care at the end of life. Known for creating safe, compassionate spaces where patients and loved ones can navigate complex emotional, spiritual, and practical transitions. Experienced educator and community builder dedicated to expanding conversations around death, dying, and grief.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & Death Doula
Philly Death Doula Collective
01.2019 - Current
- Co-founded a community-based end-of-life doula organization providing holistic emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families
- Guide clients through meaning-making, legacy projects, and end-of-life planning with a person-centered, values-driven approach
- Provide one-on-one grief support and bereavement counseling in both virtual and in-person settings
- Design and facilitate community programming including Grief Circles, Death Cafés, and educational workshops to normalize conversations around death and loss
- Develop and deliver trainings for students, professionals, and community members on end-of-life care and grief literacy
Hospice Social Worker
VITAS Healthcare
01.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs, strengths, and care preferences
- Provide education on hospice philosophy, disease progression, and the dying process to support informed decision-making
- Offer emotional support and counseling to patients and families navigating anticipatory grief and end-of-life transitions
- Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated, compassionate, and patient-centered care
- Assist families with funeral planning and connection to community resources
Bereavement Care Provider
Medical Examiner’s Office of Philadelphia
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Initiated outreach to individuals and families following sudden or traumatic loss, offering immediate and ongoing bereavement support
- Delivered short-term grief counseling grounded in trauma-informed and compassionate care practices
- Assessed client needs and developed individualized grief support and safety plans
- Facilitated both open and closed grief support groups, fostering connection and shared healing
- Created and implemented grief education curriculum and provided psychoeducational resources to diverse populations
Adjunct Faculty
Drexel University, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Designed and taught an undergraduate course on Death and Dying, integrating contemporary theory and experiential learning
- Fostered a reflective and inclusive classroom environment for exploring death anxiety, grief, and existential themes
- Led engaging discussions that encouraged critical thinking and personal meaning-making
Medical Social Worker
VNA Hospice of Greater Philadelphia
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Provided comprehensive psychosocial support to hospice patients and families in home and facility settings
- Utilized therapeutic interventions including life review, dignity therapy, and meaning-centered approaches
- Delivered ongoing bereavement counseling and education tailored to individual and family needs
- Connected patients and caregivers to community resources and advocated for holistic care needs
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity and quality of care
Service Coordinator
AmeriHealth Caritas
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed a caseload of 70+ individuals with complex medical and social needs
- Conducted regular assessments in-home and via telehealth to monitor health status and service effectiveness
- Coordinated care plans and connected participants with appropriate medical, behavioral health, and community services
- Maintained detailed and accurate documentation in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Clinical/End-of-Life/Grief
West Chester University
Philadelphia05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD05-2006
Skills
- End-of-Life Care & Hospice Practice
- Grief Counseling & Bereavement Support
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Psychosocial Assessment & Care Planning
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Advance Care Planning & Legacy Work
- Crisis Intervention & Emotional Support
- Group Facilitation & Curriculum Development
- Cultural Humility & Person-Centered Care
- Family Systems & Caregiver Support
- Community Outreach & Program Development
- Clinical Documentation & Case Management
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Pennsylvania Chapter
- International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), Trained Member
Timeline
Hospice Social Worker
VITAS Healthcare
01.2025 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
Drexel University, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
01.2021 - 01.2023
Bereavement Care Provider
Medical Examiner’s Office of Philadelphia
01.2020 - 01.2024
Co-Founder & Death Doula
Philly Death Doula Collective
01.2019 - Current
Service Coordinator
AmeriHealth Caritas
01.2019 - 01.2020
Medical Social Worker
VNA Hospice of Greater Philadelphia
01.2018 - 01.2022
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Clinical/End-of-Life/Grief
West Chester University
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Salisbury University
Personal Information
Title: Licensed Social Worker