Life Forest is guided by a small, dedicated team brought together by a shared belief in thoughtful burial, environmental responsibility, and the power of community. Each member of our team brings a distinct background and perspective, united by a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and creating cemetery spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected to one another.
Mel Bennett created the concept of Life Forest because she wanted to bury her mother in a place that did not yet exist. Her dream of a space unlike any other, where healing would be found through nature by burying cremated remains under trees, but also having the protective qualities of a traditional cemetery, became a mission within reach thanks to the talents and efforts of the people introduced here.
As the concept designer for this non-profit cemetery approach, and with graduate studies in Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology, Mel has always been intrigued by the human condition and how our life experiences, such as pain, illness, belief, community, tradition, and family, can shape us. Mel believes that genuine kindness and respect for others, as well as the situations that have shaped people’s lives, are the starting points for achieving the feeling of fulfillment we all deserve.
John grew up in a small town in England and came to the United States as a young man, where he built his family life and a successful business career. As Life Forest’s Co-Founder, John’s business acumen played a central role in turning the idea into a viable, lasting organization. Through a deep commitment to listening and responding to the needs of others, he recognizes the importance of creating a space that evokes a sense of peace. His work reflects both a strong work ethic and a personal dedication to reshaping how we visit and remember those we love.
Danielle is Life Forest’s Director of Family Services, offering gentle guidance and clear answers to help individuals and families navigate important burial and memorialization decisions.
Life Forest was thrilled to welcome Danielle after she stepped away from a long career in the banking industry to raise her family. We deeply value the dedication, commitment, and love it takes to be a stay-at-home parent, and Danielle’s ability to remain calm while raising three sons speaks to her strength and steady presence. With a professional background rooted in member services, Life Forest is a natural fit for her continued passion for being of service to people when they need it most.
Danielle experienced the loss of both her mother and mother-in-law early in life, shaping her desire to support others through grief and healing. She and her husband of nearly 30 years, along with their three sons, are lifelong residents of New Hampshire.
With several years of experience as a Funeral Director and a strong passion for animals and the outdoors, Traci Denver consults as Life Forest’s Director of Burial Services and spearheaded the development of Life Forest’s Guardianship Burial Program.
Traci is the owner and operator of Denver Undertaking Services LLC. She graduated from the New England Institute at Mount Ida College in 2012 with a BA in Bereavement Studies and Funeral Service and previously earned a BA in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She currently serves on the New Hampshire Funeral Directors Association’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Caitlyn Hauke became interested in the death care industry through her own experience grieving the loss of her father. She found her way to Life Forest, where she brings her education and leadership to consult as Director of Strategic Planning and Development. Caitlyn is proud to help offer an ecologically friendly burial option to grieving families in a setting that supports peace and healing.
Caitlyn holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Dartmouth College, is a past President of the Green Burial Council’s Board of Directors and has experience serving as a municipal cemetery trustee.
Addie is Life Forest’s Team Administrator, promoting support, communication, and encouragement between Life Forest team members. She is also responsible for reviewing all documents prior to digital filing to ensure accuracy.
Addie has learned to understand and respect those who are struggling in life, as she was adopted at 10 months old from an orphanage in China. This experience has taught her to be grateful for the life that she has and to have empathy for those who are not as fortunate.
Dr. Colton Sawyer brings mathematical and technological brilliance to Life Forest as our Director of Mapping Technology Consultant, ensuring that our mapping data is accurate and that data points are in line with real world coordinates. Working as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Southern New Hampshire University, Colton’s research is based on modeling biological systems using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling techniques.
Learn more about Colton’s essential role in developing Life Forest’s GIS data storage, design, and environmental information.
Sasha is a PhD student in the Department of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. She is conducting independent research on Life Forest, particularly how visits to the cemetery shape long-term grief and relationships to nature. She plans to publish her research as a book about Life Forest one day!
Mike serves as Life Forest’s Cemetery Land Manager and Tour Guide and can be found most days on the land, welcoming visiting families, leading tours, or preparing the grounds for upcoming services. He plays an integral role on the burial team, helping ensure that each experience at Life Forest is handled with care, respect, and attention to detail.
With a deep love for the outdoors, Mike brings a steady warmth and genuine appreciation for the land to his work. Whether supporting families on-site or representing Life Forest at community events, he is committed to creating a welcoming, grounded presence for all who visit.
Jamie holds one of the most important roles at Life Forest as our Groundskeeper. When visiting Life Forest you most likely will see Jamie watering the memorial trees, hand digging our burial tree plots, keeping any invasive species at bay, as well as keeping a protective eye over your loved one’s final resting place.
Fate brought Jamie to Life Forest and we appreciate that he is an integral part of the Life Forest team. Jamie is not a stranger to loss. Jamie lost his wife Bobbijo to cancer. Jamie found passion and healing in creating a Cancer Awareness Float in memory of his late wife. Jamie was widowed with 2 school aged sons, providing him with an empathy for others who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Carmen is a member of our Burial Team. Her journey into this calling began as a hospice nurse, where she supported patients and families at the end of life with compassion and dignity. Her advocacy for end-of-life choices, grief support, and open conversations about death naturally led her to Life Forest.
After first discovering us through a New Year’s Eve hike, Carmen immediately connected with our mission of honoring both loved ones and the earth. What started as sharing Life Forest with others grew into hands-on involvement on the land.
Karen serves as a member of the Burial Team at Life Forest. The Burial Team handles the logistics of cremated remains interment with reverence, ensuring a respectful and honorable burial. Karen provides compassionate guidance, loving care, and respect to the family and loved ones while honoring their wishes.
Karen is an end-of-life doula, death educator, and hospice volunteer. She lives with her husband, Jerry, in the neighboring town of Washington, NH where they enjoy hiking, nature walks and kayaking in their rural community when they are not traveling the country in their camper.
Kelli Sallee has dedicated her career to being a steady, compassionate presence for people during some of life’s most difficult moments. With more than a decade of experience in public safety, peer support, and life coaching, she understands the complexities of grief, especially after a sudden or traumatic loss such as suicide, a car accident, or the opioid epidemic. She believes grief has no timeline and meets each person wherever they are on their journey.
At Life Forest, Kelli is there for both families and team members who may need extra support during an emotional burial or difficult experience. Whether someone needs to talk, process their emotions, or simply have someone to listen, Kelli provides a compassionate, judgment-free space where people can feel heard, supported, and less alone.
Michelle, Co-Founder of Life Forest Whistle Ridge in Auburn, Maine (a Life Forest partner site) is the owner and founder of Compassionate Composting, where she has met a significant need for a humane method of large animal respect upon death, that was also environmentally responsible. Michelle has served as an assistant instructor for the [regional] Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, and is also experienced in the use of specialty equipment and mechanical handling techniques of large animals. Michelle attended the Maine Compost School and received a zoning ordinance amendment with the assistance and support of the Maine Compost Team.
Chelsea, Co-Founder of Life Forest Whistle Ridge in Auburn, Maine (a Life Forest partner site) works as an independent carpenter, loves the outdoors and animals. Chelsea’s excellence in her carpentry brings physical strength and stamina, problem solving and math skills, patience, creativity, and communication. Chelsea’s commitment to land conservation efforts and attention to detail, serve as the inspiration for her to offer the best options for both people and animal companions after their passing.
