Meet Taylor Smith | Disaster Recovery Specialist, Forest Therapy Guide and Death Doula for Animals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, what are you inspired by?
I am deeply inspired by the evolution of human consciousness and the spiritual awakenings unfolding within the collective. My own awakening occurred in the year preceding the pandemic, prompted by a series of health challenges that compelled me to reassess my life, priorities, and perspective on reality.

Through my journey of personal growth and self-discovery, I have embraced the full spectrum of my emotions, learning to honor the darkness for the light it reveals when we courageously confront our shadows. I am continually moved by the diversity of experiences and life stories that shape individual paths, each uniquely leading toward transformation and awakening.

At this stage in my journey, I find profound meaning in exploring the transition from life to death—not as an ending, but as a transformative passage into a new reality, offering profound insights and connections for both the living and the departed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am immensely proud and excited about the trajectory my life has taken. The many unique experiences I’ve encountered have shaped me and continue to expand my awareness of this reality. While my journey has not been easy, I am deeply grateful for every challenge and wouldn’t change a single moment.

My background encompasses a diverse array of skills that are gradually coming together to shape the version of myself I envision for the future.
I began my professional career as a service dog trainer, working with clients with mobility challenges and deafness. This role ignited my passion for serving others, particularly as someone who is deaf myself. Being able to connect with clients through shared experiences taught me the profound impact of relatability, connection, and the strength found in community.

When the pandemic disrupted life as we knew it, I seized the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in Homeland Security with an emphasis in Emergency Management, fueled by my aspiration to engage in Search and Rescue with dogs. Over the past three years, I’ve worked as a disaster recovery specialist in government, gaining invaluable experience in emergency management.

This year, I was honored to complete a certification program in Forest Therapy through my current role. Combining my love for nature and connection to the more-than-human world with my professional background has been a deeply rewarding experience. It has reinforced my belief that we can weave our passions together in meaningful ways, creating resilience and strength for ourselves and others.

In 2025, I plan to expand my skills and training to become a Death Doula, specifically for clients with animals nearing the end of life. I am deeply passionate about addressing the grief and loss associated with the passing of beloved pets—an area often overlooked in our collective experience.

I believe pet parents deserve acknowledgment, rituals, and ceremonies to honor their pets’ transition. By integrating the healing power of nature, the connection between humans and animals, and a compassionate approach to death and grief, I hope to contribute to a collective evolution in how we approach these tender moments. I see this work as a vital step in raising human consciousness and fostering planetary healing.

As I continue to expand my professional expertise, my ultimate goal is to align my spiritual experiences and tools with my professional endeavors. My spiritual path has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, reminding me of the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and our shared origin in Source.

The greatest lesson I’ve learned—and continue to learn—is the delicate balance between mastering detachment while still craving connection. This paradox, I believe, is one of the most profound and challenging aspects of the human experience. By embodying these lessons and fostering connection, resilience, and healing, I hope to create meaningful change in both individual lives and the collective consciousness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start out the week showing them around Golden, walking the paved path along the creek with coffee in hand from Café 13 after having breakfast there.
Explore a short hiking trail at Chief Hosa to show them the views of the mountains and have a local beer at New Terrain Brewery
Check our Red Rocks amphitheater and take them to the museum to learn about the history.

Evergreen is a great spot to walk down main street as well, maybe stop at Little Bear for a drink and live music. If its in the winter, go ice skating on Lake Evergreen.

Boulder is a great spot to hit up shops on Pearl Street and get a feel of the Boulder Culture, have breakfast or lunch at Foolish Craig’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has guided and supported me on my journey. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my family, my beloved dogs, my circle of friends, the exceptional mentors and leaders I’ve encountered in both past and current roles, my spiritual mentors, and those who have supported my mental well-being. Above all, I am profoundly thankful for the presence of spirit guides in all their forms, my ancestors, and my higher self, who continually remind me to remain aligned with my spiritual path.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayrotge/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trotgesmith/