Watsonville, CA
$375-$1000 sliding scale available for non-profits
Travels up to 3 hours
Through sharing uplifting stories about my late husband Tim, I've discovered the power of retraining my brain to reclaim joy and find healing. It's a journey that's spanned over 30 years, since his passing from AIDS in 1995. I have navigated the complexities of grief by leaning on my faith and my happy memories and have emerged at peace and passionate about helping others do the same.
I want to share my insights and experiences at your event. I will offer practical tools and strategies for finding resilience in the face of adversity. I will do so by sharing my stories about Tim and create a safe place for your event's participants to share stories about their loved ones.
1 review
Gayleen M.
April 16, 2026Ariel led an impactful Grief Workshop for our church, using directed free-writing prompts to help participants process their loss. The event was very well received by our members and several guests from the local community.
As a speaker, Ariel is engaging and authentic; she shared her own experiences with a transparency that really resonated. She did a wonderful job connecting the group and creating a supportive environment for everyone to discuss their journey.
Here is one of the responses to the seminar from an attendee: “Ariel Bauder-Klay’s genuine passion for storytelling and her warm, engaging presentation style creates a comfortable space for people to share meaningful experiences.”
Hired as: Christian Speaker, Motivational Speaker
Price range: $375-$1000 sliding scale available for non-profits
Languages: English
Gig length: 45 - 90 minutes
When you invite me to speak, you're booking a transformative experience that will leave your audience inspired and connected. I'll share my personal journey of navigating grief and finding hope through storytelling, focusing on the power of sharing personal stories to heal and connect, whether it's healing grief from the death of a loved one, a relationship, the loss of a job or any other hardship.
You'll experience a heartfelt, interactive presentation where I'll share personal anecdotes of my late husband, Tim, illustrating the power of focusing on joyful memories to soften grief's edge.
I can lead participants in guided storytelling exercises, empowering them to explore their own stories and find healing in large groups, breakout sessions, or intimate workshops. In these sessions, I share a personal story about my late husband Tim, these stories trigger memories of their loved ones, and then guide participants to journal/free write and share their own stories, fostering connection and healing.
I can modify my message to fit your event's theme and audience, whether it's a Christian event where I share my testimony about how God protected my heart from becoming bitter after Tim's passing or a more general audience seeking inspiration and connection.
In addition to single day events, I am available for church conferences retreats, both for families and women as well as church camps. For such multiple day events I can adjust my hourly rate, especially if my lodging and meals are provided.
As a client, you'll get a speaker who is authentic, relatable, and passionate about sharing hope and encouragement. I'll work with you to tailor my message to your event's goals, ensuring a memorable experience for your audience.
In addition to having overcome my grief, I have a background in community theater. I also took acting and drama classes at Mendocino College, Ukiah, CA where I honed my storytelling skills. I have a B.A. in English and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in English, both of which I obtained at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA. While in Sonoma State's teaching credential program, I taught eighth graders how to write and perform retellings of The Three Little Pigs. In addition, I further increased my confidence in front of an audience at Toastmasters, an organization that helps people hone their public speaking skills.
Microphone
Podium stand
Motivational Speaker
