About grounded. Meet our Founder.
Susan Everidge
Hello Friends,
I am the founder of grounded. Some of you may have met me personally when my journey in green cemetery development first began back in 2016. My background in the funeral industry began more than 20 years ago, and throughout that time I have been dedicated to helping families navigate end-of-life care with compassion, dignity, and respect — all with respect to the environment, in a green way, and in an environmentally conscious manner.
Over the years, my interests have expanded beyond funeral service into sustainability, conservation burial, and environmentally conscious design. I have served as Treasurer — and continue to serve on the board — of the Earthen Construction Initiative, where I support and advocate for earthen block architecture, natural design, and sustainable building practices.
I believe the spaces we create should exist in harmony with the earth — places that are thoughtful, restorative, and built with purpose for generations to come.
grounded. was created from a desire to bring all of my experiences, abilities, and passions together into one vision: a natural burial community centered on sustainability, education, connection, and care for people, pets, and the environment.
I am now on a mission to encompass my past experience, abilities, and interests to help lead this vision into reality.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting a more natural and meaningful future.
With gratitude,
S~
Meet our Co-Founder.
Jody Harpel
Hello friends, I’m Jody.
I have always felt a deep connection to animals, nature, and the land. My passion for environmental stewardship, sustainability, and earthen building is rooted in a belief that the choices we make today can help protect and restore the world for future generations.
I am inspired by natural building traditions that work in harmony with the earth and by opportunities to create spaces that foster community, conservation, and a meaningful relationship with the natural world. I believe that caring for animals, preserving open spaces, and living more intentionally are all part of the same commitment—to leave the land healthier, more beautiful, and more resilient than we found it.
My hope is to help inspire and support projects that honor life, protect wildlife and habitats, and demonstrate that stewardship of the earth can become a lasting legacy for people, pets, and generations to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.