VALERIE NERINI was inspired to create Jam Band Graveyard as a non-profit committed to empowering the jam band communities by providing resources around end-of-life (EOL) planning and honoring those who have died. An experienced EOL doula, Illinois licensed funeral director & embalmer intern, and certified funeral celebrant, Valerie brings her compassionate approach to normalizing conversations around death, dying, and grief, as well as education on the rights afforded to us as consumers under the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule.

Valerie holds an Associate of Science Degree in Mortuary Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her favorite bands include Phish, Grateful Dead, and Billy Strings.

KAYCE RIORDAN has been a hospice enthusiast and administrator since 2015 after pursuing nursing as a second career. Her spiritual upbringing led her to seek meaningful connections with nature, animals, and humans early in life. As a leader, Kayce is devoted to facilitating the success of others. As a human, she is dedicated to manifesting the message of love and promoting quality of life from birth through death. She fuels these goals through involvement in organizations dedicated to helping others in any and every way possible to encourage the fulfillment of authenticity and connection to our higher selves.

Kayce’s nursing credentials include Doctor of Nursing Practice, Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator, and Certified in Executive Nursing Practice. Her favorite bands include Phish, String Cheese Incident, and LCD Sound System.

JONATHAN BERGER is an entrepreneur and a mixed-media artist. Jonathan is the owner and managing member of Berger Asset Management LLC, a property investment, development, and management company; the President of The Berger Company, Inc., an asset management company focusing on non-real estate-related investments, with a particular emphasis on the cannabis Industry; and the primary investor in and advisor to The Maker House, a cannabis brand development firm. As a founding member of Jam Band Graveyard, Jonathan draws on over ten years of professional board experience and decades of attendance at Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and Phish concerts.

Jonathan graduated from The Latin School of Chicago and Hampshire College. His favorite bands include Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and Phish.