Our Pathlight Leadership
Our team
FOUNDER
Donna Smolskis
As a NJ native and years in corporate recruiting and project management have allowed me to learn so much about people, life, and what is important.
It was not until my mom passed that I truly cared about how I was going to spend the rest of my life. Developing Pathlight is a concept that has come to life with the help of an amazing team with the same goal - to help those who are grieving to navigate options in choosing the ideal type of memorial for their loved one.
CO-FOUNDER, HOSPICE NURSE
Alene MacCorkle, RN, BSN
I have been a nurse for over ten years with seven of those years being in the hospice space. Within my hospice experience, I have worked with over 1,000 families and understand first-hand the complexity that families experience navigating during this very difficult time. Seeing the need for the service that Pathlight offers to families makes me excited to help to bring this to life.
My collective experience in the pharmaceutical, quality assurance, regulatory, and nursing industries provide added layers of understanding for both our partners and the families that we serve.
DIRECTOR, EVENT MANAGEMENT
Kim Caputo
My entire 25+ years in the hospitality industry have been concentrated in event planning. I've helped to organize family celebrations of all kinds...including over 100 gatherings for memorial services.
Large or intimate, the setting of the event should be one that is a comfortable space to relax, reminisce and enjoy each other's company over some good food and drinks.
NJ has an abundance of choices for what you envision this celebration of life being - there are many unique venues we can help you find the perfect fit for your family.
RN, DEATH DOULA
Ashley Oppon, RN, Death Midwife
Working with those in need has been a passion - since my time as a hospice nurse and am currently an active oncology nurse. As a Home Funeral Guide and an advocate for Medical Aid in Dying and Green and Natural Burials, I have been able to do extensive death training and offer support to individuals and their families - from advanced planning to funerals and vigils.
For 5 years, I also studied to become a Shamanic Practitioner and now get to help in healing and helping others working on their spiritual lives. With the work I have been fortunate enough to do in death care, I hope to make the dying process a safe space for grief and healing.