On this month’s Johnson Consulting Conversations, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Jason Troyer about his groundbreaking work with the Healing Path System cofounded with Dr. Lynn Gibson. What emerged from our conversation was a compelling vision for how cemeteries can evolve from passive memorial spaces into active community healing destinations.
Dr. Troyer’s journey from traditional grief counseling to developing technology-based cemetery solutions represents a fascinating evolution in how we approach death and remembrance. His collaboration with Dr. Lynn Gibson has produced something truly innovative which is a comprehensive system that bridges the gap between timeless ritual and modern technology.
The Healing Path Cemetery System addresses a fundamental problem: society has forgotten the profound benefits that cemeteries can offer. These sacred spaces have historically served as more than final resting places. They’ve been gathering points for communities, sanctuaries for reflection, and catalysts for healing. Dr. Troyer’s work aims to reconnect people with these lost benefits.
At the heart of the system are three interconnected components that work together to create a comprehensive healing ecosystem. First, physical healing stations positioned throughout the cemetery grounds offer visitors nine specific healing activities. These aren’t arbitrary choices as each activity was carefully selected based on evidence-based grief research and designed to serve a distinct purpose in the healing journey. Cemetery operators may choose to implement all nine or only those that would be most fitting for their cemetery.
Second, the interactive Healing Path App provides personalized grief support resources, virtual rituals, and emotional healing tools directly to families when and where they need them most. What sets this technology apart from other grief support apps is its cemetery-specific integration and personalization features, creating a seamless bridge between the physical and digital experience. Customization of the app is available. For example, a cemetery may choose to implement audio from their local grief counselor or clergy person.
Third, engaging social media content extends the cemetery’s reach far beyond its physical boundaries, building a digital community that maintains connection and provides ongoing support. This digital presence allows cemeteries to engage with families who might not naturally think to visit a cemetery for grief support.
Our conversation delved deep into the psychological underpinnings of this approach. Research consistently demonstrates the powerful benefits of ritual and ceremony in processing grief. Dr. Troyer emphasized that virtual rituals aren’t designed to replace traditional memorial practices but rather to complement them, offering accessibility and flexibility while maintaining the emotional significance that makes rituals meaningful.
Cultural sensitivity emerged as a foundational principle throughout our discussion. The system is designed to respect diverse cultural and religious approaches to mourning while providing universally beneficial support. This balance between offering structured grief support and honoring individual traditions is crucial to the system’s effectiveness.
For cemetery operators interested in adopting the Healing Path System, the implementation process is thoughtfully designed and customizable. Every cemetery serves a unique community with different demographics, needs, and resources. The system can be adapted for different cemetery sizes and community characteristics, ensuring relevance and effectiveness regardless of scale. Cemetery operators interested can have access to the app as a free trial to explore and consider the possibilities for their cemetery.
One of the most honest and important aspects of our conversation addressed how providing grief support naturally leads to conversations about permanent placement options. This isn’t about being sales-focused. We know it’s about authentic service creating organic opportunities. When cemeteries lead with compassion and genuine support, families naturally become interested in the memorial options available. Dr. Troyer shared suggest dialogue to use in order to add a human element to utilizing the app.
The key is showcasing cemetery features through a lens of value and meaning rather than transaction. Mausoleums, columbaria, and other memorial options become part of the healing narrative rather than sales pitches. This approach allows cemeteries to fulfill both their mission to serve grieving families and their need for sustainable business outcomes.
Traditional cemetery operators sometimes resist innovation, and Dr. Troyer shared insights on addressing these concerns directly while demonstrating results. Privacy concerns are particularly important when dealing with grief and personal loss through digital platforms, and the system prioritizes trust and security for vulnerable users. Looking ahead, Dr. Troyer identified emerging trends in how people approach death, memorial, and remembrance. As technology advances and societal attitudes continue evolving, the Healing Path System is positioned to adapt and grow, remaining relevant to changing needs and expectations.
For cemetery operators wanting to better serve their communities but unsure where to start, Dr. Troyer’s advice is clear: lead with compassion and service. The technology and systems are tools, but the foundation must be genuine care for grieving families and commitment to community support.
Particularly timely given that November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, our conversation explored opportunities for funeral homes and cemeteries to partner with hospice organizations. The grief journey often begins long before death occurs, and collaboration across the continuum of care can provide more comprehensive support for families throughout the entire end-of-life journey. Dr. Troyer explain that hospice providers are looking for new ways to better serve families and open to ideas that funeral providers bring to them.
The Healing Path Cemetery System represents more than innovative technology or clever marketing. It embodies a fundamental shift in how we can support communities through loss. By thoughtfully integrating tradition and innovation, creating meaningful experiences that honor grief, and leading with authentic compassion, cemeteries can transform from places people visit once into destinations they return to for ongoing healing and connection.
For those interested in learning more about the Healing Path Cemetery System, visit HealingPathCemetery.com. Dr. Troyer, Dr. Gibson, and I will be speaking at the ICCFA Leadership Conference on October 22nd about reimagining funeral service and cemetery engagement We hope to see you there to continue this important conversation.
Dr. Troyer and Dr. Gibson will also be exhibiting at the NFDA convention in Chicago. And a special congratulations to the Healing Path System for being 2025 NFDA Innovation Award Finalist!
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