who we are

Jon and Layne Heller

The Heller family moved from the USA to Maputo, Mozambique in 2009.

When they first arrived, Jon and Layne were a young couple with no children, and a heart to serve the sick and the dying.

In 2011, their first daughter was born while they were still in the early phases of pursuing the founding of Casa Ahava. In 2013, Casa Ahava was founded just before their third daughter was born. Their fourth daughter was born just two years later in 2015.

Jon and Layne co-lead Casa Ahava as its founders and directors.

Layne has an M.S. in Palliative Care from the University of Maryland and is a current PhD student there.

Jon has an M.S. in Thanatology from Marian University and is Certified in Thanatology (C.T) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.