My Story
My journey toward becoming a Death Doula really began when I became caregiver for my mother who had a rare and aggressive cancer. Her prognosis was short and I was pulled in multiple directions while caring for her and my young children, starting a new business, and doing it all with a life partner who travelled extensively for work. I really had no time to grieve before my stepfather became sick and I again started caregiving for him before his death the following year.
After mom died in 2017, I experienced the death of someone I loved each year thereafter for a six year stretch. I was caregiver for some, support person for others – utilizing my skills and personal experience to help them navigate their grief and the “business side of death” that nobody really talks about. Once my husband and I sold our business, I felt called to move into this work. I realized that all of my professional and personal experiences had been leading me into this sacred space.
Education & Training
I have Maters Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education and spent the bulk of my career assisting students through life transitions and healing from trauma. In 2024, I received my certification of my training as a care consultant and death doula from the Doulagivers Institute, one of the widely known and highly respected death doula training programs in the country. This training coupled with my personal caregiving experience and the valuable professional skills I developed throughout my career serving as an advocate, educator, guide, support, navigator, and advisor through life challenges have positioned me to support others on their final transition. Often what people need during their end-of-life journey is support as they get their affairs in order and come to a place of peace with a life well lived. We all labor into life and we also labor out of life. Dying is not a medical event, it’s a human one. We don’t have to do it alone and it can be more peaceful when we are prepared.
My Approach
Because I am an educator at heart, I want to make sure that you and your loved ones have a better understanding of not only how to prepare for end-of-life but also what you are witnessing when your loved one is dying. So, my approach is to assist you with getting important documents in place, making important decisions that affect how you are cared for at end of life and after your transition, supporting your caregivers in honoring your wishes and utilizing Hospice to the fullest, and ensuring that everyone has the support and resources they need throughout this journey. More importantly, I encourage you and your loved ones to have personal meaningful moments together to laugh and cry, forgive and express gratitude, and to say goodbye. You can be assured that I will hold space for all that you are feeling and experiencing. This is your journey and I’m here to support you.