what is an end-of-life doula?
A death doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, practical, and educational support to individuals and their families, navigating the dying process together. They work to ensure a meaningful and peaceful end-of-life experience, guiding clients through this important transition.
MY STORY
From an idealistic 23-year-old new mom to an unexpected journey through love, loss, and resilience, my life took an unimaginable turn. My children, Christina and Josh, were both born with cystic fibrosis, transforming my role from a typical parent to an unlicensed nurse, home healthcare provider, and hospice caregiver.
Christina's early years were marked by frequent hospitalizations, her pink bows often accompanied by IVs and portacaths. When Josh arrived two years later, we faced the same challenging diagnosis. Yet, amidst the medical routines, we found joy - camping and ski trips interspersed with doctor visits and therapies.
Our journey was a stark contrast: Nina battled illness constantly, while Josh remained relatively healthy. In 2010, Nina received a double-lung transplant, spending three weeks on a ventilator as her body adapted. The anxiety of potentially losing her was a constant companion.
Tragically, on the first anniversary of Nina's transplant, Josh suffered cardiac arrest. At 20, he lay on life support, and I was told to say goodbye. Refusing to give up, we transferred him to Harborview Medical Center. After emerging from his coma and rehabilitating, we had four precious months together before Josh, having lived 70 years in 21, chose to enter hospice care. He passed away in 2012.
Remarkably, Nina continues to thrive 12 years post-transplant. My experiences have led me to support countless others through their own losses. I intimately understand the face of loss, its emotional toll, and how death uniquely affects each individual.
Today, my mission is to help others prepare for life's final chapter, enabling them to live fully in the present while knowing their end-of-life wishes are honored. By sharing my story and the lessons learned, I hope to inspire others to embrace life's preciousness while facing mortality with courage and preparedness.
Certifications
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End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate - The University of Vermont
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Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula - The University of Vermont
Testimonial
“I see you as a guide or a witness to someone's life. That is important for so many people. You guide them through the questions, so they discover the answers... or discover their own perspective. Then people can OWN their ideas on what is important, their relationships to others and define their own process of dying. What does a good death look like, what is a peaceful death? Someone said a good death is well-prepared and a peaceful death is within... and you do BOTH... Amazing you." - CK