Member Profile

Denise is the co-founder of Heart Bridge Training, a nonprofit founded by hospice nurses and experienced end-of-life practitioners dedicated to expanding compassionate community care through education, mentorship, and service.

With more than 20 years of experience in hospice and end-of-life care as a nurse, caregiver, educator, mentor, and doula, Denise helps prepare students to provide grounded, holistic support to individuals and families navigating serious illness, dying, and grief.

Heart Bridge Training offers comprehensive online and in-person end-of-life doula education that combines foundational coursework with a 12-week intensive mentorship program. Students move through three phases of guided learning alongside experienced end-of-life practitioners representing diverse approaches and specialties within the field.

Training emphasizes empathetic communication, cultural and spiritual awareness, self-care, death literacy, and presence-based support. Students also have opportunities for volunteer placement and community-based experiential learning through Heart Bridge Care, helping bridge education with meaningful real-world experience. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available.

In addition to her work in education and mentorship, Denise offers compassionate end-of-life doula support. Her presence-based approach blends practical guidance with emotional and holistic care, creating space for dignity, connection, and informed choice. Areas of focus include legacy projects, bedside Reiki and energy healing, vigil support, advance care planning conversations, and compassionate support surrounding Medical Aid in Dying (MAID).