Member Profile

I received my Death Doula initial education through “Going with Grace” with Alua Arthur and completed her program in October 2021. My motivation to seek this education was the result of noticing the stark contrast between each of my grandmothers’ deaths, though only occurring within 3 months of each other. One could be described as a “Good Death,” while the other was a heartbreaking situation influenced by lack of planning and conversation about the end of life. Since this time, I’ve hoped and vowed to be a comfort and hand to hold for both the dying and their families during this immensely momentous experience, to ensure that anyone I helped could have the opportunity to experience that “Good Death.” Following my Doula-specific training, I have taken every possible volunteer role within several hospice organizations in my community including: companion care, respite visits for caretakers, being on-call and sitting vigil for the national “No One Dies Alone” program, hand molds, legacy projects, bereavement calls, new patient admission calls, and memorial event planning. Outside of my volunteer hospital roles, I have special interest in researching and teaching green burial options, helping others plan and visualize what a “good death” means to them, and holding discussion at community-based events. I also have special interest in work as a Celebrant and Grief Coach.