Maybe you’ve arrived here because you, yourself just came from the doctor’s office. Maybe its a loved one or friend. No matter the situation, I’m here for you.

I am a death doula and provide non-medical compassionate companionship, comfort and guidance for people facing a terminal illness.

Everyone is full of advice for you when you graduate high school, land your first job or you announce a baby is coming. There may be such an abundance of advice you’re sick of it.

But what about the big news of the impending death? You see the fear, pity and even the look of horror like death is catchy.

It is my opinion that the subject of death is the most feared topic in the United States. Even your doctor hurries out of the room and is uncomfortable telling you the hard facts. Which, is why they usually fill you with hope of a new treatment or solutions for the nausea or whatever side affects you're having from “treatment.”

The art of death and dying, (and it is a lost art) used to be a natural occurrence. You were able to spend your last days and hours at home being taken care of by family and friends. The funeral was even done at home.

Over the last 60 or so years that has changed. Putting the final days of life behind closed doors with staff at a nursing facility. With rising costs, many can't afford nursing homes and are being forced to do home hospice care. I’ve heard many say they are not comfortable with being in charge of caregiving under hospice care alone. Not everyone is born to be a caregiver and that's ok! It shouldn't be forced upon them or the patient.

I began my at home death training, otherwise known as death doula work, at the tender age of 4. I watched my mother care for her brother and she allowed me to be present at his death. “It’s just a natural part of life,” she told me. Not long ago this was a natural occurrence and the art of death doula work was a skill taught just like cooking, cleaning and childbirth.

At the age of 11 my beautiful grandmother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. She was immediately brought to our house where my mother cared tenderly for her. I was granted the honor of being bedside for her final 3 months of life as well as when she passed. My observation skills and knowledge much greater this time.

As an adult, I had the privilege of caring for both my parents and brother and others through their illnesses and/or transition to the after life. As a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 20 years, I’ve had many terminal clients who where on hospice care. Many of my clients have been caregivers to husbands and parents. Ive heard many of their intimate fears, learning experiences, seen their physical exhaustion and emotional pain.

Most of the time it comes down to a single caregiver. They often feel lonely, isolated and like nobody understands. It’s the taboo elephant in the room.

I’m here to help you with all these things and more. I create a sacred place in which to speak openly, honestly and real about what it’s like to get the diagnosis, the final days of life, what it’s like to be a caregiver and how to prepare so it’s as calm and natural as possible.