Central Ma EOL Doula

Death Doula

Lancaster, MA Worcester, MA Cambridge, MA

Aromatherapy, Dementia Care, Grief Movement, Grief Specialist, Guided Imagery, Home Funerals, Legacy Work, LGBTQ Allied, Meditation, Reiki, Rituals, Breathwork

Offers free consultation

Verified by Autumn

When I take on a new client, their needs determine how I approach each case. Every family has their specific own needs and expectations; I work diligently to ensure wishes are respected and plans are understood and followed as directed. Depending on when I enter the home in the process of dying, I can help with planning, educating the family so they have an understanding of what to expect, link the family to resources before and after death. For instance, I work with the family on legacy projects; we work to create a safe and sacred place. We work to engage family and friends to take their places in witnessing the clients last day, vigil sitting, and eventual death of their loved one.


Doula work has been one of the most amazing blessings in my life. Until, about four years ago, I had never heard of and EOL Doula or a Death Doula. I was immediately intrigued. I learned more about the profession and decided that was the path for me, especially since I had been doing during my spare time for friends and family. I took classes and trained with experienced doulas; I was hooked. Since my training and certifications, I am well equipped with many tools to be the best assistant I can be to my clients and meeting their individual needs. During my life I have been a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, middle management, and have spent decades serving others in my local communities and beyond. I am passionate, caring and I believe I have an intuition I cannot explain; this work is what I am meant to do.


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Certifications

  • INELDA
  • International Doula Life Movement
  • The Dying Year
  • The University of Vermont

Education

  • UVM - End-of-Life Doula Professional Certification
  • UVM - Greif and Bereavement Professional Certificate
  • Neda - End-of-Life Doula Proficiency
  • Master Degree - Criminal Justice. Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Joanne H

Lisa is an angel. She found us at the right time. I don't know how the stars aligned but my son called her and she showed up with a bag and a smile. Thinking back now, it was like an Angel like Mary Poppins arrived at our door. She sat with my husband, talked to him. We had a camera recording in the room at all times. A week ago, I watched the video. I swear I saw an angel. I was in the bedroom talking to Lisa when she noticed John had passed. Again, thinking back I felt pure love in the room. Then I went to my husband. Lisa knew he was gone but together we checked his pulse and blood pressure. Then she handled the phone calls to the nurse and waited with my family until John was pronounced dead. I will be forever grateful for Lisa.

Vanessa R

My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer when we met Lisa. She entered our lives and brought such caring and compassion, I would not have believed it if I had not experienced. Lisa was not pushy or ordered people around, like I thought a doula would do. She sat quietly and listened to me for hours as we talked about David, by the end of our talk, I was actually smiling. I could breathe. She was not with David when he passed, but I was gifted with words of wisdom from her. I think Lisa was at my house ten times and was planning on sitting with David when his time was close, thankfully he passed suddenly. She never once asked for payment for her time. I did send her money after everything was settled but it was not nearly enough for everything, she did for us. Thank you, Lisa, for all you have done for my family. I won't forget it.


What types of services do you provide?

End-of-Life planning In home Hospice visits Legacy Work Art and Music Therapy Vigil sitting and planning

What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?

I am trained peer volunteer. A donation is welcome if the family desires.

What is your typical process for working with a new client?

We begin with a phone call. I will take the essential information. Next, a home visit. I will meet with the client, close family, and friends. A schedule will be discussed according to needs.

What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?

I am a presence of calm in a very stressful situation. The goal is to have the best death possible for all. I listen to the client and discuss what is important to them. If the client is non-verbal family will assist filling in what is needed. The family needs support and someone to listen. We create a sacred place.

What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?

The most important thing is good communication. Talk to your doula, there are no 'stupid' questions. You want a good fit for the situation.

What questions should clients think through before talking to doulas?

What is your level of time commitment? Can I call you nights and weekends?

What populations are you best suited to serve?

I will serve any population, age, spirituality, and economic status. Death comes for us all; I serve all.

Do you offer any other services beyond end-of-life doula support (e.g. advanced care planning, paralegal, legacy services, chaplaincy services)?

Advanced Care Planning Legacy work Referral Services as needed

Do you work as part of a collaborative or independently?

Independently

Are you willing to work remotely?

Yes, I have Zoom.


Sliding fees are based on need and ability to pay, no one is ever turned down for inability to pay. Plans can be arranging a death plan, hospice visits, vigil sitting, and anything in between. We work together to create the best plan to suit the client's individual needs in what can be a very stressful time. My goal is for people to have the best death as possible for the client and for the family.


Years In Business

  • 2022

Number Of Employees

  • 3

Service Areas

  • Lancaster, MA
  • Worcester, MA
  • Cambridge, MA

Languages

  • English

Payment Method

  • Payment Plan
  • Volunteer / Free Support
  • Venmo
  • Credit card

Address

Lancaster, MA

Travel Preferences

I travel to clients

I support clients virtually (phone/internet)


Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.

Not the right fit?

We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.