Gracious Transitions
Death Doula
Erie Pittsburgh Greater Pennsylvania
Funeral Celebrant Home Funerals Legacy Work
Offers free consultation
Verified by Autumn
I am passionate about reimagining the process of preparing for death, helping to create loving space where a person can continue to experience their life as a mystery and a journey, safe and honest about their pain (if they have it) and desires. Letting go of fear and shame, accepting the reality of this stage and letting it unfold, surrounded by loving presence - that is the hope and the goal of this work.
I have been present as a friend and pastor in the lives of many individuals preparing for their deaths. As a spiritual director I listen deeply for the needs of clients as they seek meaning in their life transitions. As a doula I assist as clients tell their stories, seek to communicate their legacies, plan vigils and rituals. I value the voice we are all given - to express our desires and feelings. I listen for what is true within each person, what they want to share with me, what they tell me in confidence. I hold space for them with quiet joy, compassion and understanding. I consider success to be when a client feels free to express the tumble of feelings as those feelings arise. It is also when a family can participate in their loved one's journey in meaningful ways. My own inner work has helped me to be a quiet, calm presence when needed.
Certifications
- INELDA
Education
- B.A. Denison University
- M.F.A. Virginia Commonwealth University (Creative Writing)
- Spiritual Direction RUAH School of Spiritual Direction, Richmond Hill VA
- M.Div. San Francisco Theological Seminary
- D. Min. Austin Pres. Theological Seminary
- Certified Dream Worker Haden Institute
- Trauma and Healing Spiritual Directors International
- **INELDA Certification - International End of Life Doula Association
What types of services do you provide?
1) Deep listening and reflecting. It can be hard for the dying to feel free to say what they are thinking and feeling. I provide safe space for that. 2) Drawing out stories and when requested, writing or recording them in some creative way so that loved ones can enjoy later. Legacy work can mean giving voice to the client's values and providing a statement for children and grandchildren to understand life more deeply. 3) Preparing for the time closest to death - working with the family to become aware of what is needed by the dying one and helping to create a comforting, loving atmosphere. 4) Advising and/or performing a service of celebration of life if needed after death. 5) Giving attention as much as needed to the family, afterwards -- Grief work, remembering the experience, helping them process.
What should clients know about your pricing(e.g., discounts, fees, packages)?
See below about starting with a new client. When it comes to larger projects such as legacy writing and vigil planning, a package fee works best, with an understanding of what will be provided. Hourly fees are best when there is a need upfront for continuing conversations with the client. I stay in touch with my colleagues to ensure that my fees are not only fair, but also provide flexibility for families and individuals whose financial means are limited.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
In my first visit, I spend most of the time listening. Talking for an hour can be tiring for clients so our conversation does not need to cover everything. We take it as it comes or "go with the flow." I enjoy discovering, getting to know the client's flow. I ask if various important tasks such as Advanced Directives have been completed. As time goes on I seek to discover the client's preferences for how things will be handled when it comes to hospital visits, other contacts outside the home, visits from others, etc. If a hospice is involved and it is appropriate, I will partner with the hospice in being alert to needs and challenges.
What are some of the ways you have supported someone at end-of-life?
I am new to working as a Doula. However, in my own life and professional work, I find that presence is more important than most projects when it comes to end-of-life. So I seek to be fully present when I am with a client. This involves listening, sharing the deep personal feelings and stories that arise, and gently suggesting various possibilities for ways I can provide meaningful experiences or simply continue as a listener. I ask if various important tasks such as Advanced Directives have been completed. I seek to discover the client's preferences for how things will be handled when it comes to hospital visits, other contacts outside the home, visits from others, etc. If a hospice is involved and it is appropriate, I will partner with the hospice in being alert to needs and challenges.
What advice would you give someone looking to hire an end-of-life doula?
If you trust your gut, follow it when you read about a person and talk the first time. Remember that the doula's primary responsibility is to the dying person. The family is important of course, yet secondary because they too are encouraged to discover that there is no one way to do this. To die in a way that is best for everyone starts with the person you love and will miss. Opening your heart to this radical kind of compassion will be transforming for you. Practical things are important too, and communicating with the doula so that everyone is working together. Look for someone who is able to focus one on one with your loved one, and doesn't need to
- Funeral Celebrant
- Grief Movement
- Guided Imagery
- Home Funerals
- Legacy Work
- LGBTQ Allied
- Meditation
- Ordained Minister
- Rituals
- Breathwork
- Versed in working with interspiritual and interfaith and Christian and seeking communities,
- I wish to work with incarcerated individuals with terminal diagnoses,
- LGBTQ aligned,
- Families with terminally ill children,
- Residential communities for the elderly
Years In Business
- 2021
Number Of Employees
- 1
Service Areas
- Erie
- Pittsburgh
- Greater Pennsylvania
Languages
- English
Payment Method
- Venmo
- Paypal
- Check
Address
Erie, PA 16505
Travel Preferences
I support clients virtually (phone/internet)
I travel to clients
Not the right fit?
We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.
Not the right fit?
We'll personally connect you with someone trusted.
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