My expertise lies in the role of MAiD and VSED Navigator offering education and support to clients, their caregivers and loved ones, which goes hand-in-hand with my role in managing communication between care providers to ensure continuum of care.
My Personal Doula Path
Embracing my grief after my father died in 2018, books on the subject of dying brought me comfort. Caring for the Dying by Henry Fersko-Weiss spoke to my personal caregiving experience with my father and led me to discover INELDA. I felt a kindred spirit in the organization, attending webinars and workshops, meeting others who also felt this unique and sacred calling to support people at end of life.
When my mother chose to use MAiD in 2021, I was her advocate and bedside caregiver. Through my—and from my—fear and anxiety from the acute lack of support, communication, and education from my mother’s medical team and strict red tape from her hospice, I vowed to not let others go through the same. It was in my moment of greatest need that an end-of-life doula, Thalia DeWolf, came to our side and transformed our MAiD and dying experience into a profoundly confident and serene one. This prompted me to follow my curiosity to serve in the role of doula and train with INELDA.
My Professional Doula Path
In 2023 I completed a 40-hour End-of-Life Doula training with INELDA. A few months later I joined the organization in the role of Membership Coordinator! With INELDA I foster a global community of thousands of doulas to find belonging, connection and learning while supporting the mission of accessible, equitable, and compassionate deathcare.
Feeling isolated after training sparked my desire to connect and build community with others in the end-of-life space. I completed Volunteer Training with Hospice Maui in 2023 which is allowing me to serve my local community and connect with social workers, nurses, and clinicians in the field throughout the islands.
Coming full circle to my intention of supporting those who choose Medical Aid in Dying, I completed the Aid in Dying Academy’s training for End-of-Life Doulas and Bedside-Attendants in 2023. I have had the honor of supporting patients and their circle of care choosing this legal option in Hawaii through the Our Care Our Choice Act.