“What he meant is the self is not a separate static thing but a process, or actually a network of interconnected processes. When we realize this, we see that there is always an opportunity to respond to a situation creatively. Nothing is holding us back from change and transformation—and nothing ever was.”
― Frank Ostaseski, The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully
I am drawn to the intricacies of the challenges that come with the sacred and animal processes of dying; finding ways to soothe pain, isolation and confusion in order to allow the emergence of the sacred gifts that are natural to the journey as well.
I am certified as an End of Life Doula through the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Tkaronto/Toronto and am currently in graduate studies at Queen’s University to research histories of community death care, its disappearance and recent resurgence and ways in which artists and performance makers are well positioned to provide unique and unconventional care.
As an End of Life Doula and artist, I am able to offer non-medical accompaniment to people facing a diagnosis of a terminal illness, family members of someone facing a terminal illness, a person looking to create rituals for a recent or imminent loss, human or otherwise, those facing a difficult transition or ending, and those planning ahead. I work with individuals from all walks of life: different religions, gender identities, family constellations, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. To do this I work on a sliding scale basis to address varying incomes.
Services I am available to provide in-person or via zoom:
Caring presence through confidential active listening, note taking, space holding, conversation facilitation, as well as coaching through interpersonal conflict.
Movement and grounding techniques for calming and centering including prayer.
Accompaniment in the development of creative legacy projects.
Aide in identifying and communicating wishes to and between family members, friends, care providers.
Preparing for and assisting in family-led vigils.
Accompaniment completing Canada Advanced Care Planning documents.