I offer free 30-45 minute presentations to hospice and hospital staff on what an end of life doula is and can provide in partnership with the medical team.
I am trained by the International End of Life Doula Association. I’m certified Reiki II and have completed several other trainings for my own personal development that round out my offerings….studying loving kindness meditation with monks, Landmark Worldwide curriculum for living, mediumship and empowered wisdom, outlaw yoga, essential oils, oracle and tarot cards and crystal use. Last but not least, I’m a LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
As people go from home health care, to nursing homes to hospice, advanced care planning documentation completions increase. In 2020, Advanced Directive completions among black patients increased by 41 percent, yet this number is still less than non-persons of color. My speaking addresses this disparity and works to align end-of-life care preferences and documentation for all people.
I have had the honor to be a featured presenter at The Center for African American Health Annual Collaborative Health Fair and for the Colorado Black Heath Collaborative Annual Family Black Party. As an advisory board member of the Mental Health Center of Denver Dahlia Campus, I have had the privilege to speak on several issues related to health and wellness. I have run several online programs. The most successful is named, Incarceration to Transformation, where the incarceration is by a person’s own self-inflicted limitations. My public speaking style is more conversational and less like a presentation.
Location:Denver AreaFairplay & surrounding areaColoradoUnited StateshomeEmail:qrnguzvqjvsr.nedhrggr@tznvy.pbzmoc.liamg@etteuqra.efiwdimhtaedINTERNETWebsite:End of Life MidwifeCEOLC Member Profile:Kerry Arquette
Categories: Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, Client Advocacy, Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Grief and Bereavement Support, Legacy Projects, Life Review, Living Funerals, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Speakers Bureau, Support for Caregivers, Vigil Planning
Kerry Arquette is an experienced speaker well known for her ability to craft talks for a wide range of audiences. She has been featured at the National Mensa Convention, on national podcasts, and for students in high school through university. Kerry, a certified death doula, holds a M.S. in Criminology. She looks for opportunities to talk about the work of end-of-life midwives, and a process of systematically preparing for death emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Kerry also lectures on the history of dying and death in America—a history that culminated in the creation of death doulas.
As a criminologist, Kerry explores the subject of dying while incarcerated, and how death doulas might play a role in easing the passing for the convicted who die without family support. Finally, Kerry believes death—the elephant in the middle of the dining room table—should be talked about. She mediates organic group discussions on death and dying. Kerry’s talks have been called “compelling, informative, and life-changing.”
Past speaking engagements include: The Chicago Mensa Convention, University of Colorado Denver, Colorado Community College, Southwest Writer’s Convention, and more.
End-of-Life Doula, Yoga Teacher, Meditation Guide & OfficiantZenful Life Living, LLCEnergy Worker, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Location:Denver Metro/south through ParkerDenverColorado80224homePhone:720-593-9361homeEmail:mrashyfbyhgvbaf@tznvy.pbzmoc.liamg@snoituloslufnezINTERNETWebsite:Zenful Life
Categories: Advance Care Planning, Aromatherapy/Essential Oils, Client Advocacy, Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Legacy Projects, Life Review, Living Funerals, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Notary Public, Officiant/Minister, Reiki/Energy Work, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Support for Caregivers, Urns and/or Caskets, Vigil Planning, Yoga, Restorative/Supportive
It is simple… what do you do to live YOUR best life? Regardless of any condition or diagnoses, are you living the fullness of your true authentic self? As an EOLD, I provide an Advocate to allow an individual to transition consciously with dignity. My duty is to provide choices and non-medical support to create plans and actions to provide inner peace in the eye of a storm. It is a remarkably interesting dichotomy to be happy or content, until the very last breath.
There is not a person on the planet that does not have some sort of individual struggle. I’m a divorcee, single parent, Gen-Xer, who survived a stroke in my 40’s. I had to rehabilitate and reinvent myself and figure out how I was going to utilize the additional time that was provided to me. We are not given a playbook that guarantees our paths in life, and we will not escape our own passing, death or homegoing. When given the chance though, we are allowed choices before and in our time of transition.
I am Sara E. Stewart, an End-of-Life Doula, Notary, Insurance Agent, Certified Yoga Teacher and Meditation Guide, Officiant, Health Coach and Energy Worker. I am not a particularly religious person. I am a person of faith and I have woven the Buddhist principles of the Four Nobles Truths and the Eightfold Path into my life. I am here to help you tackle the topics that make life and death challenging and advocate for you. Allow me to hold space for your questions, joy, sadness, confusion, peace, grief, mourning, contentment, etc. I welcome your conversation.
My philosophy is to, “Define your NO to get to your YES.” If you can get all your “NO” out of the way, you will allow space for the “YES”. I feel that ultimately, getting to “YES” is how we live our best lives… despite our situations.
What brought me to Doula work:
In retrospect, there were several events in my life that directed me to end-of-life care. My undergraduate degree is in Speech and Debate. In the late 1990’s, I was a hospice volunteer. In 2001, I completed a post-baccalaureate program in Legal Studies and became Ordained. My fitness business was destroyed during the 2020 pandemic and I paid close attention to the devastating tolls inflicted on families. Greater conversations were had about the inequality and inequity in health care. My family members and I updated our advance planning documents, including Wills. I started researching the number of people that do not prepare written documents for their end-of-life and decided to combine planning and advocacy with direct care to start a new, next step in my life. I selected the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine End-of-Life Doula Professional program. I considered the heart-centered and practical work combined with the medical knowledge gained with the completion.
Services offered:
Advanced Planning
Notary Public
Restorative or Supportive Yoga
Chair Fitness
Meditation
Energy Work
Officiant
Accompaniment to medical appointments
Organization
Light house cleaning
Making a Memory Book/ Life Reflection/ Legacy Projects
Complete errands
Living Wake/Celebration of Life/Living Funeral/Memorial Service
Prepare meals
Companionship and/or conversation
Aromatherapy
Cannabis Advocacy
Non-medical Advocacy
Emotional and Spiritual Care/Support
Urns
Non-Denominational Weddings
Sitting Vigil
Education, Training, Certifications, Professional Experience, etc:
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate
Breathe for Change Yoga/Meditation Teacher Yoga Alliance approves Certificate
Institute of Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certificate
Hospice Volunteer Training
Roosevelt University Post-Baccalaureate Legal Studies Certificate
Northeastern Illinois University B.A. Speech and Debate
Kishwaukee College A.A. Business Administration
Speakers Bureau
As people go from home health care, to nursing homes to hospice, advanced care planning document completions increase. In 2020, Advanced Directive completions among black patients increased by 41 percent, yet this number is still less than non-persons of color. My speaking addresses this disparity and works to align end-of-life care preferences and documentation for all people. Allow me to tell you about the 5 Words That Make Some People Cringe.
I have had the honor to be a featured presenter at The Center for African American Health Annual Collaborative Health Fair and for the Colorado Black Heath Collaborative Annual Family Black Party. As an advisory board member of the Mental Health Center of Denver Dahlia Campus, I have had the privilege to speak on several issues related to health and wellness. I have run several online programs. The most successful being, Incarceration to Transformation, where the incarceration is by a person’s own self-inflicted limitations. My public speaking style is more conversational and less like a presentation.
Categories: Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Legacy Projects, Life Review, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Support for Caregivers
As a non-medical professional trained to care for terminally ill persons, I tend to their physical, emotional and yes, spiritual needs during the transition process. I can also assist them with health care proxy as well as legacy projects for those left behind. I am happy to assist family members with moving through their own process as it is often forgotten about.
I am certified through Doula Givers and belong to the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). This organization ensures that we have passed proficiency so I am ready to serve. With my years of training and certifications in yoga as well as being an aromatherapist, I am well set to be of service to those leaving this world and those still here.
We will all die and it’s important to honor the process and the passing. Often Death is feared or just not prepared for, honored or respected. It is my duty as an ELOD to do what I can to ease the transition with love and kindness as it should be.
I can assist with making a patient more comfortable with music, aromatherapy, massage, gentle stretches and more. The importance of understanding anxiety and pain management common diseases and therapies are a part of my training. Making the living space safe and calm is a big part of easing everyone.
Considering 9 out of 10 people would rather die at home, this service is offered to help do just that. To give death the honor it deserves and the loved one as much peace as we can.
End-of-Life Doula, Co-Founder and Second Vice-President, MembershipDenver EOL DoulaInternational End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA)
Phone:(303) 241-3396homeEmail:rbyqbhynqraire@tznvy.pbzmoc.liamg@revnedaluodloeINTERNETEmail:inarffn@pbrbypbyynobengvir.betgro.evitaroballocloeoc@assenavINTERNETWebsite:DenverEOLDoula.comCEOLC Member Profile:Vanessa Johnston
Categories: Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, LGBTQIA+ Ally/Advocate, Life Review, MAiD Support, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Other Therapies, Planning/Legal, Reiki/Energy Work, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Speakers Bureau, Spiritual Guidance, Support for Caregivers, Support/Advocacy, Therapies, Vigil Planning, VSED Support
My mission is to empower those who are dying to experience their final milestone with dignity and grace. I seek to provide individualized and intersectional emotional, spiritual, and informational support for people with a terminal diagnosis and their loved ones. I wish to be a compassionate companion and provide a witness in sacred service to honor the final chapter in others’ stories. I believe Black Lives Matter. I am also an LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
I offer clients a wide range of services including, but not limited to the following:
A compassionate bedside presence that normalizes the dying process
Assistance in creating space and moving from fear and anxiety to love and meaning
Guided meditation for relief of stress and discomfort
Assistance with Life Review, Vigil Planning, Legacy Projects, and Advance Directives
Knowledge of local resources regarding traditional cemeteries, home funerals, and ecologically friendly green burials
Guidance to appropriate Grief Counselors and Bereavement Support in the area.
Speakers Bureau
Vanessa Johnston has delivered many successful presentations for all types of organizations, from small church groups to the statewide Colorado Guardianship Association. As an End-of-Life Doula, her passion lies in describing the many facets of the modern Death-Positive Movement. This new approach to death and dying attempts to demystify the process that is the natural final milestone for everyone. She can clarify the toxic history of embalming and introduce audiences to recent advances in funeral practices, such as more ecological choices like green burials and aquamation. In addition, Vanessa can reveal the work of a EOL Doula and the importance of thoughtful Life Reviews and Vigil Plans. Finally, Vanessa is happy to share various resources for completing legal documents like Advance Directives and helpful tips for having difficult conversations with loved ones. Her enthusiasm comes from inspiring the public to live their best lives by embracing death.
End-of-Life Doula, CEOLC First Vice-President & Co-FounderGifts of Life CeremoniesINELDA-trained End-of-Life Doula; Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant
Location:Metro Denver and the Surrounding AreaColorado80033United StateshomePhone:(970) 682-4416homeEmail:Inyrevr@TvsgfbsYvsrPrerzbavrf.pbzmoc.seinomereCefiLfostfiG@eirelaVINTERNETWebsite:Gifts of Life Ceremonies
Categories: Advance Care Planning, Aromatherapy/Essential Oils, Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Grief and Bereavement Support, Home Funerals, Legacy Projects, Life Review, Living Funerals, MAiD Support, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Other Therapies, Reiki/Energy Work, Sitting Vigil, Spiritual Guidance, Support for Caregivers, Vigil Planning, VSED Support
My professional “calling” is to create End of Life Tributes/ Celebrations for the dying. Also known as “Living Funerals”. Living funerals offer a unique opportunity for not only the guest of honor to share life stories, but for others to share stories, thoughts, quotes, poems about how the guest of honor has impacted their life. Tributes can be intimate or large and held at any type of venue.
I interview the guest of honor and any family/ friends they desire to be present. I compile my notes into a professionally crafted ceremony to include wonderful stories, poems, quotes, music, etc. The guest of honor has the final approval of the celebration. I then officiate the celebration and provide a beautiful ceremony keepsake.
Other examples of legacy projects include: audio/ video interviews, letters, memory boxes/books, mementos, seasonal: holidays, ornaments, memorial gardens, anniversaries etc.
I have over five years’ experience leading classes and lectures on mindfulness, meditation, and yoga philosophy as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider. My final presentation for business school can be found on their YouTube channel, in which I introduce my doula practice Outside Rites, Ltd. and Corpse Pose Yoga.
End-of-Life Midwife, CEOLC Secretary and Co-FounderEnd of Life MidwifeCertified by The Conscious Dying Institute, Denver Hospice
Location:Denver areaFairplay & surroundingColoradoUnited StateshomeEmail:qrnguzvqjvsr.nedhrggr@tznvy.pbzmoc.liamg@etteuqra.efiwdimhtaedINTERNETWebsite:End of Life Midwife
Categories: Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, Client Advocacy, Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Grief and Bereavement Support, Legacy Projects, Life Review, Living Funerals, MAiD Support, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Memorials, Planning/Legal, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Speakers Bureau, Support for Caregivers, Support/Advocacy, Therapies, Vigil Planning, VSED Support
My mission is to be a loving, understanding, strong and steady presence for the dying and their families. I help demystify the dying process while comforting and supporting those involved. Working with my clients and their loved ones, I endeavor to make the time before, during, and after passing rich and meaningful, while celebrating a unique life and soul. I consider compassion, maturity, humor, and a nurturing presence the most important tools of my trade and never enter a client’s space without them.
My services include, but not limited to the following:
A warm, comforting, and respectful presence that mediates fear of both the known and unknown
Assistance preparing for the practical and psychological/emotional aspects of dying
Guided meditation for relief of stress and discomfort
Assistance related to family communications surrounding the impending death
Help preparing final letters, completing albums, journaling, and creating legacy projects such as works of art, music, or text that will represent the dying and remind the living of the presence, personality, and spirit of the deceased
Organization of essential papers and other materials
Sitting vigil.
Aiding with living funerals and post-death rites
Catering intimate family reception gatherings (30 people or less.)
Speakers Bureau
Kerry Arquette is an experienced speaker well known for her ability to craft talks for a wide range of audiences. She has been featured at the National Mensa Convention, on national podcasts, and for students in high school through university. Kerry, a certified death doula, holds a M.S. in Criminology. She looks for opportunities to talk about the work of end-of-life midwives, and a process of systematically preparing for death emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Kerry also lectures on the history of dying and death in America—a history that culminated in the creation of death doulas.
As a criminologist, Kerry explores the subject of dying while incarcerated, and how death doulas might play a role in easing the passing for the convicted who die without family support. Finally, Kerry believes death—the elephant in the middle of the dining room table—should be talked about. She mediates organic group discussions on death and dying. Kerry’s talks have been called “compelling, informative, and life-changing.”
Companion-Animal End-of-Life Doula, CEOLC Treasurer and Co-FounderSacred Soul Passages LLC
Location:Denver and the surrounding areaColoradoUnited StateshomeEmail:znevfn.ireevre@lnubb.pbzmoc.oohay@reirrev.asiramINTERNET
Categories: Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Grief and Bereavement Support, Home Funerals, Intuitive Animal Communication, Legacy Projects, LGBTQIA+ Ally/Advocate, Life Review, Living Funerals, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Pet Hospice, Pet Respite, Reiki for Ill and Dying Pets, Reiki/Energy Work, Sitting Vigil, Spiritual Guidance
My passion is being of service to others. My journey began in a classroom setting in the Pacific Northwest, working with Severely Emotionally Disturbed children for 15 years. I took those skills with me when I moved to Los Angeles, and organized, coordinated and managed the High Noon Western Americana Antique Show and Auction, held in AZ. One of the biggest components of my job was accommodating the needs of others. In this scenario, it was special clients, including famous artists, authors, celebrities, film actors, the elite and their entourage. Though this world was fast-paced and exciting, I believed that I had a higher calling.
Those majestic Rocky Mountains pulled me back to my beloved Colorado, where I began a path of spiritual work, which included becoming an Intuitive Energy Healer, an Angelic Reiki Master, a Spiritual Counselor, Interfaith Minister, Meditation Teacher and Medium.
Through my healing work and mediumship, I found that I could help my clients to overcome their worst fears, including their fear of death. This led me to explore my own inner work around death, and the calling to be of service to others at the end of life.
Being present with a family and their dying pet is a benevolent and humbling experience. It is my honor to hold space for animals as they journey towards the rainbow bridge.
Pets are irreplaceable members of our family, and as such, their death can hurt very deeply. As a Companion-Animal End-of-Life Doula, I provide compassionate, in-home care and hospice support for senior pets, as well as those with chronic or terminal illness, and holistic and spiritual support for their human family.
I believe all life is Sacred, and in the circle of life, the end of life can be as beautiful as the beginning. I am also an LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
I offer the following benevolent services:
Pet Respite Care, Pet Hospice Care, Intuitive Animal Communication
Reiki for pets and their human companions (in-person or distance)
Create a peaceful environment
Spiritual Guidance
Sit Vigil / Hold Space
Explore home funeral & burial options
Co-create any or all of the following:
Life Review: Pet Remembrance Journal
Memorial Altar
Family Rituals
Grounding & Meditation
Grief Support Circle
Living Funeral
Crossing-over Ceremony
Celebration of Life
Qualifications:
Pet Hospice & Death Doula Training 2020, Advanced Death Doula Training 2020, Death Doula Masterclass 2018, Animal Communication & Advanced Concepts of Inter-species Connection; Angelic Reiki Master, Spiritual Counselor, Interfaith Minister, Animal Intuitive & Spirit Medium.
Categories: Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Grief and Bereavement Support, Life Review, Reiki/Energy Work, Sitting Vigil, Support for Caregivers, Vigil Planning
My End of Life Doula work empowers clients and their families to actively participate in the end of life process in ways that bring deeper meaning and engagement during this sacred transition.
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about holding space for people who are experiencing the sacred transition at end of life, whether they are dying, or they are caring for a loved one who is dying. My background as a hospice social worker informs my engagement with clients and their families. My training as an End of Life Doula brings a new depth of understanding to my varied roles, and allows me to empower clients to find meaning during this most tender of times. Finally, as a Reiki Master, for those who desire it, I bring a level of energy work into therapeutic relationships, particularly when words fail.
Vanessa Johnston has delivered many successful presentations for all types of organizations, from small church groups to the statewide Colorado Guardianship Association. As an End-of-Life Doula, her passion lies in describing the many facets of the modern Death-Positive Movement. This new approach to death and dying attempts to demystify the process that is the natural final milestone for everyone. She can clarify the toxic history of embalming and introduce audiences to recent advances in funeral practices, such as more ecological choices like green burials and aquamation. In addition, Vanessa can reveal the work of an EOL Doula and the importance of thoughtful Life Reviews and Vigil Plans. Finally, Vanessa is happy to share various resources for completing legal documents like Advance Directives and helpful tips for having difficult conversations with loved ones. Her enthusiasm comes from inspiring the public to live their best lives by embracing death.
Location:Metro DenverWest of I-25 corridorGolden & surrounding foothillsColorado80401homePhone:(720) 989-1929homeOther Phone:(303) 908-6121homefaxEmail:pvaql@urnegfcrnx2h.pbzmoc.u2kaepstraeh@ydnicINTERNETWebsite:HeartSpeak End of Life CompanioningCEOLC Member Profile:Cindy Kaufman
Categories: Advance Care Planning, Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, Client Advocacy, Companioning for Dying Person, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Home Funerals, Legacy Projects, LGBTQIA+ Ally/Advocate, Life Review, MAiD Support, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Officiant/Minister, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Speakers Bureau, Spiritual Guidance, Support for Caregivers, Vigil Planning, VSED Support
Cindy Kaufman offers audiences her wide range of skills as an educator, speaker, and international best-selling author of “The Mortal’s Guide to Dying Well – Practical Wisdom From an End of Life Doula.” Cindy’s end-of-life experiences working directly with patients and families spans more than 25 years, giving her a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows her to create presentations, seminars, webinars, and courses befitting audiences of any size or variety. Sample topics range from advance care planning, end-of-life doula care, how to plan for dying well, designing your final days and hours of life (vigil planning), home funerals and green burials, caring for the caregivers, and much more. Feedback comments on past events include, “exceedingly well-presented,” “amazing information” and “gracious and loving.” If you are needing a topic not listed above, Cindy can craft something special and unique for your organization or community group.
My story of becoming an end of life doula was deeply painful, life altering and profound. My first memory of being with death is 1987 when my grandma Jeanne was dying at home in the living room. I would go sit on her hospital bed stroke her thinning hair and sing to her… I was 3 years old. This was a foreshadowing of a much harder time to come in 2016 when I lost 2 brothers, my father, grandfather and a pregnancy. I believe significant loss in your 20’s – 30’s in unique and I am here to guide you through that.
I have a gift of arranging space, transmuting and clearing energy, and an intuitive knowing of what’s needed in the final days. I consider it an honor to be in and hold this space for families. It is such an emotional time and often once their is diagnosis we don’t take the time to really understand and create a space for our loved ones to leave this world.
I offer end of life doula services which can include life review and meaning interviews, planning and sitting vigil for your final days, the creation of legacy projects and early grief re-processing. I believe grief belongs in community and for this I offer on-going monthly grief circles, grief cafes and in-person gatherings. Head over to my website for current offerings.
I am trained by the International End of Life Doula Association. I’m certified Reiki II and have completed several other trainings for my own personal development that round out my offerings….studying loving kindness meditation with monks, Landmark Worldwide curriculum for living, mediumship and empowered wisdom, outlaw yoga, essential oils, oracle and tarot cards and crystal use. Last but not least, I’m a LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
Interesting facts about me: I have visited 53 countries on 6 continents, lived in China, Australia, France and Germany. I’ve sang in many bands, taught skiing in Vail, guided white water in the Glenwood Canyon, and now own a home in Englewood, CO named Walter that I am gently healing over time using permaculture principles. I offer this space on airbnb.
Speakers Bureau
I offer free 30-45 minute presentations to hospice and hospital staff on what an end of life doula is and can provide in partnership with the medical team.
I am trained by the International End of Life Doula Association. I’m certified Reiki II and have completed several other trainings for my own personal development that round out my offerings….studying loving kindness meditation with monks, Landmark Worldwide curriculum for living, mediumship and empowered wisdom, outlaw yoga, essential oils, oracle and tarot cards and crystal use. Last but not least, I’m a LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
End-of-Life Doula, CEOLC President and Co-FounderHeartSpeak End-of-Life Companioning LLCCertified End-of-Life Doula, INELDA (International End-of-Life Doula Association)
Location:Metro DenverWest of I-25 corridorGolden & surrounding foothillsColorado80401United StateshomePhone:(720) 989-1929homeOther Phone:(303) 908-6121homefaxEmail:pvaql@urnegfcrnx2h.pbzmoc.u2kaepstraeh@ydnicINTERNETWebsite:HeartSpeak End of Life Companioning
Categories: Advance Care Planning, Celebration of Life, Ceremonies/Rituals, Client Advocacy, Companioning for Dying Person, Education/Training, End-of-Life Doula Services, Funerals, Home Funerals, Legacy Projects, LGBTQIA+ Ally/Advocate, Life Review, MAiD Support, Meditation/Visualization, Guided, Memorial Services, Memorials, Officiant/Minister, Planning/Legal, Respite for Caregivers, Sitting Vigil, Speakers Bureau, Spiritual Guidance, Support for Caregivers, Support/Advocacy, Therapies, Vigil Planning, VSED Support
Receiving the diagnosis of a terminal illness can leave a person feeling a complete loss of control over their life and their choices. When that person will die, and what symptoms they will experience, are determined by the disease or illness they have. In my work as an End-of-Life Doula, I offer my clients a sense of personal empowerment in planning for their final days and hours of life that will reflect their wishes and choices when they are no longer able to choose these for themselves. I can become an advocate to assure these plans are carried out as fully as possible, serve as a compassionate companion for their final journey, and honor their personal visions for dying well. I can also support their loved ones through this time, offering assistance unique to their circumstances. I hope to inspire others to see death as a natural transition with its own innate gifts and beauty, rather than something to be feared and avoided.
My mission is to be a compassionate companion on life’s final journey. With a calm and loving presence, I advocate for the dying person and his/her personal choices about End-of-Life decisions and care, as well as providing much-needed support for the loved ones. Having more than 30 years of experience as a hospice volunteer, along with a background in counseling and gerontology, and now as a Certified End-of-Life Doula, I feel this work is my calling. I am honored to share in this sacred space with my clients. Additionally, I am an ordained interfaith minister, trained in home funerals, and can offer guidance on green burials. I am also an LGBTQIA+ ally and advocate.
My services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Advance Care Planning Facilitator (Certified by Respecting Choices®)
Compassionate companioning for the dying person, as well as respite and support for the caregiver(s)
Guided meditation – help for anxiety and pain relief
Life review – finding meaning in a life lived
Legacy projects – leaving a creative gift, letters, or other legacy project for loved ones
Vigil planning – assisting in the design of a personal plan for the final days and hours of life
Sitting vigil – being at the bedside, holding space, in the final days and hours of life
Guiding the transition process from life to death and into grief and bereavement
Serving as a Home Funeral Guide to help those who want to return to a more traditional, sacred way of caring for our deceased loved ones
Designing, developing and officiating ceremonies including funerals, memorials, life celebrations, weddings, commitment ceremonies and house blessings
Providing support and guidance for both MAiD (Medical Aid in Dying) and VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking)
Speakers Bureau
Cindy Kaufman offers audiences her wide range of skills as an educator, speaker, and international best-selling author of “The Mortal’s Guide to Dying Well – Practical Wisdom From an End of Life Doula.” Cindy’s end-of-life experiences working directly with patients and families spans more than 30 years, giving her a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows her to create presentations, seminars, webinars, and courses befitting audiences of any size or variety. Sample topics range from advance care planning, end-of-life doula care, how to plan for dying well, designing your final days and hours of life (vigil planning), home funerals and green burials, caring for the caregivers, and much more. Feedback comments on past events include, “exceedingly well-presented,” “amazing information” and “gracious and loving.” If you are needing a topic not listed above, Cindy can craft something special and unique for your organization or community group.
I was drawn to the path of becoming an end-of-life doula after my father passed in July of 2021. Noticing how difficult it was for my family and my father’s friends to sit with him before he passed and the resistance to the conversations around what choices needed to be made and what options were available, I wanted to be there to help other families navigate what is often a traumatic time. Born and raised in Colorado, I’ve always been an outdoor enthusiast and my father had made a request for his final moments to be in his backyard. Unfortunately, my family and I didn’t know what we needed in order to fulfill that final wish. This is why I choose to incorporate nature therapy into my end-of-life doula practice – so that other’s who wish to be outdoors or as close to nature as possible in their final moments can have the support they need to make that happen.
With an Outdoor Industry MBA, End-of-Life Doula certificate, Ecotherapy Facilitator certificate, and as a registered yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching experience, I offer a unique combination of services for both end-of-life clients as well as the general public. For clients with a terminal diagnosis or nearing end-of-life I offer outdoor vigils and excursions (also known as “bucket list” trips). For family members, friends, and anyone grieving a loss I offer workshops, wilderness immersions, and private coaching/consulting focused on incorporating nature and yogic teachings for holistic well-being.
Speakers Bureau
My final presentation for business school can be found on my YouTube channel, in which I introduced my doula practice Outside Rites, Ltd. and Corpse Pose Yoga. I also have over five years’ experience leading classes and lectures on mindfulness, meditation, and yoga philosophy as a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider.