Hi, I'm Chelsea!
Life's ending can be a daunting and unfamiliar landscape. Navigating it with grace and support, for both the dying and their loved ones, is where I come in. I wanted to take the opportunity to share a bit more about what called me to this work, and how much it means to me!
My Journey to Becoming an End-of-Life Doula:
My journey to becoming an end-of-life doula began while I was caring around the clock for my mother during the last week of her life due to complications from younger-onset Alzheimer's Disease in October of 2022. Being with her in that space at that time profoundly changed my life as did being her caregiver for the short few years leading up to saying goodbye. It was about a year after my mother's passing that I felt truly called to learn more about becoming a professional end-of-life doula. Soon after that realization, I signed up for training and was certified through The Dying Year, becoming NEDA Proficient as well. I also serve as a hospice volunteer, spending time with a regular client on service weekly, and serve as a vigil volunteer as needed. My diverse experiences in different fields helped me develop the skills I use as an end-of-life doula today, and I discovered a deeper meaning in supporting individuals, both human and animal companions through life's final chapter.
That, for me, is a calling worth answering.
My journey to becoming an end-of-life doula began while I was caring around the clock for my mother during the last week of her life due to complications from younger-onset Alzheimer's Disease in October of 2022. Being with her in that space at that time profoundly changed my life as did being her caregiver for the short few years leading up to saying goodbye. It was about a year after my mother's passing that I felt truly called to learn more about becoming a professional end-of-life doula. Soon after that realization, I signed up for training and was certified through The Dying Year, becoming NEDA Proficient as well. I also serve as a hospice volunteer, spending time with a regular client on service weekly, and serve as a vigil volunteer as needed. My diverse experiences in different fields helped me develop the skills I use as an end-of-life doula today, and I discovered a deeper meaning in supporting individuals, both human and animal companions through life's final chapter.
That, for me, is a calling worth answering.
More Than Just Saying Goodbye:
My role as an end-of-life doula extends far beyond simply being present at the end. By choosing to involve an end-of-life doula early on, individuals can proactively express their wishes and navigate decision-making with clarity and confidence, ensuring their end-of-life journey aligns with their values. I believe in empowering individuals and their loved ones to create meaningful and personalized experiences surrounding death. This includes facilitating open communication, navigating emotional complexities, and honoring cultural and spiritual traditions holistically. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for difficult conversations, provide practical guidance, and offer emotional support throughout the entire process.
I also recognize that life rarely follows a script, and unexpected goodbyes can leave families and loved ones scrambling. Faced with difficult decisions and unclear wishes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As an end-of-life doula, I understand the urgency and sensitivity of sudden circumstances. I offer immediate support, navigating emotions, gathering insights from families or those closest to the person who has passed, and honoring unspoken wishes to create a meaningful, personalized farewell, even when time is short. Let me help guide you through this challenging journey, ensuring your loved one's final chapter reflects their values and brings solace to all involved.
My role as an end-of-life doula extends far beyond simply being present at the end. By choosing to involve an end-of-life doula early on, individuals can proactively express their wishes and navigate decision-making with clarity and confidence, ensuring their end-of-life journey aligns with their values. I believe in empowering individuals and their loved ones to create meaningful and personalized experiences surrounding death. This includes facilitating open communication, navigating emotional complexities, and honoring cultural and spiritual traditions holistically. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for difficult conversations, provide practical guidance, and offer emotional support throughout the entire process.
I also recognize that life rarely follows a script, and unexpected goodbyes can leave families and loved ones scrambling. Faced with difficult decisions and unclear wishes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As an end-of-life doula, I understand the urgency and sensitivity of sudden circumstances. I offer immediate support, navigating emotions, gathering insights from families or those closest to the person who has passed, and honoring unspoken wishes to create a meaningful, personalized farewell, even when time is short. Let me help guide you through this challenging journey, ensuring your loved one's final chapter reflects their values and brings solace to all involved.
Inspired by Loss, Driven by Hope:
My mother's passing, while deeply painful, instilled in me a profound appreciation for the preciousness of life and the importance of facing mortality with dignity and compassion. I am deeply motivated by the desire to help others navigate this sensitive chapter with grace and support, ensuring their final wishes are honored and their loved ones feel empowered and supported. Society has taught us to fear death, but what if we learned to embrace it as a natural transition? I'm on a mission to normalize death conversations and empower individuals to face it with grace, peace, and understanding.
My mother's passing, while deeply painful, instilled in me a profound appreciation for the preciousness of life and the importance of facing mortality with dignity and compassion. I am deeply motivated by the desire to help others navigate this sensitive chapter with grace and support, ensuring their final wishes are honored and their loved ones feel empowered and supported. Society has taught us to fear death, but what if we learned to embrace it as a natural transition? I'm on a mission to normalize death conversations and empower individuals to face it with grace, peace, and understanding.
Outside of helping others prepare for their transition from this life to the next, I love baking, creating, gardening, laughing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones, including my persnickety cat, Lucy.
