The joy is in the journey, one breath at a time.

ABOUT ME

End-of-Life Doula, Longevity Care, Certified Breathwork, Proud mama. Playful Pisces.

I graduated University in 1998, receiving a double degree in Religion and Psychology.  Traveling throughout the States, the Caribbean Islands, and Middle East Asia created opportunities to experience different cultures, beliefs, rituals and laws.  While raising my amazing son, I went on to work different jobs from restaurant POS Systems, teaching, dental sales and eventually as a Legal Assistant providing support to injured workers under the NYS Workers Compensation Guidelines, acting as a liaison between the injured workers, their doctors and insurance companies.  As my son went off to college, I continued to seek out further service with purpose and passion.  The work of death doulas continued to follow my life path, as I supported dying friends and family towards the end of their life with compassion, curiosity, communication and intuition.  After extensive training, I have continued with my death doula Certification.

In addition to working with the dying, I went deeper into purpose by supporting my friends with Longevity Care.  Longevity Care are for people in that stage of life where the "playback" begins (>70).  With the support and resources I offer through Longevity Care, I find beauty in seeing how we are never too old to begin again or re-start.  I support the process of getting back to basics, finishing projects, starting new projects, organizing the drawers that have since cluttered over the years, having a workout buddy, technical support for the ever-changing technology, and so much more.  My personal experiences with autoimmune disease and chronic pain have taught me the power of working together to improve our attitudes, cognitive skills and daily discipline of movement and routine; thus improving and expanding our quality and quantity of life.  Getting older doesn't need to be a fearful process. With the proper tools and education, the process of aging brings potential for vast opportunity of enjoyment.  Most adults aren't keen on having a "babysitter".  The term "elder" care has been comparable to having a "babysitter". This is why I prefer the term "LONGEVITY" care.  I have met some fiercely independent people well over the age of 90, who have lots of knowledge, wisdom and life skills that I continue to learn from.   I am honored to share some of my education and trained skills with this age group, while respecting their desire to be fiercely independent, and thus adding to the quality and quantity of their life.  My grandmother lived to be 106 years old and my other three grandparents lived well into their 90's. I have been blessed to see Longevity Care work first hand.

I have been provided with the education, skills and experience to start conversations about death, normalizing the process and allowing people to start planning ahead. What this does is open up space to be free of those fears, allowing more room and opportunity to enjoy the life they are presently living, and bringing peace of mind to the family (children, grandchildren) and friends, knowing the "tough decisions" have already been made. 

I am a Certified Breath Coach.  Breathwork has been helpful with chronic pain management, improved circulation and blood pressure, expansive lung capacity, trauma release, clarity and awareness, sleep/energy support, as well as overall sense of well-being. I am a Reiki Practitioner, soon to be Reiki Master.  Additionally, I have experience with Ho'oponopono Practice, Music in Caregiving, Guided Imagery and Caring Touch.  Living with Chronic Lyme Disease and Auto-Immune challenges for over 25 years, these Palliative Care services have been a priority solution for my pain management and overall emotional well-being.  I am passionate about these services because I live in the process for myself. 

I currently volunteer with Hospice providing Respite Care and Palliative Care, as well as Transition Visits as an End-of-Life doula, for imminent patients.  I am currently a member with INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association), Compassion & Choices, National End of Life Doula Alliance, and have even taken my doula skills working with pets and their humans with the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.  With continued mentorship and resources, I am honored and remain teachable about the opportunity of living, as well as aging and dying. The joy is in the journey, one breath at a time.