An End-of-life (EOL) Doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides companionship, support, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. EOL Doulas help to normalize deathcare by creating space to hold conversations leading to increased communication and understanding as well as enhancing spiritual and emotional well-being. Additionally, EOL Doulas offer resources and information to help the dying person, along with their family and loved ones, to make informed decisions in a supportive environment. Our End-of-Life Doulas will receive training through the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA).
We offer End-of-Life Doula services to residents of Chenango, Madison and Oneida, NY counties, at no cost. Our trained, non-clinical doulas will provide consistent support to a dying person and their loved ones to include: speaking openly about dying, explaining the signs and symptoms of the dying process, helping to process emotions for all involved, assisting with physical and practical care to ease the burden on caregivers, exploring their life and legacy, and talking about creating an advanced care directive.
The International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) states that the role of end-of-life doulas is “to provide companionship, comfort, and guidance to those facing a terminal illness or death. Our non-medical holistic support encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical care…offer resources to help the dying person, along with their family and loved ones, make informed decisions in a supportive environment.”
For more information or to make a referral, call (315) 313-4399, email henry.s@mcruralhealthcouncil.org, or complete our referral form below.
The End-of-Life Doula Network is a program of the Madison County Rural Health Council, a non-profit organization in Madison County, NY. We offer referral-based doula services to support a dying person and their family and loved ones in Chenango, Madison and Oneida, NY counties. These services will be available at no cost.
Hi! My name is Alison. My passions are holding space and story crafting. I believe in the power of narratives to transform experience. I value the opportunity to work alongside people as they work through life's transitions. I draw on my many years of experience as a full spectrum doula and a public historian to collaborate with clients in creating the spaces they crave and the legacy they wish to leave behind.
I feel honored to be invited into people's lives and believe everyone deserves doula care regardless of education, opinions, culture, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, race, sex, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, justice history, religion, disability, or sexual orientation and beliefs.
Hi! My name is Debbie. I received my End-of-Life Doula training certificate through INELDA (International End Of Life Doula Association)
I have been married for 38 years and have 3 children and 4 beautiful grandchildren.
I received an Associate’s degree in Early Education and Special Education and have spent many years, including currently, working for and with children and families.
Along the way I worked as a CNA in a nursing home, through an agency and privately. I was also drawn to working with Alzheimer's/Dementia clients and it was a passion of mine to help keep the family member in the home.
I feel drawn to be an End-of-Life Doula because everyone is sacred. I want to help families understand the dying process and it doesn't have to be a sad time. Most important if the dying person has something they still need to resolve in their life so peace comes to them freely.
Hi! My name is Deb. I completed the Hospice End of Life Doula Training through the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA). I have resided in Hamilton, NY for the majority of my life. I have worked within the county for numerous years to provide support to families and the community. I believe everyone has a story and deserves to be heard.
My goal as an End-of-Life Doula is to listen and provide support. Every person and family are
different. I want to learn as much as possible about each individual and provide the support and
assistance they are looking for. I’m excited to have the privilege to support our community
members through this stage.
Hi, I’m Laura, a high school counselor by day and “mom” to my three young sons by night. With a strong background of professional experience in connecting with individuals facing mental health, developmental, and substance abuse challenges, my passion for supporting others has been a consistent theme in my life.
In 2022, my personal journey took a profound turn when my youngest son was diagnosed with nonverbal regressive autism. This experience shed light on the critical need for comprehensive support for individuals with developmental and learning disabilities throughout their lives, including during end-of-life transitions. Driven by my newfound awareness, I completed my End-of-Life Doula training certificate through the International End Of Life Doula Association (INELDA). This training expanded my knowledge and skills in providing compassionate, non-medical end-of-life care to individuals with disabilities, ensuring dignity, peace, and support for both the individual and their families.
My passion lies in creating a safe and nurturing environment for families to navigate the complexities of the dying process and facilitating difficult yet essential conversations by offering comfort, and upholding the dignity of those in their final stages of life.
My path in life has led me to this important work. Working in the aging field for over 20 years makes me familiar with how the medical systems work and how family plays a huge role in the end of life decisions and care.
As a death doula I offer supportive, compassionate and non-medical care to gently guide you up to and through death and dying. My specialty is helping families feel at peace and part of the planning process. I bring a calm, caring presence. I will empower you to have the courageous conversations necessary while navigating pre-planning for what you consider a good death and after-death care.
On a more personal note; I was born in Hamilton, NY and went to school at Sherburne Earlville. I got married to my best friend from high school and we happily have two boys and a chocolate lab that make up our family and home in Cazenovia.
Hi! My name is Meg. and I have been trained as an End-of-Life Doula by the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) and the Psychedelic End-of-Life Association. My passion for normalizing natural body functions began with the home births of my four children. I continue to advocate for demedicalizing natural processes like birth and death, empowering people to experience them in their own way.
As a licensed psychotherapist, I understand that much of our pain and trauma are stored in our bodies, often manifesting as physical tension, chronic pain, or emotional distress. This understanding deeply informs my work as an End-of-Life Doula. I believe that by acknowledging and addressing these stored experiences, we can help facilitate a more peaceful and conscious transition at the end of life. I offer a holistic approach that attends to the body, mind, and spirit, helping individuals and their families navigate this profound journey with compassion and support. It would be my honor to walk this part of your journey with you.
Hi! My name is Janna. I completed my training as an end-of-life Doula with INELDA in 2020 and then again through Madison County Rural Health Council and INELDA in 2023.
My interest in end of life work began with being an energy medicine practitioner for over 20 years and having the honor of doing energy work for many people who were approaching end of life. This type of work brought so much meaning to me. My heart’s work focuses on supporting the person in the transition process, along with their families, through my end of life work, my knowledge of the dying process, and my experience as an energy medicine practitioner.
I am also a certified Grief and loss provider through Claire Bidwell Smith, and I incorporate Paul Denniston’s Grief Movement in my grief processing with clients.
I am a mother of two amazing girls, and I have three wonderful stepchildren whose father is an incredible man and husband. In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors, walking in nature, paddle boarding on the lake, or just sitting outside in the quiet sipping my coffee with my dog in the mornings.
I would feel honored and embrace supporting you during this transitional phase of your journey.
The EOL Doula Network will accept self-referrals and referrals from family members, friends and neighbors, community organizations, healthcare providers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals and hospice care. We are accepting referrals for residents living in Chenango, Madison and Oneida counties.
Click here for our referral form.
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We are currently not accepting referrals for our Birth, Postpartum and/or End of Life Doula services. We anticipate reopening referrals soon. Stay updated by continuing to follow us on our website or on Social Media. Thank you for your interest.
