I am a proud member of the Death Doula Ontario Network.

I have completed the DoulaGivers End of Life DoulaGiver Program, passing my final exam in June 2023 with a score of 96%! No certification is officially recognized for Death Doulas in Canada as the role is not regulated (this is a good thing), but I cannot tell you the value of this course. It has given me such a wonderful education and a solid foundation on which to build the rest of my career as a Death Doula in Ontario.

My courses are all taught by Suzanne O’Brien – she is one of the leading End of Life Doulas in our time. Here’s a quick video to show you a bit about her and her attitude towards the end of life. 

Many years ago, I graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelors Degree in Philosophy (2003).

I have ambitious plans to continue my education in this heartfelt field, as well as pick up additional training through my volunteer work at Norfolk General Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit and Nursing Home.

In the meantime, I frequently attend webinars on all sorts of subjects in the health care and palliative care field. I am also always reading books written by those who have come before me.

Books I have read (in alphabetical order):

Advice For Future Corpses (And Those Who Love Them) – A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying. Sally Tisdale, 2018.

Creative Care – A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care. Anne Basting, 2020.

Death Doula – Tools & Techniques for End-of-Life Support. Kelly Ruby Hanson, 2021.

Effective Helping – Interviewing and Counseling Techniques. Barbara F. Okum, 2002.

Final Gifts – Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying. Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, 1992.

Finding Peace at the End of Life – A Death Doula’s Guide for Families and Caregivers. Henry Fersko-Weiss, 2017.

How to Be Sad – Everything I’ve Learned About Getting Happier by Being Sad. Helen Russell, 2021.

If You’re Lonely – Finding Your Way. Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. 2001.

Life After the Diagnosis – Expert Advice on Living Well with Serious Illness for Patients and Caregivers. Steven Z. Pantilat, 2017.

Living Thoughtfully, Dying Well – A Doctor Explains How to Make Death a Natural Part of Life. Glen E. Miller, 2014.

On Grief & Grieving – Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler, 2005.

On Life After Death. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 1991.

Restorative Rituals – Ideas & Inspiration for Self-Care. Leslie Koren, 2021.

Self-Care for Grief – 100 Practices for Healing During Times of Loss. Nneka M. Okona, 2021.

Ten Minutes to Deep Meditation – Techniques that Reduce Stress and Relieve Anger, Anxiety & Depression. Michael J. Cavallaro, 2014.

The Courage to Care – Being Fully Present with the Dying. Linda Bryce, 2021.

When Our Grown Up Kids Disappoint Us – Letting Go of Their Problems, Loving Them Anyway, and Getting on with Our Lives. Jane Adams, PhD. 2003.