FAQ

What is a death doula?

• A death doula is a non-medical support person who assists the client, as well as their circle of support, through death and dying. A client can be anyone from a healthy person who wants to actively plan for their end-of-life, someone who has been given a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, someone who is actively dying or the loved ones of someone who is dying or has already died. A doula’s support may come in the way of emotional, practical or even spiritual. Many people are familiar with birth doulas, and I like to think of death doulas as the other side of the same coin. A person who has walked to the edge (in this case of death) with clients and loved ones before, so it’s not unfamiliar territory, and can help support and guide everyone through.

How did you get into this work?

• My journey into death work began in earnest after the death of my uncle in November of 2023, although on reflection, I think this has always been my calling. I say that because I recently found a journal that I wrote in after my Grandpa died unexpectedly when I was 6 that said, “but love and death is part of life.” Just over 30 years later and I have come back to that belief. I feel so passionately about end-of-life planning for all, but especially younger and healthier people. I can’t stress enough how important it is to plan for end-of-life to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are prepared. Establishing a will or trust, healthcare directives, and funeral arrangements are just a few of the many ways you can ease the burden on family members and provide them clarity during an impossibly difficult time.

What kind of certifications do you have?

• I am a certified end-of-life planner and death doula through the Going with Grace Program. I am also NEDA Proficient. NEDA is the National End of Life Doula Alliance. I received my certification as a MAID (Medical Aid in Dying) Doula through the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying. And I have also gone through a hospice training program and am a Patient Volunteer, where I meet with patients who are on hospice. All of these experiences and courses have given me an insight into death and dying and knowledge around how we can better plan and support ourselves for our own deaths, as well as the deaths of the people we love.

Where did the name “Die All Ready” come from?

• The name has a double meaning for me. First, I want all of my clients to feel like they can die. all. ready. Taking time to learn about all of their end-of-life options and feeling confident that their plans are organized, clearly communicated and that they reflect their individual and unique wishes.

• I also wanted a name that brought some levity into the death work space. For most people the subject of death is scary and something to avoid at all costs. My hope is that playing on the phrase, “die already,” will bring a little humor to the subject and make it just a little more approachable. Death really doesn’t have to be scary.

• I have to give credit to my friend Roe Sie for coming up with this name within seconds of me explaining my plans and hopes for this business. Thanks Roe!