My Journey
I’m a daughter, friend, wife, and mum. I’m an animal lover. I know what it means to sit close to death and grief.
I was just seven years old when my dad was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. He was just 33.
From that point, time was measured in when dad was well, and when he was not. Family life centred around courses of high-dose chemotherapy, hospital visits, surgeries, alternative therapies, and the primitive radiation of those days. Through it all, my mum was his primary caregiver, while working full time, and raising me and my sister.
For all of us, there was a lot of fear of the unknown, and not a lot of information. Comfortingly, there were also real moments of connection, love in its purest form, and humanity at its best.
In 2006, my dad died at home, surrounded by the people he loved most. Despite his deteriorated condition, his death still came as a complete shock to our family.
Looking back, we can't believe we didn't see it see it coming, but we didn't know the signs. We had no understanding of what to look for or what to expect, and parts of the experience were deeply traumatic. I know now that there was so much we could have done differently — not to change the outcome, but to change the experience.
Today, my greatest wish is to walk alongside people facing end of life. To help them move through the journey with less fear and greater understanding, confidence, and connection. You don't need to do this alone.
Qualified & Committed
I completed my professional training as an End-of-Life Doula with Australia's leading EOL training organisation, Preparing the Way. I am a member of Held (Holistic End of Life and Deathcare Australia Inc) and adhere to their Code of Conduct. I am also a member of NDAN (National Death Advocacy Network). To complement the support I offer, I am a certified Energy Healer and Reiki practitioner through the Ashati Institute. I have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) and valid Police Clearance. I believe there is always more to learn, and I continue to deepen my knowledge and skills to better support those in my care.
Books I love
These are a handful of books that have helped shaped the way I think about death, dying, and what it means to live well. All of them changed me in some way, and maybe they'll do the same for you. Bonus: the audiobooks are free with Spotify Premium.
The In-Between
by Hadley Vlahos
These stories from a hospice nurse to help demystify death ignited my calling to this kind of work.
Listen
by Dr Kathryn Mannix
An important book filled with anecdotal wisdom to help us become better listeners, and communicators.
With the End in Mind
by Dr Kathryn Mannix
A thought-provoking read that not only answered my questions, but answered questions I didn't know I had.
Dear Life
by Dr Rachel Clarke
A tender and insightful book centred around the vital importance of human connection, as told by a doctor.
Influencing Death
by Penny Hawkins Smith
A candid reflection on death and dying from a hospice nurse with a dark sense of humour.
The Book of Two Ways
by Jodi Piccoult
In a world where the role of a 'death doula' is still largely unknown, I enjoyed how this book brings to life what we do.