I rely heavily on both my personal experiences as a family caregiver and on my professional training as a geriatric nurse practitioner and educator.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Gerontological Nursing from the University of Michigan. I have practiced for over 25 years as a geriatric nurse practitioner with additional certification in hospice and palliative care nursing.  I have worked in hospitals, long term care facilities, and the home care setting.  I  taught geriatric and palliative care content to graduate nursing students at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College and I continue to offer education on these topics to professional and community organizations.  I am a member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) and have taken their proficiency examination to earn the NEDA Proficiency Badge. My certification as a Grief Counselor (GC-C) was obtained through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc.

I have witnessed the challenges that navigating our healthcare system can present and the gaps in care that can cause frustration and confusion at a most difficult time. The phase of life meeting death can be foreign territory and not understanding the options and resources or even what questions to ask, can feel overwhelming.  Many patients and their caregivers could benefit from another layer of individualized support. In response to these issues and needs, I bring my experience and passion to the role of an end-of-life doula and grief counselor. This work is sacred territory and at the core of my being.

Why I do this work:

My interest in end of life care started during one of my first rotations in nursing school when I cared for a very special woman who was dying.  She was in a nursing home and it was extremely difficult for her to get out of bed.  She expressed a wish to be outside in the fresh air and to feel the sun.  With a fair amount of effort, wearing her new robe, we were able to move her out into the garden.  As she sat there, as if on cue, a bird came and landed on the arm of her chair.  That moment was the spark that told me I needed to be a part of this work.

I have witnessed unnecessary suffering at the end of life, and this has motivated me to continue in my efforts to improve the care of people who are seriously ill and their loved ones. In addition, grief work for those left behind continues long after memorial services, notecards and casseroles left by the door.  Supporting grieving hearts is an important extension of this work.

Over the years, I have been privileged to share time, incredible stories, humor and wisdom at the bedside of many as they got closer to the edge of life.  I have learned through this work that we all seem to need reminders to be grateful for today and for the ones we love and that time is fleeting.  In the words of Buddha, “the trouble is, you think you have time”.  It is an honor to help ease the way and ease any suffering for those with whom I work and to appreciate all the magical moments along the way. Read more of my stories here.