About Me

Emily, death doula and reiki master

Hi, I’m Emily

Becoming a death doula was not a path I envisioned for myself initially. I was an elementary and middle school teacher for seven years and then a stay-at-home mom of two kids. My death doula journey began with a deep-seated fear of death—a fear that consumed me with anxiety and uncertainty. As I embarked on a quest to confront and understand this fear, I discovered a profound truth: embracing the concept of death has transformed my perspective on life itself.

My mission as a death doula stems from this personal evolution. I am driven by a passionate desire to empower individuals to orchestrate their own final chapters, to shape their deaths into reflections of their lives—filled with dignity, peace, and profound meaning. It is my calling to educate others on the importance of experiencing a conscious death, where every moment is honored, cherished, and utilized to create lasting memories and legacies.

One of my primary goals is to dismantle the stigma surrounding death. I believe that dying is not merely a medical event but an intrinsic part of the human experience—a natural process that deserves acceptance and understanding. Just as birth doulas have rekindled a sense of communal care around childbirth, I am committed to reviving the tradition of supporting each other through the end-of-life journey, building resilient communities that rally around their members in their most vulnerable moments.

I advocate for early preparation and planning, encouraging individuals to begin engaging with end-of-life considerations months in advance. By doing so, we can embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery, crafting legacy projects and achieving personal milestones in the twilight of life. This preparation allows for the proper processing of emotions and ensures that each person's transition is imbued with intention and purpose.

Emily, owner of Hillside Ferns smelling colourful flowers

Central to my vision is the creation of sanctuary spaces—places of solace and comfort where the dying and their loved ones can find peace amidst life's most poignant moments. These sanctuaries serve as havens, nurturing environments where individuals can share their stories, find closure, and embrace the inevitability of life's final chapter with grace and acceptance.

In essence, my journey from fear to empowerment has ignited a profound mission: to guide and support others in navigating the complexities of death with compassion, understanding, and reverence. Through my work as a death doula, I strive to foster a cultural shift—one where death is seen not as an end but as a natural continuation of life, where every person's journey is honored, celebrated, and embraced as an integral part of our shared human experience.

I am deeply honored to stand beside you and your loved ones as we navigate this profound transition in life together.

Unlived life gives power to death. A totally lived life takes all power from death. Death is not.

-Osho The Art of Living and Dying