I have been advocating for individuals and families to move gracefully through life transitions, for as long as I can remember.
As a parent to four children, I took seriously their childrearing. Now as a grandmother, I very much enjoy the fruits of my labor by spending time with my grandchildren.
As a patient navigator and clinical liaison for over 17 years, I held the hands (both literally and figuratively) of 1000s of patients and families who were going through cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Working with so many families in my work setting compelled me to give my time on a weekly basis, outside of my formal work, to motivate patients and families to move their body in order to get strong both mentally and physically.
This project turned into Beat Cancer Bootcamp which continued for almost 2 decades at a local city park as a way to bring together community and create connection around a very hard topic. I still chuckle to myself thinking of new boot camp participants’ surprised faces when I showed up in fatigues and combat boots. As I blew my whistle, I transformed into my alter ego, “Sarge”, and used this character to motivate the “troops”.
The irony is not lost on me that this persona has always been so different than my day to day personality. I have always strived to be gentle, kind. I have come to understand that Sarge represents the embodiment of my fierce advocacy for the people I support.
As an End of Life Doula, I will be no different. I am deeply committed to supporting you and your family.
I learned about EOL Doula work when I lost my father, then my mother in close succession, and discovered first hand how intense and emotional death and loss is for a family.
End of life is a deeply personal process and no two experiences are alike. This is why my services are custom tailored to the patient’s needs. Learn more about the types of services I provide on the Resources page.
Credentials:
- Certified End of Life Doula
- Board Member of NEDA (National End of Life Doula Alliance)
- Certified Health and Wellness Coach
- Founder of Beat Cancer Boot Camp, 18 years
- Patient Navigator, 17 years
- Clinical Liaison, 17 years
Organizations I had affiliations with:
- Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society
- Colon Cancer Alliance
- Lung Force
- Melanoma Walks
- American Cancer Society
- WeSpark
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
- American Heart Association