‘Doula’ (Greek: δούλα) pronounced doo-lah. Originally meant a woman who serves; today refers to a trained, non-medical companion who offers ongoing emotional, informational, and practical support during significant life transitions such as birth, dying, and grief.

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Currently I am working on a part-time basis with a limited scope of services. In an effort to expand services to the Troy, NY area, I recently founded Liminal Troy, a death doula collaborative serving the terminally-ill population in the Troy, NY and surrounding areas. We are still new and growing, but my hope is that this initiative will help bridge the gaps in care that exist in between the available medical systems. For more information about Liminal Troy collective click on Tab 'Liminal Troy' here or find us on IG and Facebook @liminalTroy.

If you’re reading this, you may be standing in uncertainty, fear, grief or just here searching. You might be here for yourself, or for someone you love. There is no expectation that you know what you need, or that you have words for what you’re carrying. This page is offered as a place to arrive and gather information in your own time, and to sense whether this kind of support is right for you.
I offer non-medical end-of-life doula support to people approaching death, and to those who love and care for them. This work lives in a threshold space, where time can feel different and the heart often carries more than language can hold. My role is not to fix, treat, or direct what is happening, but to accompany you with steadiness, honesty, and care. There is no single “right way” to die or to grieve. You do not need to be brave, composed, clear, or ready. You are allowed to arrive exactly as you are, and know you are supported.

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What I Provide

Calm, grounded presence and companionship, deep listening and emotional support, education about the natural dying process in common language, support with end-of-life conversations, wishes, and values, legacy work, reflection, and meaning-making, gentle ritual or spiritual support, if requested; referrals to chaplains, support for caregivers before and after death. support during medical care (Optional) If desired, I may attend medical appointments with clients or caregivers, help interpret medical language and clarify information, support families in understanding options and preparing questions. *I do not provide transportation and I do not replace medical providers or clinical teams.

Working Alongside Hospice & Medical Care

I work alongside, not instead of, hospice or medical care. When hospice is involved, Hospice staff remain responsible for all medical care, My role focuses on emotional, spiritual, and presence-based support, Hospice policies and care plans are respected. With written permission, I may communicate with hospice staff to support continuity of care.

What I Do Not Provide
My role is non-medical and non-clinical. I do not provide medical, nursing, hospice, or aide services, diagnose illness or give medical advice, administer medications or treatments, provide psychotherapy or counseling, offer legal or financial advice or make decisions on behalf of the client.

Advance Directives & Planning Documents
I do not complete health-care proxy forms, advance directives, or legal documents. However I can help clarify language and support you in understanding what questions to ask. These documents should be completed with your primary care provider, palliative care team, or hospice staff, and reviewed periodically as goals of care may shift. Advance care planning helps individuals clarify what matters most to them and communicate those wishes to loved ones and healthcare teams. The tools below support conversation and documentation:

Five Wishes A values-based advance directive addressing medical, emotional, and spiritual preferences. Website: https://fivewishes.org

PREPARE for Your Care Step-by-step guidance to choose a healthcare proxy, reflect on values, and talk with clinicians. Website: https://prepareforyourcare.org

New York State Health Care Proxy Legal document naming a healthcare decision-maker if capacity is lost. Form & instructions: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/new-york-state-health-care-proxy-form

New York MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) Medical orders for individuals with serious illness or advanced frailty. This form must be completed with a qualified clinician (physician, NP, or PA). Info & forms: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/molst/

Physical Boundaries & Safety
I do not lift, carry, transfer, reposition, or physically support clients, assist with mobility, walking, bathing, toileting, or personal care, These tasks belong to caregivers or hospice staff. If requested and with clear consent, I may offer Reiki, and gentle therapeutic touch , or lotion.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Informational)
Some individuals may explore psychedelic-assisted therapy to address existential distress, fear of death or emotional suffering, where these are legally available and medically supervised.
I do not provide, administer, prescribe, arrange, or facilitate psychedelic-assisted therapy. If a client is independently engaged in legally sanctioned psychedelic-assisted therapy with licensed providers, I may offer non-medical, non-directive support such as: Emotional and presence-based support and grounding before or after experiences, Meaning-making and reflective integration.
I do not provide clinical preparation, dosing guidance, or coordination of therapy sessions. All psychedelic therapies must be arranged and overseen solely by licensed professionals in accordance with applicable laws.

End-of-Life Legal Options (Informational)
I do not provide, arrange, or facilitate Medical Aid in Dying, euthanasia, or any medical or legal end-of-life interventions.
Some individuals explore end-of-life options in jurisdictions where such practices are legal. New York State has passed legislation related to Medical Aid in Dying; however, the law is not yet in effect, and access, eligibility, and implementation are governed solely by licensed clinicians and applicable laws.
If a client pursues legal options in another jurisdiction and requests my presence, my role is limited to non-medical emotional companionship only, subject to availability and legal considerations. All medical, legal, and eligibility determinations remain the responsibility of the client and their licensed provider.

Pricing & Offerings (Flexible, individualized, discussed openly)

I offer my services with an understanding that every situation, family, and season of illness is different. Pricing is approached with transparency, flexibility, and respect for the relational nature of this work. All services are private-pay and discussed openly so expectations feel clear and grounded. Although I have a physician background, my rates do not reflect medical care or clinical services. Limited sliding-scale considerations may be offered privately and at my discretion. All payments are due at the time of service provided via Venmo or credit card.

Companioning & Support Package
This offering provides a flexible container for non-medical end-of-life doula support over time. Support may be brief or ongoing, depending on what feels most supportive. Pricing to be determined based on individual needs.

Initial Consultation-Virtual or in-person
$125/hour

Ongoing Companioning & Support
This may include support with end-of-life conversations, values and meaning-making, legacy work and reflection, gentle ritual if requested, and support for caregivers alongside the client.

$100/hour

Caregiver Support Sessions
One-on-one sessions for caregivers needing space to process fear, grief, exhaustion, uncertainty, or the emotional weight of caregiving.
$100 per hour

Bedside / Vigil Presence
When available and appropriate, I may offer bedside or vigil presence during active dying. Availability, scope, timing, and expectations are discussed in advance. Longer blocks or overnight presence may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
$175 per hour

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There is no single way to die, and no single way to love someone through dying.
This time may hold silence, confusion, devotion, fear, as the ordinary hum of life continues in the background. Nothing needs to be perfected. Presence alone is most often enough.If you invite me in, I will meet you here, in this threshold, with presence and care.