My name is Monica and I am a journeyer.

My professional path has been winding but has always centered in some way mystery, meaning-making, close listening, storytelling, deep care work, and the facilitation of that which wants to emerge... essentially, the hidden side of the leaf. I have been a musician, an arts consultant, a bartender, an HR director. I am a reformed academic with a PhD in ethnomusicology, a designer of grief cakes, a writer, and now, after moving through deep loss of my own, I am a NEDA-proficient and certified death doula and certified Grief Educator.

 

 

  • We know how to bring a life into the world and we know how to die. A doula—birth or death—trains and specializes in person-centered care at these critical, sacred moments of transition, supporting the remembrance of our own innate wisdom.

    While it can take many forms, the work of the death doula promotes the acceptance of death and dying as part of the natural flow of life. We serve as companions, advocates, educators, and guides for the dying. We use non-medical, holistic approaches in offering the emotional, spiritual, and logistical support that help the dying engage the process with peace, acceptance, and intention. Often, this looks like an organic complement to palliative and hospice care and while doula work centers the dying, it rarely stops with them. Because our vision is driven by holism and right relationship, we also help loved ones take control and comfort in caring for their dying as they move towards and across the threshold.

    A death doula can be a bridge, a witness, a recorder of stories, a holder of space, an active listener, an organizer, a point person on your care team, a facilitator, and a still, consistent presence. Whatever will help facilitate a meaningful, conscious, and peaceful death. Don’t know what you need? I am here to figure it out with you.

    In my own practice, I recognize the need for ethical, compassionate care and the right to a “good,” self-determined death for all. I recognize that systemic conditions make these needs and rights less accessible for members of BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities. I recognize and put into intentional practice the fundamental value and dignity of all of us.

    My role as a Grief Worker is indistinguishable at times from my doula work but also responds to the ways grief —as a shapeshifter— can thread its way through so many corners of our lives. When it is witnessed and held in safe space, we can engage our grief with a curiosity and love that is not only healing, but meaning-making and capacity-building. I am here to build that space of possibility with you.

Services

We live and die as unique individuals, sweet miracles, each. The gift of my work is the opportunity to honor that uniqueness. This is why one of my core principles as a death doula and grief worker is to meet you where you are and to be led by your pace, curiosity, and needs. My work is always and only in support of your most meaningful and peaceful experience.This means that each set of services is unique to the client. The following are some of my areas of strength and specialization as well as suggestions for how we might collaborate. They are a way for us to start a conversation. Don't see something here that you'd like to explore? Let me know.

Care, Witnessing, and Companionship for the Dying:

  • Vigil and Leave-Taking

  • Non-Medical Care and Physical Comfort Touch

  • Guided Meditation, Visualization, Breath Work

Exploration and Review:

  • Life Review

  • Legacy Projects

  • Tarot for death and grief exploration

Beloveds:

  • Reprocessing

  • Caregiver Respite

  • Presencing and Listening Sessions

 

Food Experiences

As a baker, cake designer, and doula, I am continually exploring the rich relationships among food, death, and grief as well as the role of kitchen-centered care work in helping us navigate grief and loss. The exploration of these connections can be an extremely powerful way to “be with” death and grief whether as continuing bonds or as a form of embodied processing. I work with clients on a range of projects involving food—grief cake workshops, recipe books as legacy projects, and cooking as embodied grief exploration. If cooking, baking, or even just eating has been an important part of your life or beloved’s life, I’d be honored to create a meaningful experience with you.