Who I Am and How This Work Found Me
As a certified cognitive behavioral therapist turned End of Life Doula & Death Doula based in Charlotte, North Carolina, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, holistic end-of-life care. My mission is to guide individuals and families through the profound journey of dying, offering unwavering support, peace, and understanding during life’s most significant transition.
The dying process can be a meaningful and sacred experience. Through facilitating vital conversations about end-of-life wishes and providing continuous support to the dying and their loved ones, I empower individuals to make informed choices that honor their values and preferences, ensuring a peaceful and dignified transition.
My Background
My extensive background as a social worker, where I served in a clinical capacity for over a decade, uniquely equips me to offer this kind of care with deep empathy and expertise. My profound understanding of the unique challenges individuals and families face in assisted living and nursing home settings, gained through my experience, further enhances my ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care.
The Dying Process
As a Death Educator, I am passionate about dispelling the myths and misconceptions many people hold about the dying process—often shaped by what they see on television. I firmly believe that the more you understand what should and shouldn’t happen in the weeks and days leading up to death, the more confident and assured you can feel about your loved one’s comfort.
This knowledge empowers families, reducing anxiety and allowing them to focus on what truly matters: being present and actively supporting their loved ones with peace of mind. Through education, I aim to replace fear with understanding, ensuring that every step of the journey is as dignified and serene as possible.
End-of-Life Rituals and Ceremonies
My doula services are just the beginning. I craft unique end-of-life rituals and ceremonies, with the Labyrinth as a critical element. This ancient tool for prayer and meditation is at the heart of my practice. I offer one-of-a-kind ceremonies, such as the Living Celebration of Life Ceremony and Sacred Grief & Loss Memorials. These ceremonies, often incorporating elements like SoulCollage® and labyrinth walks, provide a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity for reflection, closure, and peace. They allow clients and their families to celebrate life, process grief, and honor their loved ones profoundly, personally, and meaningfully.
My Mission: Remove the Fear and Overwhelm
As the founder of Craving ZEN, I am dedicated to walking beside you with unwavering compassion and clarity. No question is too delicate, and no concern too small. Together, we will embrace this time as an opportunity to live your final days with purpose and dignity, surrounded by love and guided by your deepest intentions. My mission is to remove the fear and overwhelm from the dying process, transforming it into a time of deep reflection, meaningful connections, and honoring your final desires. Whether it’s fulfilling lifelong dreams, spending quality time with loved ones, or planning a personalized farewell, I am here to support you every step of the way.
If you are in the Greater Charlotte area and seeking an end-of-life Doula who can provide comprehensive and compassionate support, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s work together to ensure that your final chapter is written with intention, peace, and fulfillment of your deepest wishes. I am here for you, ready to provide the support you need.
My Story: How This Work Found Me
Mortality is a subject many of us shy away from, often until it’s too late. The fear of the unknown and the discomfort of confronting death can lead to rushed decisions made in moments of emotional chaos. I learned this hard truth when my mother entered hospice over ten years ago. Watching her scramble to make decisions, I realized how unprepared we were—how we lacked the knowledge and support that could have made her final days more peaceful.
That experience left me with a deep fear and an enduring regret: I said my goodbyes too soon, too afraid to fully witness and honor my mother’s dying process. Then, in June 2023, another tragedy struck. My brother Michael passed away suddenly at just 30 years old. This time, I felt an undeniable calling to honor his life in a way that broke free from the somber traditions of funerals. I crafted a day filled with healing and connection—a labyrinth walk intertwined with sound healing, and a SoulCollage® session that sparked laughter and reflection as we celebrated who Michael was and where we believe he is now.
These profound experiences have not only shaped my journey but have ignited a mission within me. I am driven to ensure that no one faces the end of life unprepared or alone. My purpose is to help others embrace this sacred time as one of peace, fulfillment, and intentionality. I am here to guide, support, and empower you to navigate this final passage with dignity and love, ensuring that your journey is as meaningful as the life you’ve lived.
Professional Qualifications
- Master’s Degree In Social Work-MSW
- Certified End of Life Doula & Death Educator
- Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
- Certified DISC Advanced Behavioral Consultant
- Certified Anger Management & Emotional Intelligence Consultant
- Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator with Veriditas
- Trained SoulCollage® Facilitator
- Advanced Level Certified Sound Healing Practitioner
- Certified Vibroacoustic Sound Therapist
- Certified Nature & Retreat Leader
- Currently Studying to be a Spiritual Director at The Charlotte Spirituality Center
- Hospice Volunteer-VIA Health Partners