Donna's Birth to Becoming a Death doula

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Donna's journey to becoming a death doula began with the unexpected loss of her father in 2014. What began as an emergency hospital visit on a Friday ended with his passing just three days later. In those precious final moments, hope for recovery overshadowed thoughts of mortality. Through this experience, Donna had a profound awakening to the fragility of life and the sacredness of each and every moment. This realization not only shaped her mission to honor and support others through life’s most delicate transitions but also deepened her understanding that all of life is, in essence,  a delicate transition and each breath we take is sacred.

Through her grief, personal loss, and the experience of supporting her mother, Donna’s role as a death doula naturally evolved.  She  discovered her calling: 

guiding and educating others in essential conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning while they still have time to share their wishes, values, love, and legacy, and holding sacred space as a serious illness companion and Soul Doula for those approaching life's final transition, ensuring their journey is met with dignity, honor, respect and meaning.

Academic Education:

Donna holds a Master of Science in Management, Leadership Focus from The Catholic University of American Washington, DC, and a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business and Health Promotion from the University of New Orleans.

Professional Certifications:

Death Doula Certification - Going with Grace (GwG), 2021; Global Ministries University - Funeral Celebrant Certification, Feb. 2025; Yoga Teacher Certification- Bikram Yoga Works; Health Coach Certification - Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Donna is a member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), and National Funeral Home Alliance