I am an INELDA-trained death doula. I bring warm, respectful, grounded companionship and support to those who are living with a life-limiting illness — and to those who may not have a diagnosis but want to thoughtfully consider and plan for the future. 

I am committed to honoring your life, your unique experiences, and your personhood. To helping make your last weeks or months as meaningful as possible. And to the reality that we are fully alive in every moment, right up until the moment we are not. 

With heart and wisdom, and always centering the person who is approaching end-of-life, I offer the following non-medical support to those who are dying and their loved ones. This list is not exhaustive — things often arise that weren’t anticipated, and I may be able to help with those too. 

• Facilitating open conversations about dying, including with loved ones 

• Supporting and guiding the emotional, mental, and spiritual processing of life and death (in alignment with your beliefs), and connecting you with resources 

• Sound meditation and guided meditation 

• Light massage and caring touch 

• Advocating for the dying person’s wishes 

• Co-creating and sitting vigil 

• Assistance with legacy projects 

• Assistance with desired rituals before, during, and after death 

• Light housework, pet care, meal preparation, errands, and accompaniment to appointments 

• Respite for caregivers 

• Resources and guidance around legal documents and decisions related to death and dying 

• Grief reprocessing and extended grief support 

Are you unsure what you need, whether we’d be a good fit, or do you just want to talk through your situation? I am here for you. I would love to connect. I am also available to consult with those who do not have a life-limiting illness but want to prepare for the future. 

Sliding scale pricing and pro-bono work

I have an hourly rate and also work with packages. I offer all doula services at a reduced rate if you need it. I trust you to make an honest assessment of your resources, and I will work with you to make this care affordable. If it would help, I can offer guidance on things to consider when placing yourself on a sliding scale. 

I am committed to offering pro-bono doula services on a regular basis. It is also important to me to maintain my own well-being and a balanced life, so I may not always be able to accept these requests — but I strongly encourage you to reach out and see what is possible. 

What people share: 

“Looking back at the last six months of my wife’s life — and I know my late wife would agree — Josephine was a necessary and welcomed bridge to whatever lies on the other side. Through sound journeys, massage, and deep conversations, Josephine was there as both a guide and a reassuring presence. 

Miriam’s last few months were difficult, both physically and emotionally, but she was able to ease into her final time with us largely because of the guidance and support Josephine gave to both of us and our children. 

The benefit of having an end-of-life doula like Josephine — grounded, present, and authentic — can’t be overstated. Thank you so much. You will always hold a beautiful and sacred place in our hearts.” — David Z. 

“I cannot imagine what we would have done without Josephine. She was instrumental in helping my dad through a beautiful dying process. He had ALS. She midwifed him and our family in ways that were immensely comforting and satisfying to him, and stabilizing and enriching for our whole family — bringing us all closer together. We had so many beautiful connecting moments because of Josephine. Her instinctive talents helped us cope with the unknown as she guided with expert skill — affirming the process with love and affirmation, as well as guidance — from everything to the medical care system, to timing, to resources. 

Now that I’ve been through the dying process with someone this close to me, I would never want to do it again without a doula, and hopefully Josephine herself. My dad had the death he wanted and our family cherishes the moments we shared, and Josephine. If she’s available for what you need, you’re lucky.” — Kristen Wheeler, daughter of Cass Wheeler