Embracing life until your last breath
As an End-of-Life Doula (also known as a death doula or death midwife), I am here to provide non-medical, compassionate, and personalized support to individuals facing an uncertain future due to serious illness, those choosing hospice care, or those proactively planning while still healthy.
I want to help ease fears, provide education, and empower you and your loved ones to live as fully as possible for as long as possible. Let’s connect to discuss how I can assist you on this profound path, allowing you to embrace life fully while preparing for your next chapter.
Meet Michelle
In my experience, death is a powerful teacher. Being deeply present to the natural dying experience and contemplating our own mortality offers an opportunity to change how we live our lives. My own transformational experience came in 2011 when my husband transitioned (passed away) 3 months after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46.
This experience cracked my entire being wide open, and my life became a ‘before’ and ‘after’ story. I could tell I needed to create a new kind of life for myself, so I began studying death, dying, and grief as part of my own personal healing. Through this process, I found purpose in working as a Death Doula, Death Educator, Grief Coach and Life Coach.
I created Held with the intention of holding space for end-of-life experiences, whatever they may be. I hope to bring light into the mystery of death and to provide a safe place to confront fears. It is my belief that we are the creators in our own lives, and we can create the life we want until our last breath.
held Testimonials
“I’m so grateful I got to participate in this experience. I could feel a deep care and love coming through which led to many beautiful insights. This has really helped me view my own life and death with a totally new perspective. I highly recommend, and even look forward to going through this experience again at a future event.”
-Living Funeral Ceremony Participant-
“I deeply appreciate the way Michelle uses her intuition wisely and gently, connects easily with people, nudges patients toward self-exploration when needed, is deeply compassionate, and brings her wonderful sense of humor to the work. Her experiential wisdom serves her well; personal losses have opened her heart with great empathy and passion for this important work. Michelle has stretched herself in difficult situations, and I have seen continued growth from those experiences.”
-Nina Guertin
“I had a chance to look over your work and am truly amazed at her End of Life plan. I have never seen something so spelled out and with such a personal focus. I can just imagine the relief she must feel with her wishes being honored. I am so glad you are doing the work you are doing, and it is an honor to work with you.”
-Hospice Nurse-
My Services
Holistic End-of-Life Doula
“Dying is the last developmental stage as a human.”
~Jane Whitlock (Death Doula)~
As an End of Life Doula, I offer a comprehensive plan of care that is personalized and adaptable to the evolving needs of each client. My four-part model includes a life review, vigil planning, caregiver support, and bereavement. Interested in learning more? Click the button below.
Ask a Doula! – Education for Death
“Life is a terminal illness which is sexually transmitted.”
~John Clease~
As an End of Life Doula, I have dedicated my time to studying death, dying, and grief, and I have a wealth of resources to offer anyone who is curious to learn more about these issues. By exploring your mortality, you may discover the keys to living a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Ready to have a conversation while you’re still healthy and well? Click the button below to schedule a call with me.
One-on-One Grief Coaching
“You have to open yourself up and let the pain move through you, it’s not yours to hold.”
~Frank Ostaseski~
Even when the death of a loved one is anticipated and planned for, the sudden absence of their physical presence in your life can be overwhelming. Though the pain of grief is unavoidable, the journey through healing can be transformative.
Advanced Planning
“Talking about death won’t kill you anymore than talking about babies makes you pregnant.”
~Unknown~
According to B.J. Miller, MD only a small fraction of us, 10-20%, will die without planning. The rest of us will have time to get to know what will end our lives, and there are choices we can make now while we are healthy. Healthcare planning and advanced vigil planning consultations are a perfect compliment to the financial and estate planning you may already be doing.
