About Billie Jo
Full Spectrum, Holistic End-of-Life Doula & Educator, Grief Tender, Volunteer
“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the last moment of your life” – Dame Cicely Saunders
My experience with death was the same as many others… we are, in essence, a death-less society – we refuse to notice it, to witness it in our lives, and to hold and honor it with sacred and gentle esteem.
For many of us, if we imagine our end-of-life journey at all, we probably hope it will take place in our home, with our people close by, our comforts within reach, and our fears and anxieties lessened by the familiar. In reality, it is most often experienced in a medical setting without the hoped-for comforts of being in our own space, making our own choices, and attending to the sacred journey that is taking place. When we reach that inevitable hour of our life’s journey and discover we have chosen to “hope for the best”, or rely upon chance rather than our wisdom and knowledge of our wishes, we may find our decisions are constrained or influenced by misguided best intentions that are not our own.
I am called to this work through my love for and connection to my family, friends, and community, and my recognition of our collective need to talk about death and dying with less fear and more openness, curiosity, and grace.
I believe that through conversations about death and thoughtfully contemplating how we would like our End-of-Life journeys to unfold, we begin to live our lives more consciously and with intention every day.
I am an advocate for my clients so they may make informed and thoughtful decisions, and take actions that will empower them throughout their end-of-life journey. I partner with medical care support teams and other chosen caregivers to provide non-medical support so my clients may center their minds and energy where it is most meaningful for them. I offer my time and my presence. I am a witness, holding dignity and sacredness in this space for death to unfold as it’s intended.
For generations, Death Doulas have been caring for the dying and yet it is seen as a new and evolving role in our communities today. Though there is no national accreditation at this time, death doulas and coaches work together to define our role and guide each other in our practice.
I have been guided, empowered and held in this work through:
The Conscious Dying Institute – Education, Training & Certification (Jan – Dec 2022)
The International End-of-Life Doula Association – INELDA (May 2021)
The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying – “Aid in Dying Training for End-of-LIfe Doulas and Bedside Attendants” (September 2023)
The Centre for Sacred Deathcare – Navigating Pet Death Certification (May 2023)
National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) – As a member of NEDA, I adhere to their established Doula Model of Care and Code of Ethics
Francis Weller – Entering the Healing Ground: Grief Ritual Leadership Training (January 2024)
My Values
Equity & Inclusion
I am committed to creating a supportive space for ALL individuals and families to explore end of life. I honor all relationships and identities and want everyone in my care to feel seen and affirmed for who they are.
No Judgement
Transparency
The intent in end-of-life work is discovery, and accessing your truest self – what you hope for and imagine – may feel new and challenging. Transparency is honesty. It’s the commitment to opening yourself to look through that which feels comfortable and known, and to expand possibility through openness to feelings and intuition.
Agenda-free
Informed
I encourage you to choose an End-of-Life Doula / Coach based on comfort and connection, and I promise to meet you where you are authentically, openly, and with lovingkindness. It is my privilege to be of service in this space, in this time, as you begin your walk beside death.
Irvin D. Yalom
More About Who I am...
I grew up in small-town North Dakota, lived decades in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, and our family has recently made Oro Valley, Arizona our home. I am available to assist clients in-person throughout the Greater Tucson area as well as Anywhere virtually through video conferencing platforms.
I am a wife, stepmom, dog-mom, daughter, sister, friend, and neighbor. You’ll most often find me outside, soaking up the sunshine and warmth of our new neighborhood.
