I've officially been in business as a professional End-of-Life Coach and Death Doula for fourteen months and in that time I've had the absolute privilege of walking eleven people home. I've been humbled and rewarded by the opportunity to be present at the bedside when six of those people concluded their human experiences. Each of these beautiful souls, along with their loved ones and caregivers have been my mentors, teaching me to remain present and humble throughout one of the most simultaneously challenging and beautiful transitions that humans ever get to experience.
I also have the honor of holding space for loved ones to process the pain of their losses, both as a Volunteer Grief Support Group Facilitator at The Grief Center and when I provide Peer Grief Support and Coaching to my clients.
This year has taught me so much about developing a deep relationship with pain, discomfort and loss. I recognize that I have much learning left to do. In fact, the truth is that these are the lessons of an entire lifetime and the learning will never be "complete." Perhaps if and when it does feel "complete," it will be time for me, to return home too. I have no doubt that I'll have one hell of a big welcoming party waiting for me!
"Danielle was an absolute God send to our family during our beloved Aunt’s passing. She became family during those tough days, comforting not only my Aunt, but every single one of us there. I had no idea this service existed until then, and I don’t know how we would have made it without her there. Whether it was helping put together gifts, being a friend to my little one during the extra hard moments, a shoulder to cry on, ensuring my Aunt’s wishes were fulfilled, or her compassion and wisdom - she was a bright light to help all of us during this difficult time and even helped us view ‘end of life’ from a new perspective. She herself is a living miracle and learning her story only helped put us more at ease. We absolutely love her and thank her for being everything we needed during a very difficult time for our family. ❤️" - P. Olivares
Giovanna Rossi's The Well Woman Show
Airing this Friday, 11/10/2023 on KUNM 89.9FM at 8:00 AM.
The interview will also be published on the Well Woman Podcast and NPR!!!
This month on the Well Woman Show, Giovanna Rossi and I discuss a non-judgmental, heart-centered approach to working with those who are thinking about, preparing for, and near the end of their lives. Listeners will learn about non-medical, practical, emotional, spiritual and physical support to the dying, as well as to their caregivers and loved ones. Through public education and community engagement, we discuss my goal of normalizing conversations surrounding death, grief and loss while de-sterilizing and de-medicalizing the death and dying process.
Giovanna and I met while training to be Volunteer Grief Support Group Facilitators at The Grief Center in Albuquerque. We instantly hit it off and quickly discovered that we'd experienced similar losses as children. I am beyond grateful to Giovanna for having me as a guest on her show and I'm honored to have the opportunity to take this conversation national, on NPR!
Gail Rubin's Before I Die Festival New Mexico
"What Do Death Doulas Do?"
an Educational Panel with Death Doulas Alix Peters and Danielle Slupesky
Danielle starts by reading a statement from Death Doula Genna Reeves, Ph.D. who was scheduled to participate and could not attend do to an unforeseen traffic emergency. We missed you, Genna!
The Mindful Midlife Crisis Podcast with Billy Lahr
Episode 107: Losing a Parent - Celebrating the Life of Dan Clement
with End of Life Coach Danielle Slupesky
As the holiday season approaches, many of our hearts and minds become preoccupied with the memories of our loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us.
In this episode of The Mindful Midlife Crisis, I speak with Billy Lahr, and Matt Hazard, his always entertaining co-host. We celebrate the life of Matt’s father, Dan Clement Hazard, and journey with him throughout the experience of his father's dying process and death. Before you listen to this episode, we want to give you a heads-up that it will be heavy. We will be talking about death from both a professional and personal perspective. It will likely bring up emotions regarding your own prior experiences with death and loss. Please do what you need to do to take care of yourself.
I was honored to be a part of this celebration of Dan Clement Hazard and am extremely grateful to Matt for his honesty and vulnerability. I believe that our loved ones live on through our memories and that we speak their energy back into existence when we share those memories with others.
If you or someone you know is faced with the challenges of death, dying, loss and grief, please reach out today. You do not have to do any of this alone.