About Me
Grace Thompson
Serving the Greater Capital/Saratoga Region of New York State
Every one of us deserves a "Good Death," with grace, positivity, and dignity. I am grateful for the learning and focus that allows me, as a Doulagiver Specialist, to share this possibility.
Much of my career has been invested in advocating for abused and neglected children. With compassion and truth, I found great fulfillment supporting families struggling to maintain a safe, stable home. Rarely (though once is too often!) and tragically, the situation resulted in a child's death. One never forgets the faces of those children; or the trauma and horror of the family.
Like most of us, I have also experienced several very personal losses, from the inexplicable and frightening "she's gone" as a young child, with the implication that questions should not be asked; to days holding the hand of my cherished godfather as he died in a sterile hospital room surrounded by medical equipment and no one to explain, as I was not technically "next of kin;" to witnessing my domestic partner have an unexpected, traumatic end of life with no advance planning in place; and oh, so many other loved ones.
I have now realized that some of the darkest points in my life have become my greatest gifts. They offered the opportunity to grow into a greater awareness of the gift of life. I am here because of what death teaches us about life.
Most of us don't want to think about death: not yet, anyway. We're just not ready - until it's too late. Yet as we plan for a good life, we must also plan for a good death. By learning about end of life, you can offer your loved ones the ultimate loving and generous gift.
As a Doulagiver Specialist, I am called to help change the trajectory of our American experience of death. Dedicated to sharing the possibility of a good death for each one of us, fewer people will experience the lingering depths of shock, fear, numbness, and grief that have been my experience.
Authentic sharing of Information, compassionate presence, and holistic guidance will help each of us face the inevitable. With the right care and preparation, death can be free from pain and fear; filled with love, positivity, and dignity; and enveloped in grace.
Please explore the free resources and events through the tab at the top of this page. I invite you to schedule a no-obligation complimentary 30 minute consultation with me to learn more.
Follow your heart. I'm here to help!
About
Doulagivers
Institue
International Doulagivers Institute is a globally recognized institute that provides the highest level of education and certification for professional Death Doulas.
Suzanne B. O’Brien is a registered nurse who has worked most of her career in either Hospice (end-of-life care) and/or Oncology (cancer care).
She has had the honor and privilege to have personally worked at the bedside with over one thousand end-of-life patients and their families, from all different cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities.
In addition to being the creator and founder of Doulagivers Institute, she is also a founding member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and former Vice President of the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA).
For over a decade now, she has been training End-of-Life Doulas to help support and serve our vulnerable elder population.
She helps incredibly passionate people become the best possible non-medical, holistic practitioner you can be, so that you can help the people that need you most.
“Death can be the natural, sacred experience it was meant to be with the right kindness, education and support.”
—Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN