Dresden Briggs
End-of-Life Doula
As an End-of-Life Doula, I also volunteer for Hospice of the Valley – the largest hospice organization in Phoenix. After my corporate career, in the mid-2010s, I decided to go to a healing arts school to obtain certifications in Reflexology, Reiki, Yoga and Massage. However, as fulfilling and wonderful as those skill sets are, I have felt a real pull toward assisting the elderly and dying.
Judith Zaruches
End-of-Life Doula
I have been curious about death since I was a child treated at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. My professional career included work as a hospital social worker, studying with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, and working as director of volunteers at a hospice organization.
In 2023, after I supported several dear friends and their families during their final days, I trained to be an end-of-life doula. This education heightened my awareness of the taboos around death.
I came to the realization that a lack of understanding of this crucial subject can cause unnecessary suffering for ourselves and our loved ones.
Keri Winchester
End-of-Life Doula
The scope of what I provide may fall under various titles…Life Interventionalist, Serious Illness Doula, End-of-Life Doula, or death educator. No matter the title, I am here to hold space, guide, empower, support and advocate for those that are thinking about death, ill or dying and those that surround the dying. I am a gifted listener, empath, intuitive and connect deeply and purposely with other humans. My strength of communication serves to build a bridge to allow discussion about illness, death and dying. Whether you have been given a “projected time of death” or you have never even thought about death, working with me will improve how you approach life.
Kim Stravers
Certified Death Midwife
My work encompasses services for the dying and their loved ones through every stage of end of life, as well as for those who are simply curious about this oft-maligned subject. Some refer to those called to this work as death or end-of-life doulas, death coaches, death midwives, or other titles; I answer to all and consider myself a companion, a guide, and a keeper of death’s traditions. I offer logistical, practical, emotional, and spiritual support throughout Arizona’s greater Salt River Valley, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Cave Creek, Carefree, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Sun Lakes, and Sun City. Remote sessions are available for those who live outside of the Phoenix metro area or for whom in-person visits are not preferable or possible.
Simone Gagnon
End-of-Life Doula
I am a death doula and community care facilitator. Using a culturally conscious approach, I hold supportive space for those experiencing an end–the end of a life, the end of a relationship, the end of an identity, the end of a season or phase, etc. I bear witness and offer resources to foster release, connection, and wellbeing.