Why I became an End of Life Doula
My path to becoming an end-of-life doula began in the 1980s as a paramedic. While I aimed to "save the day," EMS taught me that the majority of the time, the day is not saved. My last real emergency run was, well, let’s just say there was brain matter all over the dash. Clearly, a mortal wound. Crawling inside the car, doing what I could do in cramped quarters while the FD cut us out, I distinctly remember thinking that I should have been able to simply hold his hand, comfort him as best I could, with him maybe “seeing” that he was not dying alone. That began the internal conflict and consideration of what a good death should look like and how I could contribute. Society often fears and overlooks those nearing the end of life; those who need to “see” they are not alone.
Lisa Williams, Your Doula
My lifetime experiences are varied. There’s just too much available to pick only one thing to do all my life. I have been or currently am:
- Nationally Registered Paramedic, UAMS, 1985;
- Certified Paralegal, University of Arkansas, 1993;
- American Mensa, Ltd., member, 2002.
- Permitted Educational Sign Language Interpreter, 2005.
- Certified End-of-Life Doula, University of New England, 2026;
- National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, NEDA Proficient;
- (In-progress) Certified Dementia Doula, UNE, 2026;
- Egalitarian by nature; and
- Follower of Yeshua: not quite Jewish, not quite Christian.
In 2003, I provided 24/7 care for a dear friend during his 11-month hospice journey; and again in 2006, for another friend during his 4-month hospice journey. I’ve been in your shoes.
What sets me apart is the variety of professional and personal experiences I bring that will prepare you to be more equipped and less overwhelmed.