Get to Know Me
My journey to becoming a grief counselor and end-of-life consultant.
My decision to become an end-of-life consultant and grief counselor is not one I made lightly.
A life-changing choice is rarely simple, and mine, too, carries a story, one shaped by loss, compassion, and a deep desire to help others navigate their most tender moments.
Firstly,
I became a mother of five and, like so many of us, faced immense losses and the harsh realities of death. I learned firsthand how to prepare my children for their father’s passing and how to create space for grief. These experiences became an integral part of my life, teaching me the natural course of existence: love, loss, and healing.
My professional roles also shaped my understanding of how people experience hardship and transition. As an educator for decades, I witnessed countless families navigate life’s challenges and realized how deeply people need support during moments of change. Through my work with the Law Society of Ontario and the Legislative Assembly, I gained insight into the emotional toll carried by individuals involved in legal and justice systems, including those facing family and criminal matters.
It became clear that all of my experiences, motherhood, education, and my work within legal environments, strengthened my empathy and deepened my understanding of grief. Each step guided me toward this meaningful path.
Through these lessons,
I realized that to truly understand life, I needed to embrace both its beginnings and its endings as part of a natural cycle.
I began to ask: why do so many still face loss and grief in isolation? Why is death still such a difficult subject to discuss openly?
This led me to dive deeper into the study of death, dying, and bereavement, earning multiple certifications and completing numerous programs.
Today, I am honoured to be someone who can support and accompany my clients through one of life’s most profound transitions—helping them navigate the complexities of death and grief with compassion and understanding.
Education/Certifications & Training
- B.A. Science du Langage, Linguistique et Communication: La Sorbonne, Paris 4, Paris, France
- Death Doula Certification: Home Hospice Association
- Death, Dying, and Bereavement Program: Wilfrid Laurier University
- Children’s grief and bereavement certificate program: SickKids CCMH
Learning Institute - Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Certification: Home Hospice
Association - Advance Care Planning (Person-Centered Approach): Hospice Palliative Care Ontario
- Mental Health First Aid for the Veteran Community: Open Minds
- Volunteer Position: Kensington Health
- Chapter Leader for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): Home Hospice
Association - Member: INELDA (International End-of-Life Doula Association), NELDA
(National End-of-Life Doula Alliance), HPCO (Hospice Palliative Care Ontario), BON (Bereavement Ontario Network) - Death Educator/Facilitator: Home Hospice Association
This diverse range of certifications and training allows me to provide holistic and compassionate support across various aspects of end-of-life care, grief, and bereavement, ensuring that individuals and families receive the guidance they need during life’s most challenging transitions.
RECENT PRESS
Interview with Le Metropolitain Newspaper
This interview explores my journey into death work, the silence that often surrounds end-of-life care, and the emotional complexity of supporting people in their final days. I also share details about The Legacy Expo - an event I’m co-organizing in Toronto, which will be presented in French and invites the public to reflect on both the material and emotional legacy we leave behind.
Interview with Home Hospice Association
I was recently interviewed for HHA's Community Newsletter and spoke about my new role as the Chapter Lead for the GTA. The interview touches on my journey to becoming a certified Death Doula, the impact HHA has on our community, and my vision for the future of ongoing compassionate end-of-life care.
