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Hello

My name is Carey, and I am an end-of-life/death doula in
my private practice, Chesapeake Bay Death Doula. I
became an end-of-life doula because I believe that
through the intimacy and vulnerability of discussions about
death, we can hold a special and sacred space to accept
death as another phase of our magnificent humanity. As
an end-of-life doula, I hope that together, we can create
beautiful spaces for transitioning loved ones that will carry
us through the grief that comes from profound loss.

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My Story

As a young girl, my experiences of death were mysterious and macabre. Those dying were placed “over there” in a
separate, quiet, dark room where, upon entering, we respectfully whispered and spoke over, through, about,
and around the dying. Never to them. Never.

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How tragically sad – for us all.

 

Through my personal life (and death) experiences, I have come to a profoundly different perspective on death, and I believe that even as our beloveds transition, they are to be celebrated, respected, and heard.

 

I decided to become an EOL doula after several significant people in my life passed away. The first was my closest
friend, who died in her early 40s from a staggeringly aggressive cancer. She left behind two teenagers (a girl
and a boy) and her husband. As her death neared, she closed herself off from everyone who loved her, and she

died alone in her room with the door locked. I believe that with an end-of-life doula present, the experience of my
friend’s death would have been different, not only for her but for those of us who loved her, especially her children.


Conversely, I have had the honor and privilege to be present with several friends and family members in
transition who had a circle of care that prioritized the autonomy of the dying. While there is no escaping the
incomprehensible grief of loss, peace can exist. Being present at death opened in me a desire to better
understand and support those navigating end-of-life choices, planning, and emotional support.


The writing and work of Ram Dass changed me significantly after the death of a loved one. With a lifelong
reputation as an anxious over-thinker, when confronted with his spiritual philosophy while navigating my grief, the
idea of “be here now” changed me. And that is why I hope to be here for you.

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My Specialties

 

My areas of expertise include:

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  • Create sacred and personal rituals
    in celebration of life

  • Families who are looking for support and compassion
    as their loved ones transition.

  • Facilitating conversations about grief and opening
    dialogue about what comes after loss.

  • Hosting Death Cafes to ignite intimate conversations
    about our perceptions of death

  • I shine brightest and feel most myself at the bedside

Connect with Carey

In-person and virtual services offered

Located in Shady Side, Maryland

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