Transform Your Life with Doula Ann

My path to becoming an End-of-Life Doula began at an early age. As a 12-year-old, my letter to the editor of Newsday about transitioning from life to death and how these issues were erroneously portrayed by the media was published. As a 15-year-old I found myself sitting vigil with a man whose life was coming to a close. Although I had no formal training, I learned how much my presence and caring touch meant to him and to me. It was an honor to be there for him and with him as he made his transition from this world to the next.  

My path continued through college where I studied with a mentor who had been a student of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in near-death studies and the author of  "On Death and Dying" where she first wrote about her theory of the five stages of grief which is also known as the "Kubler-Ross Model". Shortly after that, my husband and I faced his terminal cancer diagnosis which was followed by a similar diagnosis for my father and a dear friend. 

If you are facing a life-limiting or chronic illness, end-of-life issues or simply need the emotional, spiritual, or practical support with exploring your final wishes, planning your legacy, or how you choose to be remembered, please call me today. I am here for you.  As a Community Interfaith Leader, Loving Mother and Grandmother, passionate animal lover, artist, and born helper, we can walk this path together.

Executive Director of Smith Haven Ministries, an ecumenical human services ministry, bringing together humanitarians, Christians and Jews to work together to help people in need throughout the Long Island community. Counselor. Advocate. 

• Professional End of Life Doula training and certificate from the University of Vermont Larner School of Medicine
• Geriatric Care Ministry Education & Training Certificate Program from Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare
• Master of Professional Studies from Stony Brook University
• Bachelor of Science in Counseling from Empire State College
• Certificate for Environmental Strategies from the New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services
• Certificate in Blindness Basics from The Hadley School for Professional Studies

• Proud Member of NEDA (National End-Of-Life Doula Alliance)
• Interfaith Community Ministries Network Board Member
• Suffolk County Department of Social Services Adult Services Advisory Board Member
• Commission on Voluntary Service & Action Advisory Board Member & Contributor to Invest Yourself Book

I appreciate the diversity that surrounds us, and welcome all faiths, cultures, and gender expressions.