Walk with me to the water when it comes my time.
What we say will not matter, just keep your hand in mine.
I’ll cross the water by myself, I know that’s what I must do.
But the chilling sting won’t be felt because I’ve walked with you.
–Nellie Keller
The goal of accompanying someone on their end-of-life journey is to create a sacred and safe space for them to be able to release from their body. There is a distinct difference between caring for someone who will get well and recover, and someone who has a terminal condition.
Michelle is a Registered Social Service Worker (Durham College) registered with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (Reg. #820505) and also has an Organizational Communications Diploma, as well as a Certificate in Thanatology from Centennial College.
Michelle is trained as a Palliative & End of Life Death Doula, having completed the Contemplative End of Life Care program at Toronto’s Institute of Traditional Medicine https://itmworld.org/. She is an active member of the Death Doula Ontario Network https://deathdoulaontarionetwork.ca/ , and Bereavement Ontario Network https://bereavementontarionetwork.ca/
Michelle counsels in a reflective practice, committed to companioning those on their journeys. Living mindfully and with intention are important considerations for her life.
VISION STATEMENT
With my own lived experience and personal losses, I have learned to embrace resiliency, hope, resourcefulness and adaptability. For people at the end of their lives and the bereaved, my wish is to facilitate healing, mourning and memories.