Kyle Freeman

she/her/hers

Specialities: anticipatory grief & post-loss grief support; designing peaceful, optimal, and functional interior spaces for end of life and final days; end of life companion animal doula; life review and legacy projects; ritual planning; vigil sitting

From a young age, I’ve felt called to companion people who are elderly, ill, dying, or grieving. I was first introduced to the concept of hospice care when I was in high school and my mom became a hospice volunteer. I went on to become a hospice social worker, first in Philadelphia, and then in Boston before moving into non-profit management.

I was then, and remain now, deeply passionate about the end of life being a final, life-affirming opportunity to be treated with respect, love, and compassion. And I’m equally passionate about supporting those who are grieving losses of any kind.

Ten years ago, while caring for my mom at home for seven months on hospice care, a seed was born. My mom was amazing in her zen-like approach to the end of her life. My two brothers and I were able to facilitate a beautiful end of life for my mom. I knew then that I wanted to help other families do the same. 

When I first learned about the breadth of support that death doulas  provide, I knew this was the path for me! In December 2023, I completed the International End of Life Doula Association’s training. Then, in 2024, I completed The University of Vermont’s program for end of life companion animal doulas.

I’ve been lucky to live in the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica Plain for the past 25 years. Besides leading a Boston death doula support network, I have two other private practices that intersect with my death doula work: an interior redesign business, and a grief doula / coaching practice.

And when I’m not working, you can find me snuggling with my dog Arthur, rearranging my living room, walking around Jamaica Pond, or organizing community cultural events (movies, music, storytelling) in my garage event space!

Email me at kyle.elizabeth.freeman@gmail.com

Anne-Catherine Higham

she/her/hers

Specialties: comprehensive support for individuals and care circles; emotional and logistical preparation for end of life; life review and legacy work

My work with individuals and care circles facing mortality is rooted in the belief that serenity may emerge when we approach the end of life with intention and understanding. By honoring each person’s story and values, we create meaning in this pivotal space.

As an end-of-life doula and hospice vigil volunteer, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of compassionate presence. To deepen my practice, I completed the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Certificate and continue to learn through insights from my clients, philosophers, clinicians, and grief experts. As part of my offerings, I integrate Reiki to support clients holistically.

As a doula, I guide clients through practical and emotional preparations—organizing documents, clarifying wishes, and making space for meaningful conversations. I work with adults who wish to prepare early and proactively, as well as those approaching the end of life more imminently.

Originally from Canada, I’ve lived in Europe and Asia, and settled in Massachusetts in 2015. I’m described as compassionate and curious, with an analytical mind and an artistic spirit.I’m the co-founder of The Doula Guild, an active group of professional Doulas in the Greater Boston area, and the founder of La Doula LLC, my private practice. Outside of my work, I find joy in painting and creative expression. I’m fluent in both English and French.

Email me at la-doula@la-doula.com.

Sarah Poulter

she/her/hers

Specialties: life review and legacy projects; designing peaceful and functional interior spaces for end of life; emotional support for individuals and caregivers; patient advocacy; healthcare systems navigation; coordinating transitions from independent to supported housing; general administrative, logistical and practical support.

I am an end-of-life doula, artist, and freelance development consultant living and practicing in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Drawing on a career in nonprofit fundraising and executive leadership, I bring large doses of pragmatism, compassion, humor and organization into all of my pursuits. I’m happiest in connection with others and use my skills of creativity, empathy, and resourcefulness to companion individuals and their loved ones in their final transition.

I was privileged to be part of four generations of women living in one city as a child. I watched my grandmother care for her mother until her death at 101; as a teen, I witnessed and helped my mother support both of her parents through their aging and death; and many years later as an adult with two small children, I served as my mother’s primary caregiver in her year long battle with leukemia.

After my mother’s death, I spent years sorting through the experience: despite excellent medical care and a loving network of friends, the role of primary caregiver was overwhelming. In addition to the feelings of uncertainty (am I doing this right?) and fatigue, I also was in need of my own support — someone to help me process the undiscussed emotions, hold space for my sadness, and help coordinate the zillion of moving parts of her care. Reading other people’s stories of grief and loss became a lifeline as such similar feelings were mirrored back. It was during this “independent study” that I learned about the role of an end-of-life or death doula. 

My goal as a doula is to provide compassionate non-medical support to patients and their caregivers; to know when the job requires dogged advocacy and troubleshooting, and when the job calls for attentive silence. I aspire to use my lived experience to ease the aloneness and burden felt by many.

Email me at sarahpoulter1975@gmail.com

Minda Sanchez

she/her/ hers

Specialties: rituals, ceremonies, celebrations; community death education programs, advance planning; navigating the end of life; green burial options; guidance and support for home funerals/ wakes

I am a culture worker who helps individuals, families and communities reclaim and remember deeply rooted, yet largely forgotten, cultural practices of connecting to death as a natural and sacred part of life. I believe that encountering, and even embracing mortality is key to awakening to life and becoming more fully human.

A community-weaver at heart, I love all things groups, gatherings and collaboration. I enjoy helping groups to coordinate end-of-life care plans, designing and leading ceremonies, convening grief gatherings, facilitating death education workshops, and leading nature-based art-making experiences and rituals that ease movement through life transitions. In my one-one-work, I help clients create rest-of-life plans so that they may mindfully approach their remaining days with intention and a greater sense of peace and spaciousness

My background is as a formally trained IT project and operations manager with an MBA and MS in information systems. I completed the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Professional Program, Stephen Jenkinson’s Orphan Wisdom School, Day Schildkret’s Morning Altars Trainer Certification Program, and the Willow End-of-Life Educators Program.

With Anne-Catherine Higham, I co-founded The Doula Guild, an emerging professional network of death doulas in the Greater Boston Area.

Email me at minda77@gmail.com