Compassionate Transitions, LLC

03/25/2026

My dad died when I was seven. I didn't understand what was happening, just that everything was different, and no one was explaining it.

My grandma died when I was a sophomore in high school. I understood what death meant, but I didn't know how to help.

My mom died eight weeks after I became a mom. I didn't know what to do.

Years later, I became an end-of-life doula because I believe no one should have to figure out death alone.

This week's newsletter is about that journey. Link in comments.

03/25/2026

Most people go silent when someone they love is grieving.

Not because they don't care. Because they don't know what to say. And "I'm sorry" only goes so far.

On April 7th, I'm hosting a live Zoom workshop — Beyond "I'm Sorry" — designed for exactly this: learning how to actually show up for a grieving friend, coworker, or family member.

No clinical jargon. No worksheets to fill out. Just honest, practical conversation about what grief actually needs from the people around it.

Spots are limited. Registration link in comments.

03/18/2026

Discover Plymouth is this Saturday!

Stop by my booth to test your knowledge of death with death trivia, pick up a free end-of-life planning checklist, connect with me, and more!

If you're in the Western suburbs of the Twin Cities-come say hi!

03/15/2026

Talking about death isn't easy.

Over the centuries, our society has made death a taboo subject, something to shun and ignore as long as possible.

There's one reality none of us can deny, however.
We, too, must die.

As part of my services, I help families navigate these challenging conversations in a safe, judgment-free environment.

03/11/2026

It often strikes me how valuable it would have been to understand the role of an end-of-life doula while I was balancing my responsibilities as my mother's caregiver and tending to a newborn. My experience with a birth doula sparked an aspiration to delve into end-of-life care after encountering a thought-provoking article years ago.

This profession remains somewhat abstract, and if the concept of end-of-life doulas is unfamiliar to you, rest assured that you are in good company.

If you're curious to learn more, DM me to schedule a 20-minute complimentary discovery call.

03/07/2026

Mark your calendars!⁠
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I’ll be at the Discover Plymouth on Saturday, March 21, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and I can’t wait to see you there! This delightful event is designed for families and offers a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy—from a charming indoor marketplace showcasing local treasures (including my own contributions) to exciting inflatables and creative crafts for the little ones!⁠
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I would love you to stop by my booth to test your knowledge with some fun trivia and have a chance to win a lovely prize! I'll also provide a complimentary end-of-life planning checklist and would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.⁠
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Best of all, this wonderful event is free to attend! For more details, check out the link in my bio. I truly hope to see you there!

03/05/2026

Many people think talking about death is morbid, when actually it's an act of love and clarity. As your local end-of-life doula, I help families have these conversations.

What's one death topic you've always wondered about? Comment below!

01/13/2026

My client’s days were spent being able to feel reminders of her favorite spots-beaches. We may not have an ocean nearby, but she was able to hold gifts the ocean brings-sea shells and sand.

This Month's Tip:“In my ‘doula bag,’ I like to keep light snacks, mints, gum for family members, the sponge sticks used to keep mouths moist, a small

01/13/2026

A good friend is navigating the loss of a close family member. You reach out with words intended to comfort, but are instead left feeling as if you said something wrong, and your offers of help seem to be ignored.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you aren't the only one. Our society is uncomfortable with grief, and though our desire to help is strong, we don't have the right tools.

On January 31, 2026, I will be hosting a live virtual workshop that will not only provide these tools but also explain why they are more impactful. I'll provide an overview of what grief is-and what it isn't-why common phrases are harmful, and practical ways to support a grieving loved one.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the link below. I hope you will join us.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/compassionatetransitionsllc

12/22/2025

Learning about childhood grief as an adult who experienced it was really eye opening and has guided my approach to talking to my own kids about death and grief.

It is so natural to want to gloss over death when children ask the hard questions or when someone they love dies, but by being open, curious, and using age-appropriate language we can empower future generations to not live in the fear we have been raised with

When talking to kids about taking family members off of life support, use biologically correct information. It’s an instinct to try to protect kids from pain, but in our well-intentioned efforts to do so, we end up causing complicated relationships with death as they age. It’s also imperative to understand that as kids’ brains continue to develop and understand complex systems with more nuance, they will experience acute grief each time they reach a new level of understanding.

Consider the below progression as a model:
* Without the machine’s help, your dad’s body will not breathe.
* After life support is removed, your dad’s lungs will stop bringing air/oxygen into his body.
* His heart will stop pumping blood.
* Without blood and oxygen, your dad’s other organs, like the stomach, kidney, liver, and brain will stop functioning.
* When all these systems are no longer working, your dad will be dead.

Don’t push them for a response; follow their lead. If they want to have space and be alone, ensure safety but respect it. If they share thoughts, don’t fix or correct or judge; reflect. Validate. Do some research on support groups for kids in their area and provide them to their caregivers.”

—Beth Wise, INELDA Doula

Read more INELDA Toolbox Tips here: https://inelda.org/toolbox-tips/