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Douglas Simpson

Douglas Simpson
Executive Director (he/him)
Union City, NJ

Doug Simpson is a father of two who is grounded by his husband. He is a caregiver to his mother, and is also an end-of-life doula who believes in the need for continued dialogue around dying and death. Things that he loves in this world include quiet time while swimming, visiting other countries, pizza, rodizio, and spending time at the lake he grew up on.

“I cared for my father for the last four months of his life in 2016. I met Dr. Anthony Wilson, who cared not only for my father but also for me and my mother. I remember his graciousness and honesty and the questions he put forth. Just a year later, my son was born in our home. Right after his birth, there was such quiet and peace, all while the outside world continued on with its fast pace and noise. This time reflected me back to the same peace I felt right after my father’s death. I knew they were all connected and have spent much time reflecting on their similarities, which led me to train with INELDA.

What keeps me here is my belief in the power of education and how education around death can ease the unknowing and further a presence for one’s circle of care at the time of death. My five-plus years at INELDA have grounded me in humility and in a deep appreciation for collective leadership. Only in community can we learn together.”

Prior to training with INELDA in 2018, joining as a full-time volunteer in January 2019, and moving into the executive director role in 2022, Doug spent more than 25 years in retail management. His time in retail taught him how to be an effective operator and focus on the “customer” and their journey into and around a brand. He is a board member of the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying.

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