Doula Profile: Kacie Gikonyo
Kacie is the owner of End of Life Consulting Co. She is a registered nurse, INELDA-trained death doula, and death educator. As a nurse, Kacie worked with clients at the end of life for over 12 years. Working the front lines of COVID, Kacie worked tirelessly to help many people who were dying in a terribly difficult situation. It was at this time that she identified her passion for helping people die more calmly, comfortably, and safely. After completing her INELDA training, Kacie opened her own practice providing death doula services locally in Cleveland. During this time, Kacie quickly identified the need for more than just death doula care. She noted an overall lack of knowledge surrounding death and dying, and she had a passion to change that.
Currently, Kacie provides death doula services locally and virtually, as well as providing death and dying education to other doulas and health care staff. Kacie also provides keynote speaking services on the topic of death and dying and promoting the role of the doula at end of life. Kacie’s business model supports helping all death doulas succeed so everyone can have the option for better end-of-life care.
Kacie is the owner of End of Life Consulting Co. She is a registered nurse, INELDA-trained death doula, and death educator. As a nurse, Kacie worked with clients at the end of life for over 12 years. Working the front lines of COVID, Kacie worked tirelessly to help many people who were dying in a terribly difficult situation. It was at this time that she identified her passion for helping people die more calmly, comfortably, and safely. After completing her INELDA training, Kacie opened her own practice providing death doula services locally in Cleveland. During this time, Kacie quickly identified the need for more than just death doula care. She noted an overall lack of knowledge surrounding death and dying, and she had a passion to change that.
Currently, Kacie provides death doula services locally and virtually, as well as providing death and dying education to other doulas and health care staff. Kacie also provides keynote speaking services on the topic of death and dying and promoting the role of the doula at end of life. Kacie’s business model supports helping all death doulas succeed so everyone can have the option for better end-of-life care.
Q&A with Kacie
When and why did you decide to become an end-of-life doula?
After working the frontlines during COVID, I wanted a change. I wanted to be able to provide a more whole and complete type of deathcare without being in the traditional nursing setting. In 2022 I began researching options, and this is when I found INELDA and the death doula training. When I read what a death doula is and does, it went off like a light bulb in my head. This is absolutely what I am meant to do; this is my calling.
How long have you been doing this type of work?
I have worked with patients at the end of life for well over a decade. As a registered nurse, I’ve provided care and compassion to countless patients at the end of life, while also providing emotional support to their loved ones.
What type of environment do you work in?
I own my own company and have a few different roles that I fill within that company. I provide one-on-one end-of-life consulting, care, and support to clients nearing end of life, both virtually and in-person, wherever they call home. I provide frequent education in various settings, including educating health care staff such as doctors, nurses, aides, etc. I also provide ongoing education and support to other death doulas to encourage and empower their success.
What do you do before you meet with a new client?
Before I meet with a new client in person, I like to have a lengthy consultation call to review exactly what their needs and wishes are. I encourage my clients to develop a very strong “death plan” in which they include their estate attorney and financial advisors to ensure everything is in order for them to have the beautiful death they desire.
Can you share a short anecdote or insight that changed you?
When my company was newly opened, I received a call to be interviewed on the news. The day before the news story was recorded, I went to get my eyebrows waxed so I looked perfect for the news. I told the girl waxing my eyebrows that she had to make them look great because I was going to be on the news. She asked what I was going to be on the news for. I enthusiastically told her, “I’m a death doula, I help people die!” English was her second language, and I’m not sure my explanation translated well, because she excitedly asked me if I could “help [her] best friend’s husband die.” I asked if he was sick and she said, “No! He’s just a terrible husband and he’s got to go!” It was at that moment that I learned to more carefully and artfully describe my profession and what I do!
Who has been one of your teachers or mentors?
I honestly haven’t had a mentor in the doula realm; I think this is part of why I’m passionate about being a mentor for others. Since completing my training, I’ve connected with countless other death doulas around the world who also recently finished their training and are on the same mission as me. I’ve found that we are really great at supporting and empowering each other. Their support has been invaluable on this journey.
What do you wish you had known when you started as a doula?
The first step in being a death doula is spreading the word. Not many know of us and what we do. So the first step I had to take was to be loud about it. My mom always taught me that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, so I’ve been real squeaky! The more I talk about the work we do and the invaluable support we provide, the more people listen and the more they want our help.
Do you have any words of encouragement for fellow doulas?
I do! This isn’t easy work by any means, but it’s important, needed, and invaluable work we are doing. With the help of a death doula, a person’s death can be a truly beautiful experience. Whatever you do, just don’t give up. Just keep going, and I’m here for you!
What is your dream for your practice or doulas in general?
My dream is much bigger than myself. My dream is to make “death doulas” a household word. One that people can use freely without fear or negative stigma attached. My dream is to provide so much education to the world that everyone has the opportunity to work with an amazing doula at the end of life.
Contact Kacie
Web: End of Life Consulting // Email: [email protected] // TikTok: @deathdoulakacie // YouTube: @deathdoulakacie