Meet the Founder

Ask me what my best quality is and I will say “Integrity", every time. Showing up for others when expected is important professionally, but also in all aspects of life including family, friends and for yourself. Remaining adaptable and flexible with realistic expectations when life throws us curveballs, it is important to have an advocate who is experienced and level headed.

I received my undergraduate BS degree from Towson University, and post graduate training at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, completing two separate residencies in level 1 teaching hospitals(John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, CA, and Penn State Hershey Medical Center), focusing on a broad range of experience over the years in orthopedics, spinal injuries, vascular, pediatrics, trauma and post op care. I am able to stay calm and respect autonomy of a person experiencing a stressful moment. I began Dawn of Aging in 2023, after I retired from the medical industry, because I knew I could help more people advocate for themselves and support them with options, organization and connections than I was arguing with insurance companies and not being able to provide proper care under corporate health care structures. I see all around me that people are in need of help, especially our seniors and their adult grown children caring for them. My goal is to mitigate chaos and educate and inform those unaware so that they can make the best decisions for themselves.

Why is she a Death Doula?

Many years treating patients with severe traumatic injuries and chronic illnesses, I felt guided to always help advocate for and realistically educate people and their families to ease their confusion and fear of the unknown roads ahead. Doulas are afforded TIME, and often that is what is needed for understanding, acceptance and ability to make a plan of "where do I go from here?" Community is a main focus for doulas to gather people together who can help support each other with understanding, open dialogue and compassion for each other. It really does take a village and we as communities need to learn again, how to be good villagers.

Outside of owning and operating Dawn of Aging, I can be found at Norfolk’s Botanical Gardens and creating my own garden oasis. I enjoy studying Thanatology and Thanabotany. I also enjoy my two senior disabled rescue dogs and continues to help local veterinarians and pet owners in the community create wheelchairs, braces, and prosthetics for their companions.