Death and Grief Services
Hello!
I’m Elayne, an end-of-life doula, crisis counselor, and former medical professional.
Throughout my career in emergency services and human-centric advocacy, I have been privileged to sit with people during their most vulnerable moments. My background is rooted in trauma-informed care and empathy-driven support, which forms the foundation of my practice today.
Why I Do This Work
To me, this is ultimate "heart work." We live in a society that often looks away from the end of life, but I passionately believe in reclaiming mortality as a natural, celebrated cycle. I advocate for becoming familiar, even comfortable, with the concept of death. By facing it together, we strip away the fear and isolation, replacing it with agency, dignity, and peace. My goal is to help you and your loved ones navigate the profound transition of dying with profound support.
What to Expect When Working With Me
When you invite me into your space, you can expect a fiercely compassionate, judgment-free presence. Drawing from my background in crisis counseling, I offer a steady hand and a calm mind when things feel overwhelming. Whether you are actively planning your own transition or seeking support for a loved one, I provide emotional grounding, practical guidance, and a safe space to process the heavy, complex feelings that come with grief and loss. I am here to hold the space so you can focus on what truly matters.
End-of-Life & Doula Services
End-of-Life Planning & Consultation
Planning for the inevitable brings peace of mind to the present.
In these sessions, we work together to outline your end-of-life wishes. This includes advance care directives, exploring your options for bodily disposition, and designing your ideal environment for your final days. This is about ensuring your voice is heard and your autonomy is respected.
Price: $120 per 90-minute session
Legacy Building & Memorial Projects
Leaving behind a tangible piece of your story.
We will collaborate to create meaningful legacy projects that honor your life, values, and passions. Whether it’s writing letters, recording audio messages, curating photo collections, or creating specialized memorial art, we will craft something beautiful for your loved ones to hold onto.
Price: Starting at $200 (varies based on materials and project scope)
Vigil Presence & Active Dying Support
Steady, compassionate support during the final transition.
I provide non-medical, continuous presence during the active dying phase. My role is to maintain a calm, comforting environment, guide families through the physical and emotional changes occurring, and hold space so that loved ones can simply be family, rather than caregivers.
Price: $50 per hour / Customized flat-rate packages available
Grief Guidance & Crisis Counseling
Navigating the aftermath with a trauma-informed guide.
Grief is not a linear process, and you do not have to walk it alone. I offer dedicated counseling sessions for individuals and families processing an impending loss or navigating the complex emotional landscape after a loved one has passed.
Price: $90 per 60-minute session
The Preparation & Legacy Bundle
Designed for those looking to secure their wishes and leave a meaningful, tangible memory for their loved ones.
- Includes two 90-minute End-of-Life Planning & Consultation sessions.
- One custom Legacy Building project (such as a standard memorial shadow box).
- A final review session to ensure all advance directives and disposition plans are clearly documented.
Price: $400
The Full Journey Care Package
Comprehensive, continuous support from planning through the final transition and into the early stages of grief.
- Includes initial End-of-Life Planning & Consultation.
- Up to 15 hours of Vigil Presence & Active Dying Support.
- Two 60-minute Grief Guidance sessions for family members after the transition.
Price: $850
Estate Cleaning, Organizing & Packing
Gentle, practical support for navigating a loved one's belongings.
Sorting through the physical items left behind after a transition can be one of the most emotionally exhausting tasks of the grieving process. I offer trauma-informed estate services, including thoughtful organizing, careful packing, and thorough cleaning, to help lift this heavy practical burden from your shoulders.
Whether you need a compassionate companion to sit with you as you sort through cherished mementos at your own pace, or someone to respectfully manage the full packing and cleaning process while you take the time you need to grieve, I am here to handle your loved one’s space with the utmost dignity and care.
Price: Custom hourly or flat-rate quotes available based on estate size and specific needs.
Empoorium: Custom Memorial Art & Shadow Boxes
As part of my legacy and memorial services, I offer bespoke, handmade pieces crafted through my shop, Empoorium. Art has a profound way of holding our grief, our memories, and our love when words fall short.
Bespoke Memorial Shadow Boxes
These custom shadow boxes are designed to be a beautiful, lasting tribute to the cycle of life and the unique spirit of your loved one. Depending on your preferences and the legacy you wish to honor, these pieces can incorporate:
- Natural Symbolism: Ethically sourced insects, such as butterflies or moths, serving as powerful, timeless symbols of transformation, rebirth, and the natural world.
- Thematic Aesthetics: Forest-inspired settings, alternative or gothic aesthetics, or deeply personal tableaus that reflect what your loved one held dear.
- Custom Colorways & Details: From rich, grounding color palettes of deep purples and earthy greens to unique, subtle touches of bioluminescence, every detail is chosen to create a piece that feels intimately connected to the person it honors.
- Personal Pieces: I accept and welcome personal items to a local, secure PO box, to incorporate into your memorial box. These items will be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Each Empoorium shadow box is crafted with deep reverence and intention. We will work together to select the elements, colors, and natural materials that best tell their story.
Price: Starting at $100 (Quotes provided based on complexity, size, and custom materials)
Let's Walk This Path Together
Taking the first step in end-of-life planning or navigating grief can feel incredibly heavy. Please know that you do not have to carry it all alone.
If you feel my services could support you or your family during this time, I warmly invite you to reach out via the Contact Us page. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation where we can gently explore your needs, answer any questions you might have, and see if we are a good fit in a completely judgment-free, no-pressure environment.
Because every journey and legacy is deeply personal, I also provide free, custom quotes for all doula services, comprehensive care packages, and bespoke Empoorium memorial art.
Whether you are ready to begin planning, or simply need guidance on where to start, I am here to listen.