top of page

About Danielle

Who am I and why I do this work? 

My extensive experience in the medical field, paired with my own near-death experience, has equipped me with a unique perspective and strong foundation to serve as a death doula, fulfilling my passion for supporting others in their time of crisis.

d_edited_edited_edited.jpg

This was the first time

I felt the sun in nearly three months! 

Sun_edited.png

My Near Death Experience inspired me to become a Death Doula. 

From Emergency Room Nurse to End-of-Life Guide

I've dedicated my entire adult life to caring for others. I started out as an EMT when I was 18 years old. I later went to college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked in the ER as an emergency nurse. 

In 2013, I found myself hospitalized for over three months, most of it in the ICU, on a ventilator.  I endured a series of daunting health challenges, including a blood clot in my lung, sepsis, kidney failure, and multiple abdominal surgeries resulting from a medical error - all culminating in a near-death experience (NDE).

 

Even though I was surrounded by friends and family, I was terrified and felt alone. My husband, an EMT himself, was completely overwhelmed and felt helpless.  We were young and had not yet completed any advance care planning. He was forced to be in a position to make medical decisions for me.
 

After ten months at home managing an ileostomy and a large open wound, I underwent a complete abdominal wall reconstruction in April of 2014. 
 

This profound journey taught me the art of surrender and filled me with an immense sense of compassion, for those that are facing a health crisis or end-of-life. I was no longer afraid of death. I emerged from this experience with a mission to support others in embracing death as a natural part of life and to create a space where it’s okay to talk openly about it.

I now work to educate others about their choices and options so that they can have a peaceful, personalized death experience. I've learned that by discussing death, we can lessen its fear and by planning, we can avoid unexpected outcomes.

I believe like birth, death can be a journey we navigate with love and courage, and I’m here to help guide others through this incredible transition.

Danielle Smile Brochure.jpg

 Credentials

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
    California State University

     

  • Conscious Dying Coach Certificate
    The Conscious Dying Institute

     

  • Sacred Passage End-of-Life Doula Certificate 
    The Conscious Dying Institute

Community Involvement:

  • Volunteer - Support Group Facilitator

      The Grief Center in Albuquerque
 

  • Speaker and Instructor

      Conscious Dying Classes at Albuquerque Oasis

 

  • Guest & Keynote Speaker

      I give talks to various organizations throughout        the city on end-of-life and death education​

See my Events page for upcoming classes I'm teaching and speaking engagements. 

Danielle Smile Brochure.jpg
bottom of page