I am strongly called to help people live and die as they wish, particularly to die with autonomy, comfort, and dignity. 

I went to nursing school for a second baccalaureate specifically to become a hospice nurse, specifically to gain knowledge, skills, and professional credibility as an end of life advisor and attendant. 

While I have been around elders, aging, and dying since age six-with my mother working as a caregiver/CNA for nearly 40 years, and more than 80 dear neighbors, family friends, school friends, work friends, and family members who've died it was two significant life-experiences that moved me to pursue end of life advising and attending in a formal capacity. 

After spending seven years of my life becoming a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, I found myself working at first one and then another hospital as a clinical RDN where I closely observed the typical, long, and often miserable course of aging and chronic illness. I observed adult children (as surrogate health-care decision makers) disregarding their parent's advance directives for comfort-care-only, and for-profit "healthcare" systems enabling this situation. I walked away from that profession and returned to the U.S. Coast Guard, where I'd been employed for the first eight years after high-school. 

During those same years, and longer, after sustaining a spinal cord injury at age 29 and significant internal/organ system injuries/complications, I watched my sister Laura endure 19 years slowly dying as a "healthcare" system robbed her of her autonomy, and caused more pain than comfort in her repeated crises and long hospitalizations. She never had access to hospice/comfort-focused care, much less other end of life options. 

For my last nine years of Coast Guard work, I was also a hospice volunteer. After my soon-as-possible retirement from the U.S.Coast Guard (mostly in search-and-rescue, fisheries enforcement in the Bering Sea, then ten years as an instructor and wellness coordinator/ manager), I completed a BSN and preceptorship in hospice nursing. 

After six years as a Registered Nurse advising and attending home hospice patients and their families, I know what dying looks like-whatever the cause-"the dwindles" of old age and chronic failures of heart, lungs, or kidneys; neurological conditions; dementia; cancers; medical aid in dying (MAID); or voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). 

I care deeply about people knowing and accessing their options-whether it's for the last two decades... or the last two days. 

I'd like to help people prepare for aging and inevitable changes-of-health so that they may live fully and with peace of mind that the right surrogate decision maker and all necessary directives are in place .. to help them know-ideally before a crisis arises-their own values about when and how to opt for palliative care, in-home-help/caregiving, hospice care, or other end of life options such as MAID or VSED. 

I want very much for every person and family-if it is their wish to be soundly advised, lovingly accompanied, and competently attended for autonomy, comfort, and dignity at end of life. 

Thus I have completed end of life doula training with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA) and Final Passages, Institute of Conscious Dying; I am eager to share my end of life experiences to advise and accompany you and your family with your own end of life planning and needs. 

Hobbies/interests: in addition to aging well and end of life care, my interests and pass-times include nature studies (birds, insects, reptiles, plants, tracking, ecology, nature-journaling); hiking; bicycling; reading; cooking; eating; studying and living the dharma in the Plum Village tradition; time with friends, family, and pets.

As an end-of-life doula, Antonia brings both professional training and decades of contemplative practice to her work. She completed the University of Vermont's End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate and End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA) training in 2022, followed by Final Passages' Death Doula, Home Funeral, and Green Burial training in 2024. 

Alongside solid practical skills, she brings cultural sensitivity as a first-generation 

Taiwanese-American and a grounded capacity to be with all that arises—shaped by years of Authentic Movement and yoga practice. Since 2022, she has been accompanying people through the end of life, and feels a deep sense of honor in being present for the tender, unmasked moments that arise there. 

https://www.antoniakao.com/

As an end-of-life doula, Willow brings both professional training and deep personal calling to her work and believes each person deserves a well-supported death. Willow approaches her clients with warmth, deep listening, and a commitment to walking beside them along their journey. 

Willow has completed comprehensive training with International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), Academy of Aid in Dying Medicine (AADM), Final Passages, National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA), and Hospice.  Willow supports individuals through the practical, logistical, social and emotional aspects of end-of-life, offering thoughtful and individualized support to the dying and their loved ones, from initial diagnosis through bereavement. 

https://www.thresholdtowardhome.com/