About |
My name is Cindie Smith and I am an End of Life Doula trained through Douglas College. As well, I am Certified in Thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement) and a registered member of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada. I am humbled by the mystery that is found at end of life and that has drawn me into this work. I am honoured to serve you at this vulnerable yet empowering time. |
What brought me here
As owner and operator of Tidal End of Life Doula, my entry into this field began with the death of my 5-year-old daughter, Maggie, in 1994. Since then I have helped create end of life plans and have kept vigil for others, both adult and child, in the home, in hospital and in long-term care. I am grateful for each of these unique learning experiences.
I have also studied Health Services Administration at Dalhousie University and completed in Learned Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) through Pallium Canada as well as End of Life Communication Skills through the NS Dept of Advanced Education Workplace Training. This was in collaboration with Colchester East Hants Hospice Society.
For more than 6 years I was the caregiver support coordinator in northern and eastern Nova Scotia. During that time I also attained national certification as a senior facilitator and trainer.
I am a settler Canadian committed to Reconciliation.
The way forward
Ideally, our community would view, discuss, and celebrate death as a natural part of life. Sadly this is rarely the case. My mission is to assist you in planning for a good death and that involves discussion - sometimes, lots of discussion.
With that in mind, the objectives of my practice are:
-to help you normalize conversations about death, dying and grief
-to encourage you to become informed before making decisions
-to help you identify your options and to access services and resources
-to support your right to self-determination
-to promote an early palliative approach to care in all environments, and
-to decrease your need of Tidal services as your confidence grows
Please contact me to talk about your situation and how I might be of help. |