about
ELDAA
Our story
The work of Doulas is not new… we have been caring for our sick and dying in this way, for centuries. However, over the last 100 years or so, things have changed. While some cultures have rich and deep ritual and acceptance around end of life, in western society we have lost our connection with death, and we have grown used to leaving the care of our sick and dying, to our health providers and medical teams.
But there is a tsunami of ‘baby boomers’, and an ageing population on the horizon, and our health system is already struggling to cope with demand. By working alongside health providers to ‘fill the gaps’ in the care of the sick and dying, Doulas can make a positive difference. We are already seeing the benefits of the Doula model of care in countries overseas where Doulas are more established.
As knowledge grows about this role here in Aotearoa, so does the interest in working in this space.
In February 2024, a small group of Doulas gathered for a Hui to create a vision for our future.
We were hosted by the Farewell Trust, in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, at the Poroporoaki retreat. And from there, the End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa, was established.
Founding members above: Melanie Humphries-Connolly, Danielle Mahoney, Treza Gallogly, Sarah Carberry, Annie Meredith.
ELDAA Committee & Admin
Treza Gallogly CHAIR
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I am an Irish Kiwi, living in Auckland, with 2 adult children who currently live in Europe. I am blessed to have family and friends both here, and in Ireland.
I started my work as an End of Life Doula after training at the end of 2021 and setting up my Doula practice as Swansong. I quickly realised how death-phobic we are in today’s society, and how much negative impact that has on our ability to live our lives well - with purpose and clarity.
I am passionate about accompanying the dying on their final life’s journey, in order to plan well for their death and afterwards, allowing them to live more fully during the time they have left. I am humbled and privileged to do this work.
I see a future where Doulas are an integral part of End of Life care in NZ, and around the world. This role will support, educate and mobilise our communities to take the care of their sick and dying back into their homes.
I am honoured to be on the steering committee of ELDAA with such beautiful wahine.
Sarah Campbell-Simpson CO-CHAIR
Kia ora, I’m Sarah an End of Life Doula based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. I am committed to helping people and their whānau navigate the end of life journey with care, clarity, and choice. It’s a time that can feel overwhelming, but I believe everyone deserves to be empowered to feel supported, informed, and in control of their own experience.
I offer practical guidance, emotional support, and a steady presence - whether that’s talking through care options, planning a farewell, or just being there when things get tough. I also volunteer with Nurse Maude Hospice and NODA.
When I’m not working as a doula, you’ll find me juggling life as a mum, running my Sanctuary NZ doula business, and getting involved in my community. This work fills my heart, and I feel privileged to walk alongside people during such a profound time in their lives
I am honoured to join ELDAA as a committee member. ELDAA’s dedication to fostering compassionate and holistic end of life care resonates deeply with my own values. I am inspired by the opportunity to collaborate with such an incredibly dedicated and passionate team and I’m looking forward to working alongside fellow members to further elevate the awareness and accessibility of doula services throughout Aotearoa.
Sherie Sullivan VICE-CHAIR
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Sherie is an End-of-Life Doula, educator, and advocate with a focus on death literacy, equity, and access.
She works to ensure that individuals and families are supported with dignity, information, and choice throughout dying, death, and grief.
As part of her role on the ELDAA Executive Committee, Sherie brings her commitment to improving community understanding and advancing more inclusive, compassionate end-of-life care and conversations.
Belinda Price TREASURER
Kia Ora, I'm Belinda and whilst born and breed in the beautiful Doubtless Bay, Northland, I currently call the stunning and vibrant Taranaki home.
I wear many hats including farmer, facilitator, governor, director and coach however my most treasured hat is that of an End of Life Doula.
My passion is making sure people have as much knowledge and information available to them to make their own decisions on the best end of life outcomes for them and their whanau. I endeavor to provide the best support, guidance and care to navigate one of the most significant times in people's journeys through life.
I'm so honoured and grateful to not only be a registered professional member of ELDAA but also to be on the committee helping the growth of such an incredible and much needed organisation.
Tilly Stevens MEMBERSHIPS
Kia ora! I am based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and with nearly two decades of experience supporting people through change, loss, and grief, I officially began my EOL Doula journey in 2019.
I am deeply committed to advocating for change and improvement in our health system so that all people have access to compassionate, person-centered end-of-life care.
Since 2007 I have studied in the fields of Thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement), coaching, Positive Psychology, and Wellbeing, Palliative care and compassionate communities approach to end of life care.
As a committee member, I am dedicated to maintaining ELDAA's high standards of practice across Aotearoa New Zealand. I actively support both the personal and professional growth of fellow practitioners, helping to elevate the EOL Doula profession as a respected partner in the wider healthcare system.
Julie Wells MENTORSHIP
Kia ora, I'm Julie, an end-of-life doula, elder caregiver, and community educator living and working in North Canterbury and Christchurch.
It is a privilege to support individuals and families through some of life's most significant transitions. Through this work, I have come to appreciate that one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is to truly listen. When people feel seen, heard and understood they are often better able to express their wishes, make informed choices, navigate uncertainty and focus on what matters most. I believe that open conversations about ageing, dying and future wishes can help people live more fully, strengthen meaningful relationships and bring greater peace of mind for both individuals and those who care about them.
Drawing on 25 years working in holistic health, community education, mentoring, and organisational leadership, I also bring wisdom and a grounded perspective shaped by my own personal lived experiences. I am grateful to work alongside a dedicated and experienced committee, helping support the growth, connection, and sustainability of our end-of-life doula community, fostering collaboration, mentoring, and the sharing of knowledge and experience to help strengthen the foundations of the profession for future generations of doulas, and the communities we all serve.
Deborah McCullough PARTNERSHIPS
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I’m Deborah McCullough, founder of Dying Matters NZ www.dyingmatters.co.nz, and an End of Life Doula based in Auckland.
I am passionate about helping people feel more informed, supported, and less fearful around dying, death, and grief. Through my work, I encourage open conversations, practical planning, and compassionate support so people can make choices that truly reflect their values and wishes.
Alongside companioning people at end of life, I am deeply committed to improving death literacy within our communities and helping bring death care back into the heart of family with community connection.
I feel honoured to be part of the ELDAA committee and to contribute to the growth and recognition of end-of-life doulas throughout Aotearoa.
Nicki McCarthy ADMINISTRATION
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Hi, I'm Nicki
Based in Pegasus, North Canterbury, I bring a blend of administrative expertise and end-of-life experience to my role with ELDAA.
My professional background spans more than 25 years in business administration, finance, human resources, office management, and event coordination. I have also worked as a Funeral Director and continue to serve families as a Funeral Celebrant, supporting them through some of life's most significant transitions.
These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the value of compassionate support, meaningful conversations, and honouring each person's unique journey. I am passionate about helping people feel informed, supported, and empowered when planning for the end of life.
I am proud to be part of the ELDAA team and to contribute to an organisation that promotes dignity, choice and compassionate care throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Patrons
We are grateful for the support of the following Patrons:
Professor Allan Kellehear O.B.E.
Professor in Health & Social Care
Northumbria University (UK)
Allan Kellehear is Professor in Health and Social Care at Northumbria University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. He is widely recognised as the founder of the international public health palliative care movement, also known as the health promoting palliative care, or compassionate communities approach to end of life care.
In 2025 Allan was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for his services to palliative care.
"Doulas play an essential role in modern public health in relation to end-of-life care. Not only do doulas provide quality support for dying people and their families but also they create partnerships with the social networks that support these people too.
In community terms then, doulas are navigators and facilitators for wider community involvement and support at the end of life. Although they can and should work in with existing healthcare staff, their role is greater and more socially significant for the encounter with death and loss because that encounter is fundamentally about social relationships, not clinical ones.
Doulas are front line workers for a health-promoting palliative care."
Liese Groot-Alberts
Palliative care, Grief, Loss and Bereavement Trainer & Presenter (NZ)
Liese Groot-Alberts is Wâldfrysk. She was born in Lippenhuzen in Fryslân, part of the Netherlands, has been living in New Zealand since 1981 with her family. She is mother to 2 daughters and a son, a grandmother to 4 granddaughters.
In 1972 her eldest daughter, aged nearly 3, died suddenly 2 days after the birth of her son. Hope and despair, joy and sorrow! Out of this life changing experience came her passion for healing grief, loss and bereavement and she has worked for over 45 years as a grief therapist, international public and keynote speaker, palliative care educator and mentor for Healthcare Professionals.
From 1988 till 1993 she had the tremendous privilege to work with and for Dr. Elisabeth Kübler -Ross as a workshop leader and staff member, conducting multi-day workshops on loss, grief and bereavement in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Africa and Europe.
Liese continues to conduct trainings and presentations worldwide.
She is an APHN & Hospis Malaysia Faculty Member, Advisory Council Member of EKR Foundation Global.
In 2025, Liese was the Recipient of the Cynthia Goh Award, presented by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network, for outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of palliative care within our region.
“I am honoured to be able to support the work of the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa.
I believe the doula can bring further support in end of life care for the dying person and their loved ones.
Being neither medical nor clinical they can provide a knowledgeable link between medical staff and hospice care, working all together, to create a meaningful end of life journey for all concerned.”
Richard Egan
Associate Professor in Health Promotion, Otago University (NZ)
Richard Egan is a co-director of the Social and Behavioural Research Unit, former director of the Cancer Society Research Collaboration, and an Associate Professor at the Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand.
His background includes five years working as a mental health promoter in a Public Health Unit and five years of secondary school teaching. Richard's Master's thesis examined spirituality in New Zealand state schools, his PhD thesis explored spirituality in end-of-life care, and he has qualifications in theology, English literature, religious studies, and public health. Richard has over 80 peer-reviewed publications.
He is a past president of the New Zealand Public Health Association and a past Vice-Chair on the Board of the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand. He is also an Honorary Research Consultant for Meaningful Aging Australia, a member of the Global Network for Spirituality & Health, and has worked with Hospice NZ on spirituality matters. Sarah (wife), Benji (son,), and Milo (dog) remind Richard about 'what matters most'.
“My support for the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa is based on our common need, both as a society and as individuals, to ensure that everyone has the best possible end-of-life experiences in our country. While death is inevitable, a peaceful and compassionate death is not guaranteed. Achieving this requires the implementation of appropriate policies, the establishment of well-functioning structures and institutions, and the training of capable personnel. The emergence of the End of Life Doula profession represents a positive advancement as it offers much-needed support to individuals during their final weeks and days. This profession complements our existing provisions and enhances the overall care provided.”
Aditi Sethi
Executive Director, Center for Conscious Living and Dying (USA)
Aditi Sethi, MD, is a hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula, and the executive director of the Center for Conscious Living & Dying.
She completed a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship in 2012 and served as the medical director of a 26-bed free-standing hospice facility until 2021. Additionally, she was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill, teaching Hospice and Palliative Care Fellows at MAHEC in Asheville, NC.
In 2021, she founded the Center for Conscious Living & Dying, a non-profit organisation focused on community-supported end-of-life care. Aditi is featured in the film 'The Last Ecstatic Days' and is an emerging and influential voice in changing our culture’s understanding and approach to dying, death, and bereavement care.
She has lectured for various groups both nationally and internationally and recently delivered a TEDx talk in Asheville, NC, entitled "The Art of Dying Before You Die."
"Doulas serve as compassionate guides, offering emotional, spiritual, and even practical support to the dying person and their loved ones. They help bridge the gap between the often clinical, medical approach to death and a more communal, personalized experience that honors each individual's life. As we collectively remember the value of death and its place in the natural cycle of life, it's an honor to support the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa (NZ)."
Our Friends
We are grateful for the support of these organisations, who align with our values, and are also committed to better end of life care for all. Many also provide valuable resources.
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Go with Grace
Comprehensive resources for End of Life Planning in Aotearoa.
Eldernet
Advocating for our elderly population in NZ
Aratika Cancer Trust
Integrated and holistic care of those living with Cancer.
Manaaki Mats
Cooling resource for after death care.
Fare-well Trust
Supported dying at home in the Marlborough Sounds.
Doula's of Aotearoa
A directory of Birth and Death Doulas across Aotearoa.
Grief Centre
Loss and grief support for those experiencing any form of significant loss.
10% Discount on courses for ELDAA members.
End of Life Choice Society
Supporting Assisted Dying in Aotearoa.
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NZ Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapy
Professionals enriching the lives of diverse groups of people in the community.
Te Atawhai Aroha
Compassionate Communities Rotorua Trust.
Honohono Tatou Katoa
Compassionate Communities, Auckland.
End of Life Doula Association of Canada
Canadian and International Doula support.
Sweet Louise Foundation
Support for incurable breast cancer.
National Home Funeral Alliance
Supporting home funeral education.
Palliative Care Collaborative Aotearoa
Gives a collective voice on the need for better, more equitable palliative care across all of NZ.
Holistic End of Life and Deathcare Australia
Membership organisation for professional holistic end-of-life and deathcare practitioners in Australia.
My Trove
A single place for people to be able to notify multiple organisations of a death and start the account closure process.
Legacy Lab
Transform life stories and photos into contemporary hardcover and digital books.
Dementia NZ
Support for Kiwis of all ages, with Dementia.
End of Life Doula UK
Working in UK communities to support each person to experience the end of life and death that they choose
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (US)
Connecting and Empowering End-of-Life Professionals
Death Without Debt
Making funerals affordable.
CANZ Celebrants Aotearoa
Supporting and promoting Celebrants across NZ
End of Life Doula International Research Group
International research group supporting Doulas.
Dementia Doulas
International
Training for those who wish to specialise in holistic Dementia care.
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Motor Neurone Disease NZ
Support for those affected by MND.
Heart Place Hospital
Support for frontline health workers and caregivers.
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Kenzie's Gift
Grief and mental health support for children and young adults.
Reo Maori Mai
Resources for 'How to Tangi'
Threshold Choir / Cadence Singers
Songs at the bedside of the dying
Go Willow!
Eco Friendly Willow Coffins, hand made in New Zealand
Dying Well
Dying Well is part of Living Well
Rangiwhanui
Nationwide Kaupapa Maori funeral and tangihana services
Citizens Advice Bureau
Free information and advice about rights, entitlements and services in the community.
Our Sponsors
We sincerely thank our generous Sponsors and Donors.
The End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa, is an Incorporated Society.
We are seeking financial sponsorship to enable us to build our organisation, effectively support the Doula and wider community, and to realise our goals of better end of life care for all.
If you would like to help, no matter how big or small the donation, it would be appreciated.
Please click the button below, or contact us here.
