Jaime Hetherington

Kia Ora, I'm an Auckland-based doula and funeral celebrant, working alongside families during some of life’s most significant moments. 

My pathway into end-of-life work has grown through my experience in the funeral profession and my own understanding of the impact serious illness can have on families through the chronic condition of my own father since I was 13 years old to this day.  I also volunteer for hospice in the Carer Support space. 

My strengths are listening, facilitating, advocating and educating. I take time to hear what people are saying - both health professionals and families, and sometimes what they are finding difficult to say – communication is paramount.  I'm here to offer families the opportunity to understand their choices, ask questions, and make decisions that are right for them. 

My approach is calm, practical and person-centred. I don't believe there is one right way to approach the end of life. Instead, I support each person and family to find their own way, guided by their values, wishes, culture and relationships. 

For me, being invited into this space is both a responsibility and a privilege - looking back on my experience, I understand the weight that was carried by our family and I can see how valuable a doula would have been for us.