AMY AVERETT, MSW/MPA
Certified Care Doula
Providing planning and non-medical support to families and individuals at the end of life
Available Services
Advanced Planning
PREPARING FOR A STRONG FINISH
Starting the conversation about individual care wishes and priorities at the end of life
Preparing advance directives and other care planning documents
Community education on end-of-life issues
For Caregivers
SUPPORT FOR THE INNER CIRCLE
Being Mortal book discussion group - 8-week small group sessions
One-on-one coaching and support sessions
Referrals to other providers and agencies
Facilitating and mediating difficult conversations
End-of-Life Care
IN-DEPTH SUPPORT AT THE END
Home visits and respite care
Completing legacy projects, such as memory books or letters to family members
Sitting vigil with the dying person and their loved ones
Memorial event planning and support
CLICK HERE for printable summary of services.
About Me
After completing Masters degrees in Social Work and Public Administration, I have had a long career in the nonprofit and philanthropic fields, including founding and running a grassroots community organization and managing charitable giving for a national company in Austin, Texas. I am an experienced trainer, presenter, event planner and consultant in areas such as crisis management, community organizing, systems building, and fostering safe, respectful environments.
So why am I focused on end-of-life issues now?
I come from a close-knit family and was fortunate to have all four of my grandparents in my life into my 30’s. I had the honor of being present and involved in all of their final days, which was life-changing. Sadly, I also saw that loving family members often experienced guilt and worry and felt unprepared to help, despite their best efforts.
I always knew that I wanted to serve families facing a loved one’s end of life, to reduce suffering however possible. Seeing the widespread trauma that resulted from the COVID pandemic, I knew it was time to act. In 2021, I started the certification process to become an end-of-life CareDoula. With mentoring by Deanna Cochran and her community of doulas and after over 100 hours of coursework, I completed my certification in April 2022. To supplement my training, I work as a volunteer at True Heart Hospice in Austin, TX.
I’m often accompanied in my work by my dog Gracie, an 8-year old Wheaten Terrier who is always eager to meet her next best friend.