About Me
Hi, I’m Annie (pronouns:she/they)
Several personal experiences with serious illness, death, and caregiving have led me to this intimate work. In my early 20s, I woke up to the rupture and complexities of death when my cousin died in an accident. Shortly after, I supported one of my closest friends as she lived with and died from cancer. My friend taught me so much as she faced illness and her dying time with candor, humor, and an open heart. These, and other, experiences of loss, grief, and endurance have shaped me. I feel compelled to create space for others to dwell in and move through these landscapes, together and in our own funky ways.
I live, work, and play in Oakland, CA (Huichin Ohlone Land). I enjoy hiking with my dog, playing guitar with friends, writing poetry, and dinner parties. Community care matters to me, and I show up for people I care about by holding messy emotions together and making food.
B & me, 2013
How I Source My Work
Over the past few years, I have been growing my practice by learning from other doulas in trainings, as well as volunteering with a local hospice. Throughout my doula journey, Nancy Finkle (East Bay End of Life Doula Network) has been a friend and mentor.
I root my work in my belief that we can all be advocates for bodily autonomy and collective liberation, building systems of healthcare and end of life care that are anti-racist, affirming of all genders, sexualities, and abilities, and financially accessible to everyone.
I also have over four years of experience in policy research and advocacy after getting my Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley. My research background serves my doula work when it comes to the practical side of things, and finding out information to help with decision-making.
Trainings & Experience:
Grow Your Doula Practice Workshop with Sarah Hill (East Bay Doula for the Dying), 2024
Death Doula Training with Going with Grace, 2023
Holistic Modalities for Death Care with Going with Grace, 2021
Hospice Volunteer, Sutter Care at Home East Bay, 2023-present
Hospice Volunteer, Bridge Hospice, 2022-23
Blending Qualitative Research & Doula Work
Outside of building my End of Life Doula practice, I work as a qualitative researcher with a background in care policy. I enjoy building relationships and making meaning with people who are navigating care systems in order to make them better and more equitable.
As a researcher, I believe in participatory research to ensure solutions reflect people’s lived experiences. I have experience in policy research and systems change work across issues like reproductive healthcare, K12, and early childhood education and care. In 2025, I’ll be joining a healthcare research team in Dartmouth Hospital’s Palliative Department, collaborating with patients, care partners, and healthcare providers to enhance patient experience and elevate their voices in care.