About Me
Hi, I’m Annie! My pronouns are she/her or they/them.
My cousin died suddenly in my early 20s; navigating the aftermath and grief with my family awakened me to the complexities of dying. Shortly after, one of my closest friends was diagnosed with cancer. She taught me so much as she faced serious illness and ultimately her dying time with candor, humor, and an open heart. Through other personal experiences with serious illness and caregiving, I feel called into this intimate work.
I live, work, and play in Oakland, CA (Huichin Ohlone Land). When I'm not talking about death, I'm learning guitar with friends or hiking with my dog. Community care matters to me, and I have a large cup for holding messy emotions together.
B & me, 2013
I see sitting with death as an invitation to live more deeply into our values for the time that we have together. It is a way to embrace living more fully and each others' preciousness.
How I Source My Work
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
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.
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.