I train people how to
accompanying the dying …
and bring their vision of
more peaceful endings to life.
Focus: Advanced illness – early bereavement
In the last 21 years as an End-of-Life Doula Educator…
I’ve served 1000s of students.
End-of-Life Doula Certificate
Program in the United States
(founded in 2010).
After more than two decades of teaching and guiding this work,
I’ve stepped out of ongoing group training.
My full body of work is now available as a self-directed archive
for those who want to study it independently.
For those who want deeper guidance, I continue to offer
certification through private mentoring on a limited basis.
Who I Help
I work with people who feel called to accompany the dying and those who love them.
Some are drawn to this work professionally, often because of something they lived through personally.
Others are navigating serious illness in their own families and need guidance during a confusing and emotionally charged time.
My particular focus is the “in-between time”—when treatments begin to stop working, hospice hasn’t started yet, and families are left without clear direction.
This is where things often feel the hardest.
And this is where the right kind of support can change everything.
What I Do
I’ve been creating spaces for honest, grounded conversation since 2005.
I teach, mentor, and guide people through live sessions, classes, workshops, and professional training, most notably through my signature certification program, Certified CareDoula®.
I help people:
- learn what actually helps families when care shifts
- develop steadiness instead of overwhelm
- create services that are ethical, sustainable, and aligned with who they are
When I can, I also work directly with families, offering guidance during serious illness, the pre-hospice period, and early bereavement.
Whether I’m teaching professionals or supporting families, my work centers on clarity, presence, and doing what truly matters, without unnecessary complexity.
My Philosophy
Living and dying are part of the same sacred human experience.
The dying time deserves the same respect, attention, and care as birth and living, and when we meet it honestly, we add to the collective wisdom of our communities.
I believe end-of-life care works best when:
- people are well-prepared, not rushed
- support is grounded, not performative
- service is built in a way that sustains the caregiver, not depletes them
For professional end-of-life doulas, I teach what I call “End-of-Life Doula Zen,” a balanced approach that honors knowledge, presence, boundaries, practical tools, and the humanity of everyone involved.
That philosophy is built on six core principles:
Results
Equipping compassionate advocates to truly help families.
Focus
From when treatments stop working through early bereavement.
Simplicity
Doing what matters most, without overcomplication.
Foundation
Freedom comes from clear boundaries.
Impact
Only taking actions that make a real difference.
Joy
Finding meaning and steadiness, even in hard moments.
HERES THE TRUTH…
Your end-of-life service doesn’t have to be big to be positively life changing.
About CareDoula® Education
CareDoula® Education is a small, family-run business supported by a dedicated, fully remote team.
While I’m the primary educator and guide, this work is made possible by a group of thoughtful, steady people who help ensure that students and families are well supported every step of the way.
Deanna Flores Cochran, RN. I’m the founder of CareDoula® Education and the creator of the Certified CareDoula® program. My role is teaching, mentoring, and shaping the educational framework that supports people doing this work professionally and personally.
Review my pioneering work here.
Danielle Cochran, Operations Director
Danielle oversees the day-to-day operations of CareDoula® Education, including the CareDoula® School and student care systems. She ensures that programs run smoothly and that students receive consistent, thoughtful support throughout their learning journey.
Maureen Lynch, Community & Program Manager
Maureen manages onboarding, learning support, and client care across our programs. She serves as a primary point of connection for students and helps maintain a grounded, welcoming learning environment.
Our CareDoula® Tech Team
Behind the scenes, our tech team keeps everything running smoothly, from learning platforms to communication systems, so students can focus on learning without unnecessary friction.
A Note on How We Work
CareDoula® Education exists as a home base for both self-study and guided, structured learning. Everything we offer is designed to help reduce suffering at the end of life, for families and for the people who serve them.
If you’re here, you’re in the right place.
Contact
The best way to reach us is by email at
[email protected]
or through the Contact page on this site.
You can also follow my teaching on YouTube.