Since 2005, Deanna has been providing information, resources and
support to reduce suffering during serious illness
and the end-of-life time period.
Here you’ll learn: who we help, what we do, our philosophy, our story, and meet our Team.
Who We Help
We help people and their families and friends who are facing serious illness in the end-of-life time period. We also train professionals who are dedicated to reducing suffering at the end of life. Our special focus is to educate the people who are just outside the immediate circle of someone dying. We focus on this layer because it is these people who often end up doing a lot of advocacy for their person. And they are looking for answers. Many people refer to these special ones as the ‘go-to’ person–you know who you are. We are especially here for you.
What We Do
We provide classes, workshops, awareness trainings, courses and an End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program, Certified CareDoula®. We mentor and guide end-of-life advocates and activists around the world to create pathways for their communities to have access to palliative care as well as end-of-life care. All of our education programs aim to guide a person to have a solid foundation of end-of-life awareness, tools and self-care practices to deal with the dying time as a family member, friend or professional. Our programs aim to minimize paralyzing insecurity, lack of knowledge, anxiety, stress and suffering at the end of life.
Our Philosophy
Living and dying is a sacred dance and death is for certain. The dying time deserves the respect and loving attention as does the birthing and living time and we add to the collective wisdom of the ages when we live within this reality. We are committed to bringing peace and possibilities at the end of life and share all we can–at no cost and low cost–so as many people as possible may be able to transform their end-of-life experiences from suffering to peace. We believe that each person creates their own perfect balance between knowledge and the art of accompanying the dying, and creates their own self-care as they care for others in this most intimate way. We give all we can to ensure this happens, i.e., teachings, bedside tools, advocacy suggestions, practical skills, and encouragement as we all walk this path together.
Regarding our professional end-of-life doula training, we strive for “End-of-Life Doula Zen,” which is the perfect balance between knowledge, the art, self-care, bedside tools, advocacy, practical tools, client care support and results and doula happiness. To achieve this balance, we follow a philosophy built on six core principles:
1. Results – Care for the person dying and family are the main thing.
2. Focus – Keep the main thing the main thing.
3. Simplicity – Do more with less.
4. Foundation – Freedom comes from boundaries.
5. Impact – Only take actions that makes a difference.
6. Joy – Find it in the midst, on the daily, no matter what.
Our Story (as told by Deanna Flores Cochran)
Part 1: Solve a Problem
It all started back in 2005 when I cared for my mother during her dying time. Afterwards, I tried educating people about what I learned in this new way for caring for the dying. Very few heard me. As people began reaching out about this work, I asked them what their biggest fears were. They told me it was getting over imposter syndrome, not really knowing enough, and not having a clue how to get the word out. I began a year-long process of developing exactly what they told me they needed; and Certified CareDoula® was born. Certified CareDoula® shares the distinction with Living Well Dying Well in UK of being the 1st End-of-Life Doula Certificate Programs in the world (2010).
Part 2: Ahead of the Curve
I didn’t realize I was ‘leading a grassroots movement’ at the time. There were literally only 2-3 people on the internet in 2005 in this arena, there were people already doing similar work, but we did not know of each other. Over time, I met with other leaders, created platforms for unity, and founded many initiatives including being a founding member of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance and serving as Chair of the End-of-Life Doula Advisory Council (within the NHPCO) for our first 2.5 years. I began developing corporate doula programs, my students got results, and I’m honored to continue to mentor trailblazers around the world.
Part 3: Education Focus
Spending all my time in public service and leadership was exactly what needed to happen for all those years. I focused strongly on my students and public education. My students are out there changing the world; it’s the best use of my time to guide them and give them all I have. I wrote my #1 Amazon bestseller in 3 categories, ‘Accompanying the Dying,’ and it is now the ‘go-to’ for end-of-life advocates. It is now published in Spanish and is a tool for unity in Latin America as the doula concept spreads. My joy is in guiding people to take the next right baby step. It doesn’t matter how either, because being present with just our own circles is changing the face of dying in our communities.
Part 4: Too much Too Fast
Thrilled to be a part of so much, I hired a team, invested in mentors, and continued to scale the CareDoula® School so we could help more people. We re-branded, finessed our processes, and made even more of an impact. I was featured in the NY Times, Huff Post, Medscape and others. My dreams came true of making a difference in the world and I was respected by my colleagues and students. But beneath the surface, I wasn’t doing well, my health was significantly compromised and I wasn’t practicing what I preached about not losing your life to serve others.
Part 5: Finding Zen
We started to simplify—I pulled out of all of my leadership positions, quit accepting outside invitations, and started focusing on my health, family, and students only. The idea was simple, more with less. I prioritized my self-care—the anthem of the doula. We aimed to make the most impact—while simultaneously minimalizing stress and return to the joy I used to have. We teach what we need to learn. After 2 years of experimentation, we found what we believe is the perfect model. I call it “Owning Your Doula Shoes”: caring for ourselves as we serve others and enjoying every step of the journey. We live it, and we teach it too.
Our Founder & Team
Deanna Flores Cochran, RN. CareDoula® Education Founder. We’re a small family-run business with a fully remote, cross-functional team of six people. Deanna is the visionary and educator.
Review Deanna’s pioneering work here.
Danielle Cochran, Operations Director.
Manages day-to-day operations of the business, the CareDoula® School, and student care.
Maureen Lynch, Community Manager.
Manages onboarding, community learning, client care and is liaison for all CareDoula® Education programs.
Our CareDoula® Tech Team! Awesome support to keep our systems running smooth.
CareDoula® Education is your homebase for self-study, as well as guided structured programs as well, devoted to empower you in every way to reduce suffering at the end of life. See you on the inside!
Contacting Us
The best way to contact us is via email – support(at)caredoulaeducation(dot)com or go to our Contact page and send us a message.
You can follow Deanna on YouTube here.
Our Privacy policy, Terms and conditions, and other legal pages are here.