Nosotros hablamos español.
Niki Staab President
Allison Unruh Vice President
Allison Unruh Vice President
Niki Staab is a compassionate professional who has dedicated her life to supporting individuals and their loved ones during the challenging journey of end-of-life care. With a deep understanding of the emotional and physical needs that arise during this time, Niki brings comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace to those she serves. In 2019
Niki Staab is a compassionate professional who has dedicated her life to supporting individuals and their loved ones during the challenging journey of end-of-life care. With a deep understanding of the emotional and physical needs that arise during this time, Niki brings comfort, guidance, and a sense of peace to those she serves. In 2019, Niki completed her training with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), enhancing her expertise in providing comprehensive end-of-life care. As an end-of-life doula, Niki works closely with individuals nearing the end of their lives, as well as their families and hospice teams, to ensure that their final days are filled with dignity, comfort, and support. Niki's commitment to her community extends beyond her work as a doula. She serves as a regional facilitator for the National End of Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), helping to mentor other doulas on their journey.
Niki's services encompass a wide range of support options tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and their families. From respite care and light housework to advanced care planning, vigil planning, and guided meditation. Additionally, her ordination allows her to provide celebration of life planning, ensuring that loved ones have the opportunity to honor and remember their departed family members in a meaningful and personalized way. Through her unwavering commitment, empathy, and extensive skill set, Niki brings solace and comfort to individuals and families during one of life's most challenging phases. Her holistic approach to end-of-life care, combined with her passion for supporting others, makes her an invaluable resource for those in need.
Allison Unruh Vice President
Allison Unruh Vice President
Allison Unruh Vice President
Allison’s journey has been driven by a deep passion for addressing and improving societal issues. One of the most significant ways she contributes to our community is by advocating for the normalization of conversations about death. As an End-of-Life Doula, Allison firmly believes that by guiding individuals and families through their end
Allison’s journey has been driven by a deep passion for addressing and improving societal issues. One of the most significant ways she contributes to our community is by advocating for the normalization of conversations about death. As an End-of-Life Doula, Allison firmly believes that by guiding individuals and families through their end-of-life concerns and supporting them through life's most significant transition, we have the power to create a legacy of death positivity that can be passed down for generations to come.
Allison’s mission is to bridge the societal gap in compassionate deathcare, believing every person deserves to approach the end of life with dignity, respect, and profound care. By offering gifts of empathy and presence, Allison strives to create an environment of understanding, love, and peace for both individuals facing end of life and their families.
Allison has her Master’s degree in sociology from KSU. Her End-of-Life Doula training was completed through INELDA in 2020, and she’s received doula certification through VNA in Lawrence, KS. She has given numerous presentations through Banner Endings and enjoys being able to connect with others through education. These experiences have equipped Allison with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the highest level of support to individuals and their families during this sacred and emotional time.
Amber Stenger Secretary
Allison Unruh Vice President
Amber Stenger Secretary
As a death doula, Amber's intention is to support and guide people so that they may experience more meaning, comfort and peace as they transition from this life. She seeks to provide individualized informational, emotional, spiritual and practical support for people with a terminal diagnosis and their loved ones as well as those who are p
As a death doula, Amber's intention is to support and guide people so that they may experience more meaning, comfort and peace as they transition from this life. She seeks to provide individualized informational, emotional, spiritual and practical support for people with a terminal diagnosis and their loved ones as well as those who are physically well and ready to explore what living and dying consciously means for them.
Amber's background as a hospice volunteer informs her engagement with clients and their families, and her training as an end-of-life doula brings a new depth of understanding to her varied roles, allowing her to empower clients to create the transitions they envision. Amber considers it a true privilege to walk alongside people in this profound stage of life.
She offers clients a wide range of services, including:
· Guidance with life review, vigil planning and legacy projects.
· Assistance moving from fear and anxiety to meaning and peace.
· Bedside companionship and presence through the dying process.
· Guidance to appropriate grief counseling and bereavement support in our area.
Amber Edwards Treasurer
Tasha Cook Board Member
Amber Stenger Secretary
Amber Edwards is a recently trained end of life doula, driven by an unwavering commitment to honest and straightforward support. As an omnist, Amber respects and embraces diverse beliefs and practices surrounding death. Amber guides individuals and their families through the dying process, offering both emotional and practical support as
Amber Edwards is a recently trained end of life doula, driven by an unwavering commitment to honest and straightforward support. As an omnist, Amber respects and embraces diverse beliefs and practices surrounding death. Amber guides individuals and their families through the dying process, offering both emotional and practical support as well as educational resources. Intimately familiar with the complexities of grief, especially with veterans and military families, Amber brings a unique touch and is not afraid to have tough or uncomfortable conversations. Committed to providing compassionate care during life's most challenging moments while also bringing a lightness to a natural transition, Amber is continually learning and training to stay at the forefront of her profession.
Tasha Cook Board Member
Tasha Cook Board Member
Tasha Cook Board Member
Tasha is dedicated to creating a peaceful, meaningful, and sacred experience for all those she serves. Tasha brings a holistic approach to end-of-life care, funeral planning, and early grief support. Her calling lies in being present for individuals and their loved ones during their final moments, offering solace, guidance, and a comforti
Tasha is dedicated to creating a peaceful, meaningful, and sacred experience for all those she serves. Tasha brings a holistic approach to end-of-life care, funeral planning, and early grief support. Her calling lies in being present for individuals and their loved ones during their final moments, offering solace, guidance, and a comforting presence throughout the entire journey. As a certified speech-language pathologist, Tasha’s expertise allows her to facilitate meaningful conversations and create a safe space for individuals to express their fears, hopes, and desires as they navigate the end-of-life process. In addition Tasha serves as a Pastoral Elder, drawing upon her spiritual background to provide comfort and support to those facing the end of their lives. Her Christian approach to the deathbed offers a sense of peace and solace, incorporating elements such as prayer, scripture reading, anointing oils, and sacred rituals tailored to the individual's beliefs and wishes. Tasha is a member of the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), having received certification as a doula. Her training and experience enable her to provide personalized care and emotional support to both the dying and their families during this sacred time. She is well-versed in legacy projects, deathbed vigils, after-death care, and funeral planning, ensuring that each aspect of the journey is handled with utmost respect and reverence.
Tasha's commitment to her clients extends beyond the end of life. She recognizes the profound impact of grief and offers ongoing support to individuals and families as they navigate the early stages of loss. Her compassionate nature and gentle guidance create a nurturing environment wherein healing can take place.
Prisca Mendez Asado Board Member
Tasha Cook Board Member
Tasha Cook Board Member
Prisca Mendez Asaro's dedication to her community stems from a deeply
personal journey with Alzheimer's disease within her family. Her commitment
to giving back is evident in her experience and passion for expanding
successful projects.
With a robust background in community collaboration, program management,
volunteer development, campaign man
Prisca Mendez Asaro's dedication to her community stems from a deeply
personal journey with Alzheimer's disease within her family. Her commitment
to giving back is evident in her experience and passion for expanding
successful projects.
With a robust background in community collaboration, program management,
volunteer development, campaign management, and community outreach,
Prisca is well-equipped to positively impact those with early-diagnosed
Alzheimer's and their connected circle of family and friends.
Having previously worked at the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
counties in Fort Myers, Florida, Prisca successfully led initiatives such as an
extensive pet therapy program and the ReUnite program, which focused on
individuals at high risk of wandering and was supported by a Department of
Justice grant.
Prisca holds an interdisciplinary degree in journalism, communications, and
social work from the University of Arkansas. She is pursuing a Master's in
Gerontology at Kansas State University, with an expected graduation in
December 2024. Additionally, she is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, an
IAP Certified Death Doula, and a National End-of-Life Doula Alliance member.
She holds certifications to administer and score assessments such as the
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), AD8, and MMSE. Prisca also
volunteers as a hospice companion and is seeking her certification in sound
healing.
Specializing in Dementia and Alzheimer's support and navigation, Prisca sees
herself as a Wayfinder of life. Her fervent advocacy for end-of-life planning
and her emphasis on care plans that prioritize quality relationships and
person-centered care filled with love and compassion are truly inspiring.
Diana Snyder
Aubree Dinsfriend
Diana Snyder
The one certainty we have in this life is that it will one day end. That often leads to uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Wouldn't the approach to our end days feel less scary and more meaningful if there was a guide, a "soul-journer", to help us and our family navigate such a profound and often confusing time?
As an end-of-life doula (
The one certainty we have in this life is that it will one day end. That often leads to uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Wouldn't the approach to our end days feel less scary and more meaningful if there was a guide, a "soul-journer", to help us and our family navigate such a profound and often confusing time?
As an end-of-life doula ( also called a death doula or soul midwife), Diana will create a safe and trusting space by maintaining confidentiality, listening with compassion and empathy, providing non-judgmental presence, and collaborate with your hospice or medical team. A doula is a non-medical role. Together, a plan is developed for your end days that is on your terms. Tending to all domains of one's life -physical, emotional, legacy making, spiritual, and practical ( what options are available for your body after death) - honors all aspects of a person's unique life. Diana will be that calm, confident presence to hold vigil in the end days and fill in the gaps of hospice care. She will empower your family to provide care as able and assist in rituals after death if desired.
Diana's personal experiences of journeying with her husband and mother through cancer until their subsequent deaths led to her soul's call to end-of-life care. As a nurse, Diana has always been fascinated with the life transitions of birth and death. As a nurse in an inpatient hospice house for 12 years, Diana has witnessed the mystery and beauty that is possible in this profound and sacred phase of life. She has also seen the bewilderment on the faces of family members trying to make decisions in the throes of bereavement because those important conversations never took place or were avoided. It is Diana's heartfelt desire to help change the collective narrative around death and dying and by doing so, help ease the fear and anxiety. By consciously embracing death, we live more fully.
Diana lives in Lenexa with her two cats. Her adult children and grandchildren live nearby. She received a BSN from Ohio State University. She received her Sacred Passage Doula training through Conscious Dying Institute in 2021. She also received her Dementia Care Certificate from Johnson County Community College.
Amy Carlson
Aubree Dinsfriend
Diana Snyder
Like any other person, my life has been a series of challenges. There have been many! I have been fortunate to walk in the truth that, no matter the challenge, there is always beauty before, behind, above, and below me. I have learned to impart this to people in their most difficult moments. My life has taught me, that is the beacon for m
Like any other person, my life has been a series of challenges. There have been many! I have been fortunate to walk in the truth that, no matter the challenge, there is always beauty before, behind, above, and below me. I have learned to impart this to people in their most difficult moments. My life has taught me, that is the beacon for my work as an artist, a teacher, a mother, a keeper. A death doula. I'm just another human being, trying to live and give in the presence of love..
Aubree Dinsfriend
Aubree Dinsfriend
Aubree Dinsfriend
Aubree is an End-of-Life Doula based in Independence, Missouri. She completed her certification program through the IAP Career College and is a proud member of the National End-of-Life Doula Association (NEDA). She currently volunteers with hospice patients, providing companionship, vigil care, and practical care.
Aubree's journey into
Aubree is an End-of-Life Doula based in Independence, Missouri. She completed her certification program through the IAP Career College and is a proud member of the National End-of-Life Doula Association (NEDA). She currently volunteers with hospice patients, providing companionship, vigil care, and practical care.
Aubree's journey into this field was prompted after a cancer diagnosis while pregnant with her second child. The experience seemed to rouse a deeply rooted remembrance that death is just as natural and normal a part of the human experience as birth, and she has been actively seeking to help others remember that ever since.
Megan Olvera
Racquel Renea Phillips
Aubree Dinsfriend
Megan is a full-spectrum doula, offering doula services from birth through death, and is honored to support the LGBTQA+ community as well as people of all varieties of faiths. She is INELDA trained as an end-of-life doula, and specializes in open discussions that may often be avoided by those closest to her patients. Related to her curren
Megan is a full-spectrum doula, offering doula services from birth through death, and is honored to support the LGBTQA+ community as well as people of all varieties of faiths. She is INELDA trained as an end-of-life doula, and specializes in open discussions that may often be avoided by those closest to her patients. Related to her current volunteer work with hospice, Megan has been nominated for awards at both the local and state levels. She brings a sense of grounding, love, and support to situations that can often be scary. Megan would be honored to support you and your loved ones as you traverse your own river of life.
Racquel Renea Phillips
Racquel Renea Phillips
Racquel Renea Phillips
Racquel Renea Philips is an intuitive and determined professional. She believes through God anything is possible. Racquel was a part of the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It was one of the best organizations she could have joined. Sisterhood is very meaningful to her. She’s a firm believer that family is the mo
Racquel Renea Philips is an intuitive and determined professional. She believes through God anything is possible. Racquel was a part of the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It was one of the best organizations she could have joined. Sisterhood is very meaningful to her. She’s a firm believer that family is the most important asset to you. Her family includes a spouse, children and 3 year old adorable grandson. Due to losing a loved one, Racquel is pushing toward changing laws concerning the roadways in and around her surrounding areas with the assistance of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
She is certain safety is key, so has had the enjoyment of being an Independent Damsel Pro, as Mortuary is her passion, Racquel volunteers for the Missouri Palliative and Hospice team. As well as a brand ambassador for an edible candle company. Racquel is the administrator, co-owner and cleaning of her spouses and her cleaning company. As you can see, Racquel is an astute entrepreneur who has demonstrated a strong intent to succeed in business. She loves travelling and taking time out for family. With all of these amazing talents, she has taken entrepreneurship by storm.. Racquel created and hosted her 1st Annual Fibromyalgia Walk sponsored by The National Fibromyalgia Foundation in conjunction with Pain-KC, although she is a sufferer, she believes there is a cure. Her community efforts consist of her fighting for Human Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation. Racquel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in Hospitality. And is currently completing her Masters in Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma. Her end goal is a PHD in Grief Counseling. If you look on Amazon you will find her self published book Mommy, Where’s Grammy?
Racquel believes the definition of sisterhood means, fixing each other's crowns when they have shifted. Becoming a Doula is rewarding, as families are being educated by people who really do care. And the saying “your family is my family” is really true.
Yvonne Carey
Racquel Renea Phillips
Racquel Renea Phillips
'Death is inevitable. My life span is ever decreasing. Death comes whether or not we are prepared.” Yvonne has worked in a hospice house facility and in home hospice for over 16 years and has had many very personal experiences of her own including her own spouse. End of life doulas provide companionship, comfort, and a guidance to those f
'Death is inevitable. My life span is ever decreasing. Death comes whether or not we are prepared.” Yvonne has worked in a hospice house facility and in home hospice for over 16 years and has had many very personal experiences of her own including her own spouse. End of life doulas provide companionship, comfort, and a guidance to those facing a terminal illness and death. Yvonne feels that it's such a sacred passage: end of life doula. She believes we labor to come into this world and we labor to transition to a new life. Bedside Vigil Support has been her expertise. Yvonne thinks death shouldn’t be an emergency. Preparation and Precious companionship to the dying and their family is very important to her. Helping people navigate the complexities of end of life preparation as a final gift to the ones they leave behind. Yvonne truly considers it a honor to be called to the sacred space of dying. It rings true to her, that where our wounds lie, so lie our most precious gifts. It is with humility that she steps out to walk with others towards their homecoming no matter their age or stage of life.
Tara Tooley
Tara Tooley
Tara Tooley
Tara, trained as an end-of-life doula by INELDA, brings a unique blend of professional experience and personal resilience to her work. With a background in hospice social work, Tara now operates her own mental health private practice group, Blackbird Therapy, where she specializes in grief, loss, and support for the terminally ill and the
Tara, trained as an end-of-life doula by INELDA, brings a unique blend of professional experience and personal resilience to her work. With a background in hospice social work, Tara now operates her own mental health private practice group, Blackbird Therapy, where she specializes in grief, loss, and support for the terminally ill and their families. As a two-time cancer survivor, she has a deep-rooted passion for serving the oncology population.
Ashley Laws
Tara Tooley
Tara Tooley
Ashley is currently pursuing her doula certification through IAP Career College. The inspiration for her doula journey stems from her personal experience with the end of her grandmother's life. Witnessing her family's lack of preparation and uncertainty in handling the situation made Ashley realize that there are many others who are also
Ashley is currently pursuing her doula certification through IAP Career College. The inspiration for her doula journey stems from her personal experience with the end of her grandmother's life. Witnessing her family's lack of preparation and uncertainty in handling the situation made Ashley realize that there are many others who are also unprepared for such circumstances. In some cases, individuals may not even have someone to support them through this difficult time. Ashley's ultimate goal is to ensure that no one has to endure end-of-life suffering alone or in fear. She aspires to prevent families and loved ones from experiencing regret or missing their chance to say proper goodbyes. Ashley envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity for a "good death" and is determined to advocate for those who may not be capable of advocating for themselves. Above all, providing comfort and compassion holds the utmost importance to her.