Comfort and Choice VT Doula

End-of-Life Doula

Working to simplify information, navigate systems and provide a compassionate and knowledgeable presence for end of life planning. I will help you to plan for a supported death.

Individual and Family Services include:

Provide Act 39 Medical Aid in Dying
Create space to talk openly and honestly
Explore preferences and wishes
Develop an end-of-life plan
Educate about the dying process and grief support
Work alongside healthcare providers
Coordinate and collaborate with other service providers
Sit vigil
Assist with after death planning; donation, obituaries and services
Find creative ways to honor the person, which can include exploring life and legacy

As an End-of-Life Doula, I provide non-medical support for people who are dying, as well as their families and friends. I offer education, guidance, and emotional support for those considering or planning for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) under Vermont’s Act 39. My role is to make the process easier to understand and less stressful. I help you:

* Learn about your rights and options under Vermont’s MAID law

* Navigate the steps and paperwork involved

* Develop a plan that reflects your values and wishes

* Receive emotional and practical support along the way

Every person’s situation is unique. I tailor support to your needs and preferences, walking beside you as a guide, advocate, companion, and calm presence.

I invite you to explore this site to learn more about Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont and how working with an End-of-Life Doula can help you and your loved ones experience this time with dignity, clarity, and peace.

Offerings

Education

Walking beside you with compassion and experience — helping you understand your options to create a plan that honors your wishes.

Experience

Calm, knowledgeable support for individuals and families considering Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) in Vermont.

End of Life Planning

Thoughtful and compassionate support exploring emotions, meaning, and legacy. Together, we create space to talk openly about fears, hopes, and what peace looks like for you and your family.

Navigation

Helping you and your loved ones navigate this time with clarity, care, and peace — offering guidance, advocacy, and companionship every step of the way.

Support

Compassionate support for you and your loved ones.

Facing a serious diagnosis, advancing illness, or the end of life can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone — I'm here to help.

Coordination

Communication and Collaboration with other healthcare professionals (such as hospice teams, nurses, social workers, and physicians) to ensure care and medical decisions reflect your goals.Identify and organize resources and supports.

"An intimate and tender experience. It brought new meaning into my life."

- Former Client

About Me.

I am a master’s-prepared social worker with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. Throughout my career, I have helped patients facing complex health challenges and have seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate illness and the healthcare system. This inspired me to co-lead an initiative focused on improving quality, safety, and patient experience across an entire hospital network by fostering true partnerships between patients, families, and care teams. Seeking a meaningful next step, I combined my background with complex medical issues and my experience supporting end-of-life planning to become an end-of-life doula. When Vermont lifted its residency requirement, I began my practice and have since been dedicated to compassionately supporting patients and families—especially those accessing MAID—in a collaborative and respectful way. I have been serving in this role for two years in partnership with Rachel Loreto, MSW, fellow end of life Doula and Owner, Compassionate Passages. Together we formed Compassionate Choice Alliance.

"Licia explained in great detail each and every step. She was extremely well informed and communicated throughout the entire process. Literally, all the heavy lifting that we otherwise would have done if we had tried to do this on our own.

Everyone that she brought on board were highly professional and extremely sympathetic to what our family was going through. Everything that could have been a concern was addressed by her as best as anyone could expect.

Going through the process is extremely tough emotionally, but Licia went above and beyond any reasonable expectation to address the emotional concerns as well, before, and after to console members of my family, which was greatly appreciated."