Death is the counterbalance to birth; a natural process that we will all experience but so few fully prepare for. Our culture treats death as a medical experience and not the sacred emotional, spiritual, and psychological journey that it truly is, leaving many ill-prepared and adding layers of unnecessary suffering.

End of Life Doulas work with the dying and their support system to explore the purpose of their life, the meaning and legacy that will be left behind, and support them through the active dying phase of life. We believe that a death, well prepared for, can be soul-filling and beautiful. Legacy and meaning are essential to explore the narrative of our lives.

During this conversation, End of Life Doulas, Shelby Kirillin and Nicky Hansen, will share their experiences and knowledge about working with the dying, providing avenues for legacy and meaning making, and supporting loved ones through this process.

Please join us for an evening to explore just how to prepare, support and make space for the art of dying.

Questions? Contact Allyson Drake at 804-912-2947 ext. 102 or allyson@fullcirclegc.org

Doula is the Greek word for “woman who serves.” It’s usually associated with those who assist in childbirth. But more and more, doulas are helping people with leaving the world. They provide informational, physical & emotional support for you or your loved ones to help navigate through complicated aspects of life – leading to a good death.  Our End of Life Doulas help ensure you are able to make the best-informed decisions possible about your final days or of those you love.

Shelby Kirillin

Shelby is the founder and president of Peaceful Passings. 
Along with being an ICU nurse for twenty years, she is trained and certified by INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association) and has been a practicing end of life coach/doula for two years. Shelby believes that dying isn’t a medical experience, but rather a sacred and special time in our lives that should be treated with such care. With the right preparation and open communication, she believes that dying can and should be a beautiful ending to the wonderful chapters we write.

Outside of her practice, she enjoys hiking, camping and reading. Her first loves, however, are her husband and three beautiful children.

Nicky Hansen

Nicky is passionate about caring for the elderly and has beenactively involved in hospice as a volunteer for the past three years. With her caring nature she has formed strong bonds with her patients and encouraged their creativity through Art Therapy which is particularly beneficial to those suffering from dementia. Nicky is a trained INELDA End of Life doula. When the time comes, Nicky instinctively guides family and friends through the experience of losing a loved one in a compassionate manner, taking into consideration the various needs and concerns of everyone involved.

Outside of her work, Nicky enjoys quality family time with her husband, children and rescue dogs.

For more information about Peaceful Passings, contact Shelby or Nicky at

(804) 502.3667 or www.peacefulpassings.info