Our Core Values and Beliefs

Compassion
Compassion is the at the core of all that we do.  We will create an individual care plan that meets your specific needs with compassion.

Dignity
We believe everyone has the right to be valued and respected for who they are, and to be treated ethically.  We believe this is an inherent, inalienable right.

Inclusive
Our services are available to everyone.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender expression, ability to pay, or language(s) spoken.  If you are not financially able to afford our services, talk to us.

Non-judgmental
We will always meet you right where you are, and will strive to listen, accept and be present with you both physically and emotionally.

Cutting edge
 We are both graduates of the Larner College of Medicine End-of-Life Doula program.  We are innovative and current on the latest care delivery, funeral options and use of technology.

Wholistic
  We believe in integrative, whole person care, focusing on what is central to the patient, and adjusting that care as the patient progresses through the end-of-life process.
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Educational
  We believe in information, and the delivery of that information in a compassionate manner.  We support understanding that all deaths are different.  We will always provide as many options as possible and let you decide what works for you.

 

Contact Joni at:
Email: thedoulahearts@gmail.com
Cell:  919-609-0860

Joni Porter
​Certified End of Life Doula

​All of my life, I have accumulated experiences that have been centered and grounded by working with people.  These experiences have taught me perspective on living and dying.   I possess a sixth sense, developed over my own journey that has led me to serving and guiding others at their end of life.  I bring compassion, understanding, superior listening skills and a deep sense of empathy for my fellow human beings.

I feel that it is important to elevate the conversation surrounding death to demystify the perception that death and dying is scary and full of fear.  Loving conversations are the core of our relationships and are so needed at end of life.  It wasn’t that long ago that families took care of their loved ones in the home during the dying process and subsequent funeral arrangements.  I believe if it is your choice to be in a setting that you are comfortable in, surrounded by the things you love, and those that you love and love you, so that this period of your life can be one of calm and closure.  I am committed to walking this path with you.
My areas of strength and passion are assisting with life review, legacy projects, nutrition counseling, functional movement, holding space with you and the family, advance directives, vigil planning and helping families navigate through their end of life journey.
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I received my End-of-Life Doula certification from Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, a nationally recognized educational institution.
I am honored to be a vigil volunteer for Transitions LifeCare Hospice Home, where I am able to help ensure that patients choices and values are heard and honored.
I am intensely devoted to being in nature.  Hiking, boating, traveling, sunsets, stargazing, and understanding universal energy are all passionate personal pursuits of mine.

 

 Contact Shawna at:
Email: thedoulahearts@gmail.com
Cell:  919-802-3563

Shawna Barlette
Certified End of Life Doula

My professional and personal experiences have shaped me and uniquely qualified me for end-of-life doula work.   During my career, I was a Human Resource Director, which exposed me to the needs and activities of my organizations people, as well as helped me to hone my skills as an employee advocate.  In addition, I hold a degree in Accounting, and have served as Finance Director and Accounting Manager for a number of organizations.  I was employed as a trainer for home health and hospice software, working alongside back office employees in hospice and palliative care units.  Along the way, I served as a volunteer for Suicide Prevention, manning the toll-free hotline for my region for people in crisis or distress.

I also have deep personal experience with death and hospice care.  Death has been my companion from the young age of 28.  By the time I reached 50, I had lost all of my grandparents, parents, uncle, many close friends and both step-parents.  I was my husband’s primary caregiver for his final days, and primary advocate and caregiver during my sister’s last days.   I was also the driving force in ensuring my mother’s journey with hospice, her death and subsequent funeral were what she desired.
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My philosophy is one of compassionate and loving support to the dying and their families.  I believe that if a dying person is supported properly, a family will be better equipped to care for them and have time to say goodbye to their loved ones.  I simply want to make a difference in people’s lives.

I received my End-of-Life Doula certification from Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, a nationally recognized educational institution.

Currently, I am a vigil volunteer for Transitions LifeCare, a large hospice here in the Triangle.  I also serve as a trainer for incoming vigil volunteers.
I enjoy the outdoors, travel, triathlon and volunteerism.  I reside in Raleigh with my cat Bandit to be near my daughter and three grandsons.

“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”  -  Elisabeth Kubler-Ross