Laura Svajlenko

I have been studying, learning, and growing into the role of an End of Life Planner my whole life. I just didn’t know it. I have completed the Douglas College End of Life Doula course as well as the End of Life Doula program by Going with Grace. I am a member of NEDA (National End of Life Doula Association) and have achieved a proficiency badge. 

Until COVID changed day to day life, I was a weekly volunteer on the Norwood Palliative Care unit where I had many wonderful learnings and experiences with staff, patients, and their families. I recently completed a Thanatology certificate through Durham College. Thanatology is the study of death, dying and bereavement. 

Never content to not be learning something new, I am always broadening my skills and staying up to date with the National Doula community.

Education & Memberships:

Soul Passages, How to Become A Death Doula, 2018

End of Life Doula Course, Douglas College, 2019

End of Life Doula Training, Going with Grace, 2019

Pilgrims Hospice & Capital Care Hospice Volunteer Training, 2019

National End-of-Life Doula Alliance Member (NEDA), 2019 - Current

NEDA Proficiency Badge, 2019

Thanatology Certificate (with honours), Durham College, 2020

Deathly Matters, Online Conference, 2020

Palliative Massage Course, Insitute of Traditional Medicine, 2020

Dementia Foundations Program, McMaster University, 2022