About Us
At Going Your Own Way, we believe in transforming end-of-life planning from a dreaded task into a thoughtful, creative, and meaningful journey. We create space for open, honest conversations about death and dying, offering practical, emotional, and informational support every step of the way.
Our mission is to ensure no one feels alone during this journey. By bridging the gaps between medical care, family needs, and compassionate guidance, we provide the kind of care we all deserve—personalized, accessible, and deeply respectful of your unique story.
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At Going Your Own Way, we believe end-of-life planning should be a thoughtful, meaningful journey, not something to fear. We create a safe space for open, honest conversations about death and dying, honoring each person’s unique journey with compassion and respect. Our goal is to make quality support accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
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We’re about real talk and real heart—approaching this sensitive topic with warmth and a bit of humor, while always respecting its profound nature. Your path is personal, and we tailor our support to fit your needs, whether you’re planning ahead or facing immediate decisions. We work closely with your medical team and family to ensure you have comprehensive support, and our sliding-scale pricing makes our services accessible to all.
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You can count on us for practical guidance, emotional support, and clear information. Through every step of your journey, we’ll be a steady presence, committed to making the process less overwhelming and more manageable.
Meet Sally
Meet Sally
Sally’s path to this work began with a deeply personal experience: caring for her mother during her final weeks of life. As her mother’s full-time caregiver, Sally identified a crucial gap between hospice care and family needs—a lack of hands-on guidance and emotional support. This realization became the foundation for Going Your Own Way.
Building on her background in supporting people through life transitions, Sally earned certifications from National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), Doulagivers Institute, and Going with Grace. She also volunteered in hospices and worked with older adults, including those with dementia, honing her ability to provide compassionate, steady care.
With her unique combination of professional training and personal experience, Sally offers families practical guidance and a calming presence to transform overwhelming moments into meaningful ones.
A Note From The Founder
The seeds of Going Your Own Way were planted during one of the most profound experiences of my life: caring for my mom in her final weeks. When she transitioned to hospice care, I left my job to become her full-time caregiver. For six weeks, I managed her care, coordinated with hospice, and navigated countless medical decisions, all while holding space for her and my family. It was a deeply challenging time, yet something surprising happened: my mom, who spent her life as a hospice nurse, noticed that I seemed happier and more at ease than I had been in years. One day, she gently suggested, “Maybe it’s time to think about a new job.”
Her observation stopped me in my tracks—how could I be happy while my mom was dying? But as I reflected, I realized she was right. The care, support, and presence I was providing to her felt natural and intuitive, even though it was incredibly hard. There was a deep sense of purpose in what I was doing. I learned that when you’re engaged in work that truly utilizes your skills and talents, it can be rewarding even in the hardest moments. That realization changed me forever.
My mom had always hoped I’d follow in her footsteps as a nurse, recognizing my calming presence and natural caregiving ability. But I’d long ago ruled out medicine—I’m comically bad at science! Becoming a death doula, a non-medical support person, felt like the perfect way to honor her legacy while forging my own path. Those six weeks of caregiving, alongside her encouragement, inspired me to create the kind of support I wished we’d had during our journey together. That’s how Going Your Own Way began to take root.
Although this work is vastly different from my career in Human Resources, the skills I honed there—clear communication, emotional support, and navigating difficult conversations—remain at the heart of what I do. In HR, I helped people through challenging transitions, ensuring they felt heard and understood. Today, I bring those same skills to end-of-life care, where compassion and connection are just as essential. I built on this foundation by completing certifications through National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), Doulagivers Institute, and Going with Grace, and my time volunteering in hospice has deepened my understanding of how the right support can transform this experience into something peaceful and meaningful.
What sets me apart is the unique combination of professional training and personal experience I bring to this work. I know what it feels like to sit with uncertainty, to wrestle with overwhelming emotions, and to want the very best for someone you love. That’s why I focus on providing what I needed most during my mom’s journey: practical guidance, emotional support, and a steady, compassionate presence.
Whether you’re planning ahead or navigating this path in real time, I’m here to walk beside you. Together, we can make this journey less overwhelming and more meaningful. Let’s talk about how I can support you.
