A Compassionate Guide for Life’s Final Chapter
Hi, I’m Kathleen, the founder of The Everafter Collective. I’m a death doula and end-of-life planner based in San Diego, and I created this space to help people navigate death with more peace, clarity, and compassionate support—whether it’s your own journey or that of someone you love.
The name The Everafter Collective reflects what I believe to be true about dying: it’s a collective experience. It takes presence, care, and courage from everyone involved. We were never meant to do this alone. End-of-life work—at its most human—requires a circle of support, and I created this space to honor that truth.
Death is still a taboo topic in many spaces, but I believe it deserves the same care, planning, and thoughtfulness as any other major life transition. My mission is to offer a non-judgmental, calming presence and help you make end-of-life decisions that align with your values and beliefs. No one should have to face this journey alone. I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion, respect, and steady support, bringing warmth and even a touch of humor when it’s needed most.
In addition to working with individuals and families at the end of life, I also lead Die All Ready—a movement that encourages healthy people to begin end-of-life planning early, before illness or crisis forces the conversation.
I received my death doula certification through the Going with Grace program, and I’m NEDA proficient (National End-of-Life Doula Association) as well as a certified death doula through the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying. I also serve as a trained hospice volunteer, combining professional grounding with heartfelt care in everything I do.
Certifications & Professional Training
Graduate of Going With Grace End-of-Life Doula Program
Going with Grace, founded by death doula and educator Alua Arthur, is a comprehensive end-of-life Planning and death Doula training program that equips graduates to support the dying and their loved ones with compassion, clarity, and care.
NEDA-Proficient End-of-Life Doula Certification
The National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) is a professional organization that supports, educates, and sets standards for end-of-life doulas across the United States.
ACAMAID-Certified Death Doula & MAID Support Training
The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying (ACAMAID) is a national nonprofit organization that provides evidence-based education, resources, and support to clinicians involved in medical aid in dying, focusing on best practices and ethical care for patients considering or completing this option.
The Meaning behind the name “The Everafter Collective”
Everafter represents the space that follows an ending — the continuation of love, memory, and meaning that remains after someone dies. It’s a reminder that while life changes form, our connections don’t disappear. They evolve, deepen, and find new ways to exist.
At The Everafter Collective, “everafter” reflects our belief that death isn’t a full stop, but part of a larger story — one that deserves care, attention, and tenderness.
Collective was chosen because death is not something we’re meant to face alone. It’s a collective experience that touches every life and reminds us of our shared humanity. We were never meant to do this in isolation — it takes community, compassion, and connection to navigate endings and honor what comes next, together.
Get in Touch for Compassionate End-of-Life Support
Whether you’re ready to start planning or just need a listening ear, I’m here for you. I understand that reaching out can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s connect, and I’ll be there to support you through whatever comes next — I look forward to hearing from you.