guide with grace
Supporting you through life’s most meaningful transition, every step of the way.
what is a death doula?
A “death doula” is someone who serves as a navigator and advocate for the dying person as well as their loved ones.
Guiding others through the end-of-life journey is a profound privilege and a true calling. Death remains a topic within our society that is considered taboo and is universally considered an "uncomfortable" topic of conversation. Unfortunately, this reality causes a loss of power for the individual who is dying. I believe that every individual should have the right to orchestrate their own, personalized and meaningful death experience. It is my goal to ensure that your final moments are some of the most meaningful moments within your lifetime.
My mission as an End of Life Doula is to be a comforting and compassionate presence in your life as you plan your transition. It is important that clients and their loved ones feel as if I am a close friend, walking into this period of their lives, to hold their hand and help navigate the deep complexities of end of life care, across the spectrum, from logistical planning to emotional processing. I aim to ease the emotional burden by being present, listening, and offering support tailored to the needs of each person and their family.
Sara Grace Thress // LCSW, DEATH DOULA
hello!
Hi, I am Sara Grace Thress and I am a registered Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have a 10 year history of working as a medical and hospice social worker in acute care hospitals and homes. I have spent the entirety of my career providing crisis intervention, mental health guidance, long-term care planning support and appropriate resources to patient's and their families faced with navigating a terminal diagnosis. My true passion in this line of work is to meet each individual person where they are in their journey and to provide guidance, compassion and knowledge that will lead to a meaningful and empowered end of life experience for everyone involved.
I have an extensive history working within the healthcare system, alongside nurses, doctor's and. surgeons. I understand the deep complexities of medical diagnosis and the numerous challenges of moving through the health care system in our world today. I am here to serve as your advocate both inside and outside of the hospital setting and to ensure that your voice and wishes are incorporated into your plan of care.
Death is a sacred experience and one that should be honored and celebrated within the bounds of your personal values and wishes. Together, we can plan ahead with the goal of easing stress, fear and anxiety to cultivate a beautiful transition .
offerings
-
Compassionate mental health support for those facing the end of life and for the caregivers who walk alongside them.
-
The paperwork and logistics around end-of-life planning can feel heavy and intimidating. It’s often unclear where to begin, yet these choices are deeply important for you and those you love.
Sara Grace offers compassionate guidance through this process, helping you move through each step with care and clarity. From advance healthcare directives and POLST forms to conversations around DNR orders, choosing a healthcare power of attorney, and selecting a hospice agency, she is there to support you—so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
-
Burial, cremation, green burial, and water cremation—there are many options for caring for remains, yet these choices are rarely discussed openly. Sara Grace creates a safe, supportive space to explore each option, answer questions, and help you thoughtfully shape a plan that reflects your values, beliefs, and wishes.
-
A live wake is a meaningful opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate life while time is still shared. Sara Grace supports individuals and families in thoughtfully planning these living ceremonies—creating space for storytelling, remembrance, gratitude, and connection. Whether intimate or communal, formal or free-flowing, each live wake is guided with care to honor the person’s values, relationships, and wishes, offering a moment of presence, love, and closure for all involved.
-
Vigil planning offers an opportunity to thoughtfully shape your final days and moments in a way that feels intentional and comforting. Sara Grace supports you in identifying what matters most—whether that’s a specific space in your home, the presence of loved ones, meaningful rituals, or a carefully chosen music playlist. She works closely with you and your family to gently coordinate and carry out these wishes, helping create a peaceful, supported experience that reflects your values and honors this sacred time.
-
For those who wish to explore Medical Aid in Dying, Sara Grace provides thoughtful education, clear information, and guidance through the process. She helps connect you with local physicians who support this option and remains present throughout each step—offering steady support, advocacy, and care so you never have to navigate it alone.
“I am a death doula and end of life navigator. It is my passion to help guide you and your loved ones through one of life's most important transitions. The end of your life has the potential to be beautiful, empowering and uniquely yours. I will encourage you every step of the way to plan and execute the end of life experience that you deserve.” - Sara Grace
testimonials
“Sara supported my family as a death doula during my father’s passing, and her care, presence, and guidance made all the difference. She took the time to truly understand my father’s wishes and gently supported us through every step of an incredibly difficult process. Her thoughtful suggestions, especially helping us create meaningful rituals (such as a shrine and vigil), allowed us to slow down, stay present, and honor his life with love and intention. Because of Sara, we were able to experience my father’s passing as a beautiful and sacred transition. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone seeking compassionate, deeply human support at the end of life.”
Choosing end-of-life support is a tender and deeply personal decision. A discovery call is a compassionate space for us to connect, share your needs, and answer any questions you may have. There is no expectation or pressure; only a chance to explore whether my support feels right for you and your loved ones.
Together, we can gently begin the conversation about what matters most to you in this season of transition.