Blue Water Doula CollectiveDoula Directory
The vision of the Blue Water Doula Collective grew from a heartfelt vision into a community-rooted initiative. With the early support of founding stewards who contributed to design, outreach, and awareness—the collective began to take form, grounded in shared intention and connection.
Jen Willoughby, OTRL
Founding Director | Occupational Therapist | End-of-Life Doula | Reiki Master Teacher | Doula Educator | Reiki Practitioner
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Jen Willoughby is the Founder and Steward of the Blue Water Doula Collective, leading a collaborative community that supports doulas and families through life’s most sacred transitions. With over 20 years as an occupational therapist, educator, and college professor, Jen blends clinical depth with compassionate, presence-centered care.
She created BWDC’s Core and Steward Memberships to offer meaningful pathways for growth, mentorship, and leadership. Jen also developed the End-of-Life Doula Training Program, delivered with BWDC Stewards, to prepare doulas with the knowledge, confidence, and ethical foundation to serve with purpose.
Through her leadership, Jen is redefining how we approach end-of-life care—shifting it from a medical event to a deeply human experience rooted in dignity, connection, and presence. She continues to build a model of care that strengthens doulas, supports families, and ensures that no one walks these sacred transitions alone.
Judy Haynes
Founding Steward | Community Advocate | Lifespan Doula | Caregiver Support | Educator | Reiki Practitioner
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Judy Haynes is a Steward of the Blue Water Doula Collective and a guiding light who helped support its grassroots beginnings. As a Lifespan Doula with dementia training, she offers compassionate support across the full continuum of life.
Judy is a trusted mentor and educator, known for her work in Five Wishes, advance care planning, and meaningful legacy building. Her grounded presence and wisdom help both families and doulas approach end-of-life with clarity, connection, and intention.
Through her role within BWDC, Judy continues to nurture and guide both doulas and families—offering steady support, thoughtful education, and a compassionate presence. Her work helps create space for meaningful conversations, intentional planning, and a deeper sense of peace along the journey.
Charlotte Howell
Steward | End-of-Life Doula in Practice
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Charlotte Howell is a compassionate end-of-life doula and recent graduate of the Sacred Death Doula Program through the Blue Water Doula Collective. She is committed to supporting individuals and families through life's final chapter with presence, dignity, and heartfelt care.
Charlotte understands that the end-of-life journey can bring uncertainty, difficult decisions, and a need for meaningful connection. She offers emotional support, companionship, caregiver support, advance care planning guidance, and a calming presence for individuals and families navigating serious illness, aging, dying, and grief.
Her approach is centered on listening deeply, honoring each person's wishes, and creating a space where individuals and families feel seen, heard, and supported. Charlotte believes that every person deserves compassion, respect, and the opportunity to make informed choices throughout their end-of-life journey.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, a loved one, or simply wish to begin conversations about future care wishes, Charlotte welcomes the opportunity to connect.
Free Consultation Available
"Walking alongside individuals and families with compassion, presence, and support through life's most meaningful transitions."
Karen Gorski
Steward | End-of-Life Doula | Geriatric & Dementia Care Specialist | Nurse Advocate | Retired Hospice Nurse
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Karen Gorski is a retired nurse and End-of-Life Doula specializing in guiding individuals and families through aging, dying, and end-of-life planning with clarity and confidence. With expertise in geriatric and dementia care, she delivers both clinical insight and compassionate support.
Karen is known for her comprehensive “death book,” a powerful planning tool that organizes final wishes, critical information, and important details in one place. Her approach removes uncertainty, reduces stress for caregivers, and ensures nothing is left unspoken or unplanned.
By helping individuals prepare well in advance, Karen allows families to focus on what truly matters—living fully in the present. When it comes to getting your affairs in order, you can count on Karen to guide the process with precision, care, and professionalism.