Meet Your Guides
Jen Willoughby | Founder & Steward, Blue Water Doula Collective
Jen is an occupational therapist, end-of-life doula, home funeral guide, Reiki Master, and wellness coach.
Her whole-person approach honors the emotional, practical, physical, relational, and spiritual dimensions of dying and grief. Through education, reflection, and experiential learning, Jen helps participants develop the skills and confidence to accompany others with compassion and presence.
Karen Gorski
End-of-Life Doula & Retired Hospice Nurse
Sharing insight on the Value of Advance Care Planning
Charlotte Howell
End-of-Life Doula & Steward
Sharing Community Resources, including Hospice & Palliative Care, Community Support, Veterans’ benefits, & Caregiver resources.
Chris Johnson
B.S., Cert. FS, CGS, CEOLD
Understanding, Honoring & Navigating Grief: Understanding and honoring, Anticipatory Grief, Post-Loss Grief, Suicide Loss, and grief with Dementia & Alzheimer's
Emilyne Love
Healer & Counselor
Bringing Comfort, Presence & Peace — A restorative sound bath, therapeutic music, and bedside presence experience for end-of-life care.
Overnight Package
Sacred Death Doula Training & Retreat
Overnight Package
November 6–8, 2026
Lake Huron Retreat Center | Lakeport, Michigan
This hybrid training includes approximately 10 hours of self-paced preparation, 15 hours of interactive in-person training, post-training integration exercises, and a certificate of completion.
This sacred weekend retreat is for those called to walk alongside the dying and support their loved ones. Together, we will explore ancient and modern models of end-of-life care, practice deep listening, create meaningful rituals for release and remembrance, and develop practical tools for supporting individuals and families.
The Overnight Package offers a fully immersive weekend of hands-on practice, reflection, and connection on the shores of Lake Huron.
Overnight Package | $950
Your registration includes:
Self-paced foundational learning
All in-person training sessions
Overnight lodging
Friday dinner
Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sunday breakfast
Post-training integration exercises
Certificate of completion
Quad, triple, double, and single-room options are available. Please indicate your preferred room arrangement on the registration form.
Important Details
Self-paced preparation must be completed one week before the retreat.
Attendance at all in-person training sessions is required.
Dietary accommodations are available upon request.
Payment may be made online by credit or debit card.
Payment plans and scholarship opportunities may be available with prior approval. Contact bluewaterdoulacollective@gmail.com before registering for more information.
Schedule and facilitators are subject to change.
Commuter Package
Sacred Death Doula Training & Retreat
Commuter Package
November 6–8, 2026
Lake Huron Retreat Center | Lakeport, Michigan
This hybrid training includes approximately 10 hours of self-paced preparation, 15 hours of interactive in-person training, post-training integration exercises, and a certificate of completion.
This sacred weekend retreat is for those called to walk alongside the dying and support their loved ones. Together, we will explore ancient and modern models of end-of-life care, practice deep listening, create meaningful rituals for release and remembrance, and develop practical tools for supporting individuals and families.
The Commuter Package provides the complete training experience for participants who do not require overnight accommodations.
Commuter Package | $825
Your registration includes:
Self-paced foundational learning
All in-person training sessions
Retreat day access
Friday dinner
Saturday lunch
Post-training integration exercises
Certificate of completion
Lodging and additional meals are not included.
Important Details
Self-paced preparation must be completed one week before the retreat.
Attendance at all in-person training sessions is required.
Dietary accommodations are available upon request.
Payment may be made online by credit or debit card.
Payment plans and scholarship opportunities may be available with prior approval. Contact bluewaterdoulacollective@gmail.com before registering for more information.
Schedule and facilitators are subject to change.
This sacred weekend retreat is for those called to walk alongside the dying and hold space for their loved ones. Together, we will:
Explore ancient and modern models of end-of-life care
Practice deep listening as a spiritual act
Create rituals and ceremonies for release and remembrance
Learn practical tools for supporting clients & families
Cover NEDA-recognized core competency domains and common state-aligned end-of-life doula training standards
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Foundations of End-of-Life Doula Care
Communication & Family Systems
Professionalism & Legal Awareness
Technical Knowledge of Dying
Care Planning, Self-Care & Ethics
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Opening Circle & Doula Model of Care
Communication & Advocacy at End of Life
Family dynamics, conflict, and saying goodbye
Ethics, boundaries, and scope of practice
The dying process & hospice context
Holding vigil and sacred presence
The Value of Advance care planning & paperwork
Legacy work and life review
Professional practice, contracts, and legal considerations
Anticipatory grief & bereavement support
Self-care, burnout prevention & sustainability
Community resources & interdisciplinary collaboration
Closing circle & certificate completion
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Create a resource guide for your community
Setting intentions
Optional: Online group reprocessing session via Zoom