.png?width=500&height=500&name=Beacon%20of%20Hope%20(Logo).png "Beacon of Hope (Logo)"){kind=tracking}
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Tammy Matson
Owner & Certified EoLD
About Me
Just as a lantern provides a guiding light in the darkness, Beacon of Hope offers compassionate guidance and support to individuals and families navigating the challenging terrain of end-of-life. As a Certified End-of-Life Doula with LifeSpan Doulas, a proud member of the National End-of-Life Doula Association (NEDA), a member of the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA), and having an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate from the University of Vermont, I am here to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and understanding during this profound journey.
How My Credentials Inform My Care
My LifeSpan Doula certification grounds my work in practical, evidence‑based guidance for clients and families. It equips me with the tools to provide a calm, confident presence and clear communication through every stage of the dying process.
As a member of NEDA and INELDA, I adhere to national and international standards of care and ethical guidelines that ensure dignity, inclusion, and integrity in every interaction. These memberships connect me to vibrant professional communities dedicated to continuous learning, advocacy, and expanding access to compassionate end‑of‑life support.
The University of Vermont’s End‑of‑Life Doula Professional Certificate program deepens my understanding of grief, spirituality, and cultural perspectives surrounding dying. It integrates medical awareness, emotional care, and reflective practice, strengthening my ability to hold space with compassion and faith while collaborating with families and care teams to bring peace and meaning to the final moments of life.
My academic background further enriches this care:
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Bachelor of Science in Human Services (Counseling Concentration): This degree provided me with a strong foundation in counseling theory, active listening, and supporting people through crises and transitions. It helps me truly hear your fears, hopes, and questions, and respond with empathy and skill, especially when navigating complex family dynamics or emotional distress at the end of life.
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Master of Science in Human Resource Management: This training sharpened my skills in communication, conflict resolution, and working effectively within teams and systems. In practice, that means I can help families communicate more clearly with each other and with medical staff, navigate difficult conversations with grace, and coordinate practical support so everyone feels heard and respected.
Together, my formal education and doula training allow me to walk alongside you with both professional competence and deep compassion, honoring your unique journey with dignity, comfort, and hope.
My Approach
As an End-of-Life doula, rooted in my Christian faith, I am committed to walking alongside you with kindness, respect, and a sincere heart that seeks to honor God in all that I do. Guided by faith, I offer compassionate, personalized support tailored to your unique needs—regardless of your beliefs or background. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you and your loved ones feel truly seen, heard, and cared for every step of the way.
I believe a peaceful transition involves:
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Embracing Dignity: Honoring the individuality and worth of each person
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Offering Comfort: Creating a calm, supportive environment to ease fear and anxiety
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Honoring Wishes: Helping articulate, plan, and fulfill end-of-life wishes
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Finding Meaning: Exploring spiritual and emotional needs through meaningful conversation and comfort
My Professional Journey
My journey into this ministry began with deeply personal experiences: being at the bedside at my grandmother's death, my dad died suddenly at age 49—a quick and unexpected loss—while my mom passed away ten years later after a slow, gradual decline due to her disease and health challenges. These contrasting experiences have profoundly shaped my commitment to being fully present and intentional in life’s final stages.
I have spent years supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging transitions, with experience in healthcare, hospice, and human services. Grounded in Christian faith, I strive to create a nurturing space where your unique needs and wishes are honored with empathy, respect, and a heartfelt presence.
A Personal Invitation
Explore this website to learn more about my services and how I can support you and your family through this sacred time. When you are ready, please contact me for a confidential consultation. Together, we will walk through this journey with dignity, comfort, and hope.
The Doula's Model of Care
A model of care describes how compassionate support is delivered, ensuring each individual and family receives timely, respectful care from the right team at exactly the right moment. The doula model centers on walking alongside individuals and families with presence, respect, and gentle guidance.
It is important to clarify that I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, funeral director, or funeral officiant. These roles are outside my scope of work, which focuses on non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical comfort.
The Six Guiding Principles of Doula Care
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Non-Medical Support: Providing comfort and care that complements medical professionals, without performing medical tasks.
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Non-Judgmental Support: Honoring each person without personal bias or agenda.
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Family-Centered Approach: Supporting the individual and their loved ones, respecting the roles each family member holds.
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Holistic Care: Honoring emotional, social, and spiritual aspects alongside physical needs.
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Empowerment: Encouraging informed choices and self-determination.
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Team Collaboration: Working respectfully alongside healthcare providers and community supports.
Types of Support Provided
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Compassionate Presence: Offering steady, calm companionship during uncertain times.
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Emotional Support: Listening, gentle touch, and quiet presence.
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Sharing Information: Clear, unbiased, and evidence-based information at your pace.
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Gentle Guidance: Thoughtful suggestions to empower and prepare.
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Connecting to Resources: Referrals to trusted community services and providers.
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Comfort and Care: Techniques and nurturing acts to ease body and spirit.
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Practical Support: Everyday help such as errands, household assistance, and transportation.
For more about this care approach, visit Patty Brennan’s article: What is the “Doula Model of Care”?
To understand professional boundaries, see the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) Scope of Practice