About Helen
Compassion and presence have always been at the heart of who I am.
That calling led me to a career in Nursing, where I spent years walking beside people through life’s most sacred moments. Today, as an Elder Care and End-of-Life Doula, I am honored to continue my journey of service.
Hi – I’m Helen Dunkle
I’ve been blessed over my years in Nursing to participate in many sacred moments in the lives of my patients and their families. In Labor and Delivery, I witnessed the miracle of new life. Later, as a Hospice Nurse, I discovered the equally profound sacredness of life’s final chapter. Families taught me what it meant to show up fully – with tenderness, patience, and love – as their loved ones approached the end of life.
Those experiences changed me. I realized that while our culture carefully prepares for the arrival of a child, we rarely prepare for the end of life – something we will all experience. Yet, just like birth, death is not a medical event but a deeply human one, deserving of presence, planning, and reverence.
Today, as an Elder Care and End-of-Life Doula, I am honored to provide that time and support. My role is to guide individuals and families with compassion – helping them navigate the journey of aging and dying with dignity, comfort, and love. I believe that end-of-life, like birth, is sacred, and it is my greatest privilege to walk with others through this final passage.
My Background
I am a certified End-of-Life Doula, Elder Care Doula, Speaker, Educator and Advance Care Planning guide.
For over two decades, I have served individuals and families across hospice, home-care, and community settings – providing support through aging, serious illness, and the final stages of life.
As a Master’s-prepared Registered Nurse with extensive experience in hospice and end-of-life care, I understand both the strengths and limitations of the current medical system. Hospice and healthcare teams work diligently, yet their time is often limited. My role is to fill the gaps – providing consistent presence, emotional support, practical guidance, and continuity of care when families need it most.
My Areas of Focus
I offer specialized, person-centered support across the spectrum of aging, illness, and end-of-life transitions.
End-of-Life Doula Support (NEDA-Proficient)
Legacy Project, Peace of mind planning, Vigil planning and at-the-bedside support, Companionship
Elder Care Doula Support
Compassionate support for aging adults and solo agers navigating life’s changing seasons with dignity
Advance Care Planning
Healthcare proxy, living will, and goals-of-care conversations to ensure your wishes are honored
Education for Families and Caregivers
Guidance and resources for those supporting loved ones through aging, illness, and end-of-life care
Grief Support Following a Loss
Compassionate companionship through the waves of grief after losing someone you deeply love
Optional Energy-Work/Reiki
For individuals seeking holistic comfort and gentle healing during times of transition and illness
How I Complement Medical Teams
I do not provide clinical intervention or replace hospice, rather, I support it.
This collaborative approach often helps decrease fear, reduce uncertainty, improve communication among care teams, and enhance the overall quality of the end-of-life experience.
Families benefit greatly from:
Time and Presence
Unhurried, scheduled visits and companionship
Continuity
A stable presence amid rotating providers
Observation
Additional eyes and ears to notice subtle changes and relay them promptly
Caregiver Relief
Respite support and guidance on self-care
Education
Clear explanations of what to expect and how to prepare
My Mission
At Pinnacle Doula Services, my mission is to bring comfort, clarity, and compassion to the end-of-life journey. I support individuals and families with personalized care, advance planning, and holistic practices, helping every person move through this transition with dignity, peace, and grace.
Vision
At Pinnacle Doula Services, my vision is to honor the sacred journey at the end of life by offering compassionate support and a steadfast presence for individuals and their loved ones. I strive to create comforting and meaningful environments where stories are cherished, choices are upheld, and every transition is nurtured with peace and acceptance. My deepest calling is to empower people to move through this human passage with courage and grace.
Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to a cultural shift where death is embraced as a natural part of the human experience, and End-of-Life Doulas are woven into the fabric of society as essential companions in the circle of life.
