Compassionate care at the end of life.
Before Afterlife offers deeply attuned, holistic, and educational end-of-life support. We normalize the dying process, create space for honest conversations, and guide individuals and families through emotional, spiritual, and practical preparations so death can be less frightening and more sacred.
OUR SERVICES ARE 100% PRO BONO
“Doula” comes from the Greek word doulē, meaning “woman who serves.”
The heart and soul of an end of life doula's mission is to empower families to have a more positive and meaningful experience of death. In the same way that we pour tremendous time, love and energy into preparing for birth, we acknowledge that the process of death deserves the same unconditional love and sacredness.
when death becomes
a love story
We offer end-of-life services on the central coast of California.
OUR SERVICES ARE 100% PRO BONO
Based in San Luis Obispo, we support both individuals and their families facing the end of life who are seeking holistic support and comfort which may include emotional, spiritual and practical care.
WAYS WE CAN HELP
Practical Support & Education
On the practical side of things, we can support with the following:
Facilitation of family conversations about death and dying
Creating end of life plans which reflect personal values, beliefs and preferences
Collaborating with hospice, hospital, and home healthcare
Education about the dying process
Guidance with advanced care planning
WAYS WE CAN HELP
Emotional & Spiritual Support
On the emotional and spiritual side of things, we can support with the following:
Creating a compassionate space to listen without judgement
Legacy work (answering the question: what did my life mean?)
Reiki healing (non-denominational energy healing modality)
Creating rituals, readings, music, and sensory environments to honor the transition
Holding vigil - providing presence in the last days and hours of life
Resources
In addition to her individual work, Leslie belongs to a doula collective. She can collaborate with her team to provide further support in the areas of green burial, funeral planning, advanced healthcare directives, spiritual ceremonies at the end of life, and more.
Learn more about this work.
“Her presence was immediately reassuring, peaceful, and full of grace. She emanated a calm reassurance that I have rarely experienced in my life... With Leslie there, I felt held up and supported like I never would have imagined possible.”
LOVE NOTES
“Leslie has a gentle, beautiful soul that is perfect in helping people at the end of their lives. After my husband passed, she continued to be a presence in my life. All I had to do was text her and she would be the supportive, caring, compassionate person to help me with the worst time in my life.”
I am so grateful to have had Leslie alongside of our family during my mom’s passing...She helped us carry the weight of our grief and transform it into joyful release. I am so grateful to have had Leslie’s guidance throughout this process. She is a gift.
Meet Leslie, your Doula.
LESLIE KNEAFSEY
Growing up my mother volunteered with hospice. She never talked about the act of dying, but told us stories about the people she visited. I think that planted a seed of seeing death as a natural, normal experience. I’ve always been comfortable with death and can’t think of a time that I wasn’t engaged in community work with the aging population. Hospice was a natural progression for me as I gained my own life experiences, became a registered nurse, and eventually found my calling as a death doula, where I was gifted with quality time with my clients.
I love being a doula and engaging in the deep, personal work of dying. I strive to change the culture of dying through education - modeling how we can be more present and less afraid at the end of life. I am passionate about meeting my clients and their families where they are and walking alongside them during this challenging and sacred time. My mission is to serve as a companion, advocate, and educator, helping to create a more meaningful and peaceful experience for the dying and their loved ones.
With my credentials as an INELDA-trained Doula, Registered Nurse (RN), Recreation Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, and Grief Group Facilitator, I am able to offer compassionate advocacy, education, planning, comfort, and companionship through the dying process.
Start the conversation
If you believe that our services can support you or your loved one, please send us an inquiry using the form below, or call us at (805) 801-2818.
To be a compassionate guide for individuals and their loved ones through the dying process - providing the knowledge and heartfelt presence to bring greater comfort and peace.
Our Mission
To live while dying - honoring this sacred passage as meaningful as birth - with tenderness that reflects the life and the memories that will forever live on.