Hello.
Educator for twenty-five years. Caregiver for fifteen. Now an INELDA-Certified End-of-Life Doula, walking beside people at the end of life and the families who love them.
How I came to this work.
I spent twenty-five years in schools, first as a teacher and then as an administrator. Teaching taught me to listen, to explain hard things simply, and to meet people where they are. I still use all three every day.
Caring for my Aunt Joan changed the direction of my life. I became the one who showed up for her: at appointments, on the hard days, and at her nursing home with the Manhattan she asked for. (Ask me about that Manhattan.) For fifteen years now, beginning with her, I’ve cared for people in their homes and sat with families through the moments they will remember forever.
Somewhere along the way, families started calling me first when someone was dying. I learned how differently the end of life can go when someone steady is in the room. I wanted to bring real training to that moment, so I spent a year earning my certification with INELDA, the International End-of-Life Doula Association.
This is my work: planning, presence, and guidance for the journey, for the individual and for everyone who loves them.
Erika
“By walking beside an individual on their journey, I will make space for whatever needs they have.”
Four things I bring to every home.
- Listening comes first.People come to this subject from every direction: curiosity, worry, fear, duty, or peace. I meet you where you are.
- Your wishes lead.This is your journey. My job is to help your wishes be known, heard, and honored.
- The whole circle matters.The spouse, the children, the friend who drives, the neighbor who brings soup. Everyone in the circle of care is carrying something, and I make room for all of it.
- We keep learning.I was an educator for a very long time, and every person I sit with still teaches me something new.
Neighbors first.
- The Being Together ProjectI co-created the Being Together Project, a dynamic social program for caregivers and their loved ones living with cognitive decline. We’ve partnered with local higher education to enrich lives and make connections.
- Community OutreachI work within the community to open honest conversations about dying well, so families feel ready when the time comes.
- RotaryAn international service organization. I am an active member of our local club and deeply value the connections that are made, and the work we do.
What’s behind the work.
- INELDA-Certified End-of-Life DoulaA yearlong certification from the International End-of-Life Doula Association.
- Twenty-five years in educationTeacher, instructional coach, and school administrator.
- Fifteen years of care in people’s homesFrom daily care to the last days, with families at every stage.
- InsuredAt Home with Erika, LLC carries liability insurance.
Let’s sit down together.
It starts with a free consultation by phone, video, or in person. Then we sit down at your kitchen table and talk about what’s really happening and what would help.
(240) 925-5145AtHomeWithErikaRBK@gmail.com
The first consultation is free. The first visit is $250, and it counts toward anything more we do together.