We were lucky to catch up with Kacie Gikonyo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kacie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job as a death doula? Well, let’s just say it didn’t start with a typical job application. I was an RN for over 10 years, working in end-of-life care—so I’ve been around death for a while. But after years of witnessing the cracks in the system and feeling like there had to be a better way to help people, I made a big pivot. Leaving healthcare wasn’t easy, but I knew I could offer something more personal, more meaningful, by stepping into the role of a death doula.

At the time, I was thinking, ‘Is this really going to work? Can I make this shift?’ But I felt so strongly about creating a space where people could actually be supported at the end of life, not just medically managed. The recruiting process? Let’s just say there wasn’t a recruiter—it was more about following a calling, even if it meant building something from scratch.

Am I happy I made the leap? 100%. I still use my healthcare background, but now I get to bring the heart and humanity into the process without the hospital beeps and time limits. Plus, my clients never complain about the paperwork—because, well, you know… they can’t

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I think the most important thing for succeeding as a death doula—and in the death care field in general—is emotional resilience and a genuine passion for helping people. You need to be able to sit with someone’s pain, fear, and grief without trying to ‘fix’ it. It’s about creating a safe space where people can feel whatever they need to feel, without judgment.

Another big one? Adaptability. Every family and situation is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. You have to be flexible, think on your feet, and sometimes just roll with the emotions that come with the territory. It’s also crucial to have good boundaries. It sounds counterintuitive, but to give the best care, you have to take care of yourself first.

Oh, and humor! I can’t tell you how many times a well-placed laugh has brought relief to a heavy moment. People are often surprised, but humor can be an incredible tool in this work—it humanizes the experience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience? Let me tell you about a time that really tested mine. I was working with a family who had very strong personalities, and they were all coping with the impending loss of a loved one in *very* different ways. One person wanted everything structured—schedules, plans, exact times for every moment. The other? Complete opposite. Free-flowing, emotional, and in-the-moment.

It was like being caught between two tornadoes. One minute, I was soothing someone’s stress about timing, and the next, I was trying to create space for raw emotions to unfold. At times, it felt like I was trying to referee a boxing match… with no whistle. But through it all, I reminded myself why I do this work—to create peace where there’s chaos.

Eventually, I found a way to balance both approaches. I gave the planner enough structure to feel secure, and I helped the free-spirit navigate their emotions without feeling boxed in. It wasn’t easy, but by staying calm and adaptable, we found a rhythm that worked for everyone. That moment taught me that being resilient as a death doula isn’t about always having the right answers—it’s about staying grounded in the storm.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deathdoulakacie.com
• Instagram: @DeathDoulaKacie
• Facebook: @DeathDoulaKacie
• Linkedin: Kacie Gikonyo
• Youtube: @DeathDoulaKacie
• Other: TikTok: @DeathDoulaKacie