Meet Shanen
My Journey to Spiritual Life Coaching, Lighthouse Personal Support, and Becoming an End-of-Life Doula
After my own deeply positive experience working with a life coach, I felt a strong calling to become one myself. I truly understand the value of finding happiness in the smallest parts of life and believe in giving others the freedom and space to process their emotions without judgment. My previous work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, along with earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology, helped me recognize my potential to support others in meaningful ways. My goal is to empower individuals as they move through life’s transitions and to educate and encourage intentional self-care. Those I work with often describe me as compassionate, patient, and skilled.
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I have devoted a large portion of my life, over many years and in many ways, to supporting individuals with advanced illness and their caregivers. I find great joy in providing peace, stability, and presence during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I have experience accompanying individuals and families before, during, and after the transition from this world, and I strive to ease that journey with care and compassion. I am comfortable talking openly about death and dying, and I help make these conversations feel more bearable and less frightening. Knowing how to ask for support, or how to offer it, when someone you love is dying can make a profound difference. As an end-of-life companion, I am here to help.
Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology - Viterbo University
Certified End-of-Life Companion (doula) - Conscious Dying Institute
Advanced Mentorship in End-of-Life Studies - Quality Life Care
Certified Respite Caregiver - Respite CARE Association of Wisconsin
Certified Life Coach - Quantum Success Coaching Academy
Volunteer at Gundersen Medical Center in the End-of-Life and Hospice Unit
My life experiences have given me both the empathy and passion for providing
end-of-life care. There are 3 experiences specifically that inspired me to become a Spiritual Life Coach, End-of-Life Doula, and offer Lighthouse Personal Support:
How Shanen's Story Shaped her Future:
I saw my dad two days before he passed away suddenly of an aortic aneurysm. I was devastated that I could not be there and had struggled to find closure. Confusion, regret, and finally acceptance. I learned that time passes and everything changes, and it's always what it is meant to be.
Dad's Passing
When I was a teenager, my grandma stopped breathing in front of me and I was prompted to remember the life-saving class that I had taken at school. Although I immediately began CPR it was already too late, but I followed through as best as I could, helping my overwhelmed grandfather by managing the necessary phone calls and procedures that followed. At that young age I saw the amount of order, legal ritual, and attention to detail that is involved in caring for the deceased and their loved ones.
I cared for a beloved mentor who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and felt honored to be her companion for the months until her passing. This was a time when I became aware of the complex roles that are played by family and loved ones, of both the mysteries and the practical pressures of the journey from this plane of existence. This was when I knew for sure that I wanted to help, and that I had the Gift to do so.
Grandmother's Passing
