It’s a new year and here at the International Doula Life Movement we are hitting the ground running! We have so many big plans and new opportunities lined up, both for IDLM as a community and for individual students and grads looking for something new.
One of the things we are most excited about is that beginning in February we plan to offer in-person doula classes in Northwest Arkansas. These classes will be taught by IDLM’s very own Alison Nail Malone, who runs her own successful doula practice as well as being a certified grief counselor and educator. Alison was kind enough to answer our IDLM blog spotlight questions so we could get to know her better, so here she is in her own words!
1. What first brought you to end of life work?
My journey into end-of-life work began during one of the most personal and transformative times in my life—when I became the primary caregiver for my father and then his “EOL Doula” during his final months. (this was at the height of COVID, and I knew nothing about end-of-life work.) That experience opened my heart to the beauty, complexity, and sacredness of supporting someone through the end of their life. It made me realize how much we need compassionate, non-medical support during that time, not just for the person transitioning but for the entire family. I felt called to hold space for others in a way that felt natural and necessary—offering comfort, presence, and guidance during one of life’s most tender moments.
2. How did you find IDLM? What made you decide that IDLM was the right place for you?
I discovered the International Death Doula Movement (IDLM) through ‘divine’ intervention. I kept getting emails for end-of-life doula work from IDLM. I am not sure how exactly that happened other than the Universe delivering this to me as I had been contemplating a new career path after a 20+ year in human resources consulting and executive coaching. I was attracted to IDLM because of the organization’s supportive and inclusive approach to training. What stood out to me was how IDLM emphasizes not just the technical aspects of being an end-of-life doula, but also the emotional, spiritual, and deeply human sides of this work. Their holistic model aligned perfectly with my belief that dying is not just a medical event but a profound life experience deserving of dignity, connection, and personalized care.
3. Please talk about something you have learned through IDLM or through end of life work that has meaning for you.
One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is that grief and joy can coexist. In end-of-life work, moments of profound sadness are often intertwined with moments of laughter, shared stories, and deep connection. I’ve come to understand that our role isn’t to erase the pain of loss but to create space for all of the emotions that arise. It’s in this acceptance and presence that true healing begins—not by fixing, but by simply being there. I am also grateful at the honor of being a part of an individual’s or family’s most sacred and vulnerable moments in their lives.
4. No matter where you are in your end of life work journey, there will always be those who are still behind you. What advice would you give to them as they move forward on this chosen path?
I would encourage anyone starting this journey to remember that presence is your greatest tool. You don’t have to have all the answers or the perfect words—just showing up with compassion and without judgment makes an incredible difference. Lean into the discomfort and trust that you are enough. Continue learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for support from fellow doulas and mentors. Be sure to double the self-care it will take to be sustainable on this journey. I am still learning how to do this but it is so important! This work can be heavy at times, but it’s also some of the most rewarding and transformative work you can do.
You can learn more about Alison by checking out her website, https://www.mymiseria.com/, or by following her on social media (she has a pretty sweet Instagram). We are so excited to have her as an instructor to share her knowledge with new doulas, so if you are in the Northwest Arkansas area, hurry up and sign up to take her in-person class here.
