Ashley Schmitz
BSN, RN, CHPPN, EOLD
Vision
Fostering a death positive culture is essential in promoting open dialogue about mortality. By creating a safe space for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and curiosities about death, I encourage a collective understanding that can alleviate fear and stigma around death. This approach not only nurtures personal reflection but also builds a supportive community where people can share their experiences, ultimately leading to a more compassionate and informed perspective on dying and bereavement.
About Ashley
I am a pediatric hospice nurse, end of life doula, and death and dying dinner host. From a young age, I had a fear of death and also had a strong desire to help others. I spent my first year as a licensed vocational nurse providing home care. I suddenly realized that something was missing and I almost switched careers. However, I found a job working in hospice and it really changed my life. I had just found out my uncle had died unexpectedly and I interviewed the weekend I was going home for his funeral. I came home to start my new career in hospice and haven't looked back. We are taught in the medical field to save everyone at all costs and we often don't think twice that we will all die at some point.
Doing this work has taught me that we are all terminal and the importance of living life fully. If I had one piece of advice it would be "don't wait" as you may never get that chance you are waiting for. I have seen a lot of death in my career but especially over the last few years with my own family and friends. It was the biggest honor to take care of my Gramps during COVID when he was dying of bladder cancer. It was only a few short weeks but was one of the biggest blessings.
People ask me all the time how I do this work and comment about how it must be so sad and depressing, but there is truly so much love and beauty. I quickly learned early on in my hospice career that not all death is traumatic. Although, while there can be sadness, it can be quite intimate and beautiful. To bear witness to the love, joy, vulnerability, and to hold space for others to share their grief and sadness is truly an honor. I have had many travel opportunities and witnessed how other cultures and countries celebrate and honor their loved ones versus how taboo the topic is in America. This work is a powerful reminder that while death is an undeniable part of life, the way we approach it can cultivate deeper connections and appreciation for the time we have.
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I am committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore and discuss death and dying in whatever way feels comfortable for you.