About

Catherine Durkin Robinson (she/her): Owner and End-of-Life Doula/Educator at Anitya Doula Services in Chicago.*

Death doulas come to this calling from a variety of backgrounds. Let me share with you the lens through which I view this work.

I was raised an Irish Catholic. In my twenties, I converted to Judaism. Currently, I am also a student of both Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. I travel the world learning about death traditions and rituals that can and do benefit my clients. 

I worked as a political organizer for progressive causes in Florida and nationwide for over thirty years. I also raised two sons, taught at the high school and college level, and wrote syndicated columns for Creative Loafing and The Tampa Tribune. (Read my current columns at Substack.) I then led the worldwide movement for education equity at Step Up For Students.

In 2022, I relocated to the Lakeview East neighborhood in Chicago.

I have the following credentials:

• University of South Florida: BA (History and Political Science)
• University of Vermont Medical School: End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate
• LifePath Hospice and Seasons Hospice: Vigil Volunteer 
• National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: Credentialed NEDA-Proficient EOL Doula
• Segal Funeral Home: Registered Pre-Need Counselor and Family Services Counselor
• Metro Inclusive Health: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Caregiver
• Diaspora Psychedelic Society: End-of-Life Doula and Educator
• Fireside Partners: Humanitarian Emergency Liaison Program (HELP) Team Member
• Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
• Illinois Continuity of Care: Member
• Anshe Emet Chevra Kadisha: Tahara Volunteer
• End-of-Life Psychedelic Care: Board Member and Educator
• Renewal Memory Partners: Dementia-Trained Care Partner
• Chicago Methodist Senior Services: Companion/Caregiver
• Illinois Psychedelic Society: Member
• Compassion & Choices: Advocate and Volunteer
• MAPS/Zendo Project: Trip Sitter
• Howard Brown Health: Volunteer
• Global Doula Project: International EOL Doula Grant Winner
• Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home: Funeral Assistant
• Chicago Hearing Society: ASL Student and Volunteer

You want me on your side. I’m an advocate, educator, and writer who encourages clients to embrace their agency and feel empowered to own their end-of-life experiences. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, yoga, meditation, and running.

I am fully vaccinated, background-checked, and fingerprinted through Howard Brown Health, Seasons Hospice, and Renewable Memory Partners. Contact Anitya Doula Services today.

* Looking for a freelance writer? Click here now.