Dr. Penny Armstrong

"Sometimes the greatest gift isn't doing something extraordinary. It's simply making sure no one has to walk this journey alone."

Penny Armstrong is a lifelong learner and educator. She grew up in Minnesota learning about hearty stoicism in long, cold winters and a love of nature in the land of 10,000 lakes. Her professional work in human development, organizational structures, and the certainty of life changes were guiding forces that led to career advancements from Minnesota to New Hampshire and Texas.

Penny was drawn to End of Life study at the University of Vermont Medical School in 2020. Here she was able to combine her academic training with deeper understandings about emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of people who are nearing death. Calling on the qualities of empathy, personal strength, and compassion, she began work as a certified end-of-life doula. Growing public interest in this unique calling opened the way for the Legacy Passage Training Institute.

Penny is also a Board Certified Executive Life Coach & Education Specialist. Learn more at:

pennyarmstrong.com/

Professional Credentials and Memberships
Doctor of Education University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
EOL Professional Certification University of Vermont Medical School
Board Certified Executive Life Coach International Coaching Federation
Level III Reiki Practitioner Certification
Sexual and Gender Justice Certification Brite Divinity School
National End-of-Life Doula Alliance
The University of Vermont Medical School Directory of Integrative Medicine
International Doula Life Movement

Common Questions About End-of-Life Doulas

What Is an End-of-Life Doula?
An end-of-life doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides emotional, practical, and compassionate support to individuals who are approaching the end of life, as well as to the people who love and care for them. Think of a doula as a guide and companion. While doctors, nurses, and hospice teams focus on medical care, an end-of-life doula focuses on the human experience—helping individuals and families navigate the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of life's final chapter.

Do You Replace Hospice?
No. An end-of-life doula complements hospice care rather than replacing it. Hospice provides exceptional medical care, pain management, and nursing support. An end-of-life doula offers additional emotional presence, caregiver support, legacy work, advance care planning, and companionship. Together, hospice professionals and doulas help care for the whole person and the whole family.

When Should Someone Contact an End-of-Life Doula?
Many people assume they should wait until the final days of life, but the earlier we begin, the more meaningful our work can be. Some families contact Legacy Passage shortly after receiving a serious diagnosis. Others reach out when a loved one enters hospice. Still others seek guidance long before illness, simply because they want to have thoughtful conversations about their wishes and prepare important documents. There is no "right" time. Whenever questions arise, support can begin.

How Can an End-of-Life Doula Help Families?
Every family has different needs, but support may include:

Facilitating meaningful family conversations
Advance care planning and documenting personal wishes
Legacy projects, letters, recordings, and memory books
Emotional support for caregivers
Bedside companionship and calming presence
Vigil planning
Creating meaningful rituals
Guidance through the dying process
Grief support before and after a death

Is an End-of-Life Doula Only for Older Adults?
Not at all. While many clients are older adults, end-of-life doulas also support individuals facing terminal illness, young adults, parents, and families experiencing an unexpected diagnosis or death. Every life deserves dignity, compassion, and individualized care, regardless of age or circumstance.

Why Is Talking About Death So Important?
Many families avoid conversations about death because they fear they will take away hope or cause unnecessary sadness.
In my experience, the opposite is often true. When families openly discuss wishes, values, fears, and hopes, they frequently experience greater peace and less anxiety. These conversations can strengthen relationships, reduce uncertainty, and allow everyone to focus on what matters most: spending meaningful time together. Preparing for the end of life isn't about expecting death. It's about making room for love, clarity, and connection while we still have time.

What Is the Most Important Thing an End-of-Life Doula Provides?
People sometimes expect me to say it's planning, education, or practical guidance. While all of those are important, I believe the greatest gift an end-of-life doula offers is presence. To sit without judgment. To listen without trying to fix. To create a calm space where people feel safe enough to express fear, hope, gratitude, laughter, tears, and love. No one should have to face the end of life feeling alone. That simple belief is at the heart of everything we do at Legacy Passage.