StoneHedge Transition’s Doula 
About Me: Leslie Buller-Hayes

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​It’s so nice to meet you. Many people ask, “why would you want to do this?” The answer began many years ago when I wanted to become nurse.  In my professional life, I have been at the bedside of many people both young and old, in their homes and in hospital,  at end of life, offering support and compassion, not only to them but to their families.  Being a part of fulfilling a persons last wishes is truly an honour and a privilege. Recently, I have been witness to many families struggle with end of life decisions for their family members, which often leads to prolonging suffering and pain. This has been the catalyst for my  doula role. I want to support a death positive culture and endeavour to plant the “proverbial seed” for healthy death dialogue. Talking about death will not kill you, nor will it invite it.  I bring 25 years of compassionate, holistic nursing experience working in homecare initially and most recently in providing care to critically ill patients and their families. In my hospital work life, I meet people on the worst days of their lives,  if I can provide some peace, empathy, comfort and assistance in navigating the health care system during crisis, that brings me a great deal of peace and satisfaction. 
In 2019, I suffered an immeasurable loss, when my dearest friend died suddenly and unexpectedly. The days and months that followed  were spent blindly supporting her family and my friends, without giving much thought to my own needs. I was numb! It was much easier to box myself into my helping role, than to seek out the guidance and support that I needed. Over time, it became very evident to me, that if those of us that work within health care, struggle to find the supportive avenues to grieving/coping/healing, what might the average person’s experience be? This too has been a catalyst to my emerging death doula role. It is my intention to honour her life and death as an End of Life Doula. 
It is my privilege to own a small hobby farm in StoneMills township, lands once occupied by the Wendake, Mississauga and Anishinabe First Nation peoples, it is here, on my land , with my animals, that I find my peace and sanctuary. In keeping with the  spirit of the First peoples, my intention is to provide an inclusive, supportive pathway in end of life transitions for all. Having always been death positive, it is a privilege and incredibly rewarding to share the sacred space with those that are facing end of life. ​Obtaining my End of Life Doula certificate from Douglas college in 2020 was something that I have planned to do for a number of years.  I now hold membership in the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, Death Doula Ontario Network and of the Death Doula Network of British Columbia and the College of Nurses of Ontario. I also hold a Certificate in Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care and Health Care Consent through Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. My lengthy nursing background and experience will bring value, in knowledge, skill and ability to offer you and your loved ones support and comfort, while navigating end of life with your needs, values and goals in mind. I understand that talking about death doesn’t come naturally for most, so let me help you to get the conversation started. It would be my honour to do so. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

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Mission:
StoneHedge Transitions is committed to offering support and guidance through education, empowerment and advocacy to individuals, families and those interested in a meaningful end of life transition while honouring their vision. 

Vision:
​Albeit a tall order, my vision is to change the narrative around death and dying. StoneHedge Transitions: End of Life Doula Services will endeavour to provide comprehensive support and guidance in all aspects of end of life care. Let’s get the conversation started!

Core Values:
Our Mission and Vision statements are driven by the the core values that are embraced in everyday life and practice. We care about you!
C = compassion, comfort
A = advocacy 
R = respect
E = empathy, empowerment, education

Would you like to schedule a FREE initial discussion about your End of Life transition.

​We have a number of packages that are available to you and your family depending on what services you are looking to secure.  The hourly rate is $80/hr but investing in packages can reduce your costs. StoneHedge Transitions believes in the expression “No one left behind” so we offer a sliding scale to ensure end of life care for all. Cost should never be a barrier to end of life comfort and care.