Meet Jessica

Hi! My name is Jessica Dawkins, BA, and I'm an End-of-Life (EOL) Doula. Serving others is my passion.

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At the age of four, I witnessed a family member's spirit in my grandmother's home. It was at that tender age that I began to explore spirituality and death. Sensitive and caring, I became a lifelong writer, creator, and helper.

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Over the years, I've logged hundreds of hours in senior living homes and memory care centers, providing a caring ear and creative outlet as a creative arts assistant, companion, and creative writing instructor. During this time, I became passionate about working with our community elders, as well as individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

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I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2010 with an English BA with a concentration in creative writing, a minor in Sociology, coursework in world religions, and a certification as a Creative Writing Workshop Instructor. In my early years after college I worked as an educator, executive assistant, content creation professional, Guardian Advocate in the Florida courts for incapacitated individuals, and a certified mental health technician.

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Even with my professional and volunteer history, my grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2016 took me and my family by great surprise. Truly, we were unprepared for the journey ahead. I drew strength and insight from my experiences, and thrived as a support during the time of her death, but there truly is no preparation for the reality of end-of-life as a family member or caregiver. 

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My beloved grandmother passed away in peace in hospice in 2017 with me and her dearest family members by her side. Through this life-changing and spiritually moving time, I knew I would someday use my skills, compassion, and insight help others going through the same sort of experience.  

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After nine years as a professional content creator, writing teacher, and business owner, and drawing from years of personal development (including becoming a certified Reiki Master), my growth journey has led me to start Empowered Pathways, LLC, to be there for those experiencing end of life and to holistically empower individuals and caregivers to make their best end-of-life decisions. 

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• Bachelor of Arts, University of Central Florida 

• Post-Grad Mental Health Training, Walden University

• Reiki Master Certificate, Natural Healer

• Certified Writing Workshop Instructor, UCF

• Former Mental Health Technician (FL)

• Certified Guardian Advocate, Florida Courts 

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• End-of-Life Doula Certificate, IAP College 

• Post-Certification Training for Professional Doulas, NEDA and Deathwives 

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• Member, Florida End of Life Doula Association

• Member, National End of Life Doula Association

• Member, IAPO International Association of Professional Doulas 

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Discover Jessica's Continuing Education