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REGISTRATION for Applied Mastery and Sacred Foundations is Now OPEN!

Are you called to this work?

 

The work of an End of Life Practitioner reaches far beyond a typical job. It requires a deep and multidimensional training experience for anyone who feels called to this path, whether you are just beginning or seeking to expand the skills you already carry.

Over the years, we have listened carefully to the feedback of our community, including the needs of students, practicing doulas, and those entering the field. What was once a yearlong program has now been thoughtfully redesigned. We are excited to invite you to explore our newly renovated training journey, now offered in four distinct segments that create more flexibility, accessibility, and support for both new and seasoned practitioners.

The HeartWay Training and Certification Program now unfolds through a series of carefully crafted sections that meet you exactly where you are on your journey. Together, these segments offer one of the most comprehensive and foundational pathways for End of Life Practitioners and Death Doulas.

Program Segments

  • Sacred Foundations: Essential Principles for Compassionate End-of-Life Care
    Discover what an End-of-Life Practitioner/Doula is and if it's your calling. Begin with the core philosophies and compassionate practices that ground meaningful end of life support. Registration Now Open!
  • Death Doula and ELP Principles: Level I
    Explore essential skills along with historical, mythological, and therapeutic perspectives that help shape an effective and heart centered practitioner.
  • Applied Mastery Level II: Supervision, Integration, and Support for End-of-Life Doulas Through Guided Practice, Reflection, and Resilience   Deepen your applied experience through structured mentorship, supervised practice, and dedicated opportunities to build confidence, clarity, and resilience. Registration still OPEN for Spring session until 02/12/2026. Summer/Fall Session Now open! 
  • Deepening the Path: 5 Day, hands-on, End-of-Life Training Intensive- Level III Join us in person at a dedicated retreat location for a five (5) day immersive experience that weaves advanced practices, community connection, embodied presence, and sessions with guest speakers and seasoned practitioners. Followed by one (1) weekend zoom session BONUS: "Flourishing Your Practice"!
The Industry's Most In-Depth 
Training Programs

While many Death Doula and End of Life Practitioner programs offer only short weekend workshops, they often fall short in preparing individuals for the depth and complexity of this sacred work. At The HeartWay, we believe this calling deserves a comprehensive, immersive, and integrative approach that truly supports both practitioners and the individuals and families they serve.

The work of an End of Life Practitioner reaches far beyond a typical job. It requires a deep and multidimensional training experience for anyone who feels called to this path, whether you are just beginning or seeking to expand the skills you already carry.

Over the years, we have listened carefully to the feedback of our community, including the needs of students, practicing doulas, and those entering the field. What was once a yearlong program has now been thoughtfully redesigned. We are excited to invite you to explore our newly renovated training journey, now offered in four distinct segments that create more flexibility, accessibility, and support for both new and seasoned practitioners.

The HeartWay Training and Certification Program now unfolds through a series of carefully crafted sections that meet you exactly where you are on your journey. Together, these segments offer one of the most comprehensive and foundational pathways for End of Life Practitioners and Death Doulas.

Program Segments

Sacred Foundations: Essential Principles for Compassionate End of Life Care
Begin with the core philosophies and compassionate practices that ground meaningful end of life support.

Death Doula and ELP Principles: Level I
Explore essential skills along with historical, mythological, and therapeutic perspectives that help shape an effective and heart centered practitioner.

Applied Mastery Level II: Supervision, Integration, and Support for End of Life Doulas Through Guided Practice, Reflection, and Resilience
Deepen your applied experience through structured mentorship, supervised practice, and dedicated opportunities to build confidence, clarity, and resilience.

Deepening the Path: 5 Day End of Life Training Intensive Level III
Join us in person at a dedicated retreat location for an immersive experience that weaves advanced practices, community connection, embodied presence, and sessions with guest speakers and seasoned practitioners.

Begin Your Journey

If you feel called to serve at the end of life or are ready to expand your existing practice, we invite you to apply to the segment that best aligns with your needs. This work matters deeply, and we would be honored to walk alongside you as you learn, grow, and step more fully into your role as a compassionate companion at the end of life.

 

 

What Is Sacred Foundations?

What is Sacred Foundations?

Sacred Foundations: Essential Principles for Compassionate End-of-Life Care. 

Dates: March 7, 2026 - June 13, 2026

Scheduled Mandatory Virtual Meeting Times: 

  • March 7, 2026 from 9 am - 11 am (PST).
  • April 11, 2026 from 9 am - 11 am (PST). 
  • May 16, 2026 from 9 am - 11 am (PST).  
  • June 13, 2026 from 9 am - 11 am (PST).

Sacred Foundations Description:

Led by Thomas Daniel, PhD, ELP, this online four-session introductory course offers a grounded, compassionate entry point into end-of-life work—before formal training begins. Designed for those who feel called to accompany others at the end-of-life, the course emphasizes clarity, self-awareness, and ethical presence. Participants will explore the end-of-life ecosystem, examine personal beliefs about death, and begin the essential inner work required for this role, all within a facilitated, supportive learning environment. No prior experience is required—only curiosity, honesty, and willingness to reflect. 

The Sacred Foundations course helps students assess emotional readiness, identify personal triggers, and understand what this work will genuinely ask of them—both emotionally and ethically. Whether you ultimately pursue the full End-of-Life Practitioner training or simply want a deeper relationship with mortality and end-of-life care, this course offers a thoughtful, discerning foundation that honors both the work and the people drawn to it. 

If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Nikki Brake, at [email protected].

Sacred Foundations Program

$500

Purchase Down Below

BUY NOW

What Is Applied Mastery?

What is Applied Mastery?
 

Applied Mastery: Supervision and Practicum for End-of-Life Practitioners/Death Doulas. 

Applied Mastery is The HeartWay’s advanced training and supervision program designed for those ready to deepen their end-of-life care skills, this immersive supervision and mentorship program guides you from theory into real-world practice with confidence, clarity, and heart.

Over six (6) transformative months, you’ll receive personalized supervision, hands-on learning opportunities, and a supportive community that helps you grow into your unique gifts as an end-of-life practitioner.

If you’re ready to step fully into your calling and serve with presence, compassion, and mastery - Applied Mastery offers the structure, guidance, and inspiration to help you flourish.

Thirteen (13) Supervision Dates for a Total of Twenty-Six (26) Hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). 

Supervision Hours are on Saturdays from 8:30 am - 10:30 am (PST). 

Spring Session is going on now and you can purchase this offer until 02/12/2026. 

Summer/Fall Session begins 07/18/2026 - 12/19/2026. You can purchase the offer down below. 

Prerequisites:
• Completion of ELP Level I through The HeartWay, or
• Completion of a Death Doula training, or
• Current professional experience in the field (e.g., Social Worker, LMFT, RN, CNA, Hospice Worker)

 If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Nikki Brake, at [email protected].

Applied Mastery Program (Spring Session) 2026

$1495

Option Available till 02/12/2026

BUY NOW

Applied Mastery Program (Summer/Fall Session) 2026

$1495

Purchase Now

BUY NOW

Who is our training for?


If you’re committed to reshaping the way we care for those facing serious illness, the dying, and their loved ones, this training offers the tools and wisdom to support that transformation. 

Our ELP Training program series have been thoughtfully designed for individuals across a wide spectrum of caregiving and healing professions, including: 

  • Front-line nurses and healthcare providers
  • Social workers and clinical case managers
  • Physicians, therapists, and other clinicians
  • Clinical and healthcare leaders
  • Educators and facilitators in health and human services
  • Family and home-based caregivers
  • Healing arts and integrative wellness practitioners
  • Hospice and palliative care volunteers

And all who are called to embrace life by honoring death.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of this sacred life. End-of-Life Doulas and Practitioners stand at the threshold of formal recognition — following a path similar to that of chiropractors and acupuncturists in their early days. The field is gaining momentum, and those stepping into it now are helping shape its future. 

Who is our training for?

If you’re committed to reshaping the way we care for those facing serious illness, the dying, and their loved ones, this training offers the tools and wisdom to support that transformation. 

Our ELP Training program series has been thoughtfully designed for individuals across a wide spectrum of caregiving and healing professions, including: 

  • Front-line nurses and healthcare providers
  • Social workers and clinical case managers
  • Physicians, therapists, and other clinicians
  • Clinical and healthcare leaders
  • Educators and facilitators in health and human services
  • Family and home-based caregivers
  • Healing arts and integrative wellness practitioners
  • Hospice and palliative care volunteers

And all who are called to embrace life by honoring death.

This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of this sacred life. End-of-Life Doulas and Practitioners stand at the threshold of formal recognition — following a path similar to that of chiropractors and acupuncturists in their early days. The field is gaining momentum, and those stepping into it now are helping shape its future. 

 

How can we help you?

Please fill out this form if you have any further questions.

Meet Thomas "Tom" Daniel, PhD, ELP


Guided by a lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and human connection, Tom Daniel served 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2017. His dedication to service continued beyond his military career and led him back to academia, where he earned a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University in 2024.

A local business owner and substitute teacher in area school districts, Tom has devoted much of his post-military work to supporting and advocating for end-of-life patients and their families. He offers presence, care, and dignity during some of life's most sacred transitions. 

A graduate of the End-of-Life Practitioner Program, Tom is honored to return in a teaching role and looks forward to guiding students through the Sacred Foundations course in the upcoming Spring semester. His approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and deep respect for the end-of-life journey. 

Tom lives in Grass Valley, California with his wife, their three children, and three dogs, and remains deeply engaged in his community and the ongoing work of service and healing. 

Meet Dr. Andrea Deerheart


Andrea Deerheart, PhD, is the founder of The HeartWay, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to embracing life through honoring death. Her pioneering work draws on her wisdom gathered over decades spent providing loving care and healing to those on the journey of conscious living and dying. Andrea’s primary work and teaching focus on issues related to aging, radiant well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, and living a more compassionate life — as well as grief, loss, and mindful, compassionate care.

The author of the recording Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions, Andrea is also a 500hrRYT yoga instructor (the highest international standard for yoga teachers), a Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, and a sought-after consultant, educator, writer, and poet.Â