Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Gallacher.
Hi Kathleen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was drawn into the end-of-life space a little over two years ago, and like many people who do this work, it truly felt like a calling. I was listening to a podcast where the guest was talking about death doulas, and I felt an immediate and visceral pull. In the days that followed, I began noticing references to death doulas everywhere. It came up in other podcasts, in conversations, and even in TV shows. It is not a phrase you typically encounter, and the repetition felt impossible to ignore. It became clear that this was less about coincidence and more about a gut instinct telling me to pay attention.
I followed that feeling and began researching the field, which led me to the work of Alua Arthur and her death doula certification program, Going with Grace. I applied for an upcoming training, unsure at the time how deeply personal this path would soon become.
While I was in that in-between period, my uncle came to visit us and was clearly very ill. Even though he was no longer able to do much physically, I realized I had a natural ability to simply sit with him, to be present without needing to fix anything. Shortly after he returned home, he died. Watching my aunt struggle through the aftermath was heartbreaking. Alongside her grief, she was suddenly thrust into the overwhelming logistics, decisions, and bureaucracy that accompany death. That experience stayed with me. I made a promise then that if I could help even one family avoid navigating grief and devastation while also managing an unfamiliar and complicated system, it would be worth it.
Since then, I have become a certified death doula and end-of-life planner and founded The Everafter Collective. Through my work, I support individuals and families in all aspects of end-of-life care, from planning ahead and creating legacy projects to sitting bedside and offering compassionate presence. At the heart of what I do is education and advocacy, helping to make conversations around death and dying more normalized, less frightening, and ultimately more human.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My entry into end-of-life care has felt aligned from the very beginning. There was a sense that things were lining up in a way that felt intentional and meant to be. That said, changing the perception and deep-rooted taboo that surrounds death is far from easy. Death is one of the most anxiety-provoking subjects most people can imagine, so gently challenging that fear can be difficult.
What I have consistently observed is that when people have a personal experience with death, whether through the loss of a loved one or a serious health scare or diagnosis of their own, something shifts. Priorities change. Values become clearer. Perspective widens. Unfortunately, those shifts are often prompted by fear or crisis.
Through my work, I hope to help people experience that shift without something frightening forcing the issue. I want to help people see death the way I do, as something worthy of curiosity, familiarity, and reverence rather than avoidance. I truly believe that when we are willing to look at death more closely, when we allow ourselves to become less afraid of it, we are able to live more fully, intentionally, and presently in our lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Everafter Collective?
The Everafter Collective is an end-of-life planning and death care practice dedicated to helping individuals and families approach death with clarity, intention, and compassion. At its core, the work is about preparation, presence, and reducing fear around one of the few experiences we will all share.
I support clients across the full spectrum of end-of-life care, from proactive planning and advance care discussions to legacy projects, bedside support, and guidance for loved ones navigating active dying and loss. While every family and situation is different, my role is always the same: to help people feel informed, grounded, and supported during an otherwise overwhelming time.
What sets The Everafter Collective apart is its emphasis on education, agency, and humanity. This work is not driven by crisis alone. Much of what I do focuses on helping people plan ahead before anything is urgent, so that decisions are thoughtful, values-based, and made without fear or pressure. I believe deeply that end-of-life planning is an act of love, one that offers peace of mind not only to the individual, but to everyone who will someday be left to carry out their wishes.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the way The Everafter Collective holds both professionalism and warmth. Death care does not need to be clinical or cold to be competent. My approach is grounded, emotionally attuned, and non-judgmental. I meet people exactly where they are, whether they are deeply curious, quietly anxious, or actively facing loss.
What I hope readers understand is that death work is ultimately about life. When we take the time to talk honestly about death, to plan for it, and to become familiar with it, we free ourselves to live more intentionally in the present. The Everafter Collective exists to make those conversations feel accessible, humane, and empowering, and to remind people that they do not have to navigate the end of life alone.
What’s next?
I am hopeful that as the death care space continues to expand, with thought leaders like death doula Alua Arthur and EndWell founder Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider helping to lead the way, public understanding of the value and importance of end-of-life care will continue to grow. At the same time, there is a very real urgency to this work. In the United States, by 2030, one in five people will be over the age of 65. We are already seeing the strain that an aging population places on both the healthcare and death care systems, which are stretched thin as it is. Without more proactive planning and support, that pressure will only intensify in the coming years.
Looking ahead, much of my focus is on shifting the timing of these conversations. Right now, end-of-life planning is often introduced too late, during moments of crisis or fear. I am actively working to help make end-of-life planning something that young, healthy people feel comfortable engaging in long before it feels urgent. When planning is done earlier, decisions are calmer, values-driven, and far more supportive for loved ones down the line.
In the future, I see The Everafter Collective continuing to expand its educational offerings, helping normalize conversations around death as a natural part of life rather than something to be avoided. What I am most looking forward to is contributing to a cultural shift where end-of-life planning is viewed not as pessimistic or morbid, but as an act of care, intention, and responsibility. My hope is that this work ultimately helps both individuals and systems feel better prepared, while allowing people to live more present, meaningful lives now.
Pricing:
- End of Life Planning Foundation Package: A focused introduction to end-of-life planning. Includes a guided conversation around values and wishes, resource recommendations, and your personalized Everafter Planning Workbook to complete together. (4 Hours) $280
- Comprehensive End of Life Planning Package: A deeper exploration of practical, emotional, and spiritual planning. Together we’ll clarify priorities, discuss care preferences, and create a detailed roadmap using your Everafter Workbook as a living guide to share with loved ones. (8 Hours) $520
- Complete Peace of Mind End of Life Planning Package: Full-spectrum planning support. Includes everything above plus legacy reflection prompts, a family conversation guide, and a follow-up session to revisit and update your completed Everafter Workbook as life evolves. (12 Hours) $780
- Death Doula Supportive Companion Package: Gentle, ongoing presence for emotional and logistical support — includes check-ins, coordination with loved ones, and guidance for creating comfort and meaning. (5 Hours) $350
- Death Doula Vigil and Transition Package: Focused support leading up to and through the final days or hours. Includes in-person visits, phone availability, and comfort planning for both the individual and their circle of care. (10 Hours) $650
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theeveraftercollective.com/death-doula-san-diego
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_everafter_collective_/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-everafter-collective-carlsbad?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://share.google/DzjyL4MmWbMlqLtOy
