Do you have questions about end-of-life transitions?Do you need a companion that will support you through the dying process?Do you have unresolved issues or conversations that need to be addressed?You've received life-altering news. Are you and your family wondering what happens now?

Christine Ruggiero is a certified End-of-Life Doula and Death Coach, a non-medical holistic practitioner who is specifically trained to care for someone physically, emotionally, and spiritually during the process of death. End-of-Life Doulas, also known as Death Doulas, support, educate, and uphold the wishes of the dying.

"What does it mean to hold space for someone else? It means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control." - Heather Plett

While being pragmatic and heart-centered, my mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive support to individuals and their loved ones during the end-of-life journey.I believe...- that every person deserves to be surrounded by care, comfort, and dignity as they navigate this significant stage of life.- in personalized care plans that respect the unique values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds of the individuals I serve.- an environment of peace, comfort, and emotional well-being allows individuals and their loved ones to find meaning, connection, and closure during this profound transition.Holding Space Las Vegas is LGBTQ+ friendly. Diversity and inclusivity are core values and are of the utmost importance.

I have always had an intuitive connection the human body, energy work, and the death process (both physically and spiritually).  I embrace a heart-centered nonjudgmental approach to working with my clients."As death doulas, we are here to remind people that dying is not a medical experience but a human one. We are pioneers on an ancient path."After graduating from the New York College of Health Professionals, I became a New York State Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with an emphasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). My personal experience with Covid is what inspired me to discover a new career that aligned with my heart and ultimately became an End-of-Life Doula and Death Coach."We've disassociated ourselves from aging and death to the point that we can't even discuss it. The pandemic emphasized our need for human connection more than ever."I currently facilitate multiple Death Cafés in the Las Vegas area. My goal is to empower people to discuss their thoughts surrounding death and dying and to promote death positivity.I am a proud member of the International Doulagivers Membership Association (IDMA), National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA), and the National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA). I am also a volunteer at Order of the Good Death.I founded the Southern Nevada Death Doula Collective (SNDDC), an upcoming nonprofit whose mission will be to serve the underprivileged. It is a place of support and collaboration for the Las Vegas / Henderson death doulas.

To discuss end-of-life concerns, Christine can be reached by
texting or calling (702) 280-2743
or by completing the form below:

It's never "too soon" to begin the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions:Why Would I Choose a Death Doula?
- Dying is #1 leading fear, we bring presence and peace
- Caregiving without support is difficult, we gently assist in the process
- Nine out of ten people prefer to die at home, we ease the transition
- As an adjunct to hospice nurses to close the gap within end-of-life careWhat Does an End-of-Life Doula Do?
- Education on the physical aspects of dying
- Respite and support for the dying and their caregiver
- Connect the dying person and their loved ones with local resources
- Assistance with Advance Directive for Health Care at any stage of life
- Support the dying person and caregiver emotionally, physically, energetically, and spiritually
- Foster open communication with medical professionals, hospice teams, and other caregivers- Facilitate Life Review
- Create Legacy Projects
- Encourage forgiveness dialogue for dying person and loved ones- Advocate for the dying person's final wishes
- Develop Vigil Plan and create a calm, sacred space during the vigil
- Educate the loved ones to lovingly care for the body before/after deathWhat Doesn't an End-of-Life Doula do?
- Mental health counseling
- Administer medications
- Medical care or advice
- Funeral planning
- Give legal advice
- Will preparation
- Wound care
- Take overWhen Would I Need a Death Doula?
- At any time during the end-of-life process
- At the initial diagnosis of a terminal disease
- When considering the gift of an Advance DirectiveDo you offer a consultation?
I offer a complementary consultation in which to get to know and better understand the situation at hand. It also gives the client a chance to get to know me and see if we are a good fit.Each situation is unique and working with a death doula ensures individualized care at the end of a loved one's life.All services are permission-based as the dying person has ultimate say in their care.

What does it cost?
Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some insurances. While this is good, it governs the amount of time a hospice nurse or volunteer can be with the patient and family. Death doula services are not regulated by insurance so this means an out-of-pocket cost. The benefit is you get the amount of services and time you need. Death doulas are a non-medical adjunct to hospice and work along side hospice to ensure better end-of-life care.Two hour package: $175
Eight hour package: $670 (5% savings)
Sixteen hour package: $1270 (10% savings)
Twenty hour package: $1490 (15% savings)These hours can be scheduled in any way necessary (for example: blocks of two hours per day; sitting vigil for twenty hours during the transition time).I also offer "a la carte" rates for individual services such as an Advance Directive, End-of-Life Plan, Life Death Coaching, Legacy Projects, Breathwork, Swedish Death Cleaning (organizing the space before death), and Bereavement Organization (after a loved one passes).After our initial discovery call, I will provide you with a customized plan as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours).Sliding scale is available and is based on the Green Bottle Model created by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. This sliding scale represents the idea that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only determining factor in whether or not someone can access services/care/etc. For a sliding scale to work it relies on the principles of truthfulness, respect for complexity, and accountability. I do not ask for income verification. I trust my clients to be honest. Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility.

Testimonials:"I was struck by her (Christine's) powerful, yet quiet radiance– the kind that feels ethereal and like a magnificent, deeply rooted tree
at the same time. She exudes a warmth and kindness that immediately puts you at ease, and makes you feel seen, respected, and welcome. She’s exactly the kind of person I’d wish to be around me as I exit this body, as her calm presence would no doubt be
deeply comforting for me and my loved ones." - R.E."Chris has a natural gift to show love and compassion. Both my mother (99 years old) and myself (74 years old) were in need of emotional support. Chris stepped in with everything she had to give and there was plenty. She listened to my mother's stories - memories that were so special to her. My mother's eyes lit up when Chris walked in the room and she’d immediately smile.
The support Chris gave to me was priceless as well. I was unraveling. Mom was fading.
Chris held us up - physically, emotionally, and spiritually."- J.Z.

"An awareness of death enables us to live each day, each moment filled with appreciation for the unique opportunity we have to create something of our time on earth and confronting the reality of death actually enables us to bring unlimited creativity, courage, and joy into each instant of our lives." - Daisaku Ikeda

2022 Holding Space Las Vegas LLCHSLV gratefully acknowledges the indigenous people that have called southern Nevada home for centuries:
the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) and the Ancestral Pueblo.