Patient Advocate & End of Life Doula
Helping families navigate illness, aging and end of life.
I support individuals and families who are navigating serious illness, caring for aging loved ones, or preparing for the final stages of life. Whether you're trying to understand a diagnosis, explore treatment options, advocate for yourself or someone you love, or make decisions about hospice and end-of-life care, I help you slow down, understand your options, and feel more confident in the choices you’re making.
Who I help
Not sure where to start?
Most people don't know what to do first. That's okay. Choose the option that best fits your situation and get the guide that's right for you.
I just received a diagnosis
I need to understand what this means and what to ask next.
I’m caring for a loved one
Their health is changing and I feel overwhelmed about what to do next.
I want to plan ahead
I want to make my end of life wishes clear and help my family feel more prepared.
Get the 25 Essential Questions Guide
A practical list of questions to ask your doctor before agreeing to any procedure, treatment or major medical decision. Know what to ask before you say yes.
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Get the Caregivers Guide
Practical guidance for families supporting a loved one through serious illness — what to expect, what to ask and how to take care of yourself along the way.
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Get the End of Life Planning Guide
This free guide walks you through the important end-of-life conversations and decisions to consider so you and your family can feel more prepared.
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Still feeling unsure? Sometimes you just need to talk it through.
Sometimes you just need to talk it through. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, facing a difficult decision or simply want guidance, a one-on-one consultation can help you gain clarity and confidence. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Meet Melissa
I’m Melissa Wood, a Patient Advocate and End-of-Life Doula.
I've spent more than 30 years in the natural health field, including about 15 years practicing as a naturopathic doctor, helping individuals and families focus on health, healing, and overall wellness. Over time, I saw how overwhelmed people often feel when illness becomes serious and decisions become more complex — especially when they're expected to understand medical information, make important choices, and care for loved ones at the same time.
That's what led me to this work.
For the past 9 years, I've focused on supporting individuals and families as they navigate serious illness, caregiving challenges, and end-of-life decisions — helping them slow down, ask the right questions, and feel more confident about the path forward. I work with families locally in North Texas (Sherman/Denison area) but the majority of my consultations are virtual, making it easy to connect with families anywhere in the country.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
30+ years in natural health
15+ years naturopathic doctor
End of Life Doula
Virtual consultations nationwide
Now available
The book to read before you need hospice.
When someone you love may need hospice care, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start — or how to choose the right provider.
I wrote “How to Choose the Right Hospice” to give families clear, practical guidance during a stressful and emotional time. This guide walks you step-by-step through what hospice really provides, what questions to ask, and how to make confident decisions for yourself or someone you love.
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent situation, this resource can help you feel more prepared.
What families say
Families often tell me that having guidance during difficult times made all the difference. Here are a few of their stories
Read their full stories
Although we were miles apart, in Melissa I had an experienced guide a phone call away. She made it possible for me to be present, calm and confident for my friend.
Barbara P.
North Carolina
She was a relentless advocate for my friend, constantly following up with hospice and the healthcare facility to make sure her needs and wishes were addressed.
Jim M.
New York
She helped prepare me for my wife's death with a very calm presence. She's able to bring a soothing energy to an otherwise chaotic situation.
Gerald C.
San Antonio, Texas
Read
Latest Articles
Practical guidance on patient advocacy, hospice and end of life planning.
Watch
Interviews & Conversations
Conversations on end of life topics
Explore
Trusted Resources
Vetted external links on hospice, caregiving, advance directives and grief.
You don't have to figure this out alone.
Whether you're in the middle of a health crisis or planning ahead, a conversation costs nothing. Let's talk through your situation.