Danny (Dan) Stein RN, MSN, PNP

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I began my path on this journey as a nurse. For a time, I worked in the Seashore House Annex at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where many patients had life limiting diseases. I learned how valuable just sitting in silence with gentle touch could be for those children who could not communicate. 

As a pediatric nurse practitioner at CHOP, I found myself drawn to and bonding with children and their families who had a life-limiting diagnosis.  I worked with children who had CF, and those on the oncology unit.  I often worked the 3:00 -11:00 PM shift, so I was there in the evening when visitors were gone, and the children had the time – and the wish -- to talk. 

To better understand how I could support these patients, I took workshops with Elizabeth Kubler Ross, Bernie Segal and Stephen Levine, early pioneers in end-of-life work. They made a significant impact on the Hospice and Palliative Care movements in this country. There, I began to develop understandings and practices that would become the foundation for my end-of-life work.

I also trained and was certified in Therapeutic Touch which I used as a Nurse Practitioner and as a Hospice volunteer. 

I obtained a Pediatric Palliative Care certificate from Columbia University 2013.

While my daytime job took me to computer programming, I have continued to work and volunteer with Hospice and volunteered with a wonderful organization, Uplift, The Center for Grieving Children, which supports children dealing with grief and loss. At Uplift, I co-led caregivers support groups, children’s groups and trained and received a certification in Resilient Parenting. I was deeply moved to be honored at the 2023 Uplift Gala as the community volunteer of the year. 

As I retired from my computer consulting business, I was drawn back to the issues around end-of-life. The movement for end-of-life care has resonated with my heart and soul, and in May of 2023 I completed the INELDA End-of-Life Doula Training.  In March of 2024 I began the CCLD training and graduated in July of 2024.

I offer companionship, solace, and direction to individuals navigating the end-of-life experience. My holistic approach, devoid of medical interventions, encompasses emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance. My objective is to enrich the life journey of those approaching the end of their lives.

I extend my assistance to individuals embarking on the end-of-life voyage, as well as their close ones. Should you or someone you are acquainted with require a compassionate presence to accompany you/them during this significant journey, I am here to be that confidant, lending an ear, offering support, and providing guidance as needed. My aim is to foster understanding, empathy, and affection for those in their final moments.