REGISTER NOW

INELDA End-of-Life Doula Training

Shelby Kirillin & Neiasha Russell

Compassionate Training for a Life-Changing Role

When someone we love is nearing life’s end, we often feel unprepared—unsure how to show up or ease the journey. Led by seasoned INELDA educators Shelby Kirillin, a neurotrauma nurse with over 20 years of ICU experience, and Neiasha Russell, a certified grief counselor and doula, this immersive five-day training offers the foundation you need to step into a role of presence and purpose. Grounded in INELDA’s Doula Approach, you’ll learn to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those facing death. Whether you’re called to this work personally or professionally, you’ll leave with tangible tools, confidence, and a profound sense of how to hold space during life’s most sacred transitions.

Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Available for nurses.

April 8–12
REGISTER NOW
Starting at $875 (Tuition) + $1232 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax

Reserve Your Spot Now

April 8-12, 2026
REGISTER NOW

SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.

Retreat Benefits

Clarity in Care Choices

Confidently explore and support others through the evolving landscape of end-of-life care with compassion.

Professional Foundation

Learn the INELDA Doula Approach, including ethics, scope, and guiding principles.

Cross-Cultural Insight

Cultivate the awareness to honor diverse traditions, beliefs, and values at end of life.

Informed Presence

Recognize signs of transition and understand physical, emotional, and spiritual changes.

Empowered Support

Learn how to honor autonomy while supporting others with compassion and clarity.

Versatile Caregiving

Discover the many ways doulas support the dying, beyond bedside presence.

What to Expect

Throughout these meaningful five days, you’ll be immersed in experiential learning, guided reflection, and compassionate dialogue that illuminate the full spectrum of non-medical support—emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, and practical. In a supportive, skill-building environment, you’ll practice real-world scenarios, explore cultural and personal perspectives on death and dying, and develop tools that uphold dignity at the end of life. You’ll leave not only with new insights and capabilities, but with a clarified sense of purpose and the presence to walk alongside others through life’s most sacred threshold.

1. Interactive Role Play

Practice real-life doula scenarios in a supportive, guided setting.

2. Peer & Group Discussion

Engage in enriching conversations around culture, autonomy, and end-of-life care.

3. Mindfulness Exercises

Center yourself with breath and awareness-based practices.

4. Contemplative & Reflective Journaling

Process your experience and clarify your calling on the page.

5. Explore Meaning-Making Rituals

Understand how end-of-life rituals support closure, clarity, and legacy.

Program Schedule

This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center, participate in activities, and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.

Check-in Begins 4:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm

Orientation 7:00–7:20 pm

Session 1 7:30–9:30 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 2 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm

Session 3 2:00–4:00 pm

Free Time 4:00–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:30 pm

Session 4 7:30–9:30 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 5 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm

Session 6 2:00–4:00 pm

Free Time 4:00–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:30 pm

Session 7 7:30–9:30 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 8 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm

Session 9 2:00–4:00 pm

Free Time 4:00–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:30 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 10 9:30 am–12:30 pm

*Room Checkout* 11:00 am; luggage may be held at Reception.

Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm

Breakfast  7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm

Optional activities include
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails

Program FAQs

There are no prerequisites to taking the course. However, the first part of the course involves watching four hours of video instruction and doing a series of activities. It will take you ten to twelve hours to complete all of the prework. You will receive access to the prework two weeks before the first day of training.

This course touches on some intense experiences and requires an emotional openness and vulnerability when you engage in the exercises. If you feel emotionally fragile now, this probably isn’t the best time to take the course. But only you can judge whether or not you can regulate your emotions enough to explore what it means to die and how we move through the process of dying. If you have any doubts you can do this, then wait until your inner life is more settled to take the training.

This has been the most amazing experience & I am forever grateful I found INELDA! Thank you!

—Amber Esposito (Past Participant)

All of the INELDA trainers and staff have been highly skilled, warmly compassionate and capable speakers. I am very impressed by the content, presentation and caliber of the training methods and materials. As I now move forward with my practice as an EOL Doula, I am proud to be associated with INELDA.

—Maureen Hoffmann (Past Participant)

Whether you hope to become a doula or are interested in educating yourself about death and dying for yourself and your loved ones, I can't imagine a more effective, powerful, and very human training.

—Dorian Solot (Past Participant)

Meet the Presenter

Shelby Kirillin

Shelby Kirillin brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her work, drawing from over 20 years as a neurotrauma nurse in intensive care. As a certified end-of-life (EOL) doula and seasoned educator with INELDA since 2017, Shelby combines deep clinical knowledge with a heartfelt commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s most profound transitions.

Learn More
Shelby Kirillin
Meet the Presenter

Neiasha Russell

Neiasha Russell is a certified grief counselor and a certified child and adolescent grief counselor. She brings her deep insight and compassionate perspective to various platforms, engaging audiences in meaningful conversations around death, dying, and grief. Neiasha is also the founder and executive director of Harriett’s Daughters®, Inc., which provides support for girls affected by maternal cancer loss.

Learn More
Neiasha Russell

Our Accommodations

Prices include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)

Private Hotel Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • King bed or two queen beds
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)

Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • Twin beds
  • Flat screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Private Retreat Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.

  • Twin beds
  • Private bath
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Note Room may contain extra single beds.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment

Fully furnished 665 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 2 persons)

  • 1 queen bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment with Loft

Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)

  • 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds or 1 full bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Upgrade Options

Extend your Stay and Don’t Miss a Thing

Add a day and enjoy R&R activities!

Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops

Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments

Nourish Your Body

Take your rejuvenation to another level. Our spa offers treatments and therapies that integrate ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness.

Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.

Have questions?

We’re here to help.

For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:

  • Refunds are available (less a $50/per person processing fee) up to 15 days before your program or stay.
  • Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50/per person processing fee) is available if you give notice between 14 and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any AOLRC program or stay for one year following date of issue.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

AOLRC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If AOLRC cancels a program, you will receive a full refund. Some programs may have special cancellation policies; see individual workshop descriptions. For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.

To encourage a healthy environment, we ask that guests not consume alcohol or meat in our public spaces. However, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms.

Our property is always smoke-free.

Yes, we ask that guests with food allergies simply inform us so we can communicate those needs to our chef. Typically, we label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. You may email us at info@artoflivingretreatcenter.org.

Thanks to the cool climate of the Blue Ridge Mountains, air conditioning is rarely needed. For the occasional warm day, there is a fan in each room to help keep you comfortable.

We do have lodging and event venues that are ADA-compliant. Due to the topography of our mountain campus, some are easier to access than others, so please speak to Guest Services (800.392.6870) prior to registering to ensure we can best accommodate your needs. We also have shuttles that run frequently throughout the campus.

We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff. Our mountaintop location and the surrounding areas are spacious, remote, safe, and secure.

  • It is safe to leave your windows open—and necessary for proper airflow!
  • Nature surrounds our campus, and it’s common to see rabbits, deer, gophers, wild turkeys, and other small animals. Please give them space, and they’ll do the same for you. We’ve never had a safety incident with animals on campus.

You can help!

  • If you come across an animal on campus or a trail, give it space, and please do not attempt to pet or feed it.
  • There’s no need to bring valuables to the retreat center; leaving them at home is best.

We are remote—yet easy to get to.

The Art of Living Retreat Center offers the right balance between serenity and easy access.
  • Fly into Charlotte, NC—Two hours away by drive.
  • Check-in at 4:00 pm first day—eat dinner shortly after that.
  • Leave after lunch the last day—schedule your flight anytime
    after 5:00 pm.

Transportation Options Between Charlotte and the Center

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service  Book online  hickoryhop.com  The Hickory Hop shuttle goes from Charlotte airport to Boone five times daily. Reservations are required, so book ahead online and be sure to confirm shuttle times coordinate with your travel plans.

High Country Limo  828.898.9595   highcountrylimo.com

Oscar’s Car Service  704.965.5800

Edwardo’s Car Service  704.949.6775

Blue Bird Transportation  828.989.7286   Blue Bird of Boone

Uber or Lyft  Book in app on arrival.

Other airports within driving distance from the Art of Living Retreat Center include

Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN (80 miles)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC (110 miles)

Visit our directions page for more information.

Reserve Your Spot Now

April 8-12, 2026
REGISTER NOW

SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.