Dawn Hayes
Lebanon,ME
Summary
Dedicated Patient Advocate and Certified End-of-Life Doula with a strong clinical foundation and an Associate's Degree in Transformational Psychology. Proven track record in operational leadership, community outreach, and navigating complex medical environments with compassion and professionalism. Expert in advanced care planning, spiritual advocacy, and providing steady support for families during difficult life transitions. Committed to ensuring every patient receives dignified, person-centered care.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
End-of-life Doula & Patient Advocate
Private Practice/Independent Advocate
Remote/ Needles, CA/ Lebanon, ME
09.2017 - Current
- Provide compassionate emotional, spiritual, and practical support to patients and families during terminal illness and transition at the end of life.
- Act as a dedicated Patient Advocate, ensuring the patient's end-of-life wishes and care plans are clearly communicated to medical staff and hospice teams.
- Facilitate difficult family conversations and offer guidance on medical terminology and palliative care options to reduce anxiety and empower decision-making.
- Coordinate "vigil support" and legacy projects, helping patients document their stories and find peace in their final chapters.
Spiritual & Patient Advocate /Activities Coordinator
St Ann Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Dover, NH
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Developed all social and spiritual advocacy for residents within the specialized Alzheimer's and Dementia unit, ensuring a safe, dignity-focused environment.
- Developed tailored care plans and activities designed to support cognitive function and reduce agitation in residents with neurodegenerative conditions.
- Provided intensive support and education to families navigating the emotional and practical complexities of memory loss and cognitive decline.
- Collaborated closely with clinical staff to monitor behavioral changes and ensure care remained consistent with patient dignity and family wishes.
Food & Beverage Manager / Operational Lead
Farmington Country Club
Farmington, NH
04.2008 - 10.2010
- Rapidly promoted from counter support to Food & Beverage Manager, ultimately assuming full operational oversight of the country club and golf course.
- Managed all large-scale golf tournaments and club events, coordinating logistics, staffing, and guest services to ensure seamless execution.
- Stepped into the leadership gap to maintain continuity of operations, handling everything from financial management and inventory to pro-shop scheduling and vendor relations.
- Selected as one of only two staff members entrusted with full facility security access and alarm codes, maintaining the highest level of operational integrity and confidentiality.
Co-Owner/ Operations & Community Outreach Lead
CNE Karaoke
Farmington, NH
08.1998 - 04.2008
- Co-owned and operated a local karaoke and entertainment business, managing the equipment, scheduling shows, and making sure the nights ran smoothly.
- Organized community fundraisers and special events, bringing people together to support local causes and neighbors in need.
- Handled the "behind the scenes" work, from managing the money and bookings to keeping the music software updated and ready to go.
- Kept the crowd engaged and the energy positive, using strong communication skills to handle different personalities and ensure everyone had a good time.
Education
Associate of Science - Transformational Psychology / Spiritual Studies
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
Tempe, AZNo Degree - Medical Assistant Clinical Certificate Program
Seacoast Career School
Sanford, MENo Degree - End of Life Doula Certificate
IAP Career College
Calgary, Alberta, Canada07-2025
Skills
- Patient Advocacy & Support
- End-of-Life Doula Services
- Advance Care Planning
- Medical Terminology
- HIPAA & Patient Confidentiality
- Crisis Intervention
- Grief & Bereavement Support
- Transformational Psychology
- Care Coordination & Logistics
- Community Outreach & Fundraising
- Operational Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
Seacoast Career School
- Clinical & Office professional
IAP Career College
- End -of-Life Doula specialist
Timeline
End-of-life Doula & Patient Advocate
Private Practice/Independent Advocate
09.2017 - Current
Spiritual & Patient Advocate /Activities Coordinator
St Ann Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
09.2011 - 08.2013
Food & Beverage Manager / Operational Lead
Farmington Country Club
04.2008 - 10.2010
Co-Owner/ Operations & Community Outreach Lead
CNE Karaoke
08.1998 - 04.2008
Associate of Science - Transformational Psychology / Spiritual Studies
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts
No Degree - Medical Assistant Clinical Certificate Program
Seacoast Career School
No Degree - End of Life Doula Certificate
IAP Career College