The Departure Coach

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Who is The Departure Coach?

Meet Kelly

Kelly is passionate about supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of life's most important conversations. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, she has dedicated her career to caring for people, particularly those who are elderly, unwell, or navigating significant life transitions.
In 2017, Kelly expanded her work into coaching and went on to earn a Master Practitioner qualification in Hypnosis and Coaching in 2019. Her coaching background enables her to guide people with compassion, clarity, and practical support as they plan for the future and make sense of life's challenges.
Following her own experiences with death, dying, and loss, Kelly felt called to work in the end-of-life space. She became a Certified Death Doula and founded The Departure Coach, combining her healthcare expertise, coaching skills, and passion for community education. Through workshops, Death Cafés, book clubs, presentations, and one-on-one support, Kelly helps people increase their death literacy, prepare for the end of life, and approach these conversations with greater confidence and peace of mind.

  • Over 30 years experience in the healthcare sector

  • Masters in Coaching & Hypnosis

  • Certified Death Doula

  • CPR & First Aid Certified

About

Meet Kelly

Kelly is passionate about supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of life's most important conversations. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, she has dedicated her career to caring for people, particularly those who are elderly, unwell, or navigating significant life transitions.
In 2017, Kelly expanded her work into coaching and went on to earn a Master Practitioner qualification in Hypnosis and Coaching in 2019. Her coaching background enables her to guide people with compassion, clarity, and practical support as they plan for the future and make sense of life's challenges.
Following her own experiences with death, dying, and loss, Kelly felt called to work in the end-of-life space. She became a Certified Death Doula and founded The Departure Coach, combining her healthcare expertise, coaching skills, and passion for community education. Through workshops, Death Cafés, book clubs, presentations, and one-on-one support, Kelly helps people increase their death literacy, prepare for the end of life, and approach these conversations with greater confidence and peace of mind.

- Over 30 years experience in the healthcare sector

- Masters in Coaching & HypnosisCertified

- Death Doula

- CPR & First Aid Certified

Testimonials

"Kelly understood my overwhelm..."

Kate O

"Kelly offered exactly what I needed - clarity, compassion and a calm, structured approach."

Angela M

"Regardless of when my time comes, I know I have left my family with clarity and answers, ensuring they can honour my wishes without uncertainty."

Aleni M

Dearly Departed Designs

Death Aware Apparel. Start a conversation.

Meet The Death Literacy Ladies

Angela & Kelly

Would you like to grow death literacy in your community or workplace?

200+

Death Cafe facilitation hours

6

Trusted by 6 Sydney councils to deliver death literacy and community education programs

2

Facilitators

(Angela Mizinska and Kelly McDonnell)

1000+

Community members have engaged in meaningful end-of-life conversations through our programs

.

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