About

Treza Gallogly - Life & Death Doula

Life companion, End-of-life Doula, Death Educator, Funeral Guide, Presenter, Chair of End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa.

Compassion, Love & Respect

I trained as a general registered nurse early in my career, then went on to own 2 businesses in completely different fields (producing, and international trade work). I have done volunteer work for a wide variety of organisations, and am currently volunteering with the Compassionate Communities project at Auckland’s Mercy Hospice.

I am most importantly, the proud Mother of 2 adult children.

In 2021, I pursued a desire to move into a compassionate role, where I could make an important difference.

I completed my Doula training with Mercy Hospice, and Preparing the Way, and this has led me to create ‘Swansong’.

I bring to this role, a lifetime of experience as a ‘people person’. I have deep empathy and connection with others, and am comfortable conversing with people from all walks of life.

I have recently been elected ‘Chair’ of the newly formed End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa, (ELDAA.org.nz), of which I am very proud.

Nursing history

I trained as a Registered General Nurse in my 20’s, and spent 4 years after that, working in Paediatrics at Princess Mary Children’s hospital in Auckland (now Starship), and part-time at several paediatric hospitals in London.

Business owner

I continued on a diverse career path which included producing commercials, business development, and project management. I have always fostered strong and trustworthy relationships with clients and the teams I’ve worked with, and am proud to call many of my colleagues my friends.

Active volunteer

My current volunteer role for Honohono Tatou Katoa, Mercy Hospice Compassionate Communities, was preceded by volunteer roles for Graeme Dingle Foundation (Mentor), Ronald McDonald House Charities (Family room support at Starship), as well as the Auckland Irish Society and Irish Business Network of NZ on the Board of Management.

Personal experience

I have been privileged to have walked alongside my Father, and a dear friend, on their final journeys.

Others who I have worked with include people with advanced dementia and alzeimers (and other degenerative diseases), voluntary end of life wishes, terminal cancer, or those who are advancing in age and either want to make plans, or require someone to walk alongside them on their journey.

Credentials

Previous experience as a registered nurse.

Completed the Hospice New Zealand Fundamentals of Palliative Care programme.

Trained as an End-of-Life Doula by Preparing the Way.

Completed Level 1 Advance Care Planning training.

Ongoing education in all aspects of palliative, death, and after-death care.

“My mission is to enrich the end-of-life journey.”

Member of

Int’l Children’s Palliative Care Network

Public Health Association of NZ

Swansong Limited is an NZ Registered Company.

We adhere to the NZ Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights.

Testimony

*“When I called you in my distress, I didn’t know what I needed. But you came, and you knew exactly what I needed. I couldn’t have done this without you.” -* Natalie
“Thank you for helping us through this difficult time. Your help was incredibly awesome and totally valuable. I could just let go of everything and focus on Natalie, and knew everything would be sorted. I can't even begin to explain how totally incredibly awesome that was. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, you were an angel. ” - John

“Two years ago when I arranged having an End of Life Doula, it was seen by some as both premature (death was not imminent) and unnecessary (family and friends would step in ). At the time I was writing up my Advanced Care Plan which included stipulating that I was not for resuscitation and that in specified medical conditions I planned to Voluntarily Stop Eating and Drinking (VSED). I am fortunate to have found Treza an experienced and qualified End of Life Doula. We have had time to get comfortable with each other , and I can now live better , knowing everything is settled. I absolutely trust Treza to be my best advocate and to support my family, friends and me in my final transition. I have not one concern about the end of my life.”

“Your visit opened up my mind to all sorts of possibilities for funeral ideas and has spurred me on to re-visit the lists and booklets that I already have. I have followed your suggestion of putting all the relevant 'papers' in a place that is known and easily accessible to my daughter. I'm so grateful to you for your insightful and frank leadership of our discussion .“

“Through her deep reflective listening and advocacy, Treza supported *** to understand and make the decisions that were required regarding her initial medical care, her palliative care and eventually, her end-of-life wishes.”

“Treza encouraged and supported *** in holding her final conversations with the people who were important to her and she spoke on her behalf when that was most appropriate.“

“Never intrusive, Treza joined with family and friends in enveloping *** with love and support in her final days and hours. “You’ve always got my back” was one final acknowledgment from *** herself. It speaks to how safe she felt with Treza at her side.”

“Day and night, Treza was tireless in her care for *** but she was also extremely caring and supportive of the family, providing practical help with information, co-ordination and communication and, most importantly, peace of mind that our dear *** journeyed with a true companion.”

“Most importantly, she sat with *** and I witnessed the deep reverence in which she held that space. ”

“Treza’s natural warmth, her nursing and advocacy expertise, her ability to liaise with the medical staff about ***’s evolving condition, and her intuitive wisdom and practical implementation regarding ***’s needs, particularly when they could no longer be voiced, clearly eased ***’s body and mind. ”

“Once you learn how to die,

you know how to live.”

Tuesdays with Morrie