meet your instructor

The organ transplant journey is so universal, and yet so unique too. When someone has to navigate the ins and outs of everything, the steps are similar across the board, while big emotions and even bigger lifestyle changes are entirely personal.

I watched my sister, Tammi, walk this line in 2010. Not long after she turned 30, a virus infected her heart, and as a result, she was given an LVAD device as a bridge to transplant. Unfortunately, she died on May 6, 2012, within 48 hours of a heart transplant due to a surgical complication. Our family surrounded her with hope and support. But I wish I’d known then what I know now; there are ways we could have been stronger advocates for her through her experience, even when it was hard and uncomfortable.

Of course, I have endless compassion for my younger self and my family. We did our best—like thousands of other people and families in similar situations do every year. I’m also grateful to my sister for all she taught me. The result is this program and the drive to bridge the gaps in the transplant patient care continuum, gaps that bleed over to living donorship, too. Her memory leads our decisions at every step.

My name is Michelle Montgomery. My journey as a doula and coach began with end-of-life training by Alua Arthur at Going with Grace. Prior to that, I spent over a decade in marketing strategy and design, supporting brands, organizations, and individuals. Drawing from my experience with my sister, I saw the connection between doula support and the transplant journey. The result is what you see here…The Transplant Doula Training & Network.

I can’t wait to welcome you to the network. For more information, you can explore my work as a transplant and end-of-life doula.