About US
OUR MISSION
To provide access to holistic, non-medical, end-of-life support through a compassionate network of dedicated professionals and community connections.
VISION
Every human deserves to experience a good death.
OUR VALUES
Our members are guided by core values that shape every interaction we have and reflect our commitment to providing access to respectful and inclusive care for all individuals facing the end of life.
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Equitable Access: Every New Mexican deserves access to compassionate and supportive end-of-life care, regardless of their financial circumstances.
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Inclusivity: We honor and welcome the unique cultural, spiritual, and personal needs of each individual. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels accepted and respected.
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Compassion: We approach every individual with empathy, kindness, and understanding, ensuring that each experience of end-of-life care is met with dignity and respect.
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Empowerment: We provide individuals and families with the resources, information, and support needed to make informed decisions and navigate the end-of-life journey with confidence and peace of mind.
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Integrity: We are committed to transparency, honesty, and ethical practices in all our interactions, ensuring trust and accountability in every aspect of our work.
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Respect: We uphold the inherent dignity of every individual, honoring their values, preferences, and choices throughout the end-of-life journey.
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Holistic Care: We believe in supporting the whole person - emotionally, physically, and spiritually - through a comprehensive and integrated approach to end-of-life care.
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Collaboration: We recognize the strength in partnerships and work together with professionals, families, and communities to create a network of support that meets the diverse needs of those facing the end of life.
Meet The Team
Danielle Slupesky
She/Her/Hers
Executive Director
Danielle is the proud founder and Executive Director the NMDN.
What began in 2023 as a small group of death doulas meeting on Zoom has blossomed into a nonprofit that connects deathcare professionals and provides affordable, holistic support to New Mexicans in need.
Formerly an Emergency Room RN, Danielle now serves as an End of Life Guide, Death Doula, and Peer Grief Companion through her private practice, Conscious Crossroads End of Life Services.
Kelly Saindon
She/Her/Hers
President
Board of Directors
Kelly has over 20 years of experience in the deathcare industry, serving as a volunteer, Director of HR and Social Services, Master Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Spiritual Practitioner. She has sat on multiple nonprofit boards and facilitates the ABQ Death Cafe and two grief support groups. Kelly also volunteers with End of Life Options NM and the Grief Center, while offering support through her business, Achieving Eloheh, LLC, helping individuals navigate life's challenges.
Nikki Neuen
She/Her/Hers
Vice President
Board of Directors
Nikki has been working for and around nonprofits since 2004 and has been calling New Mexico home since the gorgeous autumn of 2023. She is the Principal Death Doula at Bonne Mori, and offers her nonprofit communications, fundraising, and event expertise to clients through Logical Alternative. Nikki also serves as the Secretary of the New Mexico OUT Business Alliance (NMOBA), is a member of the NM LGBTQ Roundtable, and is the NMOBA liaison to the Western Business Alliance.
Paul Mitchell
He/Him/His
Secretary
Board of Directors
Paul is a Certified Public Accountant who brings a blend of financial expertise and compassionate service to our board. In addition to his accounting background, Paul is an INELDA trained death doula and hospice volunteer. He also works as a grief support group facilitator. Paul enjoys being in nature, live music, time with family and playing his guitar. He is pleased to bring his diverse background and heartfelt commitment to service to our board.
Justin Welch
He/Him/His
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Justin is an End of Life Planner and Senior Associate at RBC Wealth Management in Albuquerque, with over 15 years of experience in banking and financial advisory services. He is dedicated to incorporating end-of-life planning into routine financial discussions and educating the community about available resources. Through seminars, Justin strives to raise awareness about the support a Doula can provide, empowering individuals to make informed decisions during critical times.
LeNeta Venanzi
She/Her/Hers
Board of Directors
LeNeta is an Interior Designer who has personally experienced the profound impact of working with a Death Doula. During the hospitalization and passing of her husband, she connected with a Doula whose support greatly enhanced the experience, providing comfort not only in his final days but also in her ongoing grief journey. This transformative experience has led LeNeta to fully support the Vision and Mission of the New Mexico Deathcare Network, through her participation as a member of the Board of Directors.
We recognize and uphold the inherent value and dignity of every individual. Our goal is to foster an environment that is welcoming, where everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and safe. We are committed to creating and sustaining a space that acknowledges, understands, and appreciates the diversity of experiences, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, class, education, age, sexual orientation, physical ability, language, political affiliation, economic status, immigration/citizenship status, military experience, and legal standing.