Meet Our Senior Care Management Team & End-of-Life Doulas
After years of personal and professional experience, Kim Burgess, founder and owner of Comforting Transitions, understands the unique challenges faced by aging adults and their families. Having cared for her own grandmother with Parkinson’s and her grandfather with dementia, who lived well into his 90's, Kim witnessed firsthand the importance of compassionate, individualized care. She also grew up watching and learning from her parents as they devoted themselves to caring for their own aging parents. These experiences shaped her deep empathy and commitment to supporting older adults in maintaining independence whenever possible. However, when independence is no longer an option, family caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed and unable to meet the demands of their loved one’s care.
"As a long-time professional in the geriatric care field, I wanted to put my personal journey, years of expertise, and deep passion into action to serve our aging population," states Burgess. "That’s why I created Comforting Transitions. Our mission is to provide compassionate, individualized support for older adults and their families in the Greater St. Louis area, as well as communities across Madison, St. Clair, and Clinton counties in the St. Louis Metro East of Southern Illinois."
This blend of personal caregiving experience and professional expertise drives Kim's dedication to ensuring that seniors and their families receive the care and guidance they need during life's most challenging transitions.
A Heartfelt Commitment to Senior Care
Kim Burgess
Founder / Owner
Adult-Geriatric Practitioner, Senior Care Manager & End-of-Life Doula
With over 25 years of experience in the medical field, Kim Burgess has dedicated her life to ensuring that older adults receive the highest quality of care. Burgess's journey began as a home health RN, where she spent 17 years caring for elderly patients in the comfort of their homes. During this time, Kim recognized the growing need for a more personalized, comprehensive approach to elder care, one that goes beyond simply addressing medical needs.
Driven by a desire to serve at a higher level, Burgess returned to school and earned her Master’s in Nursing and Science from Maryville University in 2017, becoming board-certified as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This advanced training equipped has equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to fill the gaps she identified in our healthcare system, particularly in senior care management.
Kim's expertise spans geriatric health management, aging-in-place and senior care solutions, and end-of-life care, providing families with peace of mind and enabling seniors to maintain their independence as long as possible.
Meet Our Team
Amy Weinhoeft
Certified Occupational Therapist &
Senior Care Manager
Amy Weinhoeft is a nationally and state-certified Occupational Therapist with a passion for helping individuals improve their quality of life. A 2001 graduate of St. Louis University with a degree in Occupational Therapy, Amy has spent her career working in hospital settings, specializing in the aging adult. Her focus on acute care has allowed her to develop comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
With an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, Amy emphasizes care for aging adults, helping them navigate the physical, emotional, and social challenges of daily living. She is dedicated to assisting clients in developing, recovering, and maintaining essential skills for independence. Additionally, Amy is skilled at guiding families through the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring their loved ones receive comprehensive and compassionate care.
Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Amy has lived in O’Fallon, Illinois since 2008, where she and her husband are raising their family. Additionally, Amy also provides care for her own 101-year-old grandmother who lives in an assisted living facility.
Sara Doll
Registered Nurse & End-of-Life Doula
With over 30 years of nursing experience, Sara dedicated her career to meeting health care needs across all stages of life. Today, Sara serves as a hospice volunteer and certified End-of-Life Doula, helping families find comfort and peace through a sense of control in the final stages of life. She also offers sound meditation, using Tibetan and crystal bowls, chimes, and other instruments to promote relaxation and well-being. This work is deeply rewarding, and she is honored to support each person’s unique journey toward health and peace.
Why Senior Care Management Matters
As a Senior Care Manager, we work closely with families in the St. Louis and Metro East Illinois areas to navigate the overwhelming array of services, options, and decisions they face when caring for an aging loved one. Many families feel lost and unsure about what’s best for their senior relatives, which often leads to frustration, confusion, and emotional exhaustion. At Comforting Transitions, we believe that no family should face these decisions alone.
Through our involvement in Aging Life Care Association, we are a part of a national network of professionals who specialize in coordinating care for seniors. This membership ensures that we stay updated on the latest best practices, resources, and innovations in elder care, allowing us to offer customized solutions that respect the unique needs, desires, and health goals of each of our clients.
Comforting Transitions provides more than just medical guidance—we offer holistic care that considers the emotional, social, and practical aspects of aging. By helping families make informed choices, we alleviate the burden many caregivers feel, allowing them to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones rather than being overwhelmed by caregiving duties.
The Role of a Death Doula:
Compassionate Support in a Sacred Time
One of the most sensitive and critical phases of care comes at the end-of-life. As Death Doulas, we provide support that goes far beyond the clinical. We help individuals and families prepare emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for the final chapter of life. End-of-life doulas offer a compassionate, non-medical presence, focusing on the emotional well-being of both the person transitioning and their loved ones.
We received our end-of-life doula certification through the International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA), a globally recognized organization that sets high standards for doulas who specialize in end-of-life care. This training, combined with our years of experience as hospice volunteers, has given us deep insight into the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals during their final moments.
Our roles as death doulas are to help families approach this time with clarity, compassion, and a sense of peace. We assist with practical tasks like legacy work, facilitating meaningful conversations, and providing comfort measures for both the individual and their family. Most importantly, our team empowers loved ones to remain present during this sacred time, honoring their connections and memories.
Our Mission at Comforting Transitions: Guiding Families with Dignity and Care
At Comforting Transitions, our mission is simple: to help seniors age with dignity, independence, and the support they need while providing families with peace of mind. We know that the aging process can be overwhelming, and many families struggle to balance caregiving with their personal and professional responsibilities. Our goal is to take that weight off their shoulders by offering comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all aspects of the senior’s life.
From aging-in-place solutions to end-of-life care, I’m excited to guide your family through each step of the journey. I believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and grace, no matter their age or condition, and we are honored to play a part in making that possible.
A Personal Commitment to Family and Community
Kim's dedication to senior care is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. Kim has been married for over 23 years and a mother to two wonderful children (both in middle and high school), she understand the importance of family and the desire to be present for your loved ones. I bring this personal understanding into my work, striving to ensure that families feel supported, heard, and empowered as they navigate the complexities of caregiving.
For me, being a Senior Care Manager and End-of-Life Doula isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. My commitment to providing the highest level of care is rooted in a genuine love for helping others and a deep belief in the value of human connection.
How can we help you?
If you or a loved one are navigating the challenges of aging, senior care, or end-of-life planning, Comforting Transitions ready to help. With decades of experience, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to personalized care, I are ready to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about how we can assist you and your family in creating a care plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you need assistance with senior care management, aging-in-place solutions, or end-of-life care, Comforting Transitions is here to provide guidance, support, and peace of mind during life’s most challenging moments.