Annie Eichenholz was studying to become a nurse midwife in the early 1980s, but after a retreat with Sogyal Rinpoche on death, she instead became a hospice RN for 20 years, combining Buddhist study and practice with working with the dying and their families. In 1993, with Christine Longaker, Annie helped found the Spiritual Care Programme in the US, bringing the universal principles of Buddhist wisdom to those working with the dying. In 2003, Annie and Christine, with Kirsten DeLeo, developed training offered in collaboration with Naropa University, which continues independently as Authentic Presence Contemplative End-of-Life Care Training; she is a member of their Advisory Board and the Core Team. Since 2011, Annie has provided Rigpa programmes featuring preparation and resources for dying; she has worked with the US Bardo Network, supporting dying sangha members.
