About Carole o’Toole

Like so many people, my path through life has taken unexpected twists and turns. But those meanderings showed me how random events and experiences can ultimately serve in ways you never anticipated.

A life-long curiosity about how different cultures approach health and illness served me well when I encountered one of life’s biggest “detours”: being diagnosed with advanced cancer in my thirties. In searching for ways to help myself through treatment, I explored supportive therapies from around the world that might assist me in my healing. My research opened me to a whole new approach to my care and transformed how I viewed my illness. And led me to my passion to share these therapies with others.

Once I recovered from my treatments - now over 25 years ago - my passion propelled me to leave my environmental career. I began by writing two books on integrative cancer care: Healing Outside the Margins, and Cancer Community Healing Network. That led to a private navigation practice, consulting with hospitals on integrative cancer care and ultimately to Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. There, I developed a model for integrative cancer care navigation, directed their Institute for Integrative Oncology Navigation, and co-created a national professional training program to improve accessibility to this service nationwide. I also directed in-person residential and virtual retreats, the Center’s signature program credited with transforming the cancer experience for its participants.

More recently, I have felt the call to offer a deeper level of spiritual support to those with serious illness or facing the end of life. Through my work with others I have witnessed over and over their expressed desire to ask the unasked questions, explore life’s meaning, nurture and nourish one’s soul when everything felt soulless, and accept the invitation to find joy within the suffering.

I believe that healing is always possible and spirit is limitless: opportunities abound every day for soul growth. My work in integrative navigation and spiritual companioning for me is living these beliefs out loud. I have been honored to have assisted others in living more fully, despite whatever challenges they have been given: sharing what I have learned, listening deeply, and offering compassionate companionship along the way.

I hope to join you on your journey.

Abundant grace and blessings to you,

Credentials:

MS, Health Policy and Medical Anthropology
George Washington University 

Graduate
Haden Institute Spiritual Direction

Reiki Level II practitioner

Member
Spiritual Directors International

Additional training from:
-Insight Meditation Community of Greater Washington 
-George Washington University for Spirituality and Health