Doris graduated from Monash University, Melbourne in 1976 and began her professional career as a high school teacher.

In 1980, she experienced the death of her second born daughter due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and some short years later began to explore the nature of grief and it’s impact on family and close relationships. She spent several years as a voluntary parent supporter for the SIDS Research Foundation in Victoria and in the mid 1980’s began to work in the funeral industry, where she is still employed today. She wrote her first book on teenagers and grief in 1990 and has since created an identity as a well known author, educator and trainer in the field of grief awareness. With seven books now published in her name, she is sought after as a keynote speaker and regular educator for health professionals, schools, churches and community organisations.