Judy Neall Epstein, ND
Executive Director, Founding Director, Board ex-officio
jepstein@endoflifechoicesca.org
Judy Neall Epstein has been engaged in the study of death and dying since the early days of her undergraduate education. Dr. Epstein graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with a B.S. in Public Health (Health Promotion/Education and Community Health) and a minor in Nutrition Science. She went on to receive her doctorate from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed a residency in Integrative Medicine in Portland.
During her undergraduate education, Judy did an internship with hospice and fell in love with the depth and honor of end-of-life care. She knew she always would get back to it someday and after twelve years of private practice in naturopathic family medicine, Judy sold her practice and went to work for the national nonprofit Compassion & Choices. She wore many hats with C&C – first two years as Clinical Director of the End of Life Consultation program, and then 1-1/2 years as National Medical Director. She also served as a private consultant to C&C to guide further development in both the End of Life Consultation and Volunteer programs, and served as the national Volunteer Manager. She has spoken about end-of-life options nationally at medical conferences and conventions. Dr. Epstein was appointed and served on the State of Oregon Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Advisory Council, and has served on the Compassion & Choices Oregon Advisory Council.
Judy is honored to be a Founding Director of End of Life Choices California and served as President of the Board and acting executive director in a volunteer position for almost five years. This was a labor of love and Judy feels has been the most important work of her life thus far. She recently transitioned to become the official Executive Director for the organization and still serves on the Board as an ex-officio member. She looks forward to helping End of Life Choices California continue to grow and thrive.
Judy grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and then lived in Oregon for 26 years. In 2017, she and her husband decided to make a change and split their time between the beautiful sunny desert of the Coachella Valley in southern California in the winter, and the beautiful mountains of Central Oregon in the summer. In her spare time she loves gardening, reading, cultivating a spiritual practice with yoga and meditation, cooking healthy meals, spending time with family including three young grandsons and Boston Terrier, Bosco. And, when she is feeling particularly patient with herself, playing a little golf.
