My story

My passion for birth actually began the day I was born! It was Thanksgiving Day, the whole family was waiting downstairs in my grandmother’s home, while my mom labored upstairs, assisted by two wonderful midwives, her two best friends, and her sister. I was born peacefully right before it was time for dinner. My birth story has been an integral part of my life and I love sharing it. When I got older, I became very interested in childbirth from a historical, social and feminist view point, stemming from my realization that the way I entered the world was not the norm in our culture. Through my research I learned what a doula was when I was 17 and thought, “Wow, dream job!” I waited a few years, before taking a doula training, graduating with a degree in psychology and holding several internships focused on reproductive health, childbirth advocacy and midwifery care. I attended my first birth as a doula on Mother's Day of 2009 and knew I had truly found my calling.

I am passionate about access to respectful care for all birthing people, and as a white parent and birth worker, I continuously seek ways to use my privilege in the dismantling of white supremacist systems that uphold the inequity we see in maternal health care.

In July of 2020 I gave birth to my daughter Marlowe.

I believe deeply in the transformative power of birth and honor the childbearing year as a rite of passage that deserves reverence and support. Supporting parents as they prepare for and journey through birth is such profound, awe-inspiring work and I truly love my job.

I love exploring nature with my family, doing yoga, cooking and eating delicious meals, dancing in the kitchen, rock climbing and biking around with my toddler. You can pretty much always find nature treasures in my pockets and popcorn crumbs in our couch.

My Philosophy

• I believe wholeheartedly that birth can be an empowering, joyful and positive experience, regardless of outcome. Each birthing person deserves respect, dignity and support through this profound, life-changing process.

• By nature, birth is a unique and deeply personal experience and each parent has their own set of hopes and values. I offer non-judgmental care and mentoring in preparation for this journey, so families can greet labor with knowledge, coping tools, confidence, and connection.

• As a birth worker, I see myself as part of a large and diverse movement of change makers, working to improve access to respectful care for ALL families. The families and individuals I work with come from diverse racial, economic and gender make-ups and inclusivity is a cornerstone of my care.

Some fun stats that reflect my experience and dedication to this work: I have attended over 400 births, and taught birth classes to over 300 families! 

Education

Certified Birth Doula, DONA (Doulas of North America) 

Birthing From Within Mentor

Lactation Counselor, Nursing Mother’s Counsel

HypnoDoula training, HypnoBabies

Postpartum Doula, Cornerstone Doula Trainings

Spinning Babies Workshop for Optimal Fetal Positioning

B.S. degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Social Action 

Mama Tree Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

Racism & Privilege in Birth Work, Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings

Health Disparities and Culturally Appropriate Care, Cornerstone Doula Trainings

Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss, The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath and Death