Natalie is a birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. With a master’s in Public Health and years of multidisciplinary work, she aims to improve pre/postnatal health outcomes and increase birth equity by using holistically-driven and evidence-based strategies.
Seeking to understand the systems at play that both prevent and promote community health and wellbeing, Natalie is especially interested in using this knowledge to improve the health and mental health outcomes of pregnant people and new parents. While earning her master’s in Public Health, she focused her research on expanding perinatal health education, understanding the use of doulas and community support systems to reduce maternal mental health incidence, and advocating for birth equity and healthcare access.
She has worked as a pre/postnatal yoga instructor for over five years supporting families prepare for birth and heal from labor. Now, she combines her experience with facilitating mind-body connection and healing to support pre/postnatal clients holistically. She loves working with families to provide infant care, labor prep, and be a calming presence in a chaotic time.
Dr. Alexia Harrigan is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist based in Dallas, Texas. She received her bachelor's degree in Health Science, her Master's degree in Physical Therapy, and her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California.
​
Over her 19+ years as a physical therapist, she has worked in a number of physical therapy settings honing her skills in treating orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, chronic pain management, oncology rehabilitation, women's health, and pelvic floor dysfunctions.
Her love for pelvic health began after delivering her 10 lb 1 oz son and experiencing pelvic floor physical therapy herself. She became a Certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist after attending Texas Women's University in Dallas, Texas, and receiving her Post-Baccalaureate Certificate of Advanced Studies in Women's Health Physical Therapy. Since graduation, she has dedicated herself to diving more deeply into the incredible world of pelvic health by attending continuing education courses, and becoming certified as a Postpartum and Pregnancy Corrective Exercise Specialist and Holistic Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner.
​
Her mission is to educate and empower her patients to achieve their highest quality of life.
¡Hola! My name is Cindy Orozco and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I obtained my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC) and have been a practicing social worker since 2012. I am originally from California but have lived in Texas for a couple of years now. I am bilingual and biliterate in Spanish. I am licensed in California and Texas. I love what I do and most importantly I have a passion for helping others.
I have a vast amount of experience working with the geriatric, children and adolescents and chronically ill population. These work settings have sharpened many skills, especially in crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support and connecting clients to community referrals.
I believe that having a strong therapeutic relationship is the key factor to successful therapy. Therefore, I am committed to delivering exemplary client support while encouraging and empowering clients toward improved self-esteem and decision-making. I strive to provide a safe space filled with warmth, compassion, empathy and a sense of calmness for clients to be vulnerable and free. My client-centered approach along with a blend of other therapeutic modalities allows me to connect with clients while allowing them to be themselves and guide their session to where they are at that moment in time.
As your therapist, I vow to always offer you a safe space where you will feel seen, heard and empowered in exchange for your true authentic self. Starting therapy can be scary and I am here to tell you that it can be BUT you do not have to do this alone. I cannot change your situation or make it disappear, but I will walk alongside of you - guiding you to feel, process and create change when you are ready!
Professional support coach based in Matteson, Illinois, Larissa Williams works as a community breastfeeding educator, postpartum doula, and birthing doula. Since she was a small child, Larissa has aspired to help, educate, and provide emotional support to new mothers and their families.
Larissa enrolled in Kentucky State University's nursing program first. Later on, she realized that she wanted to help mothers deliver naturally. After days of continuous research , Larissa discovered the world of doulas. After earning a bachelor's degree in liberal studies, she went on to become a highly skilled doula. Larissa participated in the Gifted Hands International Doula training program, taking both postpartum and birthing lessons. She placed second in her postpartum training class and first in her birthing class.
Larissa is dedicated to changing the doula industry by supporting, educating, advocating for, and inspiring families and birthing mothers!
Scarlett Rosas is a dedicated Postpartum Doula based in Dallas, TX, serving the surrounding areas. With over 14 years of experience working with families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Scarlett is deeply passionate about empowering mothers—whether single or married—to confidently navigate the early days of motherhood.
As a mother herself, Scarlett understands the challenges and joys of this transformative period. She provides comprehensive support in sleep training, lactation, and personalized guidance, ensuring new and seasoned mothers alike have the tools they need to thrive. Her compassionate and tailored approach has earned her a reputation as a trusted partner for countless families, helping them overcome the hurdles of early parenthood and fostering a nurturing environment for mother, child, and family.
Scarlett is currently undergoing specialized training to offer trauma support for postpartum mothers who have experienced physical or emotional abuse. She also offers traveling postpartum doula services, bringing her expertise to families wherever they may be.
Ymani Blake, CLS. is a dedicated maternal and child health advocate with over 15 years of experience in empowering and supporting communities in Chicago through health and wellness initiatives. Since 2020, she has been a certified full spectrum doula, lactation specialist, and evidence-based childbirth educator. Ymani offers compassionate, culturally responsive care to families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes by advocating for the well-being of families and ensuring they receive the support and education they need during one of life's most transformative experiences.
Additionally, Ymani is certified in Perinatal Narrative Exposure Therapy, which is foundational in her trauma-informed approach to birth work. Her expertise in this area enables her to provide holistic, emotionally supportive care that addresses the mental and emotional needs of individuals and families. This ensures that everyone feels honored, safe, and empowered as they navigate their journey into parenthood.
Daisy Ortiz is an artist, mother, and birth worker deeply humbled by the transformative magic of birth. As the daughter of a nanny with over 40 years of experience, Daisy has been involved in caring for children and families from a young age. Her own decade-long experience as a primary care nanny naturally led her to birth work. Originally from Chicago and recently returned after over a decade of traveling around the world, where she continues to immerse herself in her passions.
Daisy has been an apprentice midwife for the past two years, studying under traditional midwives in Merida, Yucatán. This hands-on training has deepened her understanding of birth and expanded her ability to support families through this profound transition.
Daisy is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to all underserved communities. She values and respects cultural traditions, and it is her joy to learn about and honor your cultural practices. She is committed to making her services accessible to everyone who seeks them.
Jamela Houston is a certified holistic birth and postpartum doula based in Houston, TX, with a passion for advocating for women’s health, pregnancy, and birthing experiences. Drawing on her extensive education as a Holistic Women’s Wellness Practitioner, Womb Wellness Practitioner, Yoni Steam Practitioner, and Board-Certified Hypnotherapist, Jamela brings a unique, nurturing, and faith-centered approach to maternal care.
Jamela completed her training as a holistic doula at The Holistic Professionals of Color University, an institution renowned for its commitment to addressing maternal and child health disparities in BIPOC communities. Her advanced hypnotherapy studies at the Southwestern Institute of Healing Arts solidified her belief in the mantra: Change your thoughts, change your life. As a certified hypnobirthing practitioner, she incorporates therapeutic hypnotherapy into her practice to help expectant mothers achieve calm, focused, and empowering birthing experiences.
Beyond birthwork, Jamela is a dedicated womb healer. She supports women in restoring fertility, balancing hormones, overcoming trauma, and breaking free from self-limiting beliefs through ancient healing practices and intuitive guidance.
Known for her calm demeanor and innate nurturing abilities, Jamela excels at creating peaceful, supportive spaces where women feel empowered, seen, and deeply cared for. Guided by her faith and the principle of treating others as she wishes to be treated, she provides unwavering emotional and spiritual support during one of life’s most sacred journeys.
Jamela believes that women are superheroes and should be celebrated as such, and she endeavors to honor every woman’s strength, resilience, and divine essence. Whether through birth, postpartum care, or womb healing, Jamela is dedicated to helping women embrace their full potential and divine power.
Shana Williams, founder of Serene Babes Boutique LLC, is a dedicated full-spectrum doula and maternal wellness advocate with extensive experience in supporting families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. With a holistic approach to care, Shana specializes in emotional, physical, and informational support tailored to the unique needs of each family. Her practice is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and personalized care, making her a trusted ally for expectant and postpartum parents navigating the transformative journey of parenthood.
Shana’s expertise extends to a range of specialized services, including placenta encapsulation, lactation education, yoni steaming, and postpartum recovery. Known for her neurodivergent perspective, she brings a deep understanding of diverse experiences to her work, ensuring her care is inclusive and culturally attuned. Her warm, empathetic demeanor and focus on fostering meaningful connections set her apart in the field of maternal wellness.
Serene Babes Boutique stands out as a holistic support practice, offering not only exceptional doula services but also education and resources to empower families. Shana’s dedication to helping families thrive is reflected in her commitment to continually expanding her knowledge and adapting her care to meet the evolving needs of her clients. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where families feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Mariah Jones is a professional doula in the Houston and Humble areas.
A dedicated doula, Mariah is passionate about providing personalized care and support to expectant families. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Baylor, Mariah's goal is to combine her medical education with her deep desire to empower and guide women through the birthing process.
Mariah's approach centers around compassion, education, and emotional support, ensuring that every mother feels confident and cared for throughout her pregnancy and birth journey. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and being a positive light in your overall experience.
Tabresha (Breezy) Posey is a compassionate Full-Spectrum Doula with expertise in parent education, sacred space-keeping, and family support.
Breezy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for all families, regardless of their background or identity. She honors each individual’s unique journey, respecting cultural practices and personal preferences while integrating evidence-based care. Her approach blends holistic practices with practical guidance, ensuring that families have the knowledge, support, and confidence they need to thrive.
With her extensive training and ongoing education, Breezy aims to continuously expand her ability to serve families, not only through birth and postpartum support but also by equipping them with the tools for long-term well-being. Through her work, Breezy envisions a world where every family feels empowered, respected, and truly cared for during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.
Her commitment to reproductive justice and inclusive practices ensures that all families—regardless of race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or ability—have access to the care and support they deserve. By offering education, advocacy, and hands-on support, Breezy is helping to foster a community where families are nurtured and guided with compassion, knowledge, and dignity.
Breezy's dedication to continuing her education reflects her deep passion for supporting families through every stage of parenthood, and her ultimate goal is to foster a culture of care and understanding where every parent feels confident in their ability to raise their child with love and strength.
Naadirah Shapley Muhammad has always been a nurturer. As she transitioned from a 30+ year career as an Early Childhood Specialist into motherhood, she knew that she wanted to continue to support families. She had a beautiful, and empowering, experience with her own doulas. When a friend suggested that she train to become a professional doula herself, she had an ah ha moment. She wants to support other women, and families, as they travel through their own journeys. Naadirah comes to this work with degrees in Family Community Service and Nursing. She has completed traditional labor doula support, lactation support, and postpartum doula support training with Birthing From Within, ToLabor, ProDoula, and DONA International.
At the center of this work is family. Family is communion with kindred hearts through the journey of life. It's sharing the joys and the challenges. Around Naadirah's house, family is snuggles on a rainy night, picking glitter off of work shirts, kisses on boo boos, giggles over mint chocolate chip ice cream, and family birthday dinners over fondue. Naadirah is a poet, a holder of space, a baker of homemade lactation cookies, and a mama of one incredible kiddo.
I’m honored to continue to support families including yours!
Chaka Parker, the dedicated founder of Doula With A Purpose, is a passionate advocate for mothers and families during childbirth and motherhood. As a certified holistic doula, she offers a unique combination of expertise and compassion to support families through all stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. With her specialties in areas such as fertility, maternity reiki, vaginal steaming, breastfeeding support, and childbirth education, Chaka's holistic approach emphasizes nurturing the mind, body, and spirit throughout the maternal journey.
As a devoted mother of three, along with four bonus children, Chaka's commitment to nurturing extends beyond her professional endeavors. Her experience as a surrogate for two couples further enhances her understanding of family dynamics, enabling her to provide an expansive circle of care. Chaka's own experiences in motherhood have deepened her empathy and inspired her mission to empower women as they navigate their unique pregnancy experiences, fostering resilience and connection among those she serves.
In her personal life, Chaka finds balance and renewal through various activities that bring her joy, such as spending time with family, engaging in invigorating workouts, practicing yoga, taking calming nature walks, and enjoying enlightening books and soothing baths. These self-care practices not only nurture her well-being but also enhance her ability to uplift and support others on their motherhood journeys. Currently residing in Houston, TX, Chaka joyfully serves the surrounding communities with her compassionate guidance and support.
Renée King is a professional postpartum doula, specialized in providing families with compassionate, practical, and emotional support as they navigate the transition into parenthood. With extensive experience in newborn care, breastfeeding support, and postpartum recovery, Renée helps parents feel confident and equipped in their new roles. She is trained to recognize the physical and emotional challenges that can arise during the postpartum period, and offers evidence-based guidance to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the baby. Her expertise includes creating a nurturing environment, offering resources, and tailoring her care to meet the unique needs of each family.
What makes Renée's approach unique is her emphasis on holistic, family-centered care. She understands that each family’s postpartum journey is different, and takes the time to listen, adapt, and provide personalized support. From helping establish routines and providing hands-on assistance with infant care to offering reassurance and guidance through moments of uncertainty, Renée's goal is to empower parents with confidence and peace of mind. She also prioritizes self-care for the birthing parent, recognizing its importance in recovery and family harmony. By fostering a calm, supportive atmosphere, Renée aims to help families thrive during this precious and transformative time.
Maricela ‘Mari’ Rueda was raised in North Side Fort Worth TX around birth, babies, siblings, cousins, niblings (nieces/nephews), and community. Giving birth in 2013 and feeling lack as a single-parent she is here to hold space for those who welcome a helping hand. She has almost 3 years of personal chest-feeding experience initiated by a soft and patient WIC lactation consultant that waited hours in her dimmed office for a hungry and tired infant’s cry to be calmed by that first latch. Maricela's priority is advocating for natural and pleasurable birth experiences driven by informed consent, education, and empathy.
Maricela was certified in 2024 through Paradigm Doulas Perinatal Coach program on fertility, birth, and postpartum care.
As a young mother, striving for connection, Maricela was a mom in public and spoke about children at the meeting place, open mic, or community event in general. She carried her postpartum power into spoken word events as a host and poet in 2017-2018. Her child mimicking this action and bringing their own Open Mic to preschool at the age of 4. That child now 11 and carrying that confidence into middle school has got Mari preoccupied when not cuddling with the household critters, walking barefoot in the garden, dancing, listening to music and cooking nourishing food, or joining in on whatever potluck or book club her friends and community have to offer.
Kemeera Nimahat is a radiant guide in maternal wellness. She is a wife, mother, and your go-to expert for all things birth and postpartum. Kemeera shines brightest when helping families prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies for an autonomous birth and a prepared postpartum.
Her brilliance lies in guiding mothers through practical steps toward their goals while fostering deep self-trust. She empowers families to envision their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience in a new light, make confident choices aligned with their goals, and gracefully embrace the unknown. Blending ancient wisdom with modern, evidence-based practices, Kemeera believes every family deserves to feel confident, cared for, and celebrated as they embark on the beautiful—yet sometimes messy—adventure of welcoming new life.
In addition to birth work, Kemeera brings nearly 20 years of experience as a professional dancer and educator. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, she has combined her love of movement with her passion for maternal wellness by teaching prenatal and postnatal dance classes that help moms prepare for a smoother birth and a more efficient recovery.
Kemeera has a gift for creating calm and making families feel supported, even in the most stressful situations. Her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures every client receives the highest level of care, compassion, and guidance throughout their journey.
Galilea Monterroso is a trained Postpartum Doula serving families throughout the DFW Metroplex. Currently completing her Postpartum Doula Certification through CAPPA, Galilea brings four years of full-time experience as a nanny in the Fort Worth area, where she has primarily focused on newborn and infant care.
Galilea's practical support includes maintaining clean and organized common areas and baby spaces, handling light kitchen tasks like cleaning dishes, bottles, and pump parts, as well as caring for baby laundry. With a compassionate approach, Galilea offers educational support on basic breastfeeding techniques, formula feeding, and establishing feeding and sleep schedules to help parents feel confident and prepared.
Her approach is centered on creating a judgment-free, supportive environment for all parents seeking both informational and emotional guidance.
Isabel Rodriguez Hernandez is a Nurse with a Master's degree in Nursing from the National University of Colombia with an emphasis on maternal-perinatal care. She has been an International Breastfeeding Consultant certified by IBCLC since 2015, was and recertified in 2020. She practices as a registered nurse in New York and Illinois.
Nikya Ross is a certified doula based in the DFW area of Texas. Nikya's mission is to provide compassionate, informed, and non-judgmental support to families during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.
Nikya's passion for birth work began at a very young age with the desire to support others through their birth journey. Nikya graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree from Western Illinois University in May of 2024. Here is where she began her journey as a nursing student but finished her degree studying Public Health and Psychology. May of 2024 is also when Nikya completed her doula training with Paradigm Doulas of Tarrant County. With the proper training to provide emotional support, education, and guidance to expectant parents throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period; Nikya believes that every family deserves a safe, empowering, and positive birth (and postpartum) experience.
Nikya is known for creating safe spaces for individuals to feel heard and confident in their decisions. She believes in supporting families of all backgrounds and strives to inclusive, respectful, and sensitive to each person's unique needs and circumstances. Nikya has the unique ability to keep the environment and people around her calm, even in high stressful situations. With massage and musical therapy, the environment can be shifted from one direction to another and with this, Nikya lives on these tactics in her personal life as well as with her families.
With twelve years of experience as a DONA-certified birth doula and a graduate degree in social work specializing in maternal infant health and postpartum mood disorders, Dawne offers a deeply informed and compassionate approach to birth support. Having served over 200 families, she tailors her care to the unique needs of each family, focusing on evidence-based, holistic practices that nurture both body and mind. Her dual background in social work and doula care allows her to recognize and address the mental, emotional, and physical facets of the birthing journey, creating a safe, supportive environment that empowers birthing people to connect with their instincts and instill trust in their bodies.
Drawing from an extensive doula toolkit, Dawne incorporates Evidence Based Birth techniques, Spinning Babies movements, Hypnobabies mindfulness methodologies and Body Ready Method tools to compassionately guide birthing people through intuitive, supportive movement to help achieve optimal birth positioning and joyful birth outcomes. Dawne draws on her social work expertise in postpartum mood disorders and enhances her ability to support families holistically, both during labor and in the postpartum period. Families who work with Dawne feel reassured by her warm compassionate comprehensive support, benefiting from her empathetic approach and evidence-based methods that together foster confidence, resilience, and a positive birth experience.
When Dawne is not supporting birthing families she can be found exploring nature with her partner, three children and menagerie of fur babies, or in the kitchen nourishing their souls through their stomachs.
Harriet Boateng has been a Newborn care specialist based in Chicago, Illinois since 1996. She is certified through Newborn and Postpartum Support (NAPS), and is a Licensed Home Daycare Provider.
In 2012, Harriet ran a home-based daycare where she took care of children from ages newborn to 10 years old. She also previously worked at Northwestern Medicine for 9 years as a Medical Assistant in Prentice in the OBGYN department taking care of expecting mothers and postpartum mothers.
Harriet has worked with families in Chicago, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Skokie, and Indiana. Her experience in childcare has given her the confidence to teach and advise new parents when the need comes. She is a strong communicator, a problem solver, dependable, nurturing and loving, compassionate caregiver with a high patience level to aid those encountering stressful situations.
Harriet's decades of experience, alongside with her caring demeanor and strong sense of responsibility, make her an invaluable assets to any family.
Dr. Amber Brown, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, RYT-200, PCES, CD(DONA), is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist, birth doula, childbirth educator, and registered yoga teacher based in Plano, Texas. Amber is passionate about supporting maternal health and promoting pelvic health for individuals of all backgrounds.
With a commitment to improving health outcomes, Amber completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Tennessee State University and a specialized residency in Women’s Health and Pelvic Health at Texas Woman’s University and the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation. She offers personalized, evidence-based care that addresses the unique needs of her clients.
Amber's unique ability to connect with clients on a personal level fosters a calming environment, making them feel supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Lauren Ricks is a Postpartum Doula along with being a mom of 2. She has been in the online coaching industry for over a decade and recently found a huge passion for supporting moms through their postpartum journey. Lauren is a certified birth + postpartum Doula, as well as a prenatal + postnatal fitness specialist with a background in exercise science.
When it comes to her clients, Lauren is a steadfast advocate, ensuring their birth and postpartum preferences are respected and supported. She has a nurturing presence that helps new and seasoned parents navigate the challenges and joys of birth and postpartum. Her focus isn't just on what she can help the mom with during their time together but also being an emotional & mental support for the mom.
Angelique Muhammad is a childbirth educator and lactation consultant with over 30 years of experience providing compassionate, personalized care to breastfeeding families at every stage of their journey within the Chicago land and surrounding area. As an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 1995, she supports families from the first moments after birth through the transition back to work, including specialized care for NICU families. She is a certified childbirth educator and has training as a doula. Angelique has traveled internationally to Africa, educating midwives about breastfeeding. Her extensive experience includes working with families across diverse cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic situations, ensuring inclusive and culturally sensitive care for all.
Angelique's approach is grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience, with an added multidisciplinary approach when warranted. Her passion for lactation support grew from her own successful breastfeeding journeys with her two children. She further advanced her clinical expertise by earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 2009 with an emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leadership.
Guided by her motto, "common love common expression with a soft tender touch," Angelique listens attentively to each family's unique concerns and desires. She combines her advanced clinical skills with deep empathy to help families achieve their individual breastfeeding goals in a way that feels natural and graceful for them.
Sara Fina is a Doula, Certified Professional Midwife, and Certified Doula Trainer with over 20 years of experience supporting families during their pregnancy and post-partum journey.
Sara has worked in a variety of settings including home, birth-center, and hospitals. She has the unique experience working as part of clinical care teams of OBs and CNMs as a Staff Doula with Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, OR; where she was trained to provide continuous Doula support to mom's during labors, c-sections, and postpartum. She has also worked as a Postpartum Midwife in various Birth Centers to support moms in the immediate 48 hours after birth and through the first 6 weeks postpartum.
As a mentor and trainer to birth-workers, Sara has facilitated training for over 500 Doulas and Midwives with Birthingway College, SMC Doulas, the Oregon Health Authority, and National College of Midwifery, as well as many more conferences and workshops. For families Sara facilitates birth education workshops, including Birthing from Within, Centering Pregnancy, and her own branded curriculum Balanced Birth.
Sara will always respect your individual desires, needs, and experience. Every journey is unique, and Sara provides her clients with calming grounded reassurance that is cultivated from her deep understanding of the physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth; as well as the principles of somatic body work and trauma-informed care. Sara's training and skills include wisdom about herbal and natural remedies, lactation support, newborn care, c-section recovery, natural labor and birth, acupressure for pregnancy, labor, and birth, perinatal massage, infant massage, perinatal cranio-sacral therapy, and cranio-sacral therapy for newborns and infants, and more!
Sara is also a mother of 5 beautiful children, born naturally at home, in the water at birth-centers, and even by life saving c-section! She is a baby whisperer, and can teach you all kinds of tricks for you and your baby's health and happiness!
In her free time she loves reading, writing, swimming, painting, and cooking.
Janae Stephens, PT, DPT, CLT earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2004 from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She completed her certification training at the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in 2013 to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She then went back to school to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas, TX with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Pelvic Health Studies in 2018.
Janae has over 20 years of experience in the field of Physical Therapy including pelvic health, pregnancy/postpartum, oncology, dry needling, and lymphedema. Her passion in this field has led to her bringing awareness to communities through outreach programs, symposiums, and conferences.
Janae is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) with memberships in the Women's Health, Orthopedic, and Oncology Section of the APTA. Her vast expertise allows her to give comprehensive and evidence-based compassionate care to her patients through their period of recovery. Janae currently practices in Flower Mound, TX and serves the DFW metroplex. She enjoys traveling, yoga, listening to live music with her husband, and watching her son in all his many activities!
Elizabeth (Liz) Gonzalez is a postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She was trained by Partum Health during their inaugural EMBRACE Full-Spectrum Doula Training.
Liz is a mother to 6-year-old boy/girl twins, and had a unique birth experience: delivering her daughter vaginally and her son via Cesarean section.
Liz previously worked at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, first as a Health Educator and then as a Program Coordinator. As Program Coordinator for the Connect Home Visiting Chicago program, she supported pregnant people and families with young children by connecting them to home visiting and community doula programs via coordinated intake.
She holds a Master of Public Health degree with a focus in community health practice from DePaul University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Illinois State University.
Liz is passionate about maternal child health, birth justice, and support during the early childhood years.
Reina Hardimon is a registered nurse with over 4 years of nursing experience, primarily in postpartum, and is a Birthing Advocacy Trained Full Spectrum Doula. Her love and passion caring for moms and their babies began long before her career as a nurse, and is truly a calling and purpose from God.
Being both a nurse and a birthworker, Reina has seen the detrimental effects of our very flawed maternal health care system here in the United States, and is determined to change the narrative and conversations surrounding maternal health care. While she specializes in postpartum care, providing support to all birthing individuals and their families will always remain the main goal.
Whether this is your first or fourth baby, every experience is unique and should always be treated as such. We believe that the postpartum period is more than sleepless nights, aches and pains, and one 6 week check-up. We are here to make sure you know and believe that too.
Whether you are supporting a birthing person or need support as you navigate bringing a new life into this world, we are here for you and look forward to partnering with you.
Brittaney Davidson, BSN, RN, IBCLC, is an internationally certified lactation consultant who is passionate about supporting moms during their lactation/feeding journey.
She has over 6 years of experience as a lactation consultant in a large hospital and community setting. She also has a background in the NICU (level 3&4), as a Clinical Nurse, providing care for critically ill and preterm infants for 7+ years. Brittaney is a graduate of Howard University School of Nursing, in Washington, DC. In May 2011, received a baccalaureate degree in nursing, with a minor in health education, focused on maternal and child health. She has been a licensed and practicing Registered Nurse since September 2011.
Brittaney has a special interest in maternal and child health, and particularly in Lactation and Breastfeeding support. She is a mother to a beautiful, intelligent, and kind 8-year-old daughter, whom she breastfed for 9 months. Brittaney decided to become an IBCLC, due to her own personal struggles with breastfeeding. She passed the IBCLC certification examination in April 2019. Over the past 6+ years, Brittaney has developed her breastfeeding support, education, and communication skills in both the inpatient hospital setting, as well as outpatient consulting. She has worked with mothers of healthy term neonates and infants in the NICU, as well as in home, virtual, and outpatient lactation. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and positive spirit with our Partum Health clients!
Latonia Anthony is an experienced Lactation Consultant based in Houston, Texas, with a deep commitment to supporting maternal and infant health. With over a decade of experience, Latonia has worked in major healthcare facilities, including Texas Children’s Hospital, where she developed individualized breastfeeding plans and managed the care of complex cases in NICU and maternity wards. Her practice is rooted in evidence-based care, and she is known for her ability to assist families with everything from basic breastfeeding challenges to more advanced medical and social needs.
Latonia’s approach emphasizes cultural competence and holistic care, ensuring that each family receives personalized support. She has utilized her expertise in hospitals across Texas and Illinois, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure positive health outcomes. Fluent in providing services to diverse populations, she uses her experience to guide families through the often emotional journey of breastfeeding and postpartum care. Through her work, she continues to empower mothers and create lasting impact in maternal health.
Angela Lewis is a postpartum doula based in Houston, TX. Angela is patient which allows her to provide a calm and nurturing environment. Angela responds quickly to the parent's concerns and will adjust care plans to meet each newborn's needs.
Angela has five years of experience working as a childcare provider (owning a daycare and working in daycare centers as an infant teacher). She has experience working with multiple infants at one time - adhering to feeding and sleep schedules, diapering, creating an infant learning curriculum, and keeping parents updated on the progression/development of their child.
Angela has strong communication skills, which enables her to effectively educate parents on newborn care topics, such as breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and sleep routines. Angela can articulate information clearly and concisely to ensure parents feel confident and empowered in caring for their newborns. Lastly, Angela's excellent time-management abilities allow her to prioritize tasks and maintain a structured routine, which is crucial in providing consistent and reliable care to newborns.
Taylor Jefferson is an accomplished birth and postpartum doula with five years of experience in birth work and nearly two decades in women's health, pediatrics, and family medicine. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, and hailing from the Sugar Land/Richmond area, Taylor is deeply passionate about providing culturally sensitive, non-judgmental, and family-focused care to birthing persons. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. While being certified by DONA International as a birth and postpartum doula she is also a certified childbirth educator. Taylor provides lactation education and is a provisional Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator, empowering families through every stage of their birthing journey and beyond.
As a member of an all-African American female doula collective based in Richmond, Texas, Taylor is dedicated to uplifting her community alongside her "doula sisters." Her extensive healthcare background and compassionate approach allow her to offer comprehensive support, from childbirth education to postpartum care, helping families feel confident and supported. She is focused on contributing to sustainable solutions that will eradicate the maternal health crisis in the U.S.
In addition to her work as a doula, Taylor enjoys expressing her creativity through floral design, latte art, and crafting. She’s known for her beautifully crafted charcuterie boards that are almost too pretty to eat! Outside of her professional commitments, Taylor is actively involved in her church community, participating in worship services and serving in the baby dedication ministry. Her devotion to faith, family, and community is reflected in the care and support she provides to each family she works with.
Greta Maphunsi is a highly experienced postpartum doula with over 15 years of dedication to supporting families through the early stages of parenthood. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, Kirundi, and Kinyarwanda, Greta has worked with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring they feel understood and supported. Her deep understanding of newborn care, combined with her compassionate nature, allows her to provide a calm and nurturing environment for both parents and babies during the crucial postpartum period.
Greta’s expertise goes beyond newborn care; she focuses on helping families adjust to their new normal, offering guidance on feeding, sleep routines, and the emotional challenges of postpartum recovery. She holds certifications in CPR and First Aid and has completed specialized training through programs like Luminous Postpartum, further enhancing her skills to meet the unique needs of each family she serves. As a mother of three herself, Greta understands firsthand the physical and emotional demands of new parenthood, which adds a personal touch to the care she provides.
What sets Greta apart is her adaptability and her ability to create a peaceful space where families can bond with their newborns. Her practice is centered on providing personalized support, tailoring her approach to fit each family's preferences and lifestyle. Greta’s ultimate goal is to empower parents with confidence, fostering a smooth transition into their new roles while ensuring a strong foundation for their growing family.
Since 2018, Ciara Reese has supported growing Dallas-Fort Worth families as a birth and postpartum doula. She received her B.A in Psychology from Spelman College and Masters in Professional Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University.
As a mental-health advocate and doula, Ciara strives to normalize mental health experiences both prenatally and during the chaotic transition into parenthood. Ciara believes education, unwavering support and holding space for women to speak their truth are essential in the fight against the decline of maternal mental health. Resulting in women who are able to courageously embrace the journey of motherhood by relearning themselves as the women God crafted them to be.
A nurturer at heart, by age seven Ciara’s hobbies included taking her Barbie dolls to school, crafting fancy grilled cheese sandwiches and binge- watching TLC’s “A Baby Story” on weekends with her mom. By age 10 Ciara attended three births of family members which reinforced her passion to be in as many birth rooms as possible.
When Ciara is not supporting families or playing patty-cake with her toddler son, she is spending time with her husband and large family. As an act of self- care, Ciara indulges in seasons of Master Chef getting tutored by Chef Gordon Ramsey and his fellow guest judges.
Laura Silvas is a dedicated Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a wealth of experience in both clinical and supportive roles. With a background in Labor and Delivery nursing, Laura combines her hands-on expertise with her passion for nurturing new families.
As a mother herself, Laura understands the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding and is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care. She offers both in-home and virtual lactation consultations, tailoring her approach to meet the individual needs of each family she supports.
Laura's approach is rooted in empathy, education, and practical solutions, helping new parents build confidence and achieve their breastfeeding goals. Her comprehensive support extends beyond the clinical aspects of lactation, encompassing the emotional and psychological adjustments that come with new parenthood.
With Laura by your side, you can expect not only professional guidance but also a supportive ally in your breastfeeding journey.
Lisa Moy is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. A graduate of Elmhurst University, she received her Baccalaureate in both Nursing and Psychology. Lisa has worked in community-based hospitals for the past 30 years, assisting families both before and after giving birth to achieve their breast/chest feeding goals.
Lisa’s strengths in the infant feeding field include: maternal nutrition, establishing lactation/milk supply, maintaining lactation while separated from baby/returning to work, nursing the older baby/toddler and emotional support of the family.
Lisa is an active listener, and has a calm, reassuring demeanor. She stays current on infant feeding research and has many resources available for additional support.
Jasmine LaCour is a dedicated birth doula who has transformed her own personal journey into a passionate career supporting families through the miraculous experience of childbirth. Her path to becoming a birth doula began with her own transformative birth experience, where she discovered the profound impact that a supportive presence can have during labor and delivery. This eye-opening journey inspired her to empower other expectant parents, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and comfortable as they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of bringing new life into the world.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, Jasmine approaches her work with sensitivity and awareness. She understands that each birthing experience is unique, and she tailors her support to meet the individual needs of her clients. Her commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment is at the core of her practice, allowing families to feel confident and secure during one of the most significant moments of their lives. Jasmine’s empathetic nature and attentive demeanor enable her to respond effectively to the emotional nuances of childbirth, ensuring that each family feels heard and valued.
In addition to her doula work, Jasmine is also a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), a role that has further enriched her skill set. The experience she has gained in this field has taught her the importance of remaining calm and rooted in high-pressure situations, a quality she brings to her doula practice. By merging her trauma-informed approach with her background as an RBT, Jasmine provides a comprehensive and supportive experience for families, guiding them through the journey of birth with confidence, compassion, and care.
Diane Benner is a certified lactation consultant with 17 years experience in the lactation field, and got her start in maternal child health on a postpartum and labor and delivery unit. She also cross trained to a level three NICU.
Diane has a masters of science in nursing and a bachelors of science in nursing. She was certified as an IBCLC in 2007.
She enjoys teaching & have lots of experience in the area of hospital inpatient, outpatient clinics, home visits, and conducting childbirth education classes, and infant care classes.
Diane got her start as part of a team at Indiana University Medical Center which was also a Baby Friendly hospital system. She has worked primarily in pediatrics, postpartum, labor, and delivery, and in public health settings. Diane's specialties are creating strategies that work for you, and having your goals in mind; working with breast-feeding assistance and support, consultations, early parenting education, evidence based care, exclusive pumping, and paced bottle feeding techniques, latch issues, using feeding aids, low milk, supply, or over supply, feeding assistance with multiples, newborn comfort measures and calming skills, and breast pain, postpartum care, and support for pregnancy loss.
Premila Martin is a Physical therapist based in Houston, Texas. Premila holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from St. Augustine University of Health Sciences. She is Board-certified in orthopedics by the American Board of Physical Therapy and specializes in orthopedic, sports, vestibular, and pelvic health treatments.
She has completed numerous pelvic health and pregnancy-related courses and has a special interest in treating musculoskeletal issues in pregnancy and postnatal patients. Additionally, she is certified in dry needling. With over 20 years of experience, Premila is committed to prioritizing her patients' needs and helping them achieve their goals. Her treatment approach is evidence-based, patient-centered, and tailored to each individual. In her free time, Premila enjoys outdoor activities, jogging, gardening, and traveling.
Neketa Joseph is a community doula servicing Dallas and surrounding areas. Her passion for families with young children began in 2014 when she started working with a church nursery, and that fostered her journey to becoming a nanny and later down the road a preschool teacher and assistant director.
Neketa began teaching preschool in 2018, and during that time her focus was on newborns to 6 weeks. There she realized how important that first year is not only for babies but the parents as well. Most of them were losing sleep on things that just having a supportive extra hand could really be for both. From then on, Neketa only nannied for children under the age of 3 because she saw and understood the need for that extra help emotionally and physically. Neketa started her professional doula journey in April 2023 and received her certification from Paradigm Doulas in October of 2023.
Neketa's passion and reason for becoming a doula is to advocate the need for extra support in the birthing world. Her goal is to help all birthing people get the education, physical and emotional support that they desire as the transition into parenthood begins. When she is not wearing her doula hat, Neketa enjoys going fishing, trying out new recipes and spending time with her family.
Shaquaya Frank is a prenatal and postpartum doula through the Mama Glow Foundation and with additional training from CAPPA. Specializing in sound healing, nutrition, holistic postpartum care, emotional support, and newborn care, Shaquaya has over five years of experience in the maternal health field. Her mission is to empower families by supporting informed choices and creating nurturing environments during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Ms. Frank earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Pittsburgh. Her distinguished career in supporting families is driven by a commitment to education and holistic care, believing that informed decision-making is crucial throughout the maternal journey.
Shaquaya's path to becoming a doula was profoundly influenced by her personal experiences with childbirth. Her own journey through motherhood revealed the significant impact a compassionate and knowledgeable presence can have on a birthing person's confidence and well-being.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys creating cherished memories with her son, practicing mindful exercises such as yoga and meditation, traveling, watching sports, and thrifting.
Certifications/Trainings: CAPPA & Mama Glow Foundation
Specialties: Sound Healing, Nutrition, holistic postpartum care, Emotional support, Newborn care
June Bernays is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Carrollton, Texas. Her love for children led her to study Human Development and Family Science at the University of North Texas. For the last few years she has directed her passion into childcare and social services. In her work with adults with Autism she deepened her love for caring for individuals and supporting the family unit. While enjoying her family and friends bring new life into the world, she saw a gap in care and pursued education to help those close to her. She gained both doula certifications through Madriella and enjoys learning more every day. She is working towards being a breastfeeding educator and certified Bereavement Doula.
June believes that every family should be well informed and supported in their choices. Being a doula allows her to bring informational, emotional, and physical support. June follows evidence-based information and practices. In both birth and postpartum care, her goal is to be an encouraging partner in your transition into parenthood.
June enjoys being with family, crafting, running and reading in her spare time. She enjoys volunteering in her church’s nursery and serving with her husband in the youth ministry.
Shonda is a certified Birthing and Postpartum Doula with over 30 years of experience in the medical industry. From a young age, she have always been a healer and caregiver at heart, and her extensive background in healthcare has only deepened her commitment to supporting others.
In addition to her work with birth, Shonda provide dedicated postpartum care, including newborn (preemie) night care and newborn sleep training. Her goal is to help families establish healthy routines and create a nurturing environment for their new arrivals. She believe in empowering parents with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive during this transformative time.
She is passionate about her role as a doula and feel privileged to be a part of such a significant moment in my clients' lives. Shonda's commitment is to offer compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each family's unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
Jackie is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in Mansfield, Texas. She has worked as an RN IBCLC in several different regions of the country, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. These experiences have provided Jackie with the opportunity to diversify her approach to infant feeding.
Her nursing career began as a postpartum nurse where she fell in love with helping new parents navigate the first few days with a newborn. Jackie was also fascinated by the science of breastfeeding and infant/maternal bonding. She very quickly realized her passion was in educating and empowering new moms to achieve their breastfeeding goals which lead her to pursue her IBCLC certification in 2018. Jackie stands by the old adages of “Knowledge is Power” and “It Takes a Village” and that’s why she is passionate about educating and supporting new parents with a multidisciplinary, whole family approach.
In addition to her professional experience, Jackie successfully breastfed both of her children for 8 months and 13 months, respectively. She learned a lot along the way as a new mom with her first and faced several medical challenges with her second which made breastfeeding difficult. She truly understands and appreciates that each and every breastfeeding journey is unique and different and having an informed support system in place is the key to success. Jackie considers herself a lifelong learner of all things lactation and she is excited about using her always growing knowledge and expertise to help new families overcome breastfeeding challenges and meet THEIR feeding goals.
Carleigh Joseph is a licensed master social worker, perinatal doula, family educator and maternal mental health therapist with a passion for making a direct impact with families in her community.
Carleigh's passion for birthwork and advocacy for resources motivated her to achieve a master's degree in Social Work with a specialization in Children and Families. Carleigh has furthered her knowledge base post-grad by completing maternal mental health trainings with Postpartum Support International and birth doula, postpartum doula and new parent educator courses with Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA). Carleigh's work in each of her respective fields allows her to provide a multifaceted approach to empowering families and providing holistic care that nurtures both the body and mind during the perinatal period.
Carleigh believes in the transformative power of support, education, and community. Her mission is to provide transformative support and education to women and families to restore the strength of "The Village". She is a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University and University of Texas at Arlington, adoring wife, and proud mother.
Aime Mite is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and lactation support provider. Since 2018, she has been passionately supporting families as they transition into parenthood, helping them navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey from pregnancy to early parenthood.
Aime's approach is centered on providing compassionate, personalized care that empowers parents to make informed decisions. She has had the honor of assisting over 200 families, offering a calming presence during labor, hands-on guidance with newborn care, and expert lactation support.
Aime believes that every family deserves to feel supported and confident during this transformative time. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, She here to provide the care and reassurance you need. Aime's goal is to create a nurturing environment where parents and babies can thrive together.
When not working with families, you can find Aime enjoying nature walks, cooking wholesome meals, and spending time with my own family. Aime would love to support you on your parenting journey—feel free to reach out to learn more about how we can work together.
Sydney PettyJohn is a Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) has cared for postpartum women and newborns since 2017. She attended Texas A&M University where she received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and went on to be a registered nurse at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. It was during her experience as a postpartum nurse that Sydney felt a deep calling to help support, empower, and educate parents to their unique feeding goals. This passion ultimately led Sydney to pursue further education in lactation care.
Being able to draw from her personal experience, she is uniquely qualified to help mothers walk through the challenges of babies with possible food intolerances, slow weight gain, and latch difficulties.
Sydney leans in with empathy to instill confidence in new mothers through the basics and even in the most difficult feeding circumstances. Her greatest hope is that you will find her time with you to be a welcome respite from the stress of trying to figure this out on your own.
Caitlyn’s passion for working with children and families is longstanding with 10 years working in the education field in addition to her doula training. As a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing she worked with students of all ages as well as families of children 0-5, focusing on language development, milestones, advocacy, and parent education. She was called to explore Doula work after finishing her health coaching training and supporting a friend through pregnancy and the postpartum period, witnessing the support that families could really benefit from while navigating the medical system and new parenthood in our society, while also having the desire to call upon her experience in education and working with children and families.
In addition to being a certified postpartum doula, Caitlyn is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Hormone Coach, and Holistic Pregnancy and Birth Practitioner. Her passion for integrative and holistic health guides her in taking a personalized approach to caring for, educating, and supporting her clients and families to meet them where they are, while providing evidence-based care during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She believes the postpartum period is one of the most special and important times in the parents’ and child’s lives that can set the tone for the next few months, years, and beyond.
In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys spending time in nature, especially exploring places like the Morton Arboretum, visiting friends in the Pacific Northwest, trying new recipes, or spending time with her pets at home. She is honored to have the opportunity to walk alongside you and your family in the postpartum period and beyond.
Karrie is a dedicated Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (RN IBCLC) based in Dallas, Texas with two decades of experience in lactation support. Her journey began in pediatrics, where she discovered a deep passion for assisting mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. Over the years, Karrie’s expertise and commitment have made her a trusted figure in the field, helping countless mothers navigate the challenges and joys of breastfeeding.
Karrie’s approach is centered on providing comprehensive education and practical tools to empower mothers. She believes in the importance of informed support, offering personalized guidance that respects each family’s unique needs and goals. Whether through one-on-one consultations or group workshops, Karrie takes pride in making a positive impact on the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies.
Erin is a certified Postpartum Doula through ProDoula International.
While going through a transition in her own life, Erin realized that her experience as a yoga teacher and a veteran mom to a teen and a college student made her the perfect candidate to be the calm, supportive presence you need to find your ideal parenting rhythm. Her commitment to flexibility and nonjudgement will allow you to try the approaches that are best for you.
Having a baby is almost always a huge transition for new parents. Having a gentle but confident person by your side to support you can make all the difference in ensuring it’s a positive one.
Shreya’s journey into physical therapy began in 2014, inspired by her father's battle with diabetes. Witnessing him endure numerous treatments and medications, often accompanied by side effects, led her to explore alternative treatment options. This exploration revealed the healing potential of physical therapy, igniting her passion for helping individuals regain their quality of life through tailored therapeutic interventions. Shreya earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Loma Linda University, California, and holds a Master's degree in Exercise Science from California Baptist University.
Shreya has a strong interest in providing care to pre-partum and post-partum patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunctions. She has specialized training in pelvic floor rehabilitation from Evidence in Motion. Her therapeutic techniques include manual therapy, biofeedback, tailored exercise programs, and therapeutic pain management, all aimed at enhancing pelvic floor flexibility, strength, and function. Additionally, Shreya is dedicated to educating her patients on lifestyle changes and self-care strategies to support their recovery and prevent future issues. She also specializes in vestibular rehabilitation.
Shreya's professional affiliations include the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Section on Women's Health of the APTA. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate understanding of her patients' unique needs. She is passionate about empowering her patients and is committed to providing the highest standard of care to help them achieve their health goals. Shreya looks forward to making a positive impact on her patients' lives at Partum Health. Outside of work, Shreya enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, strength training, and cooking delicious Indian food.
Paulette is a licensed clinical professional counselor who has previously worked in the hospital and outpatient clinic settings. She has experience working with people across the lifespan including children, teenagers, adults, older adults, couples, and families. Paulette has experience working with a wide range of concerns and diagnoses including trauma, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational problems. Paulette also speaks fluent Spanish and offers therapy in both English and Spanish.
Paulette has completed training with Postpartum Support International and is in the process of becoming certified in perinatal mental health. In addition, she completed an OB rotation where she trained and received supervision on perinatal cases.
Paulette often uses interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, and CPT. She believes in validating people’s diverse backgrounds and the ways in which this informs their worldview. Together we will work to find our way to your most authentic self.
Dionne Allison has over 25 years of experience working with kids of all ages infants, newborns, toddlers, preteens and beyond. As an infant care specialist, her expertise includes multiples, premature babies, latching, sleep training, colic, and reflux.
Dionne's main goal is to be there for moral, and emotional support and to help new parents navigate this special time. Bringing a baby home can be an overwhelming transition, but it doesn't have to be. Dionne will teach and assist you to understand your baby's needs and care such as: behavioral sleeping, learning to have your baby sleeping through the night by 12 weeks, swaddling, soothing, breastfeeding/formula feeding, reflux, colic, and more.
Jasmin Johnson is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula through Earth Mama Naturals. She is a Dallas native and has been serving the DFW area since 2020. Jasmin’s own birthing experience is what sparked the beginning of her doula career. Jasmin has attended hospital births, water births, home births, scheduled C- Sections, and worked with local birthing centers. She is all about offering guidance and making sure families know their options during such an important time.
Jasmin has also taken nutrition and breathwork classes to help families in the most holistic way possible. Her postpartum care includes meal prepping, newborn care, light housekeeping, and assistance with overall recovery after birth.
Outside of birthwork Jasmin’s hobbies include, practicing yoga, gardening, cooking, and maintaining a holistic body care line. Her 7 year old son also keeps her busy with wrestling and football., and lots of other outdoor activities.
Mandy Golman, PhD, MS, RN, BSN, IBCLC is an RN, Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and postpartum doula with over 25 years of experience in childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting education. Dr. Golman is committed to improving the postpartum experience and providing families the tools they need to achieve their breastfeeding goals.
In addition to working with new families, she is a professor in the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology at Texas Woman's University (TWU) and is also Co-Director of the TWU Institute of Women’s Health, a collaborative research hub dedicated to leading the charge on research and improving the lives of women around the world and is a frequent, in-demand speaker known for delivering engaging and accessible workshops on female wellness, lactation, parenting, sexuality, and positive body image.
Taler Moore is a registered nurse with a background in antepartum, labor and delivery, postpartum and newborn intensive care unit. What sets her apart from most doulas is her relaxed and flexible nature. She has a very go-with-your-flow approach balanced with the confidence that you can have your baby. Whether it's massage, words of affirmation, gentle rocking, silence, or a supportive and reassuring presence, Taler is here to support whatever the need may be.
Taler's mission is to bring back the importance of a safe, loving, and knowledgeable birth experience. She believes all people deserve to be surrounded by a community of unconditional support as they become parents. Her passion for women’s health was sparked by the 2016 death of Kira Johnson, a mama whose c-section took a turn for the worst. The maternal mortality rate, especially black women, increased her drive to help educate women during their journey.
Mignon (Mimi) Fields is a dedicated certified birth and nutritional doula based in Houston, TX, bringing a wealth of expertise and compassion to her practice. With a solid background in Health Information Management and a professional massage therapy license, Mignon possesses exceptional skills in comfort measures and a deep understanding of the medical landscape. Her journey into the birth world began in her early teens and was fueled by her own transformative experience of motherhood, inspiring her to pursue her lifelong passion as a doula.
Specializing in prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, Mignon offers a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to support families during these pivotal life stages. Certified in CPR, first aid, and AED, she excels in high-stress situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of her clients at all times. Drawing from personal experience and the wisdom gained through her own pregnancy and postpartum period, Mignon is committed to empowering families with the tools and confidence they need to navigate childbirth and early parenthood with grace and resilience. Her heartfelt dedication shines through in every aspect of her practice, as she strives to create a supportive environment where families can feel nurtured, informed, and prepared for the journey ahead.
Lavondria Williams is a birth doula based in DFW area in Texas. Lavondria has a love for serving mothers and families in need and providing informed consent care along with meeting the families desires.
Lavondria is dedicated to changing the narrative for maternal birth outcomes. A certified birth and postpartum doula, sibling doula, and childbirth educator in the community. Lavondria has been certified since 2018 through Birth Boot Camp and currently on the road to become a midwife through Mercy in Action school. Through Birth Boot Camp training she became equipped with birth and postpartum knowledge.
In additional to her birth work, Lavondria is raising 2 children and doing midwifery school. This life experience and training for midwifery allows her to have a better grasp on birthing women and supporting their families overall.
Lavondria has a unique ability to mold her doula care specifically to each clients needs and wants for birth while also keeping a safe, calm and supportive environment. With every client her goal is for the mother to feel seen and heard in her birth experience!
Naomi Williams is a Birth and Postpartum Doula, health & wellness chef, and natural birth advocate based in Dallas, Texas. Having been based between NY and TX for the last few years, Naomi brings a diverse range of experiences to her work. She holds a degree in Children & Youth Studies and has studied Early Childhood Education. In addition to her doula training, Naomi has complementary education in lactation, sleep training, and newborn care. Her overall goal is to provide a safe, peaceful, and informed pregnancy and birth experience.
Naomi uses evidence-based information to support the birthing person and enhance the family's emotional capacity to birth beautifully in their unique way. She focuses on helping mothers feel self-motivated, calm, and mentally strong. Naomi employs holistic childbirth methods that recognize the impact of the mind and spirit, as well as the physical body, on the birth experience. These methods include massages, birthing balls, water birth, aromatherapy, meditation, hydrotherapy, and more. Whether planning a non-medicated birth, receiving an epidural, having a home birth, birthing at a hospital or birth center, having a planned c-section, or hoping to avoid a c-section, Naomi helps families navigate a plan that is best for them.
Naomi also loves helping families plan their postpartum life to ensure the transition is as manageable as possible for each member. Her postpartum services focus on both the baby and mother during this crucial time. With her training and background in newborn care, Naomi eases parents' minds and helps families focus on the moment. She provides guidance on baby care, sleep routines, breastfeeding support, and more, reminding families of their options and ushering in practices and habits that encourage a healthy recovery.
Naomi's holistic and nurturing approach makes her an extremely special part of the birthing journey for many families. Her commitment to supporting families through evidence-based information, emotional encouragement, and practical assistance ensures that each family feels empowered and prepared. Naomi's dedication to her clients' well-being and her extensive knowledge make her an invaluable resource for families before, during, and after childbirth.
Diane is a Night nurse/Doula/Infant care specialist/NCS with over 15+ years of experience. Diane has extensive experience both personal and professional with singletons, twins & triplets. She is extremely reliable, dependable and compassionate. Diane is a mom of 5 older kids including a set of fraternal twins. Her passion is helping familes get well deserved sleep in order to take care of their little ones. She will give you valuable information needed in order to care for your newborn baby. Diane has always said "their is not a manual on how to take care of a newborn". "Once you are released from the hospital you are on your own". Which is where Dianecomes in to help extensively. She absolutely loves what she does and can not wait to meet you bundle of joy (s).
Maliha Ansari specializes in Full Spectrum Doula care, childbirth education, and infant care. Her areas of expertise include pregnancy exercises, labor pain coping skills, mother labor and postpartum essential oil massage, Rebozo skills for labor, belly binding techniques, lactation assistance, infant and sibling care, infant oil massage, and infant bottle feeding.
Maliha considers birth to be sacred and the transformation into motherhood to be spiritual. As a certified AMANI-Birth Childbirth Educator and Doula, she believes that every woman deserves to have an empowering birth experience regardless of the birthing path she takes. To achieve that mission, Maliha is committed to providing evidence-based information; and emotional and physical support through the perinatal journey to diverse populations of women.
Her personal hospital birth experience of her second child in 2019 led her to a conviction that there is much work needed with regards to educating everyone about the importance of instinctive and physiological birth. With this profound knowledge, she wants to uplift birth one family at a time. She also wishes to grow and learn ancient and traditional wisdom of birth care from around the world, and wishes to pass this knowledge on to communities.
She loves to make time for her family, meditating, connecting to nature, trailwalks, reading, baking, swimming and community engagement.
Rosalina Rashad is a CAPPA-trained birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL, with many years of experience supporting families. She specializes in working with twins and has a wealth of experience with both singletons and busier families with multiple children. Rosalina understands that the transition into parenthood can be overwhelming, and she is dedicated to making the experience a positive one. Families describe her as kind, loving, energetic, patient, calm, a very good listener, and an excellent cook.
Rosalina became a doula because she enjoys supporting families as they navigate the many obstacles and transitions of parenthood. She is always non-judgmental and supports families in a loving way. Seeing families smile when she leaves because the house is tidy, laundry is complete, meals are prepared, mom is rested, and the baby is fed brings her great joy. Rosalina strives to make family life as easy and stress-free as possible, providing comprehensive support that addresses both practical and emotional needs.
In her doula practice, Rosalina focuses on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for her clients. Her approach is personalized to meet the unique needs of each family, ensuring that parents feel confident and empowered during their transition into parenthood. Rosalina's expertise in handling multiples and her ability to maintain a calm and organized household make her an invaluable resource for new parents.
When she is not supporting families, Rosalina enjoys spending time with her own family. Her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for helping families navigate the postpartum period make her a cherished part of the journey for many families. Rosalina's warmth, expertise, and commitment to her clients' well-being ensure that every family she works with feels supported and cared for.
Mallory Ward is a queer-identifying PALS-certified birth doula, DONA-trained postpartum doula, and GentleBirth Childbirth Educator based in Chicago, IL. She is passionate about helping families achieve their desired birth experience, whatever that may look like. Mallory is proud to provide evidence-based support to all families, specializing in multiples, high-risk births, and NICU navigation. Her dedication to inclusive care ensures that every family feels supported and empowered throughout their journey.
In addition to her career as a doula and childbirth educator, Mallory manages postpartum programming and serves as a subject matter expert for a large non-profit organization. She has 13 years of experience managing collaborative and outcomes research. While raising her family, Mallory completed her Master's degree from Northwestern University in Global Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health. She also serves as a community volunteer doula for a birth justice organization and has mentored numerous twin and singleton families.
Families love Mallory's maternal approach to care and her ability to tailor support to their unique needs. Her clients feel comforted by her loving approach, extensive knowledge, and access to resources, knowing they are in the best hands with her. Mallory's passion for advocacy, equity, and community education shines through in her work, making her a trusted and invaluable support for the families she serves.
In her free time, Mallory enjoys spending time with her four children, including twins, and playing with her unruly rescue pups. Her commitment to helping families achieve their desired birth experience and her dedication to providing comprehensive, compassionate care ensure that each family she works with feels confident and supported. "I am passionate about helping families achieve their desired birth experience, whatever that may look like," says Mallory, reflecting her deep commitment to her clients' well-being and satisfaction.
Geneva Hill is a professionally trained and certified Birth/Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, serving the greater Houston area. She is also CPR and First Aid Certified. With over 25 years of experience in caring for newborns to school-age children, Geneva has developed a passion for supporting new families as they welcome their babies home. Her unique approach centers on empathy, personalized care, and inclusive support, ensuring that every family member, including older siblings and fathers, feels involved and confident.
Geneva's professional journey began in Tulsa, OK, and led her to Houston, TX, where she has been a dedicated Birth/Postpartum Doula for over 3 years. She received her training from Doula Trainings International (DTI) and has since provided invaluable support to numerous families. Her comprehensive training and extensive experience enable her to offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, comfort measures, nutrition, initial breastfeeding, affirmations, physical and mental support, infant soothing, and basic newborn care.
As a postpartum doula, Geneva's sessions are characterized by continuous physical and emotional support tailored to each family's needs. She is committed to helping parents establish routines that ensure the best possible outcomes in the first 12 weeks and beyond. Geneva's warm and kind approach, combined with her dedication to staying informed about the latest in newborn care, makes her an invaluable resource for new parents.
In addition to her doula services, Geneva enjoys making arts and crafts, watching movies about babies, and reading informative materials about supporting new families. She loves taking walks near water, where she feels most grounded. Geneva is a non-smoker and prefers cats over dogs. "It is my honor and privilege to serve you," says Geneva, reflecting her deep commitment to her clients' well-being and confidence as they embark on their parenting journey.
Natalie Miller is a Christian, wife, mother of four children, nurse, photographer, and certified doula based in Chicago, IL. She has 9 years of labor and delivery nursing experience as well as her own varying personal experiences with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Since 2014, Natalie has also been a professional photographer, providing treasured memories for people through weddings, family portraits, professional headshots, and maternity, birth, and newborn photos.
Natalie has a passion for pregnant women and the care of themselves and their newborns. This passion has led her to provide comprehensive prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support and education. She combines her medical expertise with her photography skills to capture amazing moments for women and their families to cherish forever. Her approach is holistic, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth and newborn care.
Natalie's goal is to guide and support women through their bodily changes and prepare them with the necessary resources for pregnancy, labor, and newborn care. She aims to empower women and their partners throughout these life-changing experiences, helping them to feel confident in themselves and their bodies. Natalie’s compassionate and knowledgeable support makes her a valuable resource for families during this transformative time.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family and practicing her photography. She looks forward to being by your side through this amazing journey, offering both professional support and capturing precious moments along the way. Natalie's dedication to her clients and her passion for empowering women and their families ensure that every family she works with feels supported and celebrated.
Julie Lambert is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula based outside of Chicago, IL. With a professional background that includes nearly a decade at Accenture in their Change Management and Knowledge Management groups, Julie transitioned to nonprofit arts administration after earning her Master’s in English Language and Literature. Her personal birth experiences, which range from a cesarean due to a frank breech presentation to VBACs and a home birth, have given her a profound appreciation and respect for the birthing process.
Julie’s involvement in the Chicago birth community began in 2006 when she co-founded the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) of Chicago while pregnant with her third child. Julie served as the chapter leader for several years and organized community events, including the Chicago premiere of “The Business of Being Born.” She has completed labor and birth doula training through DONA, completed CAPPA Postpartum Doula training, and volunteered with Chicago Volunteer Doulas, supporting vulnerable communities.
Julie has a special interest in trauma and somatic movement and is currently writing a book on trauma and memory. Julie has also worked with Somatic Experiencing facilitators and taken courses with Kimberly Ann Johnson and Molly Caro May. Additionally, she has trained in Well Woman Yoga Therapy and studied Peaceful Parenting to enhance her understanding and connection with children.
As a lifelong learner committed to improving women's and families' health and well-being, Julie brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to her work as a birth and postpartum doula. Julie continues to engage in additional courses to enrich her clients’ experiences, including “Physiological Baby Care” and “Understanding Trauma for Birth and Death Doulas." She is thrilled to be a doula with Partum Health. Julie lives outside of Chicago with her husband, four children, three cats, and a dog.
Joy Schreiber is an experienced and trained Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) based in Chicago, IL, with over 20 years of experience in helping parents adjust to their new normal with the addition of their newborn. She is enthusiastic about setting families up for success and educating new parents on various aspects of newborn care, including helping older siblings adjust to their new role.
Joy is trained by Newborn Care Solutions and specializes in newborn care and sleep conditioning. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development ensures that she stays current with the latest practices and techniques in newborn care. Joy's expertise and compassionate approach make her a trusted resource for families navigating the early stages of parenthood.
Joy specializes in setting up routines to ensure the best possible outcomes in the first 12 weeks and beyond. She has extensive experience working with multiples and infants with reflux, supporting both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding families. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, providing comprehensive support and guidance during the critical early stages of a newborn's life.
“I love being able to help families adjust to their new normal while educating parents and helping them make the best informed decisions for their family,” says Joy. Her commitment to providing exceptional care and support helps families feel confident and empowered as they welcome their newest addition.
Allyson Murden is a compassionate and dedicated Newborn Care Specialist, Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Business Owner based in the Greater Chicago Area. With a particular passion for supporting families during their journey into parenthood, Allyson aims to make the transition to parenthood a smooth and beautiful experience. She has successfully counseled and educated families in various areas from pregnancy and beyond, offering support and evidence-based information relating to pregnancy, birth, newborn care, early childhood development, and the family unit.
As the owner of Blessed Beginnings with Allyson Newborn Care and Childbirth Services, LLC, since November 2015, Allyson provides emotional support to parents in the last trimester of pregnancy. She uses comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, massage, and counter pressure. Allyson helps parents become informed about various birth choices and continuously reassures and comforts the birthing person by remaining at their side throughout labor and delivery. She encourages people to advocate for themselves and facilitates communication between the birthing person and care provider.
In the newborn stage, Allyson creates a smooth transition for families by assisting with setting a routine, providing overnight care, and implementing sleep training when appropriate. She educates and supports parents by offering instruction on proper swaddling, feeding, changing, bathing, and more. Allyson's comprehensive care includes feeding, diapering, umbilical cord care, circumcision care, burping, bottle sterilization, and assisting mothers with breastfeeding. She maintains a thorough log of infant feeding and sleeping patterns, assures a safe environment, and initiates a schedule for sleeping and feeding. Allyson also assists parents with night feeding and provides skilled techniques to soothe fussy or colicky babies.
In addition to her hands-on care, Allyson has cultivated and maintained relationships with healthcare providers to offer childbirth education and doula services to their patients. Allyson's dedication to her clients and her comprehensive approach to newborn care and childbirth education make her a trusted and invaluable resource for new families. "I love helping families navigate the journey into parenthood and providing the support they need to feel confident and empowered," says Allyson.
Shala McKee, formally known as the Well Rooted Doula, is a postpartum doula and Cultural Anthropologist based in Houston, TX. Originally from Honolulu, HI, Shala began her doula training with Doula Trainings International (DTI). She centers her doula philosophy on three main principles: empathy, autonomy, and authenticity. Shala believes every client has the right to self-determination and supports them in creating the postpartum experience that suits them best.
Shala encourages clients to trust their intuition and their innate ability to care for their baby. She provides a calming touch and evidence-based resources as clients (re)enter their journey into parenthood. Understanding that every family is different, Shala employs active listening, critical thinking, and creates opportunities for feedback to ensure all parties involved feel comfortable. She celebrates clients regardless of their family structure or background, acknowledging and honoring her roots while encouraging clients to do the same.
Shala is known for her warm and kind interactions, yet she is gently firm in her advocacy for friends, family, and clients alike. Her dedication to empathy, autonomy, and authenticity ensures that each family she works with feels supported and empowered. Shala is excited to provide her unique blend of cultural and practical expertise to help families navigate the postpartum period with confidence and ease.
Outside of being a doula, Shala enjoys learning of all kinds, whether through traditional academia or herbalism. She is a trained classical ballet dancer, an avid sudoku player, and a passionate consumer of reality TV. Shala can often be found somewhere near the ocean, where she feels most grounded.
Kelly Simkowski is a Chicago area-based birth and postpartum Doula with additional experience with multiples, NICU stays and HypnoBirth training. She is DONA and ProDoula trained and certified.
She has been led through her own experience with fertility struggles and medicalized births to make birth a sacred occasion. She wants to ensure every birthing mother has someone to support them in claiming their power and in trusting their bodies. Hiring a doula is the greatest way to honor your birth experience and make it unique to you!
Kelly is a born nurturer and loves to “mother” the birthing person during labor and also during their immediate postpartum journey. She intuitively reads baby language and loves teaching that skill to new parents, so they soon become experts in communicating with their little one. Her organizational skills help families get in to a gentle rhythm that fits their own unique style.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, hiking in the woods, reading, gardening and hanging out with her 5 children. She has been know to binge watch Netflix on occasion, too!
Charis Madison is a fully trained and specialized Post-Partum doula in the Chicago/Bronzeville area. She received her training through the DONA International Organization. Charis has been working with children for the majority of her life as a Patient Technician, Behavioral Technician, and Nanny. She was drawn to the doula community after assisting a friend through a difficult pregnancy as a single mom, realizing she wanted to continue supporting new moms through this challenging yet rewarding time.
For the past year, Charis has been working as a Post-Partum Doula, providing support to families during their post-partum stages. She has received multiple testimonies from families she has cared for, attesting to her compassionate and effective support. Charis is trained and educated in breastfeeding, lactation, sleep preparation, meal preparation, and more, ensuring that families have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as new parents.
Charis's approach as a Post-Partum Doula focuses on ensuring families have the peace of mind and comfort needed to care for themselves and their children effectively. She is dedicated to providing support that helps parents feel confident and empowered. Whether it's assisting with breastfeeding, establishing sleep routines, or preparing nutritious meals, Charis aims to make the transition into parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible.
Passionate about her role as a Post-Partum Doula, Charis is committed to helping families navigate this special time with ease and joy. Her extensive training and experience enable her to provide support tailored to the unique needs of each family. Charis looks forward to being part of each family's journey, helping to create a nurturing and supportive environment for their growing family.
CJ Thorp is a birth doula and midwifery student based in Houston, TX, who has been passionate about the birth world for many years. Trained by DONA, she also works at a freestanding birth center. CJ is dedicated to promoting a calm, low-intervention environment and trusts the abilities of our bodies to do the work of birth when given the time and space.
CJ celebrates the importance of prenatal education, informed decision making, and respecting the birth space. She views birth as a completely normal life event, not a medical emergency, and believes it can usually happen on its own with little guidance. CJ “celebrate[s] the importance of prenatal education, informed decision making, and promote[s] a calm, low-intervention environment, trusting the abilities of our bodies to do the work of birth, when given the time and space."
CJ is committed to helping families feel empowered and informed throughout their birthing journey. Her passion for birth work and dedication to creating a supportive and peaceful birth environment make her a trusted and valuable resource for expectant parents.
In her free time, CJ enjoys traveling, drumming, and exploring Houston's many restaurants. As a Christian, she celebrates and respects everybody's different paths to parenthood, ensuring that her support is inclusive and respectful of diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
Tanesha Adams is a DONA certified birth doula, Rebozo Certified, and CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula based in Houston, TX. She has been a birth doula for over eight years and has been a mother for 28 years. Tanesha volunteered with the Hearts and Hands doula program at UCSD for two years before taking on private clients and has continuously trained with the BEC. Her extensive experience and dedication to continuous learning make her a trusted support for families.
Before her journey into birth work, Tanesha was (and still is) a Board Certified Massage Therapist and a Reiki Master. Her background in massage therapy and Reiki provides her with a unique perspective and intuitive insight into her clients' needs. As a spiritual consultant, Tanesha offers a holistic approach to her doula work, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Tanesha is also a classically trained chef and often supports her clients with meal consulting, ensuring they receive nutritious and delicious meals during the postpartum period. Her comprehensive support extends to both the birthing person and their partner, helping partners feel just as supported through the birth experience. Tanesha is known for her patience, empathy, and ability to create a calm and supportive environment.
In her free time, Tanesha enjoys meditating, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about turning small talk into meaningful conversations and making every interaction count. Tanesha is excited to meet new clients and be a part of their journey, offering her expertise and compassionate care. "I love birth and can support you physically as well as emotionally. I can’t wait to meet you and be a part of your journey!"
Sheena Drummond is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Houston, Texas, with over six years of experience working with teens and adults. She works with adult individuals and couples, bringing an authentic, honest, and welcoming approach to her practice. Sheena is committed to meeting clients where they are in their journey and working collaboratively to foster healing and change.
Sheena is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and primarily works from a strengths-based and solution-focused approach. She tailors her methods to meet the individual needs of her clients, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Her areas of concentration include perinatal/postpartum concerns and trauma, where she offers specialized support to help clients navigate these challenging experiences.
Sheena believes it is okay to accept support and emphasizes that no one has to go through their struggles alone. She is happy to discuss what seems scary, confusing, or makes clients feel unheard. Her goal is to make the process of finding a therapist as easy as possible, creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Sheena looks forward to establishing a collaborative relationship with her clients to foster an environment where they can feel nourished wholly—mind, body, and spirit. She is dedicated to helping clients identify and address their concerns, providing compassionate and effective therapy to support their mental health and well-being. "It's okay to accept support; you don't have to do it alone. I am happy to discuss what seems scary, confusing, or the things that make you feel unheard. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and my areas of concentration include perinatal/postpartum concerns and trauma."
Tara VanDyke is a Birth Doula certified since 2008 (ICEA.org) and a Certified VBAC doula (VBAC Link) based in Chicago, IL. She specializes in providing evidence-based information and resources to help families make the best choices for them, enhancing partner support, advocacy, and education. Tara has completed trainings in Childbirth Education, Spinning Babies, Global Perspectives in Childbirth, Bereavement (Stillbirthday), Rebozo Skills, Breastfeeding Education, Trauma-Informed Support (Penny Simkin), and Comfort & Coping Measures (Birthing from Within).
Tara’s belief in the power and beauty of birth began when she witnessed a birth at the age of 13 while living in Kenya. She worked in PR and publishing in the early years of her career until the births of her own four children ignited a new passion for supporting new families. She had difficulty finding support and reliable information when she became a mom, so she trained as a childbirth educator and doula in order to help new parents feel encouraged, strong, and informed. Tara has been working to support births in the Chicagoland area now for 20 years.
Tara is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to families during childbirth. Her approach emphasizes informed decision-making, partner support, and advocacy, ensuring that families feel empowered throughout their birthing experience. Tara’s extensive training and years of experience make her a trusted resource for expecting families.
When Tara is not at a birth or teaching a class, she loves to spend time with her grown children and her husband of 31 years. She enjoys cooking, kayaking, and traveling the world. Tara and her husband also host the With U Podcast, focusing on relationship and life transitions. Her passion for helping families and her dedication to continuous learning make her an invaluable support during the birthing journey.
Jazmine Freeman is a certified full spectrum doula based in Houston, TX, who completed her certification through BADT in September 2022. She is knowledgeable in breast and chest feeding support, as well as newborn care education. As a mother herself, Jazmine has years of experience adjusting to life with a newborn and assisting other families in doing the same.
Jazmine's personal journey as a mother has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and joys that come with welcoming a new baby. Her firsthand experience allows her to empathize with her clients and provide practical, compassionate support. Jazmine's dedication to her clients is evident in her ability to meet families where they are emotionally, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their journey.
Jazmine's approach to doula care emphasizes creating a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. She believes in the importance of emotional support and is committed to providing a judgment-free space where families can express their concerns and needs. Her calm and reassuring presence helps families feel more confident and empowered during the postpartum period.
Known for her ability to provide a safe space for her clients, Jazmine is dedicated to supporting families as they navigate the early stages of parenthood. Her expertise in breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and newborn care, combined with her empathetic approach, makes her a trusted and valuable resource for new parents. Jazmine looks forward to continuing to support families with compassion and understanding as they embark on their parenting journey.
Karin DePaz, a certified postpartum doula based in Chicago, has been a dedicated member of the Partum Health team since 2022, providing both day and night support to families. Her holistic approach to care is enriched by her personal experiences raising her own children and helping with her grandson. Karin’s unique blend of professional training and personal insight allows her to offer empathetic, individualized support to each family she works with.
Before finding her passion in doula work, Karin gained valuable experience in healthcare administration and as a nanny for a family. Her professional journey is complemented by her extensive certifications, including those as a lactation counselor, sleep consultant/trainer, and infant massage therapist. These diverse qualifications enable Karin to address a wide range of needs for new parents.
Working with Karin means receiving compassionate, expert care tailored to your family’s needs. Her sessions are designed to foster a nurturing environment, providing practical guidance and emotional support. Outside of her professional life, Karin enjoys spending time with her family and staying active through regular workouts, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Families who work with Karin can expect a warm, trustworthy partner in their parenting journey.
Since Alison Hayman became a physical therapist in 2009, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, which have all informed her practice over the years. As a young clinician, she completed a year-long physical therapy orthopedic residency program, to hone her clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills, and became a board certified clinical specialist following that.
Alison has been passionate about working with pregnant and postpartum patients from early on in her career. After the birth of her first child, she experienced first hand the challenges that come with recovery from these changes. As someone who worked in the field, she was astounded by the lack of information and resources available to new moms about recovery and rehabilitation after giving birth, about the pelvic floor and musculoskeletal system in general. This has driven her practice since.
Alison strongly believes that movement is medicine and physical therapy can be a powerful force in returning a person to his or her optimal function. She especially enjoys working with recreational athletes and mothers (which she notes is also a form of athleticism).
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, strength training, chasing her kids around for “cardio,” meditation, traveling, and spending time with family.
Gerry Dunne, based in Chicago, IL, has been a nurse for over 30 years, starting her career in Pediatrics and Special Care Nursery before finding her passion as a mother-baby nurse. Early in her practice, she noticed a need for more breastfeeding support and pursued further education, becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Gerry enjoys working with families to provide education and support for a mother’s feeding choice, helping them work through challenges.
Gerry structures her care plans around each family, recognizing the individuality of each mother and the unique personality of each infant. She feels privileged to work with families and finds it important to stay up to date on breastfeeding research. Her goal is to ensure a happy mom and a happy baby, and she takes great pride in achieving this ultimate prize through her compassionate and informed care.
With her extensive experience and dedication, Gerry provides a personalized approach to lactation consulting, offering tailored solutions and empathetic support. She understands the complexities of breastfeeding and is committed to helping mothers navigate this journey with confidence and ease. Gerry’s expertise and caring nature make her a trusted resource for new families.
In her free time, Gerry loves to hike, bike, bake, read, and spoil her grandchildren. She and her husband enjoy traveling and have particularly cherished their experiences on four medical missions to Bolivia. Gerry looks forward to sharing her skills and expertise with families during this special time, ensuring they feel supported and empowered in their breastfeeding journey.
Giovanna Otavalo is a birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She started her career supporting families as a preschool teacher in Northern Illinois. After 5.5 years in the classroom, she transitioned to higher education administration for two universities over the next 15 years. After the birth of her son, her passion and interest in the fourth trimester increased as she became aware of the gap in care for new parents. In 2014, she became a birth and postpartum doula and started serving families in the Chicagoland area.
Giovanna’s approach to doula work emphasizes personalized care and evidence-based practices. She specializes in fitness and nutrition in pregnancy and postpartum, medically complex pregnancies, and supporting non-traditional families. Giovanna is certified through both CAPPA and DONA International as a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, and is a certified CAPPA Childbirth Educator and an Evidence Based Birth Professional Member. Her commitment to her clients' well-being and her passion for education make her a trusted resource for families.
Giovanna is committed to continuing education to further develop her expertise. Her trainings include Hypnobabies Doula, Stillbirthday Doula, Spinning Babies, and the Body Ready Method. With a background in Early Childhood education, she also supports parents during the first year with topics that include breast/chest feeding, introducing solids, sleeping challenges, and beyond. Giovanna's comprehensive approach ensures that families receive the guidance and support they need during the critical early stages of parenthood.
When she is not at work, Giovanna can usually be found exploring local parks and trails with her son, training for endurance cycling races, or preparing for the next marathon. She enjoys trying out new recipes, cooking for her family, and incorporating fitness into her daily routine. Giovanna loves working with families during this special time and takes pride in helping them navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood.
Laura Gleason, PT, DPT, has been a Physical Therapist since 2005, based in Chicago, IL. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University, later completed an orthopedic residency, and became board certified in orthopedics (OCS) in 2011. Laura enjoys treating a wide variety of diagnoses and takes pride in her individualized approach to caring for each patient.
Laura has a special interest in treating pregnant and postpartum people and has taken extensive coursework in this area. She is passionate about helping her patients regain the strength needed for motherhood and return to activities they love. Laura is a member of the Global Pelvic Health Alliance and is a Postpartum Certified Exercise Specialist. She also specializes in treating runners and is skilled with Video Gait Analysis.
Laura’s approach to physical therapy emphasizes personalized care and evidence-based practices. She understands the unique challenges that pregnant and postpartum individuals face and is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to help them feel strong and healthy. Laura’s expertise in women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy makes her a valuable resource for her patients.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters. She instructs fitness classes for moms and teaches small group programs to provide guidance and support to postpartum people through her company, Beyond the Bump Wellness. Laura is passionate about helping people feel strong through their pregnancy and heal completely after birth.
Sandra Jennings-Curry, RN, MSN, IBCLC, CNL, is a registered nurse and lactation consultant from Denver, Colorado, currently residing in Chicago, IL. She received her Master’s of Science in Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leadership Certificate from Rush University in Chicago. Sandra’s lactation journey started over seven years ago, with the majority of her work focusing on the immediate newborn phase of breastfeeding. She is passionate about decreasing health disparities and providing breastfeeding support to underserved communities.
In addition to her lactation consultant role, Sandra has been a nurse for over four years and currently works as a women’s and children’s float pool nurse. In this capacity, she provides nursing care in various units, including labor and delivery, postpartum, neonatal intensive care, and general pediatrics. Her extensive experience in these diverse settings has equipped her with a broad skill set and deep understanding of maternal and child health.
Sandra’s commitment to decreasing health disparities is evident in her everyday work, including providing lactation education to families and breastfeeding peer counselors. She considers herself an advocate for women and children, especially in the immediate postpartum stage. Sandra's holistic approach ensures that families receive comprehensive care and support during this critical time.
Sandra is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to continuing education and her passion for improving health outcomes for women and children drive her work. Sandra feels honored to guide families through their breastfeeding journey and is committed to empowering them with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.
Stephanie Glover is a Full-Spectrum Birth Worker and Holistic Guide based in Houston, Texas, with over 3 years of experience in the field. She has three children, and her personal experiences have inspired her journey to support birthing people and their families. Stephanie is passionate about teaching clients how to make informed choices and harness their inner power to create the lives they desire most.
Stephanie's diverse background includes over 8 years of parenting experience, working in crisis intervention as a teenager, and pursuing activism as a Labor Union Organizer for 4 years. These experiences have equipped her with the skills and empathy needed to support clients in their individualized journeys. Stephanie is dedicated to normalizing experiences such as loss, grief, and community-building, providing a safe and supportive environment for her clients.
In her practice, Stephanie focuses on centering rest, pleasure, and safety in her life, setting examples for families, especially those raising neurodivergent children. She is passionate about being an artist and integrates creativity into her holistic approach. Stephanie aims to create a nurturing and empowering space where clients feel supported and confident in their choices.
Stephanie looks forward to connecting with clients at the aligned time, offering her expertise and compassionate care. Her commitment to supporting families through their unique experiences makes her a trusted guide for those navigating parenthood.
Molly Blohm is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in Chicago, IL, who has been supporting families along their breastfeeding journey for the past decade. She began her career in a hospital setting as a postpartum nurse in 2013, where she discovered her passion for postpartum lactation support. She became an IBCLC in 2014. Most of her career has been at the bedside, working in a busy hospital with an outpatient lactation center, and as a prenatal educator.
Throughout her career, Molly has felt honored to guide families through the ups and downs of their nursing experience. Her areas of interest include working with premature infants, addressing maternal mental health, exploring advancements in breast pump technology, and promoting physiologic childbirth. Molly’s expertise and compassionate care make her a trusted resource for families navigating their breastfeeding journey.
Molly recognizes that breastfeeding looks different for everyone and enjoys working with each family's unique needs to create an infant feeding plan that works best for their lives. Her approach is individualized and empathetic, ensuring that each family feels supported and empowered. Molly’s dedication to staying current with the latest research in lactation is evident in her commitment to attending conferences and connecting with other professionals in the field.
Molly values the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of lactation. She is passionate about providing evidence-based support and education to families, helping them achieve their breastfeeding goals. By creating a supportive and informed environment, Molly ensures that each family receives the best possible care and guidance throughout their breastfeeding experience.
Andrea Fullerton is a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago, IL, with over a decade of post-graduate experience. She has worked in a variety of settings, including primary health care clinics, hospitals, and schools, where she supported individuals at all stages of the life cycle, from children to adults. Andrea has extensive experience in addressing a wide range of behavioral and emotional concerns, particularly anxiety, acute and complex trauma, depression, behavioral problems, relational issues, transition to parenthood, and parenting.
Andrea is certified in perinatal mental health by Postpartum Support International and has completed training in both directive and non-directive play therapy, as well as various parenting programs. Her diverse background and specialized training enable her to provide comprehensive support to her clients, especially those navigating the challenges of parenthood and mental health issues.
As a therapist, Andrea believes that the therapeutic relationship is foremost a collaborative one. She combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies with a strengths-based and solution-focused approach to help her clients achieve their goals. Andrea values interpersonal relationships and guides her clients to improve their personal connections through productive communication and setting healthy boundaries.
Andrea is dedicated to working with her clients to create personalized plans that promote flourishing both as individuals and as parents. She strives to provide a supportive and empowering environment where clients can address their challenges and develop the skills needed for personal and relational growth. Through her compassionate and effective approach, Andrea helps her clients navigate life's complexities with confidence and resilience.
Sydney Gelb is a DONA International certified postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education and received a multicultural certificate. Sydney is also child CPR, AED, and infant CPR certified. Her journey into childcare began as a nanny and an infant teacher at a child development center, where she supervised up to 8 infants, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 15 months old. Sydney's responsibilities included meeting infants’ basic care needs, teaching them sign language, performing baby yoga, and creating developmentally appropriate activities. She became a trusted support system for many families, often babysitting outside of work.
Sydney's background as a nanny earned her the affectionate nicknames "Mary Poppins" and "baby whisperer." She handled all the responsibilities of her teaching days and more, proving adept at managing the many moving parts involved in helping a family raise children. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for families and her ability to connect with infants and their parents make her an invaluable resource.
Sydney's passion for helping families and her natural affinity for infants led her to become a postpartum doula. Families have described her as thoughtful, kind, knowledgeable, organized, with a heart of gold. As a night owl, she is particularly suited for overnight care. Sydney enjoys helping families bond with their newborns and navigate the early days of postpartum. Her approach includes non-judgmental, evidence-based, emotional, and practical support, as well as newborn education and assistance with feeding issues and sleep. She is experienced with multiples and children of all ages.
In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and exploring the city. She is fully vaccinated and boosted, ensuring the safety and well-being of the families she supports. "I became a doula because I love infants and helping families," says Sydney. "Supporting families as they bond and connect with their little one is critical. One of my favorite things about being a doula is seeing parents find their voices and their ways as parents. I am constantly proud of how far my clients have come and love to see them and their babies thrive."
Sydney Rosenfeld is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL, with a wealth of experience supporting both couples and individual birthing individuals. Through her doula practice, she accompanies families on their journey from pregnancy through the postpartum period, offering compassionate guidance, encouragement, and education every step of the way. Sydney's holistic and empowering approach ensures that each family feels supported and confident as they navigate this transformative time.
Beyond her doula work, Sydney is also a Master of Public Health student who believes that generously sharing knowledge with families is key to ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their journey. Her academic background enhances her ability to provide evidence-based information and resources to her clients, further strengthening her care approach.
Sydney's approach to doula support is both hands-on and empowering. She facilitates open exploration of options without judgment, empowering each individual and couple to find their voice as parents. Sydney provides hands-on support, holding space for the awe-inspiring experience of entering parenthood while uplifting partners and fostering a sense of empowerment for the birthing person. Her dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment makes her an invaluable resource for families.
When she's not immersed in her work or studies, Sydney enjoys quality time with her son, embracing the joys of parenthood with a sense of silliness and playfulness. Her other interests and passions typically bring her outdoors, whether farming on her family’s farm or exploring new hiking paths and trails. Sydney's commitment to her clients and her passion for supporting families make her a cherished part of the birthing journey.
Kristin English is a dedicated postpartum care provider based in Chicago, IL. She is a CAPPA-trained postpartum doula (certificate pending), DONA-trained labor doula (certificate pending), and ProDoula certified. Kristin brings a depth of experience, having worked alongside families as a nanny for five years prior to becoming a doula. Her passion for helping new families reach their goals and welcome their newest addition has driven her to pursue professional training and certification in the field.
Kristin uses her compassion, empathy, and strong nurturing spirit to make families feel supported and confident during this amazing transition. She has had a passion for newborn and postpartum care since she can remember and studied infant development biology at Indiana Wesleyan University. This educational background allows her to understand the biological and emotional changes in both mother and baby as they journey through the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods.
Families love that Kristin makes them feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. She has a keen ability to create a calm, organized, and judgment-free zone for both mom and baby, whether during the day or overnight shifts. Her approach is centered on providing a supportive and nurturing environment where families can thrive.
In her free time, Kristin loves to travel, thrift shop, and enjoy the great outdoors. She is passionate about helping families feel supported and confident in their decisions as they bring their baby into the world by serving, guiding, and caring for them.
Laura Figueroa is a dedicated postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She began her professional caregiving career as a full-time nanny, a role she enjoyed for over 12 years. During that time, almost every family she worked with welcomed at least one baby, which helped her discover her passion for supporting new mothers in healing from birth and bonding with their infants. Laura realized that her true calling was in helping babies and new families thrive.
After welcoming two preemie babies of her own in the last four years, Laura decided to pursue postpartum doula work. Her personal experiences have given her a deep understanding of the challenges new parents face in the early days of adjusting to life with a newborn. Laura knows firsthand how difficult it can be to handle the unexpected turns that come with new parenthood and is committed to helping families feel more at ease and navigate those early months with confidence.
Laura’s approach as a postpartum doula is rooted in empathy and practical support. She aims to provide a calming presence and reliable guidance to new families, drawing on her extensive experience and personal journey. Her goal is to help parents build confidence and create a nurturing environment where both the parents and the baby can thrive.
On weekends, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two children by taking little road trips, spending time outdoors, and visiting family. She also loves engaging in DIY projects, finding joy in creating and building. Laura’s dedication to her family and her hands-on approach to life enrich her doula practice, making her a trusted and compassionate support for the families she serves.
Heather Bethune is a trained postpartum doula (CAPPA) based in Wicker Park, Chicago. Growing up as the oldest of nine children, she has always loved caring for infants and babies, continually fascinated by the intelligence of little humans. Heather brings a wealth of intuitive wisdom and calm confidence into every home where she has been privileged to be a caregiver.
Heather’s journey into doula work was significantly influenced by her own experiences as a mother, which solidified and broadened her passion for reproductive justice. She envisions a world where mothers and babies are always thriving, and her work as a doula is an expression of this vision. Heather is dedicated to providing nurturing support to families during the postpartum period, ensuring that they feel empowered and cared for.
Heather’s approach to doula work emphasizes the importance of creating a calm and supportive environment for new families. Her intuitive wisdom and calm confidence help parents navigate the challenges of early parenthood with grace and assurance. Heather believes in the power of compassionate care and is committed to advocating for the well-being of both mothers and babies.
Outside of her doula work, Heather enjoys a vibrant life with her partner and children in the city. She loves long walks, riding her bike everywhere, and spending time at city parks with her family and friends. Heather’s dedication to her family and her community enriches her practice, making her a trusted and beloved support for the families she serves.
Danyale Washington is a DONA-trained postpartum doula, certified sleep consultant, and CAPPA-trained new parent educator based in Chicago, IL. With over 10 years of experience as a seasoned childcare worker, she has supported families of all kinds throughout her tenure. Danyale has a special affinity for those who are in their second or subsequent pregnancies, and she loves helping the entire family adjust, including siblings.
Danyale's primary concern is supporting families at the times they need it most and in the ways they need it most. Every parent, whether they’ve been around the block or are just stepping into the parenting stage, deserves unwavering support. Previous families have said she brings a calming and vibrant spirit to a time that can seem quite daunting and chaotic. Danyale strives to help create the balance and peace everyone deserves, especially during the postpartum period.
Danyale became a doula because, while we celebrate the miracle of childbirth, we often overlook life beyond it. She recognizes the need for continuous support and the village that families crave but struggle to find. As a doula, her ultimate goal is to be that village, the missing piece in the puzzle of parenthood. Danyale is dedicated to guiding families through this delicate and precious time, navigating the postpartum waters with grace and expertise.
Danyale loves being a doula because of the privilege of witnessing tender moments and helping families thrive during one of the most extraordinary chapters of their lives. It's about filling those essential gaps and ensuring families have the support they deserve. Being a doula means being an ally, advocate, and rock for the families she serves. There is nothing more rewarding to her than supporting families during this critical time.
Ruth Hoekwater is a DONA-trained postpartum doula, a mother of three, and a grandmother to four, based in Chicago, IL. She has been married to her husband, John, for over 45 years. Throughout her life, Ruth has lived abroad, built homes for Habitat for Humanity, fostered children who traveled internationally for life-saving surgeries, and opened and managed a community coffee shop in her neighborhood for almost 13 years. She also nannied two of her grandchildren from birth to school age, nurturing them with love and care.
A natural people-person, Ruth loves meeting new clients and learning their stories to support them as best as she can. Her extensive experience with multiples and women with mild to severe postpartum depression has equipped her with the skills and compassion needed to help families navigate the challenges of early parenthood. Ruth’s nurturing nature and dedication to her clients make her a trusted and reliable support for families during the postpartum period.
Ruth believes that every family deserves the best possible support and guidance as they adjust to life with a new baby. She is committed to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each family she works with. Ruth’s approach is centered on understanding and addressing the individual challenges that her clients face, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and empowered during this critical time.
In her spare time, Ruth is an avid reader and loves spending time outdoors, especially with her grandchildren. Her passion for nature and storytelling enriches her interactions with clients, providing a calming and supportive presence. Ruth's dedication to helping families find their way through the new and challenging times of early parenthood is a testament to her nurturing spirit and deep commitment to her work. As Ruth herself says, "I am a baby lover, as anyone who knows me can attest, and I enjoy working with families of all kinds to help them find their way in this new and challenging time in their lives."