My Birthwork Journey
When I was 6, I looked at my mom and said, "You're pregnant." She looked shocked and asked how I knew. She was only a few weeks in, and not showing yet. Doula work came for me. Early.
As an adult, I was invited to attend a death of a family friend in hospice. I communicated with the medical staff, made sure everyone ate and rested, and read a poem as she passed. After, I told the story and learned the word, "doula."
I trained in 2019 with Ancient Song in Brooklyn, NY. During the 12 week courseI learned that birth doulas are not just snack-pushers or hip-squeezers. There is a maternal mortality crisis in the US, and it disproportionately affects Black women. Doulas are advocates, witnesses, and guides.
I come from three generations of caregivers. I've worked with young children my whole life: my own 6 siblings, babysitting in my small town in MA, research in preschools during college, teaching elementary school on the West Side of Chicago and leading a school in Harlem, NY. Small children puking on you definitely prepares you for some aspects of birth!
Even so, at my first birth I was terrified that I'd be useless or in the way, but instead everything clicked. I knew when to hold a hand, offer water, or silently hold space. And, I knew there was no going back.
Birth never goes as planned, but if you are satisfied with your options and choices, then I know I've done my job. It's ok to want a health baby AND also a good birth experience!
I love working with other queer folx and single-parent families. It's your birth. From home birth & unmedicated labors to induction & cesareans, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.
When I am not attending births, you might find me gardening with my wife, crocheting, reading, walking my naughty little dog Coconut, or running.
(pictured is me at my second birth, 2020)


Certifications & Degrees
Infant Feeding & Lactation Specialist
2022
Twelve week training with Tanya Willis and Sarah Lovell at Manhattan Birth. Requirements included weekly class, case studies, group work, 2 supervised lactation visits, and a final exam.
Full Spectrum Birthworker
Seven week training in 2019 with Ancient Song Doula Service in Brooklyn, NY. Requirements included Infant CPR, bodyfeeding training and certification, and 5 supervised births.
2021
Childbirth Educator
May 2021
Twelve week training with Cornerstone, by Nickie & Juli Tilsner and community leaders covering anatomy, trauma-informed care, HAES, comfort measures, advocacy & more. Requirements included submitting teaching demos for feedback and writing a full childbirth ed curriculum.
VBAC Doula
2020
Self-paced program through the VBAC Link on supporting trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) for those desiring a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Masters, Education
2013
Dominican University
Bachelors
2011
Wellesley College, Developmental Psychology & Art History
Trainings & Courses
Spinning Babies Workshop
Balance the body and use gravity during labor 2022
Wild Ginger Herbal Center
Birthkeeper Program: Herbs for Fertility, Herbal Birth Bag, Gender Affirming Birth Work, Understanding Emergencies, Sacred Blessing Ceremonies, Balancing Hormones Post-miscarriage and Postpartum 2021
Divine Birth Wisdom
Grandma's Hands: Pregnancy and Postpartum Herbs in the Southern Tradition 2021
Chicago Women's Health Center
Abortion Companion Training, Loss Companion Training 2021
Evidence Based Birth
Big Babies; Due Dates; Advanced Maternal Age 2020
Institute for Birth, Breath & Death
Holding Space for Infant & Pregnancy Loss 2020
Earthseed Holistic
Plant Magic 2020
Ancient Song Doula Services
Full Spectrum Doula Training 2019
Fun Facts
Get to know me a little better!