I have been supporting new families in my personal life and as a volunteer for many years which led me into supporting families professionally as a postpartum doula in 2013. When I had my own children, my husband and I were living far from our families and we lacked a strong social network. Caring for a newborn is overwhelming at times and we had a lot of questions. When our second baby arrived, it was especially strenuous. If only we had known at the time that we could have called upon a postpartum doula for some guidance and support! I am a Postpartum Certified Doula with NAPS (Northwest Association for Postpartum Support) and DONA International. I am also a Certified Lactation Educator. I have a B.A. from Western Washington University majoring in American Cultural Studies. Prior to being a stay-at-home parent, I worked as a case manager guiding individuals into new careers and employment. I also volunteered as a parent mentor to a young family through an Eastside home visiting program called Healthy Start. I facilitated a PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) group for moms of infants. I am a proud mother of two school-aged boys and auntie to twelve wonderful children. I enjoy my work as a postpartum doula. I feel honored and humbled to be the person families can rely on to provide support and nurturing as they bond with their newborn. I am certified in Adult/Infant/Child CPR through the American Heart Association through 7/2021. I am up to date on the Tdap, MMR and had both doses of Moderna Covid 19 Vaccine (2/11/21). I will require mask wearing when we are in the same room (I will mask up for entire shift). Education & Training for Supporting Families: 11/2019 Racism & Privilege in Birth - Sabia Wade 10/2019 Postpartum Support for Families in Recovery - Swedish Hospital Addiction Recovery Unit 9/2018 Foundations for Best Practice in Lactation Care - Evergreen Perinatal Education through Bastyr University 10/2017 Prevention, Identification and Treatment of Postpartum Mood Disorders: Best Practices PS-WA 2/2016 Working with Multiples - ABC Doula Services 5/2015 Understanding Perinatal Emotional Health of African American and Native American Mothers PS-WA 4/2015 Feeding New Families - The Simkin Center 10/2013 Postpartum Skills Workshop - Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University |