My interest in childbirth began when I was eight years old and was present for the birth of my own brother. I thought it was amazing and that my mother was so strong! I saw the birth of my sister four years later. My mother was a La Leche League Leader so we received many phone calls from mothers in need of support and information.

I went to NC State and studied industrial engineering but after working in that field for several years, I found myself engrossed in childbirth books.  I had been searching to find a career that I felt more passionate about but instead of seeing the obvious answer right in front of me, it took the suggestion of a good friend to discover that being a doula would allow me to earn a living doing what I love.

I became certified as a birth doula in 2006 (the CD in my credentials stands for Certified Doula) and as a postpartum doula in 2008 (the PCD stands for Postpartum Certified Doula) by DONA International, the largest doula organization in the world. I was also certified as a Hypnobabies® Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor (HCHI) and Hypnobabies® Childbirth Hypno-Doula (HCHD) by the Hypnobabies Network in 2007. In 2016, I followed in my mother's footsteps and became a La Leche League Leader.

As I began my doula career, I also began my quest to become a mother myself.  My husband, Jeff, and I struggled to conceive and had to rely on assisted reproductive technology.  This gave me a new insight when working with clients who had struggled to get pregnant themselves.  That was actually a great benefit to me in the long run, as was working as a doula without being influenced by my own birth experience.  I became proud of the non-judgmental support I was able to give to my clients.

I finally became a mother in 2011 when my son, Elliott, was born at home.  Not only was I able to experience childbirth using the Hypnobabies method that I had taught for years, but I was able to feel the support and love of having my very own birth doula and many, many postpartum doulas.  I had an amazing birth.  It was very smooth, easy, and comfortable. It was followed by every breastfeeding problem I’ve ever heard of (and some I never knew existed).  It was a whirlwind of an experience but being a parent continues to amaze me.  My son is my most precious treasure.

My goal now is to help other parents feel as supported and educated as I felt when I became a parent.  When parents receive those two things – support and information – at such an important time in their lives, a beautiful confidence develops. 

In addition to advanced doula trainings, I completed Reiki level I and II trainings in 2010. I have served as a doula at births at most of the hospitals in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, as well as the Women's Birth and Wellness Center, Womack Army Medical Center, and at clients' homes.

The births I have attended have taught me so much, and it is always an honor to be invited to be present at the birth of a child. I love working with families and the feeling that I can help make their birth experiences beautiful.