I have lived in the West Shore area of Victoria, BC (specifically Metchosin) for my entire life. My whole family is here and I love that I can spend so much time with them. I am extremely family-oriented and spend the majority of my free time with them. I live with my partner and our two young children in a beautiful home only a few minutes away from Victoria General Hospital (convenient!).
I consider myself to be an introvert and love all things quiet! Reading, writing, painting, watching movies or my favourite binge-able TV shows (talk to me about 'New Girl' and you'll have a friend for life! #Nick&JessForever). Also a big-time Disney adult (no shame). I love all things Disney, especially DISNEYLAND. I can (and will) go on about it for hours. Don't get me started if you want me to stop at some point.
I have always (literally always. Since I was a young child.) been fascinated by pregnancy and the birth experience. While other students dreaded the infamous "sex talk", I counted down the days. While other students were mortified during family planning class to watch a woman give birth, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. How incredible. How miraculous. Still, I never gave much thought to how I could work it into my own life, apart from "I really want to be a mom some day. I can't wait to experience this for myself.".
I graduated from Belmont Senior Secondary in 2013 and have done a variety of jobs since then. Retail, fast food, grocery stores, even a call centre (for a week- that was not for me). In 2016, I started the Community, Family, and Child Studies program at Camosun College and discovered my love for helping people. The field I was happiest in was in childcare. I obtained my ECEA in 2018 and have worked in various daycares, as a private in-home nanny, and at before and after school programs ever since. In 2023, I obtained my ECE certificate from Pacific Rim Early Childhood Institute and went on to be the room lead at a 3-5 preschool, and then onto becoming a part of the management team at a brand new trauma-informed Indigenous childcare centre. I was part of the grand opening there and was so fortunate to receive some incredible learning about various Indigenous cultures, languages, history, etc. as well as trauma-informed training.
However, since becoming a mom, I have realized just how challenging a job in childcare is when you have young kids at home. It's A LOT. I decided I needed a change in careers and I thought, how cool would it be if I could turn my passion, values, and interests into a career? After I accompanied one of my dear friends during the birth of her first child, I knew exactly what that career should be. That experience was so eye-opening in so many ways. First of all- what a beautiful and miraculous moment! I could watch a mother meet her new baby for the first time a million times and never get tired of it. Second, I saw first-hand what was missing in the hospital during her experience- and that was personalized and compassionate care, unwavering emotional support, and someone to make sure she was fully aware of what was happening to her during those scary moments.
After that, I immediately started looking into Doula courses and fell in love with it. This is what I was meant to do. This is my calling. The ability to provide support and care to mothers, fathers, parents, and families in these life-changing moments is an honour that is not lost on me. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love and to love what I do.
Thank you so much for allowing me into your homes, your lives, and your sacred space. And for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me. I can't wait to get to know you too!