My best friend asked me to be "her doula" 17 years ago. I flew to LA and planned to be there for 10 days in hopes the baby would come in that window of time. I sang and whispered into her belly and Introduced myself to her baby. We had quite a time during the labor as her midwives guided her through the experience. She was incredible! She chose a home birth which ended at the hospital. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Witnessing the birth was transcendent and inspiring! When I flew back to NYC, I vowed that when our youngest daughter was in college, I would become a Doula.
I grew up in Minnesota. I graduated with a BFA from the acting program at the University of North Carolina School of the Performing Arts. I have a background in dance, singing, yoga and martial arts. I was an American Council of Exercise certified personal trainer for 12 years. When I became pregnant, becoming a certified prenatal trainer was ideal. I especially loved working with all my pregnant clients. Having an online health and wellness business with Arbonne International has been another passion of mine. Over the years, I have coached a team on how to build their own online businesses and shared this opportunity in a public speaking setting for large groups. I teach my clients the benefits of aligning with a vegan brand they can trust and the value of choosing a B corporation, and living a more green lifestyle.
I am a certified Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula with the International Doula Institute. I am also certified as a Perinatal Nutrition Educator, Birth Educator and Lactation Counselor. I hold a certification in Diversity Equity and Inclusion. I am also first aid, AED/CPR certified for pediatric and adults through the Red cross.
Being present, and relying on my emotional intelligence, knowledge and discernment, helps me to navigate how to best listen and anticipate a person's needs. I embody joyful humor as my way to serve others. I bring warm energy, passion and authenticity to the people I spend time with. I'm a lifelong student who loves to learn, grow and collaborate. I believe these qualities, as a birth team member, contribute to the overall outcome and experience of all involved.
I live in Harlem with my husband. We have two daughters. Hobbies: singing in choir, biking, and lifting weights. I also enjoy baking, reading and traveling. I love conversations over dinner with my husband and
friends, and going to the theater and jazz clubs. Walking in nature each day is key to living in my joy, and of course, fitting as many plants and flowers into our home as humanly possible!