I received my training and education through both Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts and DONA International. I received my certification through DONA International in the fall of 2009. I have 4 children , and four grandchildren.       My first birth was a vaginal delivery that took place in a hospital, the end result was a beautiful baby girl. I was fortunate enough to have a midwifery student attend my birth who helped me tremendously. Probably more than she'll ever know. My second child was delivered by cesarean section due to a true medical emergency. Unfortunately, due to the nature to the emergency the incision was done vertically (not a horizontal or bikini cut) and as a result I was unable to have a VBAC (vaginal delivery after a cesarean section) for the next two deliveries. These experiences helped pave the way to my career choice of becoming a birth doula. In 1995 I went back to school to become a medical assistant. The first three years I worked in urgent care. The following 8 years, I worked in the OB-GYN department at Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Santa Cruz.  I knew I was on the right track, but something was still missing. I had always known I wanted to work with pregnant women, but didn't really know in what capacity. While working at PAMF I was introduced to doula work by a midwife I had been working with. It was then that I realized I had finally found exactly what I was looking for! In 2006 I began taking courses to become a birth doula. It seemed however that life had other plans for me. I had the wonderful opportunity to help raise two of my grandchildren. I took some time to fully concentrate on this blessing for about 2 years. When things settled down and returned to "normal" I was able to focus all of my attention on my doula training and work. Currently I am working toward my childbirth educators certification through ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association).  I am very excited to incorporate these studies into my doula work. I also provide placenta encapsulation services to those who are intrested (please see placenta encapsulation page). I believe this is a wonderful way to continue supporting your body and your baby through the "fourth trimester". I try to keep my fee schedule on the low to moderate end of the scale because  I believe every woman should be able to have a doula attend her birth (should she want one), no matter what her financial situation.  I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum period. I am continously gathering information and building my knowledge base to help ensure my clients have access to the most current research and information to help you make informed decisions as/should the need arise. If you have any questions or would like to contact me about me services please use the contact page. Congratulations and blessings to you as you continue on your journey. 

~ My Birth Philosophy ~

I believe that birth is a natural, life transforming, rite of passage. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. We are amazingly strong, courageous, capable beings that intuitively know how to create and bring forth life. Our bodies where made to open physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally to this amazing process. It is a miraculous experience that involves pain, pleasure, excitement, love, euphoria (for some), and patience. It should not be viewed as a medical condition, that needs to happen in a specified amount of time, or certain way.  Every laboring women has their own experience. It may go quickly or slowly, it may be painful or orgasmic, it involves a number of emotions sometimes several at the same time. Women are incredible beings who (if we listen to our bodies and our babies) know exactly what to do and how to do it. What a beautiful gift we have been given. Please keep in mind that this does not mean that we don't need help from time to time. Your birth should be approached in a way that fits you and your beliefs. I am there to support whatever choices you make during this amazing experience.

~ What I Will Bring to Your Birth ~

 As your birth doula I will bring whatever your idea of a positive, empowering birth experience looks like for you. We will discuss all aspects of labor, from pre-labor to having the baby in your arms and latching on to your breast, should you choose to breastfeed. By discussing your wishes, fears, and beliefs we will come up with a clear picture of everybody's role and how I can best serve you, your partner and your family. What I bring to every birth is the belief in womens bodies to birth their babies in their own time and their own way. By understanding you and believing in the birth process, I will help ensure you, your partner, and your family have a positive experience. One that allows you to feel empowered to make choices based on the your beliefs and values.