"If a doula were a drug, it would be malpractice not to use it." By Dr. John Kennell

I supported my first birth April 1, 1992, and it changed my life.  I have support over 100 families in birth.  In 1989 I was asked to help a friend that was having experimental surgery for a seizure disorder, that was my first in home care provider service.  Over the years I have provided the service of home health aid, and postpartum doula to well over 80 families.  While working as a home health aid I saw the need for someone to hold the hand of the family as they deal with heard to make decisions for their loved one. 

In 2007 I was asked to join a team to help bring an evidence based mental health program for yourth into Thurston county.  One of the programs that we brought into the community was Power of Positive Parenting (Triple P) I was asked to take the training so that I could be a resource for new and young families inn the community. 

Because each family is unique the services I provide for each family is based on what they need.  I have laughed with families, cried with families and even sung with them.

I received my DONA certification in 2003, and my Triple P accreditation October 2008.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend various continuing education classes, that range in topic from "The Lure of Induction", to "The Art of Labor Support", "Optimal Fetal Positioning", Postpartum Home Care", "Using your Birth Ball", "Teaching Breastfeeding", "Quick Guide to Lactation Teaching", and "Acupressure in Childbirth".

It is my a servant’s heart that has taken me down the path to be a doula.  When a family chooses me to be with them on their path in life, it is a privilege that I do not take lightly.  I provide education, resources, support and encouragement.  My doula practice is slightly different than others because I offer the Positive Parenting resource to my clients as well as the Life Doula..

I volunteer with Operation Special Delivery, supporting military families in childbirth who are separated by deployment.  I have worked with teens in foster care that were pregnant.  I was one of the first doula volunteers at St. Josephs in Tacoma.   

I have 5 children who are 24, 22, 18, 17 & 14, Our little angel would be 15, she passed away at 20 weeks gestation.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to be a foster mom to many.  My home has always been the home where kids feel comfortable and loved.  I walk the path in life with my husband who has a rare disease, MELAS.  I am actively a single parent because my husband is in a special dementia care center.   

In my life of service I have cared for those with cancer, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's, Epilepsie, MELAS and Stroke.  Life has a way of bringing me into the lives of those that need me, or that I need.  I have a strong faith in God, and lean on this faith as I walk the path that I am on.  I love to be there as a support to anyone that needs me.  I am non-Judgmental.  I support people of ALL faiths and lifestyle's.

Below you will find a list of past and present memberships, trainings, certifications, and volunteer experience.  I feel that by providing you with this list it will help you in the important decision of choosing a doula.