Meet the Doulas

Angela has attended a DONA approved Birth Doula training and became a doula because she found herself unofficially in the role several times and finally pursued the training. Angela is fluent in sign language and has worked with the deaf and disabled community for over 20 year. Angela describes her doula style as making the family very comfortable and finding all of the positive energy around the Mama. She believes in trying to find the glass half full in all scenarios and teaching the family through fun. When Angela is not attending births, she is a proud mother of four. She enjoys giving to the community and spending time outdoors.

Mary is a DONA certified Birth Doula and is certified in TENS use in labor. She also completed training in Spinning Babies. Mary became a doula because she has already loved the birth process and has an empathetic nature. In her words, “I found my calling!” Mary plans on continuing her education with Rebozo and Acupressure in the coming years. When describing her doula style, Mary states that “I believe each birth is a journey. Each journey can be different and wonderful. I am probably a nurturer/encourager first. I want every mom to have her best birth experience. I lean toward natural and organic, but I will be what mama needs me to be to help her be the strong, beautiful woman she is created to be.” When Mary is not attending birthing times, she loves to read, crochet, create jewelry, hike/walk, and be with family as she is a married mother of 3 adults, grandmother of 5 with her live-in mother, one dog and one cat. Mary describes herself as “Christian, empathetic, nurturer, introvert.”

Patricia is a DONA certified Birth Doula and has attended a DONA approved PostPartum Doula training . Patricia became a doula because she loves to educate, serve and be part of the birth process. For Patricia, it is a privilege to work as a doula. When asked to describe her doula style, Patricia states “I listen to my clients and I try to respect their birth plans as much as possible. I love to educate my clients so they can be knowledgeable and ready for delivery. I am very respectful of their privacy during and after birth. I am always aware that it’s all about their birth and I try to make that time special for mom and family. It is an honor and privilege to serve my clients in such a sacred time in their lives.” Patricia is originally from Argentina and came to this country 32 years ago as a newlywed. When not attending birthing times, Patricia enjoys spending time with her four children and new grandson. She loves to read, walk and quilting and loves to help people and support them.

Rachel is a DONA certified birth doula and has attended a DONA approved PostPartum Doula training. She is also a certified Hypnobabies HypnoDoula as well as being trained in Spinning Babies techniques. She has also completed training in the rebozo, tens unit, as well as being a certified child passenger safety technician and Certified Breastfeeding Coach (CBC). Rachel became a doula because she wanted to serve the community, especially military moms, now that her children are older. She loves birth and all it entails, from prenatal to postpartum care. When describing her doula style, Rachel states “I have been described as a ‘therapeutic presence.’ I am very calming and soothing during the birth process, relying on cues from the birthing person, asking minimal questions while providing physical and emotional support. I spend a great deal of time getting to know my clients in order to give them a personalized experience that can serve their unique needs and preferences! Though I have had seven children of my own and am able to tap into many years of personal experience, I have a passion for learning and am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge base.” When not supporting clients, Rachel is a homeschooling mom to her three youngest children. She has traveled the world with her Air Force husband of 30 years. Rachel states that “my life is full, but I have a passion for serving new and expecting Mommas and love learning all the new techniques for support and comfort! I am a Phlegmatic/Melancholic personality which means I am a great listener, kind, compassionate, empathetic, organized, and list oriented. I love learning and educating.” In her free time, Rachel loves to travel, cook, read and spend time with family.

Shelley Courtaway is a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International, Certified Car Seat Technician and Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. She is also working toward a bereavement doula certification through Stillbirthday.com. She is passionate about walking alongside families of all stages. Shelley has many aspects of her personality that complement birth work. She is positive, outgoing, adapts quickly and is calm under pressure. Shelley has worked closely within the family structure for over 15 years. Before becoming a doula, she spent many years as nanny/household manager with a specialty in newborn care. When Shelley is not doing birth work, she spends time at home with her husband, daughter, and stepdaughter. She enjoys board games, puzzles, coffee and laughing with her family!