I have served the birth community since 1989 and am a nationally certified Childbirth Educator (ICEA), Doula Trainer and Doula (DONA International). In an effort to increase public awareness about Doulas and other birth options, I helped to start numerous birth-related organizations. I presented at the 2000 DONA National Convention. I am a researcher and writer, publishing numerous articles and research papers on perinatal issues. Since 1995 I have been employed by Kaiser Permanente, teaching expectant families childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, parenting, prenatal fitness and nutrition. I am a provider of continuing education with The California Board of Registered Nursing. I have the distinct pleasure of teaching Labor and Delivery nurses how to provide non medical labor support. 

It is my belief that our role as birth professionals is to provide pregnant women and their partners with evidence based, non-judgmental information and to foster self determination and confidence. 

I am the mother of 3 daughters and a son, and have experienced a wide range of birth experiences: Lauren (1990) was born 35 weeks premature, was breech and delivered c-section, Chandler (1992) was born vaginal after an induction with pitocin, Dylan (1993) was also born vaginal with no medical interventions in the hospital with a midwife and Vivian (2005) was born at home with midwives, but her sister, Lauren delivered her. Because of my personal experience and my attendance at hundreds of births as a Doula, I possess vast knowledge, combined with compassion and empathy. In 2006 I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Communication. 

One of my favorite poems:
See the poem below written by Audrey Hepburn, in response to a request to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.