Meet The Team!
Each of our doulas are trained and certified (or working toward certification). Each has a unique story and passion fueling their desire to work with you in your journey. Take some time getting to know each of them in order to choose your best fit.
Mandi Rodenbeck- Owner
Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA), Body Ready Method Certified, Spinning Babies Enthusiast, Certified Community Breastfeeding Educator, and Doula Mentor
I first learned of a doula when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was researching information on natural birth and learned that a doula would be beneficial. I asked a friend to be a doula for me but when my labor turned into a traumatic struggle and my birth plan went totally awry, I realized that a trained doula MIGHT have been able to help me more in ways than my friend could. I became curious about how a trained doula differs from a support person, husband, mother, nurse etc.
Later that year, I went to work at a boutique through a cloth diaper company called Cotton Babies. I learned many things in that year in terms of product, cloth diapering, baby wearing, etc. But what I walked away with after that year was a very real realization that I loved to help, support, encourage, and educate mothers and see them succeed in what they want to do. Lastly, I feel as though my identified “mission” in the world has been developed in me since I was young. Based on my skill set and interests, I have had a difficult time assuming I had to choose between being a teacher, counselor, social worker, ministry leader, or stay home mother. I feel as though becoming a doula for birth and postpartum beautifully combines features of all these vocations and my heart is at peace finally being able to settle on something that suits me so well.
Doulas are not the center of the show (mom and partner are) and doula gently comes aside them to assist in as much or as little as needed. When I am your doula, my goal is to help YOU take over your birth so you will feel empowered and victorious of a job well done.
I am a wife to my husband (Josh) and we have been married since 2014. We have made three babies together: Adeline (2016) and Calvin (2018) and Louis (2020). My first labor was a difficult medicated hospital experience, my second was a wonderful natural hospital birth, and my third was a home birth-absolutely beautiful and exactly what I planned. I like knowing I have all three experiences tucked in my pocket. I enjoy most any outdoor activities, and volunteering at my church. When I am not doing doula activities, I am home with my babies playing and enjoying the great city of Grand Rapids!
Meet Emily!
Birth and Postpartum Doula and Spinning Babies Enthusiast (DONA and BEST)
I have been fascinated with pregnancy and birth ever since I was ten and came into contact with the incredible photography by Lennart Nilsson detailing the growth and development of the infant from conception to birth. I knew then that I would be involved with birth some day, and read every book on pregnancy, doulas, and midwifery that I could get my hands on. Now I have a wonderful husband and five kids, all of which I gave birth to at home. When I come to a birth, I don’t only bring with me my training as a Doula, but also the experience of having birthed five children myself. Not to compare, but to empathize. And to share my deeply held belief that birth works. Our bodies know how to have babies. Yes, it is through the hardest work you will probably ever do. But the reward at the end is absolutely precious. So whether you are planning to birth at hospital or at home, I can be there to support and encourage at every step.
I absolutely love living close to Lake Michigan, and spending my summers working in my garden and going to the beach with my children. In the winter, we homeschool and I knit as my creative outlet. I’m a pianist and church music director. My goal in life is to look for the beauty and joy in everything.
Meet Jaclyn!
Birth Doula Postpartum Doula (DONA) (PRO DOULA) (NITE)
I first felt the nudge to become a doula in 2018, one year after my son was born. After experiencing a difficult postpartum season, and seeing that experience echoed in other moms, I felt a longing for something to be different. How are we to adequately raise up the next generation when so often we can feel alone, misunderstood and under-supported? How can we instead feel seen, validated, and well-supported? It was from this place of curiosity that I began my doula training. Initially, I focused exclusively on coming alongside women and their families postpartum. Over time, I have expanded my support of mamas to care for them while giving birth. It is a privilege to champion the birth you desire and hold space for you during this sacred process. I am passionate about supporting families holistically- acknowledging that mind, body, and spirit all need to be nurtured in the childbearing year. I have often found myself in roles and careers requiring strong care- giving and advocacy skills. Becoming a doula was a natural next step! I delight in witnessing women step into motherhood (whether for the first or tenth time) with confidence, community, and feeling loved.
I’m a homeschooling mama who enjoys running, yoga, hiking and bike riding. You can often find me baking or cooking with produce from the family garden, and tending to my many indoor plants. A novice sewer, I am drawn towards anything home-making. My husband and I have been married since 2016. We live in Grand Rapids with our two beautiful children and two rambunctious, sweet dogs.
Meet Ashley K!
Birth Doula and Bereavement Doula / (CD (DONA), SBD)
When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer would consistently be the same: “a mom.” It always earned a chuckle, but even as an adult, I still feel that way! Having had my babies at a young age, I became obsessed with learning about all things pregnancy and birth. I read all of the pregnancy books and watched all the birth videos. Still, going into my first labor, I didn’t quite feel “prepared.” Later, I discovered what a doula was, and I realized that it was truly my calling. I have always had a servant's heart, and I felt like I had found what I was supposed to be doing. I embrace the Greek translation of the word “doula,” which means servant, or “one who mothers the mother”. My commitment is to serve you and care for you to the best of my ability. You deserve to feel supported and empowered in your journey through pregnancy and birth, and I dedicate myself to supporting your family as you transition into this new chapter of life. I adore caring for moms throughout pregnancy and answering any questions you may have along the way! I will always believe in you, and you will always have someone in your corner cheering you on. Having personally faced the challenges of a traumatic birth, my mission is to minimize birth trauma and create a safe space for first-time moms, those with previous birth trauma, and VBAC mamas! I also hold a special place for rainbow babies and mothers navigating the complexities of loss, providing a safe space for healing and celebration. When you entrust me with your birth journey, you're not just hiring a doula; you're gaining a dedicated birth confidant, ready to navigate every twist and turn with you. Together, let's create a birthing experience filled with strength, comfort, and a truly positive experience you will look back on.
When I am not at a birth, you can find me immersed in the joys of reading, tending to my garden, reading my Bible, and indulging in my enthusiasm for all things Star Wars. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Ryan, and we have 2 fiery little girls that I get to spend most of my time with. I love learning new things and new skills so I am always “trying something new”. I do my best to go through life trying to love everyone and sharing a bit of joy whenever I can!
Meet Heidi!
Birth and Postpartum Doula, spinning babies enthusiast (DONA)
I have always been fascinated by pregnancy, birth, and babies. After finding out I was pregnant with my daughter, I dove into researching. I listened to countless podcasts, read allllll the books, and talked with my friends & family members who were moms. I thought I was prepared and knew all there was to know, but my labor, birth, and postpartum experiences still surprised me in many ways. Becoming a mother myself revealed to me the deep importance of having a support team through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I struggled myself with anxiety and depression throughout my journey into motherhood and, at the time, I was unable to ask for the help that I needed. Having the right support through those early days would have been invaluable. This is where my passion for serving mamas blossomed - I saw the importance of having an experienced supporter through those tender moments. I truly believe that the right team can transform your birth and postpartum experiences, and I am honored to be able to support families in these tender seasons. My goal when working with families is to help you embrace the power, intuition, and knowledge that you already hold!
I’m married to my best friend and we have a 2 year old daughter who we adore! I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, being crafty, weight lifting, thrifting, & baking. I’m passionate about my relationships, my faith & beliefs, clean living, and of course everything pregnancy, birth, & postpartum!
Meet Leah!
Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA)
Hello! Growing up in West Michigan, graduating from college in northwest Iowa, serving as a teacher both overseas and locally, and building a family with my husband Scott have all led me to this work as a birth doula. Once our family began to grow, I became a stay at home mama and supported my husband in his work with youth ministry at our church. Over the past twenty eight years I have leaned into my natural gifts of teaching, mentoring, planning, nurturing, and encouraging. The combination of handling and responding to daily issues as a family of five, and being involved in the lives of young people has equipped me to be present with people emotionally and guide them through situations that feel both daunting and exhilarating.
After raising three children, my time and my energy are now ready to focus on coming alongside women, and their partner, to walk with them through this journey of birth. Our bodies are beautifully designed to do this hard work and I am excited to encourage women to lean into this time of labor and delivery, using their natural ability and strength to work towards a positive birth experience. It will be an honor to help young families wade through the adventure of bringing new life into this world.
Grand Rapids is my home and I enjoy our beautiful state in all of its seasons. Things that are important to me are my faith, my family and friends, creation care, and fostering a heart of gratitude. I enjoy time outdoors hiking, camping, and gardening, a cup of good coffee and early morning sunrises, and restoring our old home.
Meet Ashley F!
Birth Doula (BEST)
As a mother of two, I understand the transformative power of birth and the impact it has on families. My journey as a birth doula is deeply rooted in my own experiences as a mother, as well as the experiences I watched my own mother and friends have in birth and in motherhood. I believe that birth is a sacred and empowering event, and it’s my passion to support women and their families through this incredible journey into parenthood, whether it is your first or fifth time!
With years of experience guiding families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, I provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each family’s unique needs. My role as a doula is to advocate, educate, and offer emotional and physical support during one of life’s most vulnerable and beautiful moments.
Whether you are planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or anything in between, I am committed to helping you feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way.
When I am not at birth, you can find me exploring our little city of Grand Rapids with my family, co leading our church small group with my husband, or making all of the crafty things at home with a cup of coffee in hand.
Meet Sarah Elizabeth!
Birth and postpartum Doula (Hearthmother birthkeeper)
I was drawn to pregnancy and birth while at college, studying to be a teacher. I started a deep dive into women’s health and landed in physiological pregnancy. I was blown away by the beauty and intricacies of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I have taken my love for teaching into my work as a doula, and I love helping women make informed decisions in a space that can quickly become confusing. I love all things health and wellness, which informs so much about the way I approach birth. I really believe that childbirth is a natural, powerful, and transformative experience that most often works best with minimal interference, understanding every birth is different and will require different support. Welcoming new life into the world is an honor I will never move past!
As your doula I want to give you the tools and support to empower you make confident decisions and honor the way your body was designed. I believe that how a baby enters the world is a formative experience for them and their mom, and it can be a peaceful experience for both mom and baby.
Being the oldest of six children, family is huge to me! I have seen the blessing that children are, my siblings being my best friends. I love the outdoors, camping, and hiking. I almost always have my nose in a book in my free time, and I love all things homemaking and hospitality!
Meet EMILY B!
Occupational Therapist, Certified Lactation Counselor, Infant massage educator, and class instructor.
Emily Graduated with Masters of Science from Duquesne University in PA. in 2007 and worked in Pediatric settings including early intervention services (birth to three years), outpatient clinics and elementary systems. She has plenty of experience working with children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Down syndrome, and other developmental delays. After journeying through her personal motherhood, lactation, and postpartum experience, Emily has been able to channel her passion for OT by specializing in infant and maternal wellness. She is so excited to work with you and your family in order to help you heal, grow, and thrive. Call today for a free phone consultation to hear how Emily can support you!
Meet Melia!
Craniosacral Therapist
Hi, I’m Melia! Follower of Jesus, wife, momma to 4 kiddos, and passionate advocate about your well being.
After having my fourth baby at the end of 2022, I walked through a very trying and difficult season where I could not figure out how to make him happy or content. No amount of nursing, snuggles or love could eliminate his discomfort even though we had the most bonding time in comparison to my other kids (thanks to our wonderful support system!)
His story led me on a journey to figure out what I could do to help him and that’s when I came across The Gillespie Approach. As soon as I read about it, I knew in my heart that it was the therapy my son needed. In my desperation, I flew to Florida for a weekend intensive (I could not find anyone local to me!). During that very first session, I watched my baby unfold and become a completely different person in a matter of an hour. It was in that moment, that I knew I needed to learn this modality to help other moms and babies who were struggling like we were. That day quite literally changed the course of my entire life and I pray that I can bless your family the way this modality has blessed mine.
Since training in The Gillespie Approach myself, I have uncovered a deep desire for everyone to know that there are root cause solutions to our everyday problems. Our bodies are smart. They were designed so intricately and intelligently by our Creator. Our bodies know exactly what they need to heal, we just have to be willing to listen.
When I’m not on this mission to help moms & babies, you can find me at home on my farm in Hastings - homeschooling our children, lost somewhere in my garden, making a fresh cut flower bouquet or canning the harvest I just brought in. None of this beautiful life would be possible without my wonderful husband PJ, who supports all of my dreams and provides so faithfully for our family. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Meet Sara!
GLD Office Manager (DONA) (She Who Serves)
I have always been fascinated by pregnancy, labor, and birth, and when I finally experienced it myself, it was magical. With the support of my doula and my family, I was able to successfully have the birth experience that I desired for myself. After my personal experience with birth, I felt even more pushed towards helping mothers bring their babies into the world.
In my home I am more natural/crunchy, so I'm all about those natural births, but I have experience with (and would love to support you through) your induction or medicated birth! I want to help you feel secure with your support team, in control of the decisions being made, and excited to go into labor. I want you to enjoy this amazing and life-changing journey.
I am a wife and mother of two who loves planning and learning. I spend most of my time playing with my daughters and maintaining my home. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and hanging out with friends.
proud to offer certified doulas through:
