Meet The Team!

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. 

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!

Birth Doula (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.

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!

Birth 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.

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!