Our Doula Team

METRO DETROIT BIRTH, POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST AGENCY

Our Doula Team

METRO DETROIT BIRTH, POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN CARE SPECIALIST AGENCY

Each doula is trained and then certified with a top doula training organization. They are all insured and have CPR training.

We match potential clients with 1 or 2 doulas to interview and choose the right fit for their family. Clients typically get a primary doula and a backup doula, depending on how many hours chosen. You will have the opportunity to interview, virtually, with your doula before you select the one for you.

Jodi Graves, Founder of our Doula Team

Owner, Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist & Infant Feeding Specialist

I certified as a birth doula in 1998 with the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators. I am also certified as a Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist.

For over 20 years, I have worked to empower women & birthing people to take their birthing experiences and their postpartum health into their own hands.

I am also a Postpartum & Infant Care Doula and Infant Feeding Specialist Trainer with the world-renowned organization, ProDoula.

I became a doula before many knew what the word even meant!

WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM? APPLY HERE

Meet our Team of Birth & Postpartum Doulas & Newborn Care Specialists

Heather Emerson

Birth & Postpartum Doula

I have loved serving in Michigan's birth community for the last 15 years. I advocate for all families and the value of everyone having their best start in life and parenthood.

More about Heather

My name is Heather Emerson, my pronouns are she/her. I was educated in birth and postpartum doula services by Patty Brennan at the Center for the Childbearing Year in Ann Arbor with the DONA program, with Barbara Robertson for my education in breastfeeding support, with Becca Morse for babywearing, safe sleep, and airway safety.

Along with my specialized training, I have extensive experience with multiples and households with Autistic members.

Caring for birthing persons, babies and children has always been my lifelong passion, starting doula work in my freshman year of college. I strive to provide a support structure to aid any healing needed, strengthen family bonding with your infant(s), and work with you to create parenting strategies that fit your vision for your new family.

Khadijah Bansfield

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Midwife

I am an AMANI certified doula and childbirth educator, a birth assistant, and a student midwife.

More about Khadijah

I lived abroad for many years where I became a doula in 2012 and attended dozens of births and raised childbirth education awareness to hundreds of women.

I am very passionate about advocating for women's rights, especially childbirth rights, and raising awareness about the importance of postpartum care.

One of my favorite sayings is " It take a village to raise a child, but a community of love and support to raise a mother."

Jamie Baker

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

I am Jamie and I'm a certified postpartum doula & infant care specialist.

More about Jamie

Lindsay Frattaroli

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

I am Lindsay. I'm a ProDoula trained Postpartum Doula, Infant Care Specialist.

More about Lindsay

Calen Smith

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

I am a Postpartum & Infant Care Doula with ProDoula and I am so excited to be able to help support you and your new baby as you make this exciting transition.

More about Calen

Samantha Kearns

Birth & Postpartum Doula

I love being a birthworker. I have always felt a strong connection with this stage of life and after going through my own postpartum period, I knew what I was meant to do.

More about Samantha

My name is Samantha, but feel free to call me Sam. My pronouns are she/her. I completed DONA approved birth & postpartum training with Patty Brennan at the Center for the Childbearing Year in Ann Arbor.

As the mother of two wild and crazy boys, I come equipped with patience, understanding, and flexibility to help you navigate the postpartum period.

I wholeheartedly believe that the world would be a better place if every woman had quality and nurturing postpartum care. This is my mission!

I can’t wait to meet you and help guide you through this exciting transition.

Krista Rizzo

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

My name is Krista. I am a mother and a ProDoula certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist.

More about Krista

My name is Krista. I am a mother and a ProDoula certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist.

My own postpartum experience demonstrated to me that there is a crucial need for care during this important time. I was inspired to leave my career in health policy to pursue certification as a postpartum doula. I truly believe postpartum support is vital for the well-being of the birthing parent, new baby, and family. I am passionate about providing emotional and educational support throughout the postpartum journey.

I look forward to helping you and your family through this transition to feel more confident, informed, and empowered.

Jessie Roy

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

I am an experienced, non-judgmental doula who wants to make your postpartum journey something you will always look back on with fond memories.

More about Jessie

I am Jessie. My passion for postpartum work is the result of going through my own traumatic birth and postpartum experiences. Despite being surrounded by a wonderful partner and fantastic family, I felt overwhelmed and unhappy after the birth of both of my daughters (born just 17 months apart). I found myself having a hard time asking for help, partly because I was in such a fog I didn’t know what I needed.

As I emerged from this postpartum fog, it was crystal clear to me that my purpose in life is to help others through it. With a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University, I pride myself on being able to anticipate the needs of others before needing to be asked.

Asia Sikkila

Birth and Postpartum Doula

I have supported women in a wide spectrum of birth experiences, from rural home births to hospital births.

More about Asia

Shatara Wilson

Birth & Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

My name is Shatara Wilson, I reside in Midtown Detroit. I have always had a passion for helping others. I am a Mother of 5 and grandmother of 2, I have a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology and have worked for many years in home healthcare.

More about Shatara

I always wanted to be a labor & delivery nurse, or Midwife. My passion for helping care for others has, instead, led me to complete my full spectrum Doula Training at LifeSpan Doulas in Ann Arbor, with hopes of building a career as a Birth, Postpartum, and End of Life Doula. I volunteer in different organizations, such as SisterFriend, where I mentor women of all ages during their pregnancy and after.

My resilience, dedication, integrity, and humility are infectious, inspiring those around me. I aspired to become a Doula so I could help bridge the gap for families as they transition into parenthood and I could ensure they have the best possible start!

Janene Simmons

Postpartum Doula & Adoption Specialist

Hi! I’m Janene Simmons and I am a postpartum doula and adoption specialist. I have my own adoption story and love that I have the opportunity to help mothers of all stories through this transition period.

More about Janene

Jackie Mann

Postpartum Doula

I love to help women bond with their baby and feel supported postpartum. I am ready and able to be your support during birth AND through your postpartum recovery journey.

More about Jackie

I am a happily married mother of 3 - an adventure I always knew I wanted, but due to health issues, wasn't sure I would achieve.

Because of my own health challenges during my childbearing years, I feel uniquely qualified to help during this time!

I have always been interested in women's health, focusing on the topic in grad school. Because of my experiences, BS in Biology, medical background and MS in Acupuncture, I have found a way to combine Western medicine with ancient Eastern philosophies. When I got the call to become a doula, it felt like a wonderful way to help women be supported during an extremely important time in their lives.

I am DONA trained and have experience with hospital births including many high risk medical issues. Sometimes all you need is a hand and an ear to help you work through the information given during your birthing experience so that your birth plan may be followed.

Tracey Huber

Birth and Postpartum Doula

I am certified through ProDoula for birth and postpartum care. I also hold a masters degree in teaching and I’m an experienced mom of three.

More about Tracey

My name is Tracey and my pronouns are she/her. For the past twenty years, I’ve honed my skills of empathy, coaching, and brainstorming as a teacher and birth worker. I have always had a passion for supporting others and learning and I have loved all things baby. Caring for infants and supporting their families is part of who I am.
I became passionate about supporting women during labor when my first birth experience went very differently than I had anticipated. I especially love supporting women desiring a VBAC birth, because my doula played a vital role in my first VBAC.

I am honored to come alongside and support you in achieving an empowering birth and postpartum experience.

Lorenda Lewis

Birth & Postpartum Doula

My name is Lorenda. I am a compassionate native Detroiter, and I’m a married mother of seven children including two sets of twins and grandmother to one.

More about Lorenda

I’m a RN, an entrepreneur, and trained in holistic health and wellness. In addition to that, I’m also a Birth, Breastfeeding, and Postpartum Doula with a focus on self-care and nutrition during the 4th Trimester. As a licensed provider, I teach various classes through the American Red Cross. I consider myself a women’s health advocate with a personal mission to provide the needed education and support to people as they become parents. I am passionate about healthy recovery as it relates to birth, breastfeeding, and especially during the postpartum period.

Ilaena Liang

Birth Doula

I am a DONA trained Birth Doula and Community Breastfeeding Educator. I believe that every birthing person should feel empowered during their pregnancy, labor and birth

More about Ileana

Casey Lubin

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Hi, I am Casey. I am trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through Birthing From Within and ProDoula. I have also trained with Womben Wellness as a Women’s Transformational Facilitator, attended the DONA Birth Workshop, and studied loss and abortion with Homegrown Families.

More about Casey

I have taken classes in childbirth education, pregnancy nutrition and lifestyle, as well as racism and trauma in birth work. I am currently pursuing becoming an End of Life Doula as well. I am always continuing my education and learning new skills.

Women's health and childcare have always been passions of mine. Before becoming a doula, I worked for several years as a preschool teacher, educator, and nanny, and attended births of friends and family.

It is my passion to be your resource and support as you go through these physical, emotional, and spiritual changes. I meet you where you are and am flexible with what is needed in each moment.

Terri Lee Wilson

Birth and Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

My name is Terri Lee Wilson and I am a Pro Doula certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, as well as a wife, mom and nana! I have always been drawn to all things birth and babies! My dream as a young woman was to have "lots" of babies...after years of trying I finally got my little miracle in 2004.

More about Terri

Well...my beautiful little miracle started college this year!! Like everyone says...it goes by so fast!! My fabulous hubby blessed me with a beautiful bonus daughter, who has made me the happiest nana to our granddaughter.
As someone that tried for years to conceive, I really thought I was fully prepared for labor & delivery. I had read the books and watched the pregnancy shows on the Discovery channel!! Needless to say...it did not go anything like I thought it would! While the end result of finally holding my baby in my arms was everything I had hoped for, the experience of labor & delivery as well as emotions postpartum, were far less than ideal unfortunately. I want to be that calming support for families during labor, delivery & postpartum. I want to make sure you are fully prepared for the incredible experience of birth, as well as help you and your family care for your new little blessing.
I would truly be honored to be a part of your family's most incredible journey! There is nothing better than helping parents bring their babies into the world, and to be able to support and advocate for you to have your birth wishes honored...so you can have the birth experience that you deserve!

Darrien Dolan

Certified Labor Doula

My Name is Darrien Dolan, I’m a certified Labor Doula, The journey into birth work began with my second pregnancy.

More about Darrien

It is then that the spark arose to discover and understand the power we have bringing our children into the world. Now, as a mother of two, I am passionate about helping others discover their own power, in their transition into motherhood. I believe this is best achieved when you have the right support. It’s now my great pleasure to support other women during this time in their lives, directing them toward evidence-based answers, reminding them of their bodies' innate abilities.

Dulcinea Penfold 'Dulcie'

Newborn Care Specialist and Child Development

Hello! I’m Dulcie, a proud mom of two amazing boys. I grew up as the oldest of seven, which is where my love for all things baby started. At a very young age I really enjoyed helping my parents care for my
younger siblings, and turned that love and experience into a career.

More about Dulcie

I have over 25 years of professional childcare experience, including childcare director, infant/toddler teacher, pre-k teacher and nanny. My education consists of a degree in Early Childhood Education, Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, and Lactation Educator through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association). I have also completed my Newborn Care Specialist training through Newborn Care Training Academy. I am passionate about newborn care and child development and consider it a privilege to support families as they bring their new babies home.

Kelly Townsend

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Hi, my name is Kelly Townsend. I am a natural minded mama of 4 as well as a twin mama who loves supporting families! I became passionate about supporting other mamas after experiencing very different births, myself

More about Kelly

I want to support you physically and emotionally as well help you understand evidence based birth practices during one of the most vulnerable chapters in your life! I have always loved babies and had a strong maternal instinct from a very early age.

It wasn't until I had my oldest daughter 10 years ago, and became confident in my own parenting journey, that I realized that supporting other families was my life's work. I initially became certified as a lactation educator and a postpartum doula to be able to support parents both physically and emotionally after birth as they transition into becoming a family. After a short period and another child of my own, I realized that I loved not only newborn babies, but the entire childbearing year; from the early stages of pregnancy to labor and delivery-- so I became certified as a birth doula too.

I will help guide and educate you to be your own advocate so that you get the birth you desire and deserve. My goal and purpose as your doula is to make sure that your journey into motherhood is safe, memorable and empowering.

Christie Donn

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Hi! I’m Christie Donn, and I am a self-proclaimed Birth Nerd. Just as no two people are the same, no two births are the same, either. That’s why I am committed to helping families navigate the healthcare system and understand the process of labor and birth.

More about Christie

I am a trained birth doula, a member of DONA International, and a Certified Lactation Counselor through the ALPP. I love learning new skills and constantly strive to further my education, which is why I’m also working towards becoming a certified childbirth educator and postpartum doula.

I’m a Metro-Detroit native, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m a happily married mother of three humans and six fur-kids. My own experiences with motherhood have taught me the importance of listening to your body and your own intuition, as well as the necessity to advocate for women’s rights - especially during childbirth.

The thing is- Birth matters! Research tells us that parents remember the birth of their children for their entire lives, down to the smallest details. What happens during childbirth can also have long-lasting effects on self esteem, self confidence, and parenting. I can help you get clear about your desires and find your own voice, so you can give birth on your terms.

Whether you’re a first-time birther or a seasoned mom, you need a knowledgeable support person in your corner. As your doula, I bring skills and knowledge to the birth team that no one else can offer. I want to help you feel confident and autonomous by providing you with evidence-based information as well as empathy and space-holding, so that you can make the best informed decisions for your body, your baby, and your birth.

Carly Witherspoon

Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist

Hi! I’m Carly Witherspoon! I am a ProDoula certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist. I have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Michigan State University. After college, I worked with children diagnosed with autism, then became a stay-at-home mom to my 2 beautiful children.

More about Carly

Pamela Warren

Postpartum Doula

Hi, I am Pamela and I am a CAPPA trained postpartum doula. I am a nurturer, by nature, and I enjoy caring for the whole family. While you're resting and adoring your new bundle of joy, I will be there to support whatever your needs might be to make sure you feel nourished and cared for. I am passionate about making sure that your burdens are light and you can rest and recover.

More about Pamela

Before becoming a doula, I was a nanny and cared for children of all ages for over 30 years. I am a proud mother and grandmother to 4 grandsons.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family & friends. My hobbies include baking, gardening and playing with my dog-Paris. I am looking forward to supporting you during your transition to parenthood, whether it's for the 1st or the 6th time!
*Our families describe Pamela as warm, kind hearted and passionate!

Maria Bryant

Postpartum Doula

Maria (she/her) came to doula work after working in childcare for 8 years. After spending time with parents who had relatively no postpartum care or support, she soon started her training to bridge the gap. Maria believes that the postpartum period is one of the most crucial stages of pregnancy.

More about Maria

Many parents experience feelings of loneliness, confusion, and exhaustion and it is Maria’s top priority to help parents feel their best during your fourth trimester. Maria believes that every family who wants a doula should have one. Promoting a judgement free zone, she happily works with families and individuals of any age, race, & gender. Instilling confidence and nurturing a new family is what makes Maria excited to go to work every day. Maria has been trained as an EMT, birth and postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding specialist, and is working on her IBCLC certification which she plans to finish by winter 2024.

Cassie Zylinski

Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

Hello! My name is Cassie and I am a CAPPA-trained Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, a Mother/Baby Nurse Assistant for a leading Detroit health system, and an experienced nanny. I am passionate about empowering, supporting, and educating others to be the parents they have always wanted to be.

More about Cassie

I have a lifelong love of caring for babies and I was called to this work through my start as a nanny. I quickly came to recognize the immense need of parents for nonjudgmental support, encouragement, and assistance in caring for their newborns while also caring for themselves. Being a parent is the hardest job in the universe and we could all use some help and a caring community surrounding us in this season
of life.

I received training and education through a DONA-accredited birth doula training program in 2021, so I
have a broad perspective on the entire perinatal journey. I am here to support you in caring for your newborn and yourself during your postpartum period, without judgment and with a peaceful attitude. I am a CAPPA postpartum doula, Newborn Care Specialist through Newborn Care Solutions, and I have education and training in lactation through my work as a nurse assistant. My years of nanny experience include working with newborn through 5 years of age, as well as working with newborn multiples. In the future, I will be furthering my education to continue working with moms and babies as an advanced practice nurse.

Hanna Rabe

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Hello! I’m Hanna Rabe (she/her) and I’m a ProDoula certified birth & postpartum doula. My love for birth work started after supporting a friend during birth. I instantly wanted to learn all about this intense yet beautiful time. With this passion, I studied, trained and certified as a doula for labor and postpartum.

More about Hanna

I’m a mother of two boys, and felt an even stronger connection to this work after my own experiences with labor & postpartum recovery. I have always had a strong maternal instinct, and love for helping others. Whether its assisting with breastfeeding, labor positioning, or talking over coffee, I’m your girl. I believe that every family deserves emotional and physical support during this stage of life. My goal as a doula is to empower, educate and support you through the labor and postpartum experience you deserve.

I can’t wait to help you and your family bloom during this exciting time.

WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM? APPLY HERE