Birth Justice Care Fund Directory

Andrea Blanton (she/her/they)
Decatur, GA
BLACK

Food Earth Birth

SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula
BJCF Services: Full Spectrum Doula

Andrea Blanton was born in Camp Lejeune, NC and grew up in both Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ. She witnessed her first birth at the age of 8 and immediately became aware of medical complications and the importance of culturally competent care. In 2006, she graduated with BA from Spelman College, in 2013 received her Community-Based Doula Certificate from First Families of GA and a Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate from HABESHA Inc. Andrea runs FOOD EARTH BIRTH influenced by southeastern seasonality, community vibes and divine whispers to assist in bringing forth new life via birth work, food offerings and herbalism. She was inspired to become of service to folx after experiencing postpartum depression in 2012. Her offerings have grown to assist all in their reproductive journey. From preconception, conception, pregnancy, birth, abortion, lost, postpartum care, single parenthood, whole meals and natural family care. She spends most of her time caring for her five children with support of co-parents and aunties, shopping at farmers markets, and assisting spiritual work. You can find her taking power naps, centering self-reflection while practicing pleasure.

Atalya Rajahn (she/her)
Jonesboro, GA
Black/ SE Asian

Liquid Gold Standard Perinatal Services

SERVICES: Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
BJCF Services: Lactation Professional

Atalya Rajahn (she/her) is a wife, mother of 3, and birth equity advocate. She became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist in 2021 with the goal of becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She also has experience with Perinatal Mood + Anxiety Disorders, formerly a peer support group facilitator with HMHBGA, and has a special interest in perinatal nutrition. Her love for cooking has led to her to seek information in healing foods in an effort to offer meal prep services. She has had her own personal breastfeeding experience of 5+ years also, giving plenty of lived experience to better serve the communities she cares about the most. Through her own teen pregnancy, Atalya gained a special interest in teaching adolescents and low income families guiding them through preconception to postpartum.

Kristina Cheek (She/Her)
VALDOSTA, GA
African American

A Hand to Hold Birth Services

SERVICES: Doula, Lactation Counselor, Perinatal Patient Navigator, Childbirth Educator, Family Support Specialist, Fatherhood Engagement Specialist, and Community Social Worker
BJCF Services: Birth Doula

Kristina Cheek is a Family Support Specialist, lactation counselor, Doula, childbirth educator, and Fatherhood Engagement Specialist with the Baby LUV/Healthy Start program from Valdosta, Georgia. Her journey into the perinatal health field began with the birth of her eldest daughter, which was a transformative, empowering event in her life, and has been her calling for the past 15 years since her birth. Kristina has served as the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator for South Health District of the Georgia Department of Public Health. She was recently selected in October 2023 as a cohort participant for the Perinatal Patient Navigator Training Program with the Morehouse School of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity, as well also selected as a cohort member of the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association Birth & Breastfeeding Institute Leadership and Advocacy Cohort. She is also the founder of A Hand to Hold Perinatal Birth Services.

Additional Services: Crisis management and perinatal mental health support

Doulaw Park (she/ELLA)
Atlanta, GA
African American

DPC LLC

SERVICES: Full spectrum doula
BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND Services: Full Spectrum Doula
birthnbass@gmail.com

I am a full spectrum doula. I am excited to support your transition into parenthood and offer 4 premium packages. I am experienced to be your emotional and physical guide through pregnancy into birth, whether you are non-binary, LGBTQIA+, have experienced loss, are an elected official or are politically active. I am trained by Southern doulas, midwives, and birth workers to bring compassionate care for better birth outcomes. I’m ready to help with birth plans, prenatal options, childbirth education, herbal remedies, self-care strategies, and organizational connections as you bring your baby into the world! As a member of SisterSong and Black Mamas Matter, my goal is to bring reproductive justice forth!

Donna JACOBS, MSW, Doula Practitioner (She/Her/Hers)
Forest Park, Ga
African American

RAGGz DOULA LLC

Services: Full Spectrum Holistic Doula, Mental Health TherapisT
BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND Services: Full Spectrum Doula

With an eclectic background in Social Work, I’ve been given the opportunity to support diverse communities of individuals, children, and families throughout my 10 -year career. As a holistic practitioner, it is important for me to help my clients explore their whole dynamic extensively, as well as understand the root of challenging situations that hinder progress throughout. If granted the opportunity to work with you, you’ll be gaining a holistic therapist and doula with a wide range of experience utilizing varying modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques , Yoga and Mindfulness, and Hypnobirthing. I encourage you to get started on your journey as soon as possible because the walk to preparing for labor requires endurance and patience with oneself. I’ll be here to supportively walk with you when you’re ready.

I can truly say that life hasn’t been entirely peachy-keen for me, but it has offered detailed introspection that granted me the opportunity to heal, grow, and explore. The debilitating force of fear prohibited me from doing the internal work during the early stages of my life but as I evolved I realized that confronting my fears was the only way to find the peace that the external world could not offer. I also acknowledge the strength that was rewarded from examining my perceived limitations and taking full responsibility for my life and I’m excited to support mothers and families on their path of transformation and expansion.

Jennifer Thompson (she/hers/her)
Loganville, Ga
african american

Inspiring T.L Beauty

services: Full Spectrum Doula
BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

I'm delighted to share a glimpse into the journey that led me to become a Doula, a path that resonates deeply with my spirit and my commitment to fostering transformative change.

My name is Jennifer Thompson, and my specialization lies in the art of supporting VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) journeys—a unique and powerful focus that holds a special place in my heart.

My introduction to Doula work found its roots in the profound experience of giving birth to my third child in 2018. Before this pivotal moment, advocacy was already ingrained in my essence—I stood as a voice for my community, a staunch supporter of those in need. However, during my own vulnerable birthing experience, I felt a void, an invisibility in the presence of medical professionals. It ignited a fire within me, propelling me to seek a better way, a more supportive and compassionate approach for mothers during this critical juncture.

As I delved into this exploration, I discovered that my advocacy work seamlessly aligned with the principles of Doula care. With unwavering determination, I pursued certification to stand firm in my commitment to showing up for mothers and their families. My motivation is rooted in being a catalyst for change, a relentless advocate for Black mothers, ensuring they are not just heard, but truly seen and valued.

My approach is deeply personal and attuned to the individual I am privileged to serve. Prenatal visits, for me, are not just a formality but a profound exchange where I learn about the mother, her circumstances, and her unique journey. It's a collaboration—a group effort where I share knowledge, provide guidance, and become an integral part of their village.

In alignment with my philosophy, I treat each client as a unique individual, offering unwavering emotional support and a wealth of information from reputable sources. Physical presence may vary, but being fully present emotionally is where the impact begins.

Beyond my immediate work, my vision extends to education. I aspire to enlighten communities that lack awareness about Doula care, conveying the profound difference we can make. My goal is to establish a non-profit that supports those in our communities who may struggle to afford Doula and postpartum care. In the interim, I aim to set up avenues for receiving gifts or donations, ensuring that every family feels loved, protected, and seen.

In addition to my Doula certification, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Herbal Placenta Encapsulator, and a Certified Full Spectrum Doula with BADT. My commitment to herbalism further enhances my ability to provide holistic support.

I'm excited about the prospect of leaving a lasting impact, and my journey continues with the aspiration to build a legacy of love, support, and empowerment for every family I serve.

Claudia "Cookie" Gonzalez (SHE/HERS/HER)
Decatur, GA
Haitian/Cuban American

Full Circle Doula

SERVICES: Full Circle Doula
BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Meet Claudia, affectionately known as Cookie! Claudia is a highly skilled and passionate doula who loves working with families and individuals during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum stages. She provides a caring and supportive approach by offering valuable resources, and traditional and spiritual support during a time when it is most needed. Beyond her professional work, she is a proud and loving Auntie to her amazing niece and nephew, whom she adores dearly. Claudia’s ultimate goal is to assist families on their unique journey by providing personalized support and resources that align with their pregnancy and birth preferences. With her knowledge, expertise, and warm personality, she is committed to making this special time in your life an empowering and fulfilling experience.

Mama Kei (she/hers/her)
Georgia
black/indigenous

Rooted Doula Services

services: Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula &VBAC Doula

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula

I am Keiatta (Mama Kei)the founder and heart behind Rooted Doula Services. My journey as a doula is deeply rooted in my commitment to nurturing the sacred space of a woman's temple and facilitating self-alignment. With a profound passion for supporting wombmen, my goal goes beyond physical care - I aim to address and release generational traumas, fostering a pathway to a healthy and safe delivery.

As a mother of five, I understand the intricate dynamics of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. My personal experiences have fueled my dedication to advocate for every black and brown wombman who feels unheard. It is my firm belief that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and supported during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.

Rooted Doula Services is dedicated to personalized care, acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual's journey. Whether you are navigating your first pregnancy or are already a mother, I am here to provide unwavering support and guidance tailored to your specific needs and desires. Ase'

JuJu James (she/her)
SAVANNAH,GA
african american

Good JuJu Birth + Wellness Co.

SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula: Childbirth Educator

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Greetings! I’m Julia 'JuJu' James of Good JuJu Birth + Wellness, a full spectrum doula based in Savannah, GA. My goal is to advocate for collaborative healthcare to all mothers and birthing individuals to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informative support before, during, and postpartum recovery, as well as support through abortion/loss and adoption processes.

Kenya C. Webb. MS (she/her)
Valdosta, Ga
Non Hispanic

SERVICES: Health Educator/Family Support Specialist/Birth Doula

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

My name is Kenya C. Webb and I have over two decades of experience as a Mastered level SW in long-term care. I have been nominated for Social Worker of the year in long-term care three years in a row with an actual win in 2010 from Georgia Health Care Association. While I was employed at PruittHealth Valdosta I served in various capacities in the Southwest Council for Activities/Social Directors. Roles consisting of numerous office chambers/board such as the Secretary, Vice-president and President. I transitioned from long-term care to the wonderful world of public health three plus years ago to work with pregnant and postpartum clients providing home visiting services ages 0 to 18 months. During my tenure here I have been promoted to Health Educator/Family Support Specialist with the company and I have been able gain vast skills in my community birthing population. While learning my new role I am also training with the Morehouse School of Medicine Center for Maternal Health Equity Perinatal Patient Navigation program to better be able to provide the community I serve with evidence-based childbirth education, lactation counseling, prenatal and postpartum doula care as well as Fatherhood support.

Bianca Hamilton (she/hers/her)
Leesburg, GA
African American/ Bi-racial

Souls in Singchrony Music Therapy & Doula Services

services: Holistic Birth Doula & Sound Birthing Practitioner, Sound Healer

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Birth Doula

www.soulsinsingchrony.com

Bianca has worked as a Board-Certified Music Therapist for 9 years in a variety of settings and is also a certified holistic birth doula by Birth Arts International. During the pandemic, Bianca became inspired to train as a Music Therapy-assisted Childbirth practitioner as well as a doula in order to be more well-informed during the birth of her second child. After delivering her first child in rural South Dakota and experiencing a pregnancy during the pandemic, she wanted to feel more empowered to achieve a healing, unmedicated birth despite experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. She knew self-advocacy would be important in order to avoid potential complications of giving birth in the hospital setting as a Black woman who was also high-risk and wanted to make sure her voice felt heard. Bianca desires to empower other mothers to feel heard, seen, and can self-advocate. Her mission is to fight for the birthing experience every mother so rightfully deserves.

Throughout the pandemic, Bianca has supported mothers both virtually and in-person to birth with power and justice. In 2021, she launched her business, Souls in Singchrony: Music Therapy & Doula Services and during that time, also served as a volunteer doula with the Joy in Birthing Foundation in 2022. She has worked for Postpartum Support International on the helpline and currently volunteers as a group facilitator for the PSI Black Moms Connect group. She currently works as Music Therapist within the SOWEGA community and serves as Project Coordinator for the Frontline Doulas Hotline, a non-profit that runs a doula hotline for women of the African Diaspora where she has led projects promoting self-care support for Black doulas and families. At this time, she is near completion of a master's in social work degree with hopes to prioritize initiatives related to Reproductive justice, Perinatal mental health, and improving maternal-infant health outcomes for families of Southwest Georgia.

mckenzie mitcham (MAC) (she/hers/her)
union city, ga
afro caribbean

Respect my doulaship

services: full spectrum doula. maternal health specialist

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Hello there! Are you looking for a Holistic Full Spectrum Doula and Maternal Health Specialist who can support you throughout your birthing journey? Look no further my name is Mckenzie, most call me MAC! With my expertise in all types of births, especially VBACs, I can provide you with the care and comfort you need during this important time. My approach of using herbal and holistic methods, including aroma therapy and pressure point on the body, can help you feel more relaxed and at ease. Additionally, I prioritizes perinatal education and empowering my clients to advocate for themselves during birth. Whether you're planning a hospital, home, or birthing center birth, I can support you and your partner from every stage of pregnancy and labor. Don't wait any longer to experience the benefits of having a knowledgeable and compassionate doula by your side. Contact me today and take the first step towards a positive birthing experience!

Michelle Singleton (she/her)
East Point, Ga
Black, Latinx/a

Mother Moon

services: Full-Spectrum Doula

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Michelle Singleton is a Full-Spectrum Doula, Maternal Health Consultant, Herbalist and maternal health advocate. Upon moving to Atlanta, Michelle dove into birth work by learning about its racist history while studying alternative healing modalities. A DONA trained birth worker and traditional Full Spectrum trained Doula, Michelle is dedicated to supporting families through a holistic and evidence-based framework during one of their most transformational and sacred times of their lives. After a traumatic birth experience, Michelle was motivated to support families mentally, physically and spiritually through their birthing and postpartum journey's. She believes that perinatal education combined with self-advocacy, encouraging gentle birth, while building a sustainable support system (aka "the village") can help improve birth outcomes. Michelle is a nurturing mother to two and homesteader.

Khye Tyson (they/them)
Atlanta, GA
Black

Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center

services: Full spectrum doula and childbirth educator

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Khye Tyson (they/them) is an unapologetic southern queer Black femme who enjoys yoga, building community, laughing, subverting the gender binary, and reminding people that they can fire their doctors. Khye is a sacred transition guide, entrepreneur, healer, consultant, and educator. As the founder of Kuluntu Reproductive Justice Center (founded in 2018), Khye is working toward a world in which Black queer and trans people, women, and femmes can live, thrive, and raise healthy families freely within a healthy community. Khye loves to hike, sew, thrift, create art, sing, and dream of a world in which education is intuitive and culturally responsive. They are originally from Nashville, TN and currently reside in Atlanta. Learn more about Khye and their work at http://kuluntu.center

Safira ‘SPA Doulah’ Zayas (they/them)
Atlanta, GA
Afro Latina

SPA DOULAH-LAH, LLC

services: Doula, Massage Therapist, Midwife Asst, EMT

BIRTH JUSTICE CARE FUND SERVICES: Full Spectrum Doula

Safira Zayas is a dynamic entrepreneur, mother of four, and proud grandmother to 4 granddaughters, deeply committed to creating alternative pathways to maternal care in efforts to eradicate maternal mortality for mothers and their families. As the founder/owner of Birth Responders & Spa Doulah-Lah, she provides perinatal service specializing in reproductive and antepartum care. A native New Yorker, Safira's innovative spirit drives her advocacy work. A founding member of the Community Midwives National Alliance and their efforts in Georgia legislation to expand pathways into midwifery. With a background as a Doula, Midwife Asst., Massage Practitioner, and EMT, Safira is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

Alexa Hughes (she/her/THEY)
Louisville, KY
african american

Alexa's Birth Services
services: Doula, CBE, Placenta Encapsulation, Yoni Steam, Belly Binding
alexahughes@alexasbirthservices.com
alexasbirthservices.com
502-716-2711

Alexa's Birth Services, EST. 2018, provides holistic & realistic support as a Certified Labor Doula & Professional Postpartum Doula. Lactation Education & Support can also be found as she is one of two Black IBCLC Candidates in KY. In need of childcare for siblings during labor?

I offer sibling doula support too. She has supported over 30 births and the only Black Certified Midwife Assistant in KY. Get the experienced doula support you seek here! Schedule a consultation at www.alexasbirthservices.com Today!

Mary Miller (she/hers/her)
Louisville, KY
african american

Me.Be Baby Birth Doula Services
services: Doula, Perinatal Mental Health Support/Counseling
mebebabydoula@gmail.com

Hey, I'm Mary Miller! I'm a Birth Doula in Louisville, KY. I am a DONA trained birth doula, working towards my certification with DONA.

I am also an LCSW and psychotherapist. I have advanced training in Perinatal Mental Health with Postpartum Support International (PSI). I'm very passionate about supporting and empowering the birthing person and their loved ones in the pregnancy and birth experience.

I would be honored to come alongside you in your journey!

Nicole R. Robinson (She, Her, God, Goddess)
Louisville, Kentucky
African American

Nicole R. Robinson
services: Full Spectrum Doula
Email: goddessnicole@gmail.com
Phone: 502-277-7846

Nicole R. Robinson also known as Goddess is a Spiritual Healer from Louisville, Kentucky where she currently resides as a Full Spectrum Doula, Educator, Creator, and Brand Ambassador. Nicole does a lot of work in many different communities, but she is best known for her Mama’s Blessing Ceremony, Guided Journaling, Spiritual Readings and Healing Ceremonies with local non-profits. 2021 she became a trained Community Postpartum Doula to assist mothers during the postpartum phase. In 2022 she became a Full Spectrum Doula to assist the needs of her local birthing community. Nicole believes she was led to this work, and it is a part of her mission to bring back Scared Birthing and reintroduce African American birthing traditions to African American Communities through service, traditions, and sacred Ceremony.

Shanice Nelson (she/HEr/Hers)
Louisville, ky
african american

Anchored Beginnings Lactation
services: Certified Lactation Educator
www.myanchoredbeginnings.com
support@myanchoredbeginnings.com
502-644-2737

Shanice Nelson is a mother of 3 and a Lactation Educator trained by the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA). She is currently a Pathway 2 IBCLC candidate completing her degree in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation at Union Institute & University. She is also the proud Owner/Founder of Anchored Beginnings Lactation in Louisville, KY where she is born and raised. Birthed out of her own necessity for representation in lactation care, she founded Anchored Beginnings Lactation to equip birthing individuals and support persons with evidence-based breastfeeding education to make an informed infant feeding decision. Her mission is to reduce the maternal and infant health disparities and mortality rates, particularly amongst minority families in KY through breastfeeding promotion, advocacy, and hands-on education. Shanice has a 10-year career goal to trail-blaze the lactation profession by training at least 10 board exam eligible, minority IBCLC candidates. In her free time, you can find her entertaining her busy toddlers, practicing self-care and watching A Million Little Things.

Bernadette Greene (Sher/Her)
Durham, North Carolina
Black

Breastfeed Durham
Services: Lactation Educator
bernadette@breastfeedingcommunities.org

Bernadette Is a mother and grandmother who has breastfeed 5 children. Her motto is “A happy mom breastfeeding is a happy baby eating.” She offers great support to our local parents and is a fountain of advice on finding local resources. She currently serves as the executive Director of Breastfeed Durham and regularly attends community events. She enjoys working with the community, sharing information on chest/breastfeeding, as well as other relevant resources. She also serves on the board of fatherhood of Durham and is known in her community as the “resource lady.”

Tiffany Slade (She/Her)
Reidsville, NC
Black

Birthing Boldly
Services: Full Spectrum Fertility, Birth, Postpartum Doula
Website: www.birthingboldlyllc.com
Email: tiffany@birthingboldlyllc.com

Tiffany has always had a passion for working with mothers and babies prenatally and during their postpartum period. Tiffany is a Midwifery Student, IBCLC (Lactation Consultant), Nurse Tech, Lactation Educator, Full Spectrum Holistic Fertility, Birth and Postpartum Doula. She is also a Certified Virtual Doula and Certified in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation. Tiffany has worked with families in various settings for over 11 years.

"I want women to have the healthiest and safest pregnancy, birth and life as possible while feeling empowered by other women and heard by their provider. I want you to feel comfortable, loved and cared for while receiving the best care".

Tiffany resides in NC and has four beautiful children, in which she had four vastly different labor experiences with each of them. From water birth to a NICU baby, she has experienced a lot and learned a lot in her many years working with families. She would not only love to work with your family but develop an awesome relationship along the way.

Aura Love (Goddess, Queen, she, her)
Charlotte, NC
African American

Great Mothers Birthing Services
services: Wellness Consultation, Energy Work/ Kemetic Reiki
aurasendinluv@gmail.com
6834 Melody Ln, Charlotte, NC 28215
704-251-9770

Aura Agape is a Wholistic Wellness Consultant, Wholistic Full Spectrum Doula of Great Mothers Birthing Services, Kemetic Reiki Master, Healer Priestess and product developer of Herb’N Spice, LLC. She has been a long-time alchemist, Community Certified Master Herbalist with a degree in Agriculture since 2002. Aura’s scope of knowledge and experience is in various plant cultivation and soil conservation techniques, aromatherapy, herbal preparations and foods that heal. Much of her research and the articles she has written are in regard to holistic approaches to healing, wellness, and life. Aura creates natural products for the home and body in which the uses range from culinary to therapeutic. She has the passion and knowledge to spread the message and consciousness that we are already armed with the right tools to live a life of wellness and to overcome our perceived problems.

Aura takes a stand to advocate the rights of individuals to make informed choices in regard to individual and family health. As an innovative educator of healing foods, herbs and preparation techniques, Aura's goal is to empower you to take responsibility of your own health, activities and resources. For more information regarding products, services or, to set up an appointment for consultation call: (704) 251-9770. www.herbnspicewellness.com

Racquel Washington (SHE/HEr)
Charlotte, NC
Black/ Indigenous

The Queen's Collective Birthing
services: Doula, Lactaction support, Yoga, Pregnancy Loss support, Spiritual Wellness
thequeenscollectivebirthing@gmail.com
queenscollectivebirthing.com
773-344-8060

Hello! My name is Racquel. I am an advocate to my core. I have always been passionate about advocacy and support. It is my belief that we can all make better decisions when armed with the right information. We have choices in everything we do. I feel that when we make decisions from a place of being informed we feel better about the choices we make.
My background is in education, counseling and advocacy. My journey to birth work began after the birth of my son and subsequent pregnancy losses. Through these experiences I was able to see the importance and need of birth workers to support families. Pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy loss are sacred times and can also be scary. It is my goal to help ease the fear and focus more on the sacredness of this time. Birthing women deserve and need support during all stages of birth they are in, whether that is pregnancy, miscarriage, still birth, abortion, birth and postpartum.
Though my three tiered approach, I hope to cultivate a calm and empowering experience where families can achieve confidence in their choices during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. As a holistic birth worker I look at the whole being as I work with you. I work with each family to create a plan that helps them achieve the experience they desire. I honor birth as a sacred and transformative time for all involved. Giving birth is not just about birthing a baby but also about birthing a mother. I empower each family to make informed decisions and experience the magic and the miracle of birth. Using formal education, personal experience, intuitive guidance and traditional time honored birthing techniques, I help ease the transition into parenthood. Supporting families to find their strength during pregnancy and birth and beyond. I am here to help you have your birth, your way.

Mel Graham (THEY/she)
Charlotte, NC
african american

Mpowered Souls
services: Doula, Reiki Practitioner, Essential Oils, Herbs
melinda@mpoweredsouls.net
www.mpoweredsouls.net

Mel Graham is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and currently resides in Charlotte, NC. Mel identifies as a Queer Non-Binary Femme, as well as Polyamorous. Their pronouns are they/she. Mel is a parent to 3 young adult children as well as a grandparent to one.

Mel became certified as a Spiritual Coach, Reiki Practitioner in 2017. In 2019, became certified as a Postpartum and Abortion Doula.

Weaving their healing skills, teaching skills and continuing education to provide a grounded and judgment free in a full spectrum way for persons in their postpartum, after a loss, during fertility, transition support and abortion. Supporting my fellow BIPOC LGBTIAQ+ tribe members proudly.

Briana Simmons (She/Her)
JACKSONVILLE, Florida
Black

SERVICES: Life Cycle Facilitator
BIRTH JUSTICE Services: Full Spectrum Doula

Briana Simmons is a life cycle facilitator, creative, and advocate who is passionate about community care and mind/body/spirit attunement as a vehicle for personal and collective liberation. Originally from Kansas City, MO, she holds a B.S. in Journalism, a M.A. in International Human Rights, and several training certifications as a yoga instructor, birth worker, and end of life planner. Her work is anchored by personal practice, intuition, and working directly with clients and families, through her organization, Unearthing Tradition. Unearthing Tradition is a holistic wellness organization that exists to create unapologetic healing spaces for Black folks to exhale, especially in the midst of sacred transitions. She’s interested in what possibilities holistic wellness offers us to reimagine transitions at the beginning and end of life, as well as, the lives we get to live in between. Simply put, she wants to ensure that her clients are informed and empowered decision-makers with access to fulfilling experiences who can expect safe and healthy outcomes.

Additional Services: full spectrum birthwork, placenta encapsulation, lactation education, abortion care, bereavement support, yoga guide

Valerie Dallas (She/Her)
Tallahassee, Florida
Black

SERVICES: Mental Health Therapist
BIRTH JUSTICE Services: Maternal Mental Health Therapist

Pregnancy and parenting young children often bring on many feelings. For over 20 it has been an honor for Valerie Dallas, LCSW, to hold space for those feelings, the experiences, and the challenges of pregnancy loss, being pregnant or a parent to restore hope and envision the future. In addition, for very young children, 0-5, who have experienced stressful, scary, or painful event that is impacting their behaviors and development, Valerie works with caregivers to offer holistic support that recognizes historical trauma, honors cultural, spiritual, and faith beliefs that is affirming.

Valerie specializes in treatment for those who are pregnant and parenting young children 0-5. As a nationally rostered Child-Parent Psychotherapy Therapist and with training in Infant Mental Health, Valerie serves young children and caregivers who have experienced a trauma or feelings that impact the parent-child relationship.

Valerie has been recognized as one of Tallahassee’s Women to Know (2019) and as the Dr. Neil Boris Mentor of the Year through the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health (2023). Life has a way of throwing curve balls our way. Sometimes, parents and young children need help with managing all that life throws. On a telehealth platform, allow Valerie to offer space to offer care and treatment that can support you on your pregnancy loss, pregnancy or parenting journey.

Additional Services: full spectrum birthwork, placenta encapsulation, lactation education, abortion care, bereavement support, yoga guide

Esther Rose Louis (She/Her)
MIAMI, Florida
Black

Mpowered Souls

SERVICES: Maternal Health Consultant and HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator
BIRTH JUSTICE Services: Birth Doula

Since 2015, founder and CEO of Metro Mommy Agency (MMA), Esther McCant has provided labor and postpartum support to hundreds of mothers during their birthing experience in South Florida through childbirth education, breastfeeding support, and other postpartum doula support services. She is not only a Commonsense Childbirth certified doula but also serves as a maternal health consultant, lactation counselor, and certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator. She completed the Advanced Doula Skills Training (ADST) to better support high-risk doula and breastfeeding clients who struggle with diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, or dehydration.

Esther works to increase breastfeeding rates & reduce infant mortality as the volunteer co-lead for the Healthy Baby Taskforce, a subcommittee of the Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade County. This local community committee addresses health issues for children. She works as consultant as the Education and Communication for the Community Action Network Coordinator at the Jasmine Project, a program that provides wraparound services to reduce infant mortality rates in Miami Gardens, Opa-Locka, and North Miami. She also currently serves as the founder and director of the Metro Mommy Agency Doula Mentorship program where she provides ongoing mentorship to 56+ doulas located in Florida, Georgia, and Hawaii and for the Southern Birth Justice Network doula mentees.

Metro Mommy Agency was awarded federal grant funds to support her work to improve the lives of families in Miami-Dade County. Through the CDC/DOH funded MOMCHA (Making Optimal Maternal Child Health Accessible) Program, she is conducting research on the perspectives of black women and doulas and developed a curriculum, “What Do Doulas Do” to train healthcare providers on the role of doulas and integrate doulas into their referrals. The Health Foundation of South Florida is providing funding for MMA through the implementation of the BLACK MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH COLLABORATIVE OF MIAMI-DADE to reduce maternal and infant deaths and morbidity as well as sustaining doula work in South Florida. Current MOMCHA Program partners include UniteUs, The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial, YWCA of South Florida, Magnolia Birth House, FIU Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, Southern Birth Justice Network, Jessie Trice Community Health Systems, Banyan Health Systems, BCOM Health, and Community Care Plan.

Her national work in the maternal child health space includes participating in the Respectful Maternity Care Collaborative (RMCC) through the RHImpact formerly National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Birth Equity Accountability through Measurement Advisory (BEAM) Panel. Serving as a Master Doula trainer for the South Florida Black Mothers Care Plan a collaborative with Florida International University, The Gathering Place and Southern Birth Justice Network, she teaches anti-racism and anti-bias training to healthcare providers, medical students and aspiring public health professionals. Esther also provides innovative insight as founding Partner & Collaborator and Board Member for BreastfeedMIAMI, a county-wide initiative to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates. She is also a Board Member for Flourish Media’s Behind the Leaf, a non-profit to support female, minority business owners. Esther has been featured on Good Morning America for her environmental justice work where she helped her doula client escape a hurricane during her third trimester. With the help of the international organization Human Rights Watch, she plans to create training and educational materials to assist birth workers and community members to provide better support for pregnant families during climate crises.

Additional Services: Maternal Health Consulting, HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education, and Breastfeeding While Black Support Group

Calvis Jones, M.S.- MCCHW (She/Her)
Dunnellon, Florida
Black

The Grace Walker Project For Birth Equity, Inc. (Nonprofit) The Rapha Place (Profit)

SERVICES: Doula and Maternal Child Community Health Worker
BIRTH JUSTICE Services: Full Spectrum Doula

Calvis Jones is affectionately known as Mother Earth by friends and family. Before her ascension into natural medicine and birthwork , Calvis had a rich 16 year career in correctional education as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and consultant. She spent an additional two years as a public servant as a caseworker for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

For the past six years, Calvis has served her community as a birthworker and community health worker. Although she ia full spectrum doula, her passion is postpartum support. She also incorporates food as a healing modality for the clients she serves. Calvis is a member of the Perinatal Safe Spot Taskforce and is currently working with other Florida doulas to improve access to birth support services.

Additional Services: African Diaspora Centered Postpartum Nutrition, herbalist, health consultant, soaking prayer