About Me

I am a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. I am 30-something but feel 20-something. I love nature and spending time outdoors with my family. Camping is like a second home to me. I recently completed by PhD at Oregon State University and have many hobbies, including stained glass, knitting, and baking. I have two beautiful children, both born without any pain medication. I'm expecting a third child in winter 2009.

My Birth Philosophy

I believe birth is a normal and natural process that our bodies were created to do. By trusting birth, we can relax and work with it instead of against it. When necessary, I believe gentle maneuvers and aids can encourage a positive outcome for mother and baby. Medical interventions are valuable and save many lives, but overall I feel they could be used less often. Above all else, I believe women and their partners need to be informed about the birth process and any interventions that are proposed or performed. It is only with a complete picture of information that a couple can make an informed decision. Attending women during the right of passage that is birth is a wonderful honor. Every birth I attend is unique and beautiful.

My Training and Experience

Childbirth Education Experience
I am an ICEA Certified Childbirth Educator (ICCE). I completed my childbirth educator training in March 2008 and began teaching a few months later. Prior to childbirth education classes, I also taught for several years at Oregon State University. Teaching is a passion for me. I truly enjoy spending time with expectant parents, and watching their process of discovery.

I decided to become a childbirth instructor when I felt the need for more choices in my community. I always considered being an instructor, but felt compelled once I discovered ICEA and recognized parents needed this option in Corvallis. Of all the classes I have sampled in the area, I have felt they were all "missing something." I strive to offer a complete course to my students.

Doula Experience
I am a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International. I completed my doula training in 2006 and attended my first birth just ten days later. I have completed advanced doula training through Seattle Midwifery School on working with mothers who are survivers of sexual abuse or previous birth trauma. I have also completed the American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program.

My doula experiences include home births and hospital births. I have worked with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) mothers. I have had the honor of attending one premature birth. I have attended births in Corvallis, Salem, Portland, and Eugene. I am experienced in hypnobirthing, having used Hypnobabies for both of my births. I am also a registered volunteer with Operation Special Delivery - a program that coordinates free doulas for spouses of deployed, deceased, or severely injured military personnel.

I decided to become a doula after the birth of my first child. I had a wonderful support team for my labor and birth, and everything proceeded naturally and without intervention. After the birth, I learned through discussions with many women that most birth experiences are not full of the love and support I experienced. I knew I could make a difference in women's lives by offering my support and love through doula work.