Mission & Approach
As a public health professional and doula, my mission is to ensure that every individual and family I work with feels supported, heard, and empowered throughout their entire journey. I approach each family with respect and openness, blending my public health background with personal experiences to create a safe, nurturing space. Guided by a deep commitment to provide quality care, I strive to be a steady presence offering both knowledge and a listening ear at every step of the way. Expectant and new parents truly deserve so much more support and care during such a transformative time, and I’m here to ensure this.
Katie’s Story
From a young age, I’ve been passionate about nurturing babies and families, which ultimately led me to pursue an education in public health with a focus on maternal and child health. As I completed my studies, I became increasingly concerned about the lack of recognition and support for the challenges families often face during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the many factors that can contribute to barriers in achieving health and well-being for both parents and children. This knowledge only strengthened my commitment to advocate for and provide care that empowers families, reduces preventable health issues, and creates a supportive space where everyone can thrive through one of life’s most transformative and vulnerable experiences.
My personal journey took a profound turn at age 22, when I was faced with a significant medical diagnosis that shifted my entire perspective on life. Going through such a transformative health experience gave me firsthand insight into vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of personalized care being available. Navigating chronic illness has taught me the power of control over chaos—a lesson that deeply informs my approach to birth work. I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to have support to help guide you through life’s transformative moments, making difficult experiences feel more manageable and empowering.
My personal health journey, along with my education in maternal and child health, only deepened my commitment to become a doula and pursue a career where I make a direct impact on families. One of my main goals as a doula is to offer others the same kind of unwavering support and care that helped me heal, build strength, and navigate the challenges during such an uncertain time in my life. This experience has shaped my approach to care, where I aim to offer families not just physical support, but emotional and informational guidance as well.
With a background in public health, I understand the impact that evidence-based practices have on care and deeply value informed decision-making. I am committed to offering guidance that empowers families, reduces stress, and fosters a more positive experience for everyone involved. Additionally, I believe emotional support that creates a sense of safety, calm, and connection can make a world of difference. I recognize that the emotional aspect of the journey—whether during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum—is just as crucial as the physical. For me, it’s essential to create a space where families can freely express their feelings, concerns, and hopes without judgment, and feel supported every step of the way.
Every person and family is different, and I approach each with an open heart and mind, ready to adapt and support in whatever way. Whether planning to start a family or adjusting to the postpartum period, my goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and fully supported.
Education & Trainings
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology, Law, and Justice, Minor in Public Health – University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Master’s of Public Health (MPH) in Maternal & Child Health – University of Minnesota School of Public Health
- Birth Doula Training (27 hrs) – DONA International
- Postpartum Doula Training (27 hrs) – DONA International
- “How To Help Families Get Evidence-Based Care” (8 hrs CE), EBB Academy
- “Suspected Big Babies & GDM” (3 hrs CE), EBB Academy
- “Due Dates & Advanced Maternal Age” (3 hrs CE), EBB Academy
- “PROM, GBS, & Newborn Procedures” (3 hrs CE), EBB Academy
- “Friedman’s Curve & Failure to Progress” (2 hrs CE), EBB Academy
- “VBAC” (1.5 hrs CE), EBB Academy
