Tom [my husband] and I grew up in Arizona, met in high school, and married in May 1979. We moved around with the Navy for 10 years. After Tom left the Navy, we lived in Maryland for 16 years, moving to Webster, NY in 2006 and to Berwick, PA in 2010. In 2020 we welcomed big changes into our lives when I moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE to join Tom, who has been working there for several years. June 2023 will find us back in Berwick, PA!
We are blessed to have eight amazing adult children and four wonderful son-in-laws, as well as 11 delightful grandchildren adult to newborn and two adorable great grandsons!
I have been a stay-at-home mom, served in many volunteer roles; directing vacation bible school, taught adult bible studies, coordinated support ministries, served on non profit boards and have also worked as a nurse in long-term care/rehabilitation facility, in a doctor’s office and school health rooms and camp. Now my work as a doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor are my full-time job! Working with families during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum is not only my job but my passion! I have been a doula for 20+ years and have attended over 300 births. in my leisure time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, sewing, crocheting and reading.
Trainings and Certifications
– Approved as a Level 1 educator 2019
– Attended Training – October 2018
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice*
– Certified Lactation Counselor – February 2017
– CLC Exam – January 2017
– 40-hour Lactation Counselor training course – January 2017
– Served on DONA International Board of Directors 2011-2018
– Certification – March 2002
– Labor Doula Training – June 2001
–Advanced Doula Designation – July 2019
– Certified – June 2015
– LCCE exam – April 2015
– Lamaze Educator Training – August 2014
Also
*Licensed Practical Nurse – 2006 – Present
*American Heart Association Provider CPR Certified
Federal and PA Criminal background and child abuse clearances
Professional member of Evidence Based Birth
* Continuing Education and Recertification is required
I attend numerous conferences and participate regularly in continuing education training. Some of these trainings include: the use of the Rebozo, Peanut ball, Labor ball and TENs Units during labor and birth; Spinning Babies; preparing and supporting survivors of trauma during childbirth; as well as more general training on birth and postpartum doula work.
Preparing for Birth and Beyond, LLC 