Meet Katie

Some back story.

In my early 20’s I was in my second round of college. My plan was to get a degree in Community Health and be a Sex Educator. I have always been passionate about both mental and physical sexual health, so it felt like the right path. In my Psychology of Sex class I was introduced to birth with a perspective I had never considered. Shortly after in a health class, I was required to write a research paper exploring healthcare systems. I decided to research models of maternity care in the United States. From here my interest continued to build as I learned more about our innate capability to birth.

After finishing my Associates Degree, I paused and had my first two daughters. During that time I supported friends and family through labor. I came to know more young families and felt so much comfort in community. But the transition to family life rocked my world. I saw the need for support in this and decided to pursue Psychology and Human Services. In the last year of my program I was pregnant with my third daughter. I directed all of my projects and research toward self-efficacy in the transition to motherhood. I knew this world well, I loved this world, it was close to my heart, so a friend suggested the idea of becoming a childbirth educator and doula.

My daughter was born a week after I graduated and a few months later I took the courses needed to become a certified Childbirth Educator. I loved my training, and could not wait to jump into this work. After a short time, I learned that it’s not about what I want to teach you. It is about everything you are entering birth with. What makes you feel safe, confident, and supported? How do I support that, you as an individual, and your family? I decided then that if I wanted to support a family well, then becoming a doula was naturally the next step. So I did my training for certification as a Labor Doula.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest of Washington State. I spent some years in San Francisco, where I met my husband and a few years Seattle. My early years of motherhood were spent in a beautiful border town called Blaine. Now, we have moved our family across the country to Pittsburgh for a change of scenery and fresh start!

I love to bake, and I usually have at least one of my girls join me in the process. There is nothing I enjoy more than a good coffee and pastry. I am a big fan of La Gourmandine. Also, excited to live in a city with an Anthropologie Home Outlet! I love trying new food, exploring neighborhoods, walks through the city, theme parks, and big roller coasters.

For more testimonials from clients you can visit my Google page for reviews.

Our local hospital and birth centers now require doulas to be vaccinated. I am vaccinated, but do not require vaccination of my clients. I am happy to work with anyone regardless of vaccine status.

  Qualifications

• BA in Psychology, Trinity Western University

• Certificate in Human Services, Trinity Western University

• Certified Childbirth Educator, Lamaze International

• Certified Labor Doula, ProDoula

• Certified Doula, Intentional Birth

• Postpartum Placenta Specialist, ProDoula

• Preventing Trauma in the Birth Room Level 1 & 2, Dancy Perinatal

• Certified Body Ready Method Pro

• Infant & Adult CPR/First Aid/AED Certified

• Bloodborne Pathogen Certified