Nicolette Bryan-Wessling
I've always been a Doula. Since the birth of my brother Gabriel, at the age of seven, I have held, cooed and nurtured any tiny human that came into my care. Gabe spent a majority of his short life in the hospital and consequently so did I. I grew to love the hospital halls and walls and was fascinated with all things surrounding birth and beginning of life. Those passions were nurtured over the years and married when I found a career that I adored almost as much as I adore pregnancy and birth. I began working at a women and children's shelter in NE Portland and was broken as I saw many women walk in pregnant and be sent out out alone in taxis to have their sweet babies. It was through those experiences in social service that I began to see that two of the biggest pieces of my heart could exist in the same room. That's when I discovered the role of a Doula. I am now currently studying as an intern with a Birth Service in SE Portland, certifying with DONA and volunteering at the Gateway Doula Project. I specialize in comfort touch, natural pain coping techniques, labor comfort positioning, as well as supporting women who suffer from PTSD and trauma response.
When I'm not completely obsessing with birth... I am running around in the woods with my little dog, obsessing about all things outdoors, constantly looking for a place in Forest Park to set up my hammock and drink a nice cup of coffee while I read as much as I can, or of course... dancing ridiculously in my kitchen or savoring a delicious and thoughtful meal with friends."
I've always been a Doula. Since the birth of my brother Gabriel, at the age of seven, I have held, cooed and nurtured any tiny human that came into my care. Gabe spent a majority of his short life in the hospital and consequently so did I. I grew to love the hospital halls and walls and was fascinated with all things surrounding birth and beginning of life. Those passions were nurtured over the years and married when I found a career that I adored almost as much as I adore pregnancy and birth. I began working at a women and children's shelter in NE Portland and was broken as I saw many women walk in pregnant and be sent out out alone in taxis to have their sweet babies. It was through those experiences in social service that I began to see that two of the biggest pieces of my heart could exist in the same room. That's when I discovered the role of a Doula. I am now currently studying as an intern with a Birth Service in SE Portland, certifying with DONA and volunteering at the Gateway Doula Project. I specialize in comfort touch, natural pain coping techniques, labor comfort positioning, as well as supporting women who suffer from PTSD and trauma response.
When I'm not completely obsessing with birth... I am running around in the woods with my little dog, obsessing about all things outdoors, constantly looking for a place in Forest Park to set up my hammock and drink a nice cup of coffee while I read as much as I can, or of course... dancing ridiculously in my kitchen or savoring a delicious and thoughtful meal with friends."
Makeda
In addition to being a doula in GDP she is also the statistical analysis director for the entire team.
Makeda has been in the medical field for almost 20 years in many different capacities with special emphasis in women’s healthcare. She has carried the role as a medical assistant and currently works in the operating room. She is an advocate for justice and compassion of all beings. Her philosophy on human interaction is to always meet the person wherever they are in life, and connect the pieces from there. She recently finished her DONA international doula training through Wendy Scharp at Portland Doula Love and plans to enrich her education even further with training as a postpartum doula. She believes that childbirth is such a sacred and emotional moment in space for women. It is the delicate exchange of giving and receiving life. Makeda’s mission is to make sure that every women she helps through this transitions feels respected and supported in any decision that may approach. Makeda is also a graduate of The Bhaktishop where she received her 200 hour teacher training certificate. She loves to share this tool of connection of breath to soul with movement to create openess within the body, which facilitates abundant flexibility and strength, especially to the pregnant body and beyond. Makeda plans to bring prenatal yoga classes to the women she serves.
Her tribe consists of her partner and three daughters ages 7 to 19. They have made her the woman she is today. She is a born and raised Oregonian and her hobbies consist of all things yoga, reading, poetry, and anything that brings her closer to the earth.
In addition to being a doula in GDP she is also the statistical analysis director for the entire team.
Makeda has been in the medical field for almost 20 years in many different capacities with special emphasis in women’s healthcare. She has carried the role as a medical assistant and currently works in the operating room. She is an advocate for justice and compassion of all beings. Her philosophy on human interaction is to always meet the person wherever they are in life, and connect the pieces from there. She recently finished her DONA international doula training through Wendy Scharp at Portland Doula Love and plans to enrich her education even further with training as a postpartum doula. She believes that childbirth is such a sacred and emotional moment in space for women. It is the delicate exchange of giving and receiving life. Makeda’s mission is to make sure that every women she helps through this transitions feels respected and supported in any decision that may approach. Makeda is also a graduate of The Bhaktishop where she received her 200 hour teacher training certificate. She loves to share this tool of connection of breath to soul with movement to create openess within the body, which facilitates abundant flexibility and strength, especially to the pregnant body and beyond. Makeda plans to bring prenatal yoga classes to the women she serves.
Her tribe consists of her partner and three daughters ages 7 to 19. They have made her the woman she is today. She is a born and raised Oregonian and her hobbies consist of all things yoga, reading, poetry, and anything that brings her closer to the earth.
Ali, CD(DONA)
Ali’s interest in women’s health took shape when she witnessed the birth of her younger sister at the age of 12. She studied nursing at the University of Portland and was introduced to doula work a few years later. Her passion for women’s health is what motivates her to provide the best doula care for all women as they begin their journey into motherhood.Ali received her training through a DONA International birth doula course at Mother Tree. She also received advanced training through a course at OHSU. She recently completed a 6-month doula internship program and a DONA International postpartum training as well. Ali currently participates in a volunteer doula program called Gateway Doula Project. Ali lives in Portland with her husband; they have 1 dog and 1 rabbit. She has lived in Portland her entire life and is an avid Trail Blazer fan. She enjoys going to basketball and college football games.
Ali’s interest in women’s health took shape when she witnessed the birth of her younger sister at the age of 12. She studied nursing at the University of Portland and was introduced to doula work a few years later. Her passion for women’s health is what motivates her to provide the best doula care for all women as they begin their journey into motherhood.Ali received her training through a DONA International birth doula course at Mother Tree. She also received advanced training through a course at OHSU. She recently completed a 6-month doula internship program and a DONA International postpartum training as well. Ali currently participates in a volunteer doula program called Gateway Doula Project. Ali lives in Portland with her husband; they have 1 dog and 1 rabbit. She has lived in Portland her entire life and is an avid Trail Blazer fan. She enjoys going to basketball and college football games.
Megan, CD(DONA)
Megan Brunston is the recruitment and orientation director in addition to volunteering with GDP.
She is a reproductive health advocate, certified doula and pre-nursing student. Megan currently volunteers as a talkline advocate with Backline, an organization that offers peer-base counseling support around the full spectrum of pregnancy experiences, and is a certified nurse assistant. Prior to moving to Portland in 2012, she received a BA degree from the University of North Texas in International Development and minors in Women’s Studies and Spanish. There her studies and research focused heavily on the many social barriers and economic disparities that ultimately shape people’s lives, including reproductive experiences. Megan tries to create a world in which all people have the strength, access and ability to seek the support they need in order to make healthy reproductive decisions for themselves, whether it is abortion, adoption, parenting, miscarriage management or birth. She enjoys exploring the wonders of the Pacific Northwest, going on picnics, and being a loving partner and cat owner. She is honored to work as a volunteer with Gateway Doula Project.
Megan Brunston is the recruitment and orientation director in addition to volunteering with GDP.
She is a reproductive health advocate, certified doula and pre-nursing student. Megan currently volunteers as a talkline advocate with Backline, an organization that offers peer-base counseling support around the full spectrum of pregnancy experiences, and is a certified nurse assistant. Prior to moving to Portland in 2012, she received a BA degree from the University of North Texas in International Development and minors in Women’s Studies and Spanish. There her studies and research focused heavily on the many social barriers and economic disparities that ultimately shape people’s lives, including reproductive experiences. Megan tries to create a world in which all people have the strength, access and ability to seek the support they need in order to make healthy reproductive decisions for themselves, whether it is abortion, adoption, parenting, miscarriage management or birth. She enjoys exploring the wonders of the Pacific Northwest, going on picnics, and being a loving partner and cat owner. She is honored to work as a volunteer with Gateway Doula Project.
Christine, CD(DONA)
Christine believes all women should have the birth experience they desire, whatever that may be. As a DONA trained doula, she provides open-minded and open-hearted support for families before, during, and after birth. After she completed her training she joined Mothertree’s Doula Internship where she learned advanced physical and emotional comfort measures, natural pain coping techniques, labor positions, breastfeeding assistance, and how to foster a calm and relaxing birthing experience at home or hospital. Christine has six children ranging in ages from 13 to 24. Three were with an epidural and three without. She recently moved from Southern California to Portland to be closer to her oldest daughter and grand-daughters. Her and her daughters doula practice is “Loving Heritage Doulas” and you can find them on facebook.
Christine believes all women should have the birth experience they desire, whatever that may be. As a DONA trained doula, she provides open-minded and open-hearted support for families before, during, and after birth. After she completed her training she joined Mothertree’s Doula Internship where she learned advanced physical and emotional comfort measures, natural pain coping techniques, labor positions, breastfeeding assistance, and how to foster a calm and relaxing birthing experience at home or hospital. Christine has six children ranging in ages from 13 to 24. Three were with an epidural and three without. She recently moved from Southern California to Portland to be closer to her oldest daughter and grand-daughters. Her and her daughters doula practice is “Loving Heritage Doulas” and you can find them on facebook.
Jessica
Jessica has been volunteering as a doula with the Gateway Doula Project since October of 2013. She believes birth is a transformative event that requires continuous, loving support throughout labor and delivery and is inspired by mothers and their deep commitment to their families and their power during birth. Jessica is currently a nursing student at OHSU. She also has a bachelor of arts in Spanish with a minor in Public Health from Oregon State University. At OSU, she was president of the Sexual Health Club and a peer educator for Every1, a sexual violence education and awareness group. As a DONA-trained birth doula, Jessica is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to mothers and their families.
Jessica has been volunteering as a doula with the Gateway Doula Project since October of 2013. She believes birth is a transformative event that requires continuous, loving support throughout labor and delivery and is inspired by mothers and their deep commitment to their families and their power during birth. Jessica is currently a nursing student at OHSU. She also has a bachelor of arts in Spanish with a minor in Public Health from Oregon State University. At OSU, she was president of the Sexual Health Club and a peer educator for Every1, a sexual violence education and awareness group. As a DONA-trained birth doula, Jessica is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to mothers and their families.
Tricia
Tricia, born and raised in northwest Ohio, graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in social work in 2007. After college, she was living in Washington, D.C., working at a women’s reproductive health non-profit focusing on American Indian/Alaska Native issues when she decided to become a doula after her mother shared her traumatic birth experience. Tricia then pursued a Master of social work degree, graduating in 2011 from San Diego State University. After completing Doulas of North America’s labor and postpartum doula trainings, Tricia became a member of Renaissance Childbirth Professionals, specializing in twins. Tricia has volunteered with Gateway Doula Project since November 2012.
Tricia, born and raised in northwest Ohio, graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in social work in 2007. After college, she was living in Washington, D.C., working at a women’s reproductive health non-profit focusing on American Indian/Alaska Native issues when she decided to become a doula after her mother shared her traumatic birth experience. Tricia then pursued a Master of social work degree, graduating in 2011 from San Diego State University. After completing Doulas of North America’s labor and postpartum doula trainings, Tricia became a member of Renaissance Childbirth Professionals, specializing in twins. Tricia has volunteered with Gateway Doula Project since November 2012.
Luna
Luna’s journey into birth work began at age nine witnessing the magic of her sister birthing life into our world. For Luna, his experience deeply resonated a powerful understanding of and joy for the sacred inner knowledge of birth.
Becoming older, her passion for birth rippled out in many ways. After spending significant time in the social justice world, she felt distanced from the folks she most energetically wanted to serve. This visceral feeling led her to take a birth doula skills course with Penny Simkin in 2012. Since then Luna has learned that doula work is the thread weaving her full circle back to the morning many moons ago when an imprint of awe and fascination for birth seeded and sprouted within her.
The complex nature of birth inspired Luna's participation in various workshops, including one-on-one mentorship, Quantum/Physiological Birthing, Yoga Way to Birth, Full Spectrum Doula care, Cultural Competency awareness, Rebozo techniques, Comfort Positions and Massage for Labor, and currently an intensive six-month birth doula internship. All of these experiences have created a strong groundwork for how she serves families.
When Luna is not honing her skills by holding a gentle and supportive space for you and your loved ones, she can be found knitting, drawing, learning about and making plant medicine, singing, hiking, backpacking, tending plants and rabbits at the urban farm where she resides, and reading, reading, reading (and yes! usually about all things doula).
Luna’s journey into birth work began at age nine witnessing the magic of her sister birthing life into our world. For Luna, his experience deeply resonated a powerful understanding of and joy for the sacred inner knowledge of birth.
Becoming older, her passion for birth rippled out in many ways. After spending significant time in the social justice world, she felt distanced from the folks she most energetically wanted to serve. This visceral feeling led her to take a birth doula skills course with Penny Simkin in 2012. Since then Luna has learned that doula work is the thread weaving her full circle back to the morning many moons ago when an imprint of awe and fascination for birth seeded and sprouted within her.
The complex nature of birth inspired Luna's participation in various workshops, including one-on-one mentorship, Quantum/Physiological Birthing, Yoga Way to Birth, Full Spectrum Doula care, Cultural Competency awareness, Rebozo techniques, Comfort Positions and Massage for Labor, and currently an intensive six-month birth doula internship. All of these experiences have created a strong groundwork for how she serves families.
When Luna is not honing her skills by holding a gentle and supportive space for you and your loved ones, she can be found knitting, drawing, learning about and making plant medicine, singing, hiking, backpacking, tending plants and rabbits at the urban farm where she resides, and reading, reading, reading (and yes! usually about all things doula).
Fay Pooler
My path to becoming a doula began during my prenatal yoga teacher training. Learning about all the different ways to birth a child blew my mind and quickly pulled me into this journey. I was intrigued by every women’s birth story and every women’s way to becoming a mother. Each experience very different from the next, but all just as beautiful.
I completed my training with Wendy Scharp of Doula Love. I am currently in the Mother Tree Birth internship and am working towards my Dona certification. While working as a doula, I want to help mothers have a positive birth experience by providing support to them and their birth team and to help empower women of all paths to motherhood. I aspire to increase my knowledge in healthy movement for mothers prenatally and while giving birth for optimal fetal positioning as well as increased body awareness and comfort. I believe that birth is a normal process of the body and the body knows what to do and how to let the process unfurl. I strive to help mothers and their birth team through this transformative experience by providing comfort measures as well as emotional and physical support. Outside of being a doula, I am a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), working towards my 500RYT. I teach classes in Sandy where my husband and two furry four-legged children reside. I am also currently subbing classes in SE Portland at The Bhaktishop Yoga Center. During my free time you can find me hiking, identifying plants, taking pictures, snowboarding, or attempting to cook.
My path to becoming a doula began during my prenatal yoga teacher training. Learning about all the different ways to birth a child blew my mind and quickly pulled me into this journey. I was intrigued by every women’s birth story and every women’s way to becoming a mother. Each experience very different from the next, but all just as beautiful.
I completed my training with Wendy Scharp of Doula Love. I am currently in the Mother Tree Birth internship and am working towards my Dona certification. While working as a doula, I want to help mothers have a positive birth experience by providing support to them and their birth team and to help empower women of all paths to motherhood. I aspire to increase my knowledge in healthy movement for mothers prenatally and while giving birth for optimal fetal positioning as well as increased body awareness and comfort. I believe that birth is a normal process of the body and the body knows what to do and how to let the process unfurl. I strive to help mothers and their birth team through this transformative experience by providing comfort measures as well as emotional and physical support. Outside of being a doula, I am a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), working towards my 500RYT. I teach classes in Sandy where my husband and two furry four-legged children reside. I am also currently subbing classes in SE Portland at The Bhaktishop Yoga Center. During my free time you can find me hiking, identifying plants, taking pictures, snowboarding, or attempting to cook.
Lindsay Wasko
Lindsay completed her doula training with MotherTree Doula Services in 2013 and is pursuing her DONA International certification through a six month internship with MotherTree. As a student intern, Lindsay has opportunities to connect with a network of amazing and knowledgeable doulas and offer her clients the collective wisdom gained from the hundreds of births they’ve attended. Lindsay specializes in comfort techniques including comfort massage, breathing, positioning, and relaxation for laboring in and out of bed and for caesarian deliveries. She enjoys working with mothers and their partners to prepare emotionally, physically, and logistically for the challenges and joys of birth and early parenthood and provides nonjudgmental support for their decisions on their unique journey toward bringing their baby into the world. Lindsay knows that fear and anxiety come in many forms as they relate to birth and parenthood and believes that birth can be healing and empowering. She has personal experience with loss and was thoroughly trained for and volunteered with a crisis call center for survivors while she was completing her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing.
Before discovering doula work, Lindsay worked as a deck hand on a schooner, a café manager/ barista, and a direct support staff working with adults who experience developmental disabilities. She is fluent in Norwegian and lives with her quirky cat and even quirkier husband in SE Portland, where she enjoys “friluftsliv” (the fresh air life), textile arts, prayer, yoga, and cooking for loved ones.
Lindsay completed her doula training with MotherTree Doula Services in 2013 and is pursuing her DONA International certification through a six month internship with MotherTree. As a student intern, Lindsay has opportunities to connect with a network of amazing and knowledgeable doulas and offer her clients the collective wisdom gained from the hundreds of births they’ve attended. Lindsay specializes in comfort techniques including comfort massage, breathing, positioning, and relaxation for laboring in and out of bed and for caesarian deliveries. She enjoys working with mothers and their partners to prepare emotionally, physically, and logistically for the challenges and joys of birth and early parenthood and provides nonjudgmental support for their decisions on their unique journey toward bringing their baby into the world. Lindsay knows that fear and anxiety come in many forms as they relate to birth and parenthood and believes that birth can be healing and empowering. She has personal experience with loss and was thoroughly trained for and volunteered with a crisis call center for survivors while she was completing her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing.
Before discovering doula work, Lindsay worked as a deck hand on a schooner, a café manager/ barista, and a direct support staff working with adults who experience developmental disabilities. She is fluent in Norwegian and lives with her quirky cat and even quirkier husband in SE Portland, where she enjoys “friluftsliv” (the fresh air life), textile arts, prayer, yoga, and cooking for loved ones.
Melissa
Melissa is an active birth doula in GDP and the meeting director for the entire team.
She was first introduced to birth work in 2005 when she attended the birth of her nephew and was inspired by the strength and intuition shown by her younger sister. She attended Labor Doula training at Birthingway College of Midwifery in 2006 and more recently with Mother Tree. As a doula, Melissa provides a calm and nurturing presence that supports both mother and partner in having the best possible experience of their birth. She provides flexible, intuitive emotional and physical support for each mother, family and moment in birth. Whether getting ice chips and pillows, doing massage, or offering position ideas and encouragement, she views her role as holding sacred space and honoring each mother’s unique way of bringing life into the world.
Melissa is an active birth doula in GDP and the meeting director for the entire team.
She was first introduced to birth work in 2005 when she attended the birth of her nephew and was inspired by the strength and intuition shown by her younger sister. She attended Labor Doula training at Birthingway College of Midwifery in 2006 and more recently with Mother Tree. As a doula, Melissa provides a calm and nurturing presence that supports both mother and partner in having the best possible experience of their birth. She provides flexible, intuitive emotional and physical support for each mother, family and moment in birth. Whether getting ice chips and pillows, doing massage, or offering position ideas and encouragement, she views her role as holding sacred space and honoring each mother’s unique way of bringing life into the world.
Keri
Keri is pursuing her DONA certification as a birth doula. She is inspired by the miracle of birth and the amazing strength of women. She has personal experiences with fertility challenges, vaginal child birth, cesarean child birth, prenatal yoga, acupuncture, pregnancy with multiples, and breast feeding. Sh is honored to be the mother of a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old twins, a son and daughter. She enjoys gardening, pottery, tending to her chickens and (soon to be) goats, playing games and recreational sports, traveling, and vacationing in whatever way her family can. She is grateful to work as a birth doula and assist soon-to-be-mothers
Keri is pursuing her DONA certification as a birth doula. She is inspired by the miracle of birth and the amazing strength of women. She has personal experiences with fertility challenges, vaginal child birth, cesarean child birth, prenatal yoga, acupuncture, pregnancy with multiples, and breast feeding. Sh is honored to be the mother of a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old twins, a son and daughter. She enjoys gardening, pottery, tending to her chickens and (soon to be) goats, playing games and recreational sports, traveling, and vacationing in whatever way her family can. She is grateful to work as a birth doula and assist soon-to-be-mothers
Ashley
An advocate for holistic emotional, physical, and spiritual health, Ashley’s background includes work in urban agriculture, popular education, and immigrant rights advocacy. She believes that the health of our community is a sure sign of the amount of justice in our society. She is dedicated to walking with unheard individuals and working to ensure their voices are heard. To Ashley, pregnancy and birth are an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate. Birth is an experience of empowerment for both mothers and their loved ones. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to reflect on one’s own path while welcoming a new soul to humankind! Ashley hopes to provide a calm and positive presence for each mother she accompanies. She supports health care that recognizes the strength and wisdom of each individual to make healthy choices for themselves. She also loves long distance running, home cooked meals, gardening, dance parties, and chickens.
An advocate for holistic emotional, physical, and spiritual health, Ashley’s background includes work in urban agriculture, popular education, and immigrant rights advocacy. She believes that the health of our community is a sure sign of the amount of justice in our society. She is dedicated to walking with unheard individuals and working to ensure their voices are heard. To Ashley, pregnancy and birth are an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate. Birth is an experience of empowerment for both mothers and their loved ones. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to reflect on one’s own path while welcoming a new soul to humankind! Ashley hopes to provide a calm and positive presence for each mother she accompanies. She supports health care that recognizes the strength and wisdom of each individual to make healthy choices for themselves. She also loves long distance running, home cooked meals, gardening, dance parties, and chickens.
Samantha Tobey
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is such an overwhelming question that we direct to both our youth and often those who have begun to bridge into adulthood. As a teen I was just as lost; I would stumble over unorganized ideas but I always came back to, “I’m not sure but I want to help people.”
I was born in Portland, Oregon and I am happy to call the Pacific Northwest my home. As a teen I quickly began to seek out opportunities to help local organizations and better my city. I planted the seeds of my current career by being actively involved in our local LGBTQI community and investing over seven years of personal care and dedication. Eventually, I also began working my way through the business side of western medicine. At the time, I worked in a pharmacy setting and came to realize that the hands on approach I loved so much was lacking from this impersonal setting. I found myself missing the intimacy of knowing my clients and tailoring my care to their needs.This pull was incessant and at first chance I moved to Vancouver, Washington to undertake a job that focused on much more personal, natural approaches to health and ways of living. This change was a relief and I found something in naturopathy that I didn’t know I had been looking for. I also came to love meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. My job in natural medicine was where I first learned about doulas and their importance in the delicate and inspiring time during the birthing year. I met a doula at work one day but had never heard of one before, she explained to me her active role in supporting women from conception and beyond--I instantly became both enamored and passionate. Over the years I have found the Pacific Northwest to be a haven for the ample opportunities that have led me to fiercely believe in the importance of unbiased care for all walks of life and all choices. I have found a community that uniquely supports budding families with attention to detail that no other maternity care can produce. I am currently working to become a full-spectrum doula, including, but not limited to: support of termination, fertility, birth, postpartum, and lactation. I am blessed to be able to aid and witness the absolute wonder that is life being brought into the world.I can finally produce an answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I tell people, “I want to actively support women by helping them feel empowered during their birth and pregnancy experience.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is such an overwhelming question that we direct to both our youth and often those who have begun to bridge into adulthood. As a teen I was just as lost; I would stumble over unorganized ideas but I always came back to, “I’m not sure but I want to help people.”
I was born in Portland, Oregon and I am happy to call the Pacific Northwest my home. As a teen I quickly began to seek out opportunities to help local organizations and better my city. I planted the seeds of my current career by being actively involved in our local LGBTQI community and investing over seven years of personal care and dedication. Eventually, I also began working my way through the business side of western medicine. At the time, I worked in a pharmacy setting and came to realize that the hands on approach I loved so much was lacking from this impersonal setting. I found myself missing the intimacy of knowing my clients and tailoring my care to their needs.This pull was incessant and at first chance I moved to Vancouver, Washington to undertake a job that focused on much more personal, natural approaches to health and ways of living. This change was a relief and I found something in naturopathy that I didn’t know I had been looking for. I also came to love meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. My job in natural medicine was where I first learned about doulas and their importance in the delicate and inspiring time during the birthing year. I met a doula at work one day but had never heard of one before, she explained to me her active role in supporting women from conception and beyond--I instantly became both enamored and passionate. Over the years I have found the Pacific Northwest to be a haven for the ample opportunities that have led me to fiercely believe in the importance of unbiased care for all walks of life and all choices. I have found a community that uniquely supports budding families with attention to detail that no other maternity care can produce. I am currently working to become a full-spectrum doula, including, but not limited to: support of termination, fertility, birth, postpartum, and lactation. I am blessed to be able to aid and witness the absolute wonder that is life being brought into the world.I can finally produce an answer when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I tell people, “I want to actively support women by helping them feel empowered during their birth and pregnancy experience.”
Madelyn
Madelyn is currently pursuing her DONA Certificate and working towards becoming a full-spectrum doula. Madelyn grew up in Palmer, Alaska and received her Bachelor’s degree in Politics at Whitman College in eastern Washington. There she focused on immigration politics, women’s health, and LGBTQIA politics and worked at a local women’s shelter. Since moving to Portland Madelyn has worked on a pumpkin patch and a Christmas tree farm and as an intern with NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. She now works as a lab assistant at the Gateway location of Women’s Healthcare Associates (where she connected with Gateway Doula Project) and serves as a liaison between the midwives at the clinic and the doulas with GDP. Madelyn is also a pre-nursing student with aspirations of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. In her free-time, Madelyn spends time finding new hikes and bike-rides, frequenting the public library, snuggling with dogs, and cooking for friends. As an advocate for reproductive and transgender justice and an absolute birth enthusiast, Madelyn is thrilled and honored to be working with Gateway Doula Project!
Madelyn is currently pursuing her DONA Certificate and working towards becoming a full-spectrum doula. Madelyn grew up in Palmer, Alaska and received her Bachelor’s degree in Politics at Whitman College in eastern Washington. There she focused on immigration politics, women’s health, and LGBTQIA politics and worked at a local women’s shelter. Since moving to Portland Madelyn has worked on a pumpkin patch and a Christmas tree farm and as an intern with NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. She now works as a lab assistant at the Gateway location of Women’s Healthcare Associates (where she connected with Gateway Doula Project) and serves as a liaison between the midwives at the clinic and the doulas with GDP. Madelyn is also a pre-nursing student with aspirations of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. In her free-time, Madelyn spends time finding new hikes and bike-rides, frequenting the public library, snuggling with dogs, and cooking for friends. As an advocate for reproductive and transgender justice and an absolute birth enthusiast, Madelyn is thrilled and honored to be working with Gateway Doula Project!