Meet Your Doula Team

I’m Doreen, and caring for families has been the heart of my life’s work.

For more than three decades, I’ve walked alongside children, parents, and caregivers during some of life’s most tender and challenging moments—as an educator, advocate, massage therapist, doula, and holistic caregiver. My path has included many years in public education and leadership, including serving as an assistant superintendent, where I worked closely with families navigating complex systems with care, clarity, and compassion.

In addition to my work in education and birth support, I have served as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and investigator, advocating for the safety, well-being, and best interests of children and families. I am also a Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) advocate and work closely with families experiencing high-risk pregnancies. These roles have deepened my respect for confidentiality, ethical care, and steady presence, and they have strengthened my ability to support families through uncertainty, vulnerability, and high-stress moments with calm and discernment.

My doula and body-based work is grounded in the belief that the body holds wisdom and that healing begins with feeling safe. As a licensed massage therapist and trauma-informed caregiver, I bring a gentle, grounding approach to birth and postpartum care—one that supports the nervous system, honors boundaries, and recognizes touch as a powerful form of medicine. Whether through hands-on support, quiet presence, or thoughtful guidance, my goal is to help families feel supported, seen, and grounded.

As a DCF placement parent, I understand firsthand how essential consistency, trust, and dignity are during times of transition. I am committed to meeting families exactly where they are—without judgment, pressure, or expectation.

Sacred Start was created as a place where families can slow down, feel held, and begin this new chapter with care that is both practical and deeply human. It is an honor to be invited into such meaningful moments, and I approach each family with humility, warmth, and respect.

I am a mother of five, a community advocate, and someone who believes deeply that nobody should have to navigate life's challenges alone. My journey has included many experiences that have shaped who I am today, including housing instability, domestic violence, separation, and rebuilding after difficult seasons. These experiences taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of having someone in your corner when life feels overwhelming.

I have spent much of my life supporting people through transitions. As a CNA and home health aide, I cared for individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. I have helped young people navigate their first periods, supported families through illness and recovery, and sat beside many individuals as they approached the end of life. While death can be deeply sad, I have come to understand it as a natural part of the life cycle. It is an honor to hold space for people and their loved ones during those final moments, helping them feel seen, heard, comforted, and never alone.

My passion for birth work comes from my love of supporting families as they grow and change. Over the years, I have supported friends, family members, and community members through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. I had the privilege of supporting Krystal through the births of her twins and her youngest child, furthering solidifying my desire to do this work. 

I am passionate about helping people find resources, understand systems, and advocate for themselves. Through both personal and professional experiences, I have learned how to navigate complex systems and connect people with support they may not know exists. I believe knowledge is power, and I enjoy helping others understand their options and access the resources they deserve.

When I'm not supporting others, you'll usually find me spending time with my dogs, listening to old-school music, enjoying a picnic, or making memories with family and friends. I believe healing happens through connection, community, and being truly seen. Whether someone is welcoming a new life, navigating a difficult season, celebrating a milestone, or saying goodbye to a loved one, I am honored to walk alongside them with compassion, honesty, and an open heart.