I’m originally from southern California, but have lived in NYC for nearly 20 years. For the last 12 years I been working with very young children and their families as an early childhood educator. I really love working with infants, toddlers and their families— it is so rewarding to be there for the many changes that babies go through during their first year. My area of expertise is in respectful caregiving, based on the philosophies of Magda Gerber (RIE) and Emmi Pikler, believing that infants and toddlers are competent and capable individuals, deserving of respect. I have a Child Development Associate in Infant and Toddler Development from Bank Street College and am pursuing an advanced degree in Early Childhood Education with a bi-lingual Spanish extension through CUNY. I began to explore doula work after giving birth to my child.

The birth of my baby at home was my first experience with true holistic, whole-person medical care. I felt completely supported and cared for by my doulas and midwife, yet I know that this feeling is not the norm for most birthing people of color. I decided to take action to help change birthing outcomes for my community by joining Manhattan Birth’s 12 month doula mentorship program. I’m especially interested in empowering low-income and immigrant birthing people with the knowledge that they deserve the best care.

My ultimate goal is to combine supporting birthing people and their families from the prenatal period all the way through the preschool years, equipping parents with knowledge and confidence as they give birth and ultimately as they learn to be with their babies. When I’m not working with babies and families, my hobbies include collecting LPs, cooking, reading, and going to concerts.