My Story
I am a mother of three: two step sons and a daughter that I gave birth to in 2021. Pregnancy and giving birth to a baby during the COVID19 pandemic was a difficult time for many, and my experience was no exception. My parents died earlier on in my life, so the isolation and lack of support often experienced by parents during the pandemic weighed quite heavily on me as I navigated through my pregnancy and postpartum period without their guidance and support. There were many areas where I struggled throughout my maternity leave, and about halfway through, I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety and depression. 

I did eventually seek out the supports I needed to come out of this dark time. These supports helped me gain the confidence and skills to thrive as a parent. Coming out of my postpartum period showed me that I didn't want other 'new' parents to feel the way I felt: lonely, anxious, insecure, to name but a few emotions... I wanted to help parents to feel supported, empowered, and confident in this next phase in their lives! That is ultimately what led me to become a postpartum doula.
I have a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Mount Royal University. While at MRU, I supported individuals with disabilities in the Access and Inclusion Services department as a notetaker and scribe. This path led me to supporting adults with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses at a non-profit agency in Calgary, where I work during the day. Cumulatively, I have over ten years' experience supporting individuals with disabilities and complex needs, and I feel quite comfortable in these environments.

Working for non-profit has opened my eyes to some of the many service barriers people face every day. Accessibility and advocacy are things I am very passionate about, and I endeavour to find ways to overcome these barriers for families who want and need postpartum doula support (see my 'Services' page for more information). 

Some of my hobbies include: painting (especially people's pets!), reading, drawing, walks and bike rides with the family, exploring our own backyard here in beautiful Alberta, volunteering, discovering amazing restaurants and breweries with my husband, and snuggling cats and babies. 

I aspire to someday upgrade my BA Psychology into a Masters of Counselling Psychology, specializing in art therapy.

Certifications and Training

  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, completed November 2022
  • 3-hour Breastfeeding Support Workshop, completed November 2022
  • Circle of Security Workshop (Families Matter), completed November 2022
  • AHS Food Safety Basics Training, completed December 2022
  • Standard First Aid and CPR, completed April 2022
  • AHS Trauma-Informed Care Training, completed May 2019
  • Vecova Medication Administration Training, completed September 2022
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) last taken in 2019, pending renewal
  • ASL (American Sign Language) and Spanish known (not fluent)
  • Current peer grief support volunteer with the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA)
  • Postpartum nutrition webinar training, January 2023
  • DONA International postpartum doula certification, in progress
  • StillBirthday Birth and Bereavement doula certification, in progress