I am blessed to be the mother to five children, four I birthed out of the hospital and one born by remarriage. My four older children are grown now, but in 2018 I was delighted to become pregnant with my late-in-life fifth bonus baby. I am honored to have also been able to teach or support as a doula thousands of families through various doula collectives, family resource centers, hospitals, and birth centers since 1998.

Raised as the daughter of an Air Force pilot father, I spent the majority of my childhood abroad in Europe and Asia. While this meant frequent moves, it fostered adaptability and a spirit of adventure. Additionally, as the daughter of an Anthropologist mother, I grew up immersed in diverse cultures, developing a broad worldview and a profound cultural curiosity.

My fascination with birth began at the age of eight, witnessing the birth of a calf on a German dairy farm. After getting the phone call that the heifer was in labor, I ran as fast as my legs would carry me to be present for the birth. I sat in awe at the miracle unfolding before me. Everyday after my chores on the farm were done, I would climb into the straw to snuggle next to the new baby calf.

Years later while residing in New Mexico, when it was my time to give birth, I received a recommendation for a "Birthing from Within" class with Pam England. This experience profoundly altered my life, my chosen birth location, and my career path. Empowered by education and community support, I opted for a home birth for my first child. Despite some initial uncertainty, having never given birth before, the eight-year-old farm girl within me trusted in my body's innate capabilities. I welcomed my first child at home after an intense and exhilarating four-hour labor.

Inspired by my own birth experience, I pursued and obtained my birth and postpartum doula certification shortly thereafter, recognizing my calling to birth work. A few years later, I was employed by a local Albuquerque hospital to assist in establishing a new in-house doula program. During this period, I trained as a Childbirth Educator and Infant Massage Instructor. Subsequently, I owned and managed a family resource center, where I developed a doula training program while continuing to work as a doula and educator.

In 2013, I became the primary educator and class coordinator for Dar a Luz Birth and Health Center in Los Ranchos, New Mexico. A few years ago, I also fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of becoming a Certified Dancing for Birth Instructor. This new expertise integrates two of my primary interests: birth and movement. I am deeply passionate about how holistic wellness and support during the prenatal and postpartum periods significantly influence overall outcomes.

I am delighted to be a part of the New Life team, where I can work alongside expectant and new families, providing education and postpartum support. My inspiration stems from the remarkable women who guided and nurtured my journey through birth and motherhood. My hope is that my work strengthens the connection within families and communities during this significant time of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.