Meet Our Volunteer Doulas!

Alexa (Lex) DeTogne - She/They

CVD Doula Since May 2021

I'm a full-spectrum doula serving the Chicago metro area. My practice is evidence-based, holistic, and deeply rooted in reproductive justice. Client self-determination and autonomy is the focus of my care, and inclusivity forms the core. I have additional training to better support those coping with the after effects of trauma, and strive to promote space for safety, empowerment, and healing in all that I offer. My desires are saturated in queer ethic, and the need to support those most marginalized by the institutions around us. Everyone has a voice worth being heard, and it has been an honor to work so intimately towards that aim.

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Fertility Support, Childbirth Education, Holistic Care, Cultural Bodywork and Healing, Mindfulness and Meditation

Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Northern suburbs to WI border

Contact me at [email protected] or visit lexaglade.com to learn more.

Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Ama Warnock - They/Them

CVD Doula Since August 2021

I'm a full-time doula and perinatal photographer, and I love being part of CVD. I have specialized training and experience working with queer & trans families, survivors of violence, and people marginalized in the medical system. The doula support I provide is rooted in reproductive justice principles, client autonomy, consent, knowledge sharing, and deep emotional support. I offer pay-what-you-can newborn and postpartum photography and somatic processing for CVD families, so please email me if you are interested!

CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support, Fertility Support, Birth, Newborn, & Postpartum Photography; Somatic Processing; Grief & Loss Support; Gender doula support; Private Childbirth Education

Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Visit embodiedreproductivecare.org or email me at [email protected]

Tags: Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Annie Gardner - She/Her

CVD Doula Since October 2015

I began volunteering with CVD while pregnant with my first child and the experience of attending births with on-call clients was formative in my decision to go to nursing school in order to become a certified nurse-midwife. When I'm not studying or attending births I love Lake Michigan in all seasons, gardening, and seed saving with my very wild children. My favorite thing about birth work is building relationships with client families in all their beautiful forms.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side

Becca Metrick - She/Her

CVD Doula Since January 2019

I'm a full spectrum doula, which means that I provide social, emotional, and physical support across pregnancy and postpartum, with a focus on birth and abortion doula support. I have been engaged in this work in various capacities since 2013, and I went through a CAPPA labor doula training in 2018. My background is in public health, and I am continually amazed by the research on doulas. John Kennell, a pediatrician and researcher, once said: "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." I agree, which is why I volunteer with CVD to support access to doulas for all families.

CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Tags: LGBTQ+, Trauma-Informed

Tags: Black/African American

Dominique Davis - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

Hi! I’m Dominique and my interest is in everything BIRTH & BEYOND. I am a Certified Birth Doula and Community Breastfeeding Educator in the Chicagoland area; currently studying to become a full spectrum Doula. I have been trained through Gifted Hands International. I have always had a passion for birth/reproductive health and all the aspects surrounding the sacred experience. It is the highest honor to support a birthing person (and spouse if applicable) during the most vulnerable time of their life. My desire is to bring compassion, trust and respect to each individual process.

CVD Labor Support, Lactation Support, Will be offering postpartum support March 2023.

Location Served: Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

[email protected]

Ellie Hall

CVD Doula Since April 2021

I have been working with CVD since April 2021 and I also practice privately in the Chicago area. I love working with babies and mothers, it’s my favorite thing to do. My birth work philosophy can be summed up by this Ina May Gaskin quote: “when we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.”

CVD Postpartum Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, South Side, Other locations accessible by CTA

curamoirchicago.com  [email protected]

Tags: Trauma-Informed

Erin Keane Scott - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

Erin Keane Scott has been a birth doula since 2019, when she trained through DONA. Erin is trauma-informed and cares deeply about birth justice. Her hope is to empower birthing people to advocate for the birth they prefer. She believes that an empowered launch into parenthood can have ripple effects far beyond the perinatal year and loves the saying, "peace on earth begins with birth."

CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Tags: Trauma-Informed

Tags: Trauma-Informed, Jewish, Latina

Gianna DeTomaso - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

I recently graduated with my BA in Anthropology and Psychology from DePaul University where I was first introduced to the world of doula work. Upon graduation I started volunteering with CVD in order to learn more about the field and to assist families with labor/postpartum care. I completed my doula training in 2022, and am still on the journey of learning this beautiful art form, I would be honored to have you join this journey with me!

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support

Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago

Jaclyn Martin - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

Jaclyn is birth doula with a background in public health. Her previous work includes STD and sex education, public health research, and healthcare administration. Understanding the healthcare complexities of pregnancy and birth, Jaclyn is passionate about ensuring all clients have full agency throughout their birth journey. She values the power of relationships, championing for strong provider and family relationships and supporting birth partners to be just as engaged.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side

Www.doulajaclyn.org

Kaleigh Herter - She/Her

CVD Doula Since January 2021

Kaleigh is a birth-worker who focuses on full scope family support. She has often worked as a spousal support doula, a doula for older children, as well in tandem with other doulas supporting one family. She works full time as a nanny and believes that postpartum never really ends, doula support continues through all stages of parenthood and life. Ella es nueva en el trabajo de parto en español!

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Lactaction Support

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side

Tags: LGBTQ+, Spanish Speaking, Trauma-Informed

Kendall Lucero She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

I came to birth work via public health and learning about reproductive justice principles and their connections to the ongoing maternal health crisis. I decided to train as a doula to serve my community members and support families during labor and the postpartum period. I believe this support should be accessible to all, so I volunteer with CVD to meet their needs.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side

Tags: LGBTQ+

Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Krista Hager - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

I became passionate about pregnancy and birth after my second child was born and decided to pursue formal training as a doula. As a doula, I am thrilled to help birthing people achieve their ideal birth experience, whatever that looks like to them. I love volunteering with CVD knowing that together we are pushing for more equitable birth experiences for our community in Chicago. Every birth I attend is magical and I’ll never get tired of watching a family be born.

CVD Labor Support, Education and support for cloth diapering and sustainable parenting.

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side, Evanston and northern suburbs

Leah Kohl - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2021

Hi there! My name is Leah, and I am a birth, postpartum, and abortion doula. I became a birth worker because I believe in being part of a world where all pregnant and birthing people are supported and trusted. In birth, I believe in cultivating a space of love and safety, where oxytocin freely flows and the birther's instincts are honored as the wisest voice in the room. I honor the opportunity to help people connect with their inner wisdom and strength as they experience the life changing moment of birthing a new life!

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side

Tags: Trauma-Informed

Tags: Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Lily Kamaleson - She/Her

CVD Doula Since April 2022

We are each other’s harvest:
we are each other’s business:
we are each other’s
magnitude and bond.
—Gwendolyn Brooks (1971)

Hello! My name is Lily and I am a birth and postpartum doula dedicated to providing just care to birthing people and their families. I am so excited to meet you and be able to support you on your birth journey!!

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support

Locations Served: North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Maddie Barton - They/Them

CVD Doula Since December 2020

Hey hey! I'm Maddie B. I am a young person with a passion for caring. I began my journey in birth work in 2020 training as a Full Spectrum doula with Birthing Advocacy Doula Training. I am a generally cool and collected individual with many ideas and an ability to make space for any and all conversations to be had. I enjoy being in collaboration with my clients, seeing the human in each other. In my college years, I studied stage management for theatre and I still pursue my life in theatre. Fun facts about me: I have 3 cats and a snake, I LOVE chocolate, and I enjoy my time in my home space.

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Spiritual Perspective

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Can travel farther if we are a good match :)

Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you wanna connect.

Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed, Queer

Tags: Trauma-Informed

Maria Valgoi - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2022

My name is Maria Valgoi. I am a birth worker and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state Illinois. I specialize in birth after sexual assault/abuse. I also love working with youth who are pregnant and birthing. I was a teen mom myself and know how intimidating and overwhelming the birthing process can be for a young person. I work primarily out of the southside.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Marissa Brown - She/Her

CVD Doula Since August 2021 & CVD Office Coordinator

I have been a certified doula for 2 1/2 years and a birth worker for almost 30 years. I am a mother, community builder and proud Southsider. I bring love, empathy, encouragement and support to all of my birthing families. I am looking forward to supporting you on your labor journey!

CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support

Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

[email protected]

Tags: Black/African American, Trauma-Informed

Nora Leahy - She/Her

CVD Doula Since May 2022

I'm a born and raised Chicagoan who grew up hearing birth stories on a daily basis thanks to my mom, a labor & delivery/MFM nurse. The power of the human body has never ceased to amaze me, and I became a doula through DONA in 2022 due to my lifelong interests in healthcare, reproductive justice, and community. I'm preparing to apply to midwifery programs in the next year. I am stridently pro-LGBTQ, pro-choice, and pro-HAES (Health At Every Size).

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Tags: Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed

Rise Nerissa Osby - They/Them

CVD Doula Since October 2017

Hi! I'm Rise, like the Sun :). I'm a queer Black trauma informed, full spectrum birth worker originally from St. Louis. I've been a practicing birth worker for 5 years and a healing practitioner for 10. My focus is labor, postpartum, abortion and grief&loss support. The folks I support are Black and Brown, neurodivergent, disabled and chronically ill, queer trans and nonbinary and/or low income. I love the work I do. I love my job. I love mangoes and sloths. And I'd love to work with you!

CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Lactaction Support, Meditation

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side

Contacts: Www.riotousroots.com & [email protected]

Tags: LGBTQ+, Trauma-Informed, Non-binary/trans-masc

Sai Spurlock - They/Them

CVD Doula Since April 2022

My name is Sai and I am a queer sexual and reproductive health educator, birth doula, and abortion companion. I have been involved in sexual health work since 2017 and birth work since 2020. My work is informed by decolonization, anti-racism, anti-capitalism, sex positivity, and queer inclusivity. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you through your birth!

CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side

Sarah Bolocan - She/Her

CVD Doula Since January 2019

My passion for supporting birth experiences has been growing since I gave birth to my first child 14 years ago. I believe that fulfillment and empowerment through childbirth is essential and not just a nice extra but I've learned that the feelings of empowerment and fulfillment come from different places for everyone. That's why my doulaing philosophy is that the mother leads the way. You are on a journey of a lifetime! The path through labor will undoubtedly have unexpected obstacles to overcome, and that's what I'm here for. Your priorities are my priorities, period. It's your baby, your body and your birth and I am always honored to be a part of it.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Evanston

sarahruthdoula.com

Tags: Trauma-Informed

Tags: Spanish Speaking, Trauma-Informed, Person of Color

Sarah Munoz -She/Her

CVD Doula December 2021

I am a prenatal and labor and delivery doula in the Chicagoland area. I trained with Sierra Birth Institute in Sacramento, CA. I came to birth work after years of learning and growing from my personal community of birthing people. The most meaningful time of my life has been supporting friends through their infertility challenges, pregnancies, determining their personal birth preferences, postpartum concerns, and breastfeeding challenges. Being a doula brings me continuous joy and I look forward to growing and learning with each family I support.

CVD Labor Support

Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side, Northern and Northwestern Suburbs

Tiffany Lentell - She/Her

CVD Doula Since December 2020

I became passionate about birth during my pregnancy and birth of my daughter. I felt the support of my birth team, the power of my voice being heard, and also realized that birth is not one size fits all.
My passion is in advocating for expectant parents, which led me to certifying as a full spectrum doula with DTI. This supported me with the training that I needed to support people from all demographics, and joined CVD because of it's focus as a birth justice organization.

CVD Labor Support

Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, South Side

tiffanylentelldoula.com and [email protected]