PLEASE MEET OUR DOULAS:

Our doulas come from all different walks of life and that is what we are most proud of. Please read through the bios below to get some information on how our doulas came into birth work and ended up here at Chicago Volunteer Doulas. 

You will see the doulas listed in alphabetical order by first name and when they started volunteering with us. Also you will know if they are taking private clients because it will have their contact information as well as the areas they serve.

If you don't qualify for our services feel free to contact any doula listed below who work in your area and see if they are available. Please note that when doing so you will then be working with that doula independent of CVD.

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Abena T.
She/Her
Volunteering Since December 2019

I am a DONA-trained Birth Doula working towards certification. I have entered this field to help empower and embrace the many sacred realms that lies within birth work. I take pride in my Holistic and Ayurvedic approaches in life, and hope to one day incorporate them into my doula work. I first remember becoming acquainted with birth at the age of 9 when my oldest sister was pregnant with twins. 18 years later I haven't been more fascinated with anything else since! ... except for herbs. I love herbs!
Areas Served: Chicago Metropolitan and Northwest Indiana
www.hausoffemme.com / Currently Under Construction [email protected]

Amanda R.
She/Her
Volunteering since September 2016

I've been a doula for 12 years and I love working with CVD because I can take on-call shifts during the month.  First time parents are my favorite clients - I genuinely am blessed to shepherd moms and their partners through the journey into parenthood.

Amy C.
She/Her & They/Them
Volunteering since 2008

I have served Chicago Volunteer Doulas in a variety of capacities including volunteer doula, mentor and board member since 2008. In 2015 I resigned as co-chair of the board to take on the role of volunteer Executive Director and was in that role until September 2018. I am also responsible for developing and co-facilitating the "Intercultural Communication Training For Doulas", one of the ongoing core training requirements for all CVD doulas. I have had over 22 years of non-profit experience, largely in the anti-domestic violence movement, LGBTQ rights, anti-racism work and the health care field. My work has encompassed direct service, volunteer coordinating, curriculum development, training facilitation, development and program direction. I was born and raised here in Chicago in the near south side's Douglas neighborhood and have also lived in Portland, OR and Northern Wisconsin. I am also a full spectrum doula, Birthing From Within mentor and non-profit trainer and consultant. I currently live with my partner and three children in a two-flat in the Humboldt Park neighborhood along with my sister, niece and nephew who live upstairs.

Andi G
She/Her
Volunteering Since December 2019

I am a fairly new doula here in the city. I have been serving through other volunteer organizations as a health educator and health and nutrition coordinator the last year and a half. My primary goals are educating through support of new parents and the people they choose to surround themselves with.
Areas Served: Chicago [email protected]

Angela P.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: January 2018

I'm a former elementary teacher and now mostly stay home with my two little boys. I have lived in many different areas in the States and a few different countries in Asia. I became interested in becoming a doula after a CVD doula helped me with the birth of my first son. I enjoy assisting clients during their labors and helping them make choices that are informed and right for them.

Audreia J. 
She/Her
Volunteering since Jan. 2018

I am an African/Black mother of 2 amazing boys and I am a currently a toddler teacher of 2 and 3 year olds. I was an infant teacher for 5 years and I love working with young children.  I am volunteering with CVD because their mission aligns with my goals to help women of color, specifically African/Black women and plus sized women in helping them advocate for themselves by giving them the knowledge they need to know so that they create a birth plan that suits their needs and follow it as close as possible so they can have an enjoyable experience when bringing new life into the world.
Area Served: Chicagoland Area [email protected]

Becca B.
She/Her
Volunteering since January 2019

I’m a full spectrum doula, which means that I provide social, emotional, and physical support around a range of reproductive health experiences. I’ve been engaged in this work in various capacities since 2013, and I went through a CAPPA labor doula training in January 2019. Professionally, I’m a community health educator. My background is in public health, and I am continually amazed by the research on doulas. To sum it up, Dr. John Kennell (who did one of the first studies on doulas) said: “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” I agree, which is why I volunteer with CVD. I’m committed to improving the birth outcomes and experiences of all families.

Becca H.
She/Her
Volunteering since Nov. 2019

I am a postpartum doula with nearly a decade of experience supporting many different Chicago families as a nanny. I was inspired to do this work several years after my own challenging birth and postpartum experience with my daughter and after witnessing so many families struggle with a lack of a support system and the many gaps in care they face after birth. I love offering guidance, non-judgemental support, encouragement and information to birthing people and their families during this profound transition in their lives. I am volunteering with CVD because I believe that every family deserves access to the kind of support a postpartum doula can offer!
Areas served: City of Chicago/surrounding suburbs https://www.bhsupportservices.com/ [email protected]

Blake T.
He/Him
Volunteering since May 2018

Hello, my name is Blake. I am a graduate nursing student at Rush University with a passion for Women's Health and Obstetrics. Following graduation, I intend to pursue further education as a Nurse Midwife, and eventually live and work within rural communities. I obtained my doula training through DONA earlier this year and started volunteering with CVD this May. Through volunteering as a doula with CVD I can empower families during the labor and delivery process by providing continuous emotional, physical, and educational support.

Carol M.
She/Her
Volunteering since May 2017

I am an experienced massage therapist, who works with women providing prenatal massage during pregnancy.  I love having the opportunity to share and provide information to women during their pregnancy. I believe that most women are unfamiliar with the role of a doula during the birthing process and post-natal benefits.  One of our most important roles as women is to bring life forth. I enjoy helping women traverse the various stages of pregnancy and transition into motherhood. This is why I believe volunteering with CVD is important.
Area served: Chicago Area [email protected]

DaisyJ
She/Her
Volunteering Since: December 2019

Hello Beautiful People! My Name is Daisy Johnson. Certifying Advanced Labor Support Doula, Peer Lactation Specialist, and Childbirth Educator. I am Receiving my Certification in the Perinatal Educator Course at the Midwest Maternal Child Institute. it was not until i had the privilege of giving birth to my first and only Child Queen Jeffries, April 12, 2018, that a fire for birth work was ignited. i was told that day by my delivering midwife that i will one day be able to call myself a midwife as well. The huge disparities in birth among women of color have made it hard for a spirit full of fairness, justice and truth, to stand by and do nothing. Birthwork is my personal stand for new beginnings, justice , and morality and that's why im proud to be working with CVD!
Areas Served: South Chicago/South Suburbs  Mothermaatbirths.weebly.com   [email protected]

Endia W.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: December 2019

I am a full-spectrum doula, and I feel very passionately about people's experiences with pregnancy, labor, and birth. I intend to use my knowledge and experiences to help the community and build our understanding of how our human bodies work for us.
Areas Served: Southside, Chicago https://doulamatch.net/profile/24577/endia-williams   [email protected]

Esther B.
She/Her
Volunteering since Sept. 2018

I became a doula in June 2018 after a powerful and transformative birth experience with my own daughter in 2017. I believe passionately in the right of every birthing person to have a safe, satisfying birth experience. I love all things pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, and am excited to support birthing people and their families through this special time.

Iris M
She/Her
Volunteering Since: June 2019

I’m a native Chicagoan, I’ve been a professional nanny for 9 years. I absolutely adore children and I love taking care of people. It’s a joy to make sure everyone is taken care of. I volunteer with CVD because I want to help others, learn and support women as they give birth!
Areas Served: Chicago [email protected]

Jenna P.
She/Her

Hi! My name is Jenna. I am a birth and postpartum doula new to the Chicago area. I just finished my B.S. in Health Science and have always felt called to birth work. I am most passionate about breastfeeding and helping women have the birth experience they desire. I am so excited to volunteer with CVD and give women the voice they deserve during this special time.
Areas Served: Evanston, Chicago, and North/Northwest suburbs  [email protected]

Jessica E.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: December 2019

I have always been interested in how I can help those around me. When I started learning about reproductive justice and how doulas can help within this space, I felt I found my passion. Throughout your birth experience, I hope to help you feel supported, safe and empowered. This is why I came to Chicago Volunteer Doulas - to help every person have the best birth experience possible because that is what you deserve. I look forward to working with you!
Areas Served: Chicago Area [email protected]

Jessica O.
She/They
Volunteering Since: December 2019

I graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in African American Studies in 2019. My coursework and thesis focused on how Black birth work and healing justice. I am working toward certification with CAPPA. My goal as a CVD doula is to support birthing people, who are otherwise made vulnerable to medical marginalization, as they are empowered toward greater reproductive autonomy.
Areas Served: Chicago Area [email protected]

Kelley E.
Volunteering since Sept. 2018

I was trained as a doula in 2016 and was so excited to join the CVD team as soon as I moved to Chicago. I am passionate about maternal and child health and I am honored to serve mothers and families during such a beautiful and vulnerable time. I hope to help birthing women feel safe, empowered, and continually supported throughout the birthing process. I'm also a pediatric nurse and a biomedical engineer, and have been able to work in maternity and neonatal wards all over the world!

Lalita V.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: December 2019

After giving birth to my son in June 2019, my journey into birth work began. I have a background in yoga therapy, prenatal yoga, meditation, Thai massage, and sound healing. I am currently advancing my education in birth work with Midwest Maternal Child Institute. I believe that accessibility to health and wellness services is critical, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, race, gender, religion, and however else we may choose to divide ourselves. As a doula, my desire is to support mothers, allowing them to feel empowered and trust their bodies as they are. Areas Served: Chicago Area [email protected]

Lisa K.
She/Her
Volunteering Since September 2019

I am a mother and a licensed architect.  I had a doula at one of my children’s births that convinced my whole family of the value of having doula help. I volunteer with CVD because all mothers deserve to be well-supported in labor and childbirth and CVD is actively providing this service to moms.
Areas Served: Chicago Area [email protected]

Marcela C.
She/Her
Volunteering since May 2018

Hi, my name is Marcela. I was born and raised in Guatemala. I have traveled to over 35 countries. I am passionate about cultures, people groups, restoring relationships, breastfeeding, and healthy families. I am a full-time nanny and have been married for 3 years. I've been inspired by birth from a young age and have wanted to serve mothers and babies. When I found out about Chicago Volunteer Doulas, I was thrilled at the opportunity to get involved. I look forward to getting to know you!
Joliet, Naperville, and surrounding Southern suburbs of Chicago   [email protected]

Mel P.
She/Her
Volunteering Since December 2019

I am a doula and yoga teacher on a mission to bring wellness to communities of need providing birth support, trauma-informed yoga teaching to both adults and children. I'm a student with the Amala School of Yoga prenatal yoga teacher training in 2020. 
Areas Served: Far Northside Chicago/ Evanston/ Rogers Park melmariewellness.com  [email protected]

Michelle B.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: December 2019

I am a new doula and I'm very excited to start volunteering with CVD! I'm working on becoming a certified doula through MMCI, and I am projected to complete the certification this year. I've worked with perinatal women in many settings, and currently work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in a health center located in the West Side of Chicago. I have specific interests and training in working with people with disabilities, individuals living with behavioral health challenges, and infant mental health. 

Nekaiya H.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: November 2019

As a compassionate advocate for mothers, babies and the families that support them, I am a Certified Holistic Labor and a C.A.P.P.A trained Postpartum Doula. I serve women who desire an empowering, autonomous and transformative birth. My services include placenta encapsulation, lotus birth consulting, belly binding and nutritional guidance including postpartum herbal remedies. Cherishing the need for the mother to feel comfortable, peaceful and supported during her postpartum recovery, I believe that serving the mother is the top priority in a family unit; since the wellness of the family comes from the wellness of the mother. I study my families’ structure, strengths and challenges and position myself as an extended member, intuitively filling the gaps that are needed to build a strong supportive family around the new mother and baby. I enjoy assisting families understand their baby’s development as well as the new dynamics, routines and home organization that is necessary for creating a cohesive and symbiotic relationship between the family and the baby. When I am not supporting families, I enjoy teaching children in my homeschool co-op and growing food for my family and clients. Families love my warm nature, expertise and commitment to their wholeness.
Areas Served: Chicago Area www.thefarmdoula.com [email protected]

Nerissa O.
They/Them/Theirs
Volunteering since October 2017

I am a Black queer femme originally from St. Louis, living in Chicago. I got trained at Ancient Song Doula in Brooklyn, New York and was pulled to them by the intersectional identity lens in which they view birthwork and beyond. I primarily work in higher education but am also a yoga teacher and meditation guide. I have always wanted to and feel like I was meant to be in the field of holistic care and working with my community in ways that I am naturally good at. I became a doula because I felt a pull to serve Black and Brown communities in birth work. My focus is providing services to Black and Brown folks queer, trans and gender nonconforming ppl of color and folks with disabilities but if we vibe I'm here for You! I like sloths and mangos.
Area Served: Chicago/Evanston/OakPark  [email protected]

Nina-Marie R.
She/Her
Volunteering Since: Dec. 2019

One day I would like to be a midwife assisting mothers in natural childbirth. But because I get the privilege of spending my days with my 3 small children, I have chosen (for now) to support women as a doula during labor and in the immediate postpartum. I have training in nutrition in order to help a mother heal her body from the work of pregnancy and labor, and in order to help her succeed in and maintain breastfeeding for as long as she would see fit. My biggest joy is watching how the inner strength of a woman comes to the forefront in the hardest labor of her life. Being a birthworker is truly a privilege.
Areas Served Chicagoland. Immediate surrounding suburbs. [email protected]

Noam G.
They/Them
Volunteering Since December 2019

I am a trans & queer person and I use they/them or he/him pronouns. I'm also a 200hr and prenatal certified yoga instructor and have working all over the world and U.S. My day job is working with houseless folks in Chicago. I just completed my doula training and I am excited to bring trauma-informed practices to my work at CVD!

Rana S.
She/Her
Volunteering since January 2019

Hello! Here is a little bit about me. I am a librarian/manager by day and have been a CVD volunteer since 2019. As a single parent, I strive to build community and connections for folks at all stages of the childbearing year. In my role as a birth and postpartum doula, I provide evidence-based informational and emotional support to new parents, focusing my trauma-informed practice on the needs of LGBTQiA+ and polyamorous families, single parents by choice or circumstance, birthing parents age 35+, and folks coping with perinatal mood disorders. Please contact me to see if we are a good fit.
Area Served: Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park  [email protected]

Raya F
She/Her
Volunteering since April 2019

I support Black and Brown families in creating spaces of Profound Peace and Generational Health. As your Doula I will support whichever birth choices that you have decided will most empower you for a satisfying and positive experience. I am also a registered yoga teacher with advanced training in Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga as well as Yoga for Fertility. I look forward to supporting you and your transition into Motherhood.
Areas served: Southwest Suburbs of Chicago & Surrounding Areas. ProfoundlyPeacefulMama.Life [email protected]

Rachel A.
She/Her
Volunteering Since December 2019

Bringing your family together during the birth of your new baby is a sacred moment that I am humbly honored to witness. I am a Licensed Counselor, Art Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified Specialist as well as Gena Kirby Rebozo Certified. My mission is to connect families together using creative art interventions to manage pain, ease labor, and transition you through new parenthood in the postpartum period.

Rebecca W.
She/Her
Volunteering Since May 2017

I am a communications professional with an interest in plant-based health and healing. It was during my birth journey that I personally witnessed how women are in dire need of support when navigating the hospital system to bring life into this world. As a pregnant woman of color, I was mistreated and my birth plan was ignored. After my experience, a heartfelt desire was sparked to empower pregnant women with the physical, emotional, and evidence-based support they need and deserve.

Ruby R. 
She/Her
Volunteering since April 2019

My name is Ruby. I became a Doula to help families make their birthing experience their own, by putting the control back in the hands of the parents. My role as your Doula is to provide support, physical and emotional. I joined with Chicago Volunteer Doulas to work with young single mothers and families who can not afford or just do not have such support, or may need just a little more.
Areas served: Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs. [email protected]

Samantha K.
She/Her
Volunteering Since Jan. 2018

I am a bilingual, labor support and postpartum doula and I'm committed to walking with women as they manifest the birth of their dreams. From the first trimester to the fourth, I will respect your vision, empower your birth partner and affirm your intuition every step of the way. As you enter laborland, I will honor your rhythm, respect your birth rituals and suggest comfort measures, including breathwork, hydrotherapy, massage, visualization and mantra. After your sweet pea arrives, my goals shifts to offering breastfeeding suggestions, relieving your anxiety and easing the transition to optimize momma-baby bonding. I adamantly believe that when moms and dads are nurtured during this crucial time, they become better nurturers. I relish the opportunity to give back to my community and support new families as they learn to balance infant care with self-care. I am also a certified Spanish healthcare interpreter, floral designer, creatrix of a women's collective, moon enthusiast and earth lover.
Areas Served: Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties
www.doulamatch.net/profile/18672/samantha-rae-kellogg  [email protected]

Sarah B.
She/Her
Volunteering since Jan. 2019

I'm a 30 year old mother to three and it was my own birth narratives that shaped my interest and passion for becoming a doula. I took my certification course in December 2018 through Dona. I believe passionately in the right of every birthing person to have a safe and fulfilling birth experience. I believe that all birthing families deserve intentional support and empowerment to make informed decisions for themselves and their babies. I feel so honored to be invited into the sacred space of birth and to be asked to take part in supporting, educating, and empowering people through their pregnancies, births, and postpartum experiences.
Area Served: Greater Chicago Area   [email protected]

SJ D.
She/Her
Volunteering since May 2018

Hello! My name is SJ, and I’m a labor support and postpartum doula with CVD. I began this work out of my commitment to the values of reproductive/birth justice and the belief that every parent and parent-to-be deserves to have a safe, well-informed, and empowered experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. I am especially committed to making reproductive health care more accessible for people of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA. Outside of CVD, I am the Obstetrics and Gynecology Education Coordinator at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. When I’m not working, you can probably find me hanging out with my family, my dog, doing yoga, or curled up with a good book. :) Area Served Chicago [email protected]

Sophia E.
She/Her
Volunteering Since March 2017

There's nothing like watching and aiding a birthing person as they bring new life into this world. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist and learn from CVD's wonderful on-call clients, as well as give back to my community in this way.

Stephanie Z.
She/Her
Volunteering since January 2019

I began my doula work in Mach of 2018 after training with Ancient Song Doula Services in Brooklyn NY. I immediately fell in love with providing support and care for birthing families who otherwise wouldn't have access to these resources. I am excited to continue my journey with CVD! I am committed to advocating for Birth and Reproductive Justice for Black and Brown communities so that we are listened to, rightfully cared for, and can have safe and joyous births. I am also particularly invested in providing support for undocumented families and LGBTQ families. Outside of doula work, I'm a legal advocate for survivors of domestic violence.

Tammy P.
She/Her
Volunteering since Aug. 2017

My name is Tammy Pomper, I live in Long Grove, IL I am married with 3 children 2 girls and a boy. My son is 27, my daughter is 22 and I have another daughter that is 15 and a puppy marvel who is a boy dog and my husband Bruce. I had a doula with my second pregnancy which was a great experience for me which lead me to want to become a doula and make the birthing experience beautiful for other women.

Tania N.
She/Her
Volunteering Since December 2019

I became a doula due to the overwhelming passion I feel to help other mothers express their wants and beliefs for themselves and their babies. I want every birthing mother to feel as supported as possible. I had a terrible experience when I gave birth to my daughter and the way I felt about her birth after, was terrible. No mother deserves to experience a negative and non informed birth. Every birthing woman deserves the support system of others who aren’t just there for emotional and physical comfort but to also have her voice heard loud and clear.
Areas Served Chicago and any near suburbs [email protected]

Taylor K.
She/Her
Volunteering since Sept. 2017

My name is Taylor Karpeles. I grew up in and around Chicago and have also spent a fair amount of time traveling overseas, often to impoverished and struggling nations. I service doula clients in the Chicago area, throughout the States, and also internationally. My passion is to empower women, particularly when it comes to their birthing experience. I believe that birth is a completely natural, incredible, and beautiful event – and I coach women on how to enjoy and embrace their births, rather than run from them or merely get through them. I’m also the proud mama of 5 sweet and loving kiddos. I’ve had all my births at home, though I didn’t have a doula until my 3rd was born. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. The care I received, the support I got, and the added help before, during, and after my labor was a tremendous blessing. I’m volunteering with CVD because I want to help and empower other women in the same way that I was cared for and empowered.
Areas Served: Chicago City proper, Evanston, West Sub
Taylorkarpeles.com   [email protected]

Vel H.
She/Her
Volunteering since June 2018

I am a mother of 2, currently pregnant with my 3rd, and have 2 daughters given to me by grace through marriage. I live in Elgin, IL. I am a Student Midwife needing more birth training on being with women/mother's/people in labor. I am a birth advocate 100% for rights and justice in birth to empower an individual to their own potential.
Areas Served: Elgin, S. Elgin, St.Charles, Geneva, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Aurora, Evanston, Chicago, and surrounding areas. [email protected]

Mission:

We are a birth justice organization providing comprehensive doula support with a focus on vulnerable communities in the Chicago-land area.

A Chicago Volunteer Doula is a labor support professional who has chosen to commit time and energy to helping pregnant people and their families in Chicago. Our doulas come from a variety of backgrounds. They are social workers, childcare workers, cab drivers, community organizers, accountants, stay-at-home moms, midwifery students, artists, activists, nurses, lawyers, teachers, yoga instructors and massage therapists. 

Our doulas celebrate different racial, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and some are fluent in Spanish, Russian and Polish to name a few. CVD doulas include women, men and gender non-conforming or trans people, as well as members of both straight and LGBTQ communities. Some of our doulas have disabilities. No matter their background ALL of our doulas are committed to provide the best doula support to the clients they serve. If you feel you would not be comfortable receiving services from a doula who may not be from the same community as you or may have a different background we will be happy to refer you to a community based doula program or get you a list of private doulas.

All of our doulas have been trained by an accredited organization and many are certified.  Some of our doulas are new to the profession while many have been supporting mothers in childbirth for years.  Each doula has been interviewed by our administrators to ensure that they support our mission, have the necessary skills and are committed to our mission and the families we serve. 

Why do we find joy supporting families?

Each of our doulas has begun their journey into the field for a unique reason. Many of our doulas are mothers who have experienced the wonder of pregnancy and childbirth and wish to provide support to other mothers and parents during such a life-changing time. Other doulas enter the field to support and empower people in what is likely the most powerful experience of their lives.

The most common reason a doula is drawn to this work can best be described as a calling. These individuals have found a common passion for holding the hand of a laboring woman who is becoming a mother, anyone who is becoming a parent or anyone who is giving birth. They attend the birth of each baby as if it were for the first time and stand in awe of watching each family being born.

Doula Services & Programs

Chicago Volunteer Doulas: Making a Difference

Mission Statement: We are a birth justice organization providing comprehensive doula support for vulnerable communities in Chicagoland.

A Chicago Volunteer Doula is a labor support professional who has chosen to commit time and energy to helping pregnant people and their families in Chicago. Our doulas come from a variety of backgrounds. They are social workers, childcare workers, cab drivers, accountants, stay-at-home moms, midwifery students, artists, activists, nurses, lawyers, teachers, yoga instructors and massage therapists. Our doulas celebrate different cultural backgrounds and some are fluent in Spanish.

All of our doulas have been trained by an accredited organization and many are certified.  Some of our doulas are new to the profession while many have been supporting mothers in childbirth for years.  Each doula has been interviewed by our administrators to ensure that they support our mission and are committed to the families we serve.

Why do we find joy supporting people in labor?

Each of our doulas has begun their journey into the field for a unique reason. Many of our doulas are people who have experienced the wonder of pregnancy and childbirth and wish to provide support to other people during such a life-changing time. Other doulas enter the field to support and empower parents in what is likely the most powerful experience of their lives.

The most common reason a doula is drawn to doula work can best be described as a calling. These individuals have found a common passion for holding the hand of someone who is in labor. They attend the birth of each baby as if it were for the first time and stand in awe of watching each family being born.

Our Address 

P.O. Box 5851
Chicago, IL 60680-5851