Ayori "Selfpreneur" Selassie is a dedicated and innovative birth doula, bringing a wealth of personal and professional experiences to support families through their birthing journeys. Born at home as the 7th of 8 children, Ayori comes from a long line of home-birthing families. This rich family history, combined with her own experience as a mother of two home-birthed children, gives her a deep, personal understanding of natural childbirth and family-centered care. Ayori's approach to birth support is holistic, inclusive, and grounded in her unique life experiences. She honors all birth choices equally, supporting families seeking both natural and medically assisted births. Her commitment to equal care standards for families across all income levels ensures that every client receives top-quality support, regardless of their background. With her background in technology leadership and entrepreneurship, Ayori brings exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability to her role as a doula. She's known for remaining calm under pressure and thinking creatively in dynamic situations – invaluable qualities during labor and delivery. Her experience working in crisis scenarios, both with families and in corporate settings, has honed her ability to navigate challenging situations with grace and effectiveness. Ayori is the patented inventor of the Life Model Canvas and creator of Life Model Design, a personal and career development methodology. This innovative approach informs her doula practice, helping families design and navigate their ideal birth experience while also preparing for the transitions of parenthood. As a mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs on leadership, fundraising, and family management, Ayori offers a unique perspective on balancing career and family life. This experience allows her to provide holistic support that extends beyond the birth itself, helping families navigate the complexities of modern parenting. Passionate about sustainability and holistic health, Ayori is a vegetarian committed to organic and regenerative farming practices. This informs her approach to prenatal and postpartum nutrition, offering families guidance on nourishing, sustainable food choices when desired. Coming from a large family herself, Ayori is comfortable with and energized by big, bustling households. She doesn't shy away from supporting families with multiple children, understanding the unique dynamics and needs of larger families. Whether you're planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or anything in between, Ayori's blend of personal experience, professional skills, and passion for empowering others makes her a unique and effective partner in your birth journey. She is committed to providing values-based care that honors your individual needs, cultural background, and personal choices, ensuring a positive and memorable birth experience for every family she serves.

Email: zena@parentingconnectionmc.org

Languages: English

Location: Salinas, Monterey

Insurance: Medical

As a mother of four, I didn’t realize the importance of having a doula until after my own experiences. With my first pregnancy, I gave birth to twins and unfortunately suffered from postpartum depression. I often thought about how amazing it would have been to have the support of a doula, but it wasn’t financially feasible for me at the time. My fourth son, however, was born with the help of a doula who was on her way to becoming certified. That unmedicated birth was empowering and transformative. I learned so much from her, and while I am not yet a certified doula, I am eager to support families through all stages of pregnancy and post-birth. I intend to approach each birth with a family-centered, inclusive, and supportive mindset, helping you navigate this exciting journey. As a marketing professional at a maternal health clinic, I focus on creating and sharing meaningful content that supports and empowers women through their pregnancy journeys. Additionally, I own and operate Rooted Wonder Play Cafe, a family-centered space that fosters connection and play for both parents and children. My experiences in both roles fuel my passion for supporting families, which is at the heart of my journey as a doula in training. As a mother of four busy, beautiful boys, I know first hand the joys and challenges of motherhood. I’m a sushi lover with a deep appreciation for dark chocolate, and as an extrovert, I find any excuse to throw a party and bring people together. These personal experiences shape my passion for creating supportive, family-centered environments as I embark on my journey as a doula in training.

Email: thenedra@parentingconnectionmc.org

Hello! I'm Nhatalie, a mom and passionate doula dedicated to empowering families during their birth journey. My path to becoming a doula began with the transformative experience of welcoming my first daughter, supported by an incredible doula who made all the difference. As a young mother, I knew firsthand the impact of having compassionate guidance and advocacy. Now, I strive to pay it forward, ensuring every family – regardless of income, background or circumstances – has access to quality support. My goal is to provide personalized care, fostering confidence, comfort and joy in your birth experience. Together, let's create a nurturing environment for your growing family. Feel free to reach out anytime for a casual chat or meetup! I'm excited to explore how I can support your family's unique needs.

Email: nhatalie@parentingconnectionmc.org

Languages: English

Location: Marina

Hello, I’m Nathalie. I am a doula in practice. I am passionate about supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with care, respect, and cultural awareness. As a first-generation Hispanic mother, I know how important it is to feel heard and supported during such a transformative time. My own experiences navigating healthcare, advocating for my community, and translating for loved ones have shaped my commitment to ensuring that every birthing person—no matter their background—feels empowered and cared for. My goal is to make sure you feel safe, supported, and confident in your choices. I believe birth is a personal experience, and every family deserves care that respects their beliefs, traditions, and needs. I take the time to listen, provide clear and helpful information, and offer reassurance so you never feel alone in the process. Whether it’s answering questions, comforting you during labor through movement, breath work, or emotional support, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Email: nathalie@parentingconnectionmc.org

Location: Monterey

Language: Spanish

Insurance: Medical

I’m the mother of two children, where the older child is a boy. He is 15 and the younger child, a girl, is 9 years old. I have been working for 5 years working at North Monterey County unified school district as a parent educator doing home visits with prenatal and children from 0 to five years old to support parents with their parenting journey.

Languages: English, Mixteco, and Spanish

Email: mayra@parentingconnectionmc.org

LyVesha Franklin is a Doula trainee and childbirth educator, community health worker and passionate advocate for maternal health and wellness. With specialized training in culturally sensitive care, she empowers expectant mothers and families, particularly within the Black community, to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum with confidence. Her holistic approach blends emotional, physical, and informational support, ensuring that each family receives personalized care that honors their unique journey. Dedicated to reducing disparities in maternal health, she offers a compassionate presence and evidence-based practices, fostering healthy, empowered birth experiences.

Email: lyvesha@parentingconnectionmc.org

Hello my name is Jessica Manuel and I'm a passionate doula that is ready to assist you on this incredible journey of birth and postpartum. Although I don't have any kids of my own, I have been drawn to birth work because caring for children and mothers has been a big passion of mine. I come from a big family of eight and growing up as an older sister I have had to take up the role of a second mother to my younger siblings. It is something that has shaped me to become someone who sees the kind of support a lot of first time mothers or mothers of more than one child might need. I'm very passionate about child care. I have been a childcare provider for over four years now and I really enjoy every single aspect of work that comes with it. From being someone who cares and protects a child to someone that has become part of their emotional support and security for families that I work with. During my free time you will find me either on a run or a hike. I also really enjoy re-watching grey anatomy episodes and The Office episode as well 🙂

Email: jessicamanuel@parentingconnectionmc.org

I am Jessica Jarrett, daughter, sister, mother, partner, woman. I am the biological mother to 3 boys and step mother to 2 daughters and 2 twin boys. Born and raised locally in Elkhorn located in North Monterey County, my children were the 5th generation of my maternal grandfather’s family to live in the same half mile of land, something we were quite proud of. Growing up rural meant your siblings and maybe one neighbor were your whole world. As a young girl I was bought baby dolls, play food, and little miniature versions of vacuums, dishes, and brooms, so I could play pretending to do the things I saw my mother do. I distinctly recall being in the fifth grade and an elderly aunt came to visit. The spry old gal leaned across the kitchen counter looking me dead in the eyes and asked me if I’d learned to make a pie yet. When I shamefully responded “No”, she chirped back, “Well how are you gonna get a husband if you can’t even make a pie?!” To this day I don’t remember any other full sentence that woman said to me and of all my domestic talents, pie crust continues to be my arch nemesis. In hindsight, it wasn’t any wonder that I would become a mother at the age of 21. Much like my own mother who birthed me at 22, and my mother’s mother, who had her first child at 22, and my mother’s mother’s mother becoming mother at 16. Family tradition, this becoming mother young. But as a mother I found that there was something missing, I knew the role, but not myself and definitely not the emotions that came with it not knowing oneself. I went back to school at the ripe age of 22, with a one year old son in tow, launching blindly into my collegiate journey, landing first on a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Health and Wellness, and then a few years later, retuned again to complete my Master’s degree in Social Work. I became the very first woman in my family line to obtain higher education. I never set out with the intention to become a therapist, but that is where I ended up. The population I unexpectedly found myself being most passionate about helping…tween and teen girls and their mothers. I have a tendency of leaning towards curiosity and wonder. I fell deeper into a developing passion for what it means to be a woman in our society. I co-organized a local perinatal collaborative. Through this group I had the honor of meeting amazing women working in the field of perinatal services whom I humbly have had the honor of learning from. I have learned about our culture’s shortcomings for birthing families in which there are far too many to count. I discovered that my own pregnancy experiences, and those of other birthing persons whom I know, should not have been as lonely, scary, and hard as they were. I learned about doulas and knew: I longed to be that person for birthing people. I want to be a woman who creates safe space, with unconditional regard, acceptance, advocacy, and ability to look into your eyes and say, “I see you” when the journey ahead appears monumental. Reflecting upon my own motherhood journey, I have come to understand how much I didn’t realize what I was going through while I was going through it all. So if you’re still here, reading this to the very end, you’re way ahead of me, and I’m excited for your adventure. I’d be happy to join you and your family just for a bit if you like. Welcome to this thing that is motherhood!

Email: jessica@parentingconnectionmc.org

Helen Diallo, PsyD, is a passionate advocate for women, families, and holistic birthing practices. Driven by her own transformative birthing experience, Helen felt a profound calling to become a community wellness provider, and doula. During Helen's own pregnancy journey, she was blessed with compassionate third-party advocates who not only attended to her needs but also provided incredible support to her family. She understands that bringing life into the world is a life-altering experience. This knowledge ignited her desire to offer the same invaluable support to others. Rooted in traditional cultural awareness and family-centered wellness principles, Dr. Helen's approach as a doula focuses on cultivating an atmosphere of love, support, and unconditional peace. For her, welcoming new souls to this world should and can be an empowering celebration—a collective embrace that ensures every child is greeted with warmth and positivity. Helen believes that the presence of a knowledgeable and caring doula can transform the birthing process, offering families the reassurance and strength they need during one of life’s most vulnerable moments. Moreover, Helen is deeply committed to providing comprehensive postpartum support for families, understanding that the weeks following birth can be challenging yet critical for nurturing family bonds. By offering emotional support, practical assistance, and resources for new parents, she helps to ensure families thrive during this vital transition. Dr. Helen’s dedication as a doula is a testament to her belief that every birth story can be one of joy and empowerment. Through her work, she continually honors the holistic well-being of families, guiding them with compassion, wisdom, and respect.

Email: helen@parentingconnectionmc.org

Hello, my name is Halima, and I'm honored to walk alongside women and families on the incredible journey of motherhood. With a background in mental health, I bring a compassionate and supportive presence to help mothers feel seen, heard, and empowered during this precious time. I believe that every birth is unique, and my mission as a doula is to provide comfort, guidance, and advocacy tailored to your needs. I am here to create a calm, nurturing space so that you and your family can embrace each moment with confidence, connection, and joy.

Email: halima@parentingconnectionmc.org

With a deep passion for nurturing and supporting families, I bring a holistic approach to my work as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, and soon-to-be doula. I hold a bachelor's degree in speech pathology, am fluent in American Sign Language, and am a certified NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner. This unique blend allows me to connect with diverse families, helping parents, especially pregnant moms and dads, release fears and anxieties around projecting their past onto their children. My practice is grounded in compassion, humor, and active listening, helping families feel seen, heard, and cared for. As a massage therapist, I focus on prenatal and postnatal care, creating spaces for relaxation, healing, and connection between parents and their growing families. Currently, as I pursue doula training, my goal is to empower mothers and families throughout the birthing process and beyond. I offer a blend of physical, emotional, and energetic support to help families thrive. By addressing both physical needs and emotional well-being, I aim to foster a nurturing environment that celebrates each family’s unique journey. Whether through bodywork, emotional coaching, or simply holding space, I am committed to ensuring parents feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Email: ginger@parentingconnectionmc.org

Hello! I’m deeply honored to be part of the journey that families embark on during one of the most transformative moments in life—childbirth and the early stages of parenthood. My passion for this work stems from the belief that every family deserves to feel supported, empowered, and informed as they navigate their unique experiences. I was drawn to birth work through my desire to be a compassionate resource for families, helping them navigate what can often feel like an overwhelming process. I am passionate about helping families feel confident in their choices and deeply supported throughout their transition into parenthood. My approach to supporting families is rooted in respect, empathy, and a commitment to honoring each family's individual needs and preferences. I believe that birth is a deeply personal experience, and my role is to ensure that each family feels heard, valued, and respected every step of the way. I have a background in midwifery studies in Mexico, doula certification, and have worked closely with families in Morelia, Patzcuaro Michoacan. And I had the pleasure of attending the birth of my eldest daughter. My goal is always to provide holistic care that focuses on emotional, physical, and mental well-being. It’s a true privilege to witness the love, joy, and growth that birth brings to families, and I am here to provide guidance, comfort, and unwavering support along the way.

Email: gabrielazavala@parentingconnectionmc.org

I was a teen mom and I would have loved for someone to help me and show me what it was to give birth and what to expect. I had my sister as my coach but her not having experienced childbirth before was a new experience for both of us. I have 4 children now and all have been a different experience and I just want to be there to help anyone that needs help. I can stay calm in a crazy situation so that will help keep mom to be also calm.

Email: esmeralda@parentingconnectionmc.org

I love helping people. Becoming a doula feels like my personal calling. It is a work of the heart. Since I was a small child, I repeatedly watched the BBC series, "Call the Midwives" with fascination over the miracle of birth. At my own birth I was separated from my biological mother and placed into foster care; fortunately I was adopted into a loving family. Perhaps my drive to be a doula has been charged by my passion to make the passage to life for the mother and child as lovely and healing as possible. I have attended 3 births since taking my DONA training in 2023.

Email: erika@parentingconnectionmc.org

Location: Monterey

Language: English

Insurance: Medical

As a birth advocate, I have been driven by a passion to support families during childbirth, stemming from my personal experiences with family and friends, as well as my own complex birthing experience. A three-week hospital stay following the birth of my child made me realize the need for advocacy and support during this critical period. I have since dedicated myself to providing emotional support and reassurance to families throughout the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum periods. I believe that the arrival of new life is a beautiful experience, yet I also acknowledge that the circumstances surrounding birth can be overwhelming. My role as a birth advocate is to empower families to make informed decisions, feel confident in their choices, and navigate the birthing process with ease. With experience supporting natural births, cesarean sections, and mothers in recovery, I am well-equipped to provide personalized support to meet the unique needs of each family. As a kinship mother to a 23-year-old son and biological mother to a four-year-old son with special needs, I have gained a profound understanding of the intricacies and joys of parenting from diverse perspectives. Having experienced single parenthood and co-parenting, I can appreciate the unique challenges and rewards of each. In my leisure time, I enjoy crafting personalized items, such as tumblers, clothing, and party favors. I’ve also successfully planned and executed numerous parties and baby showers, fostering connections with families along the way. As I pursue my training journey as a Doula, my crafting skills will remain integral to supporting and connecting with families as they prepare to welcome their new additions.

• Email: donaeshia@parentingconnectionmc.org
• Language: English
• Location: Monterey, Salinas
• Insurance: Other

Hello! I’m Claudia, a passionate doula dedicated to supporting families through the incredible journey of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. My faith is a guiding force in my life and practice, providing me with strength and purpose as I help families navigate the transformative process. As a mother of two, I’ve experienced both medicated and unmedicated births, which has deepened my understanding of the unique needs of each birthing experience. I hold a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and currently work in special education, where I love advocating for and supporting diverse needs. In my free time, you can find me curled up with a thrilling novel, enjoying quality moments with my family, or exploring local coffee shops. I believe in the power of informed choice and compassionate support, and I’m here to help you feel empowered and cared for during this special time.

• Email: claudia@parentingconnectionmc.org
• Location: Monterey, Salinas
• Languages: English, Spanish
• Insurance: Medical