Meet The Team

The first Monday of every month we also have a Meet The Doulas Night on Zoom at 7:15! Mark your calendar and follow us on Instagram for the link! It is drop-in and very casual, we would love to meet ya!

What is a doula?

Pronounced 'doo-la' — doula is a Greek word meaning 'servant or caregiver'- it refers to someone who is trained to offer emotional, informational and physical support to a birthing person and their partner before, during and after childbirth. Our doulas use techniques to make your labor go faster and prevent stalling, keep you more comfortable and use pain relief methods, and keep you calm and centered during your birth.

Why Do People Use Doulas?

People want to be listened to, to be as comfortable as possible not only physically during birth, but emotionally. They want to have the experience of a lifetime and not one they will feel they didn’t have a say in… They want to be supported with information that will help them have a quick birth that continues to progress so they may meet their baby quickly. They want to perhaps go naturally to see if the experience can be as instinctual as possible. They want to be able to have someone with continuous presence who knows birth, knows them, and knows how to interact with the providers to accomplish their birth goals, and to help explain choices when things do not go as planned. They want a calm in the storm to support them when things seem overwhelming and to remind them… you can do this.

We cannot wait to meet you!

What sets our team apart is the variety of continuing education that we go through to be the absolute best support we can be for you… Check out some of our credentials!

Birth Doulas

Ranelle Hawkins, CD (Pro Doula)

Accepting Clients in Pittsburgh, PA Cranberry, PA, Irwin, PA, North Huntington, PA, Greensburg, PA, Jeanette, PA

Labor Doula Training through ProDoula, Community Advocate, specializing in trauma and cesarean

Hi my name is Ranelle I’m a wife, mommy of 2 and lover of all things birth! I am a Pittsburgh native, and proud alum of Woodland Hills High School. I relocated attended the University of Akron in Ohio where I studied biology. I resided in Ohio roughly 10 years. In 2015, I had my baby-boy who we call, “CJ.” In Late 2017, I decided to move back home to Pittsburgh, PA. Since returning home, I married the love of my life, that I have known since my childhood, as we grew up together in the same church. We married in July 2021 and welcomed our baby girl Aiyla in 2022.

More about me: I love life and the human body has always amazed me, hence the study of Biology in college. If I’m not researching something birth related, watching birthing videos, or using my voice to bring awareness to the blaring maternal mortality rates, especially that of black and brown birthers, I’m chasing my my two kids, or at a sporting event with my hubs!

My Why: As a black mother who has experienced two losses, in addition to two very traumatic births, Lisa Byerly (fellow GLDS doula) who happened to be my doula, highlighted my “why” and made me remember, why I’m here! After having my son in 2015 it has become my life’s mission to leave an imprint and cause ripples of better with all things maternal health. 

My Superpower: Allowing birthers to dig deep and mentally birth their baby while they physically behold their miracle! Many train to have the strength of Goliath, but birthers of all kinds are born with the stone that killed his strength. I’m just here to remind them of what they already have inside, and to train them to go get it for baby’s birth day!

I Specialize in: Cesarean birth, Those with trauma, high risk, Rainbow Babies or Support after loss, supporting you!

Lisa Byerly, Doula CD (ProDoula) (DONA)

Accepting clients for Birth Doula Services
Trained Birth Doula (DONA), Certified Personal Trainer, Breastfeeding Support Advocate, Pregnancy Nutrition Specialist, Childbirth Refresh/Essentials, Spinning Babies Certified, Postpartum Doula Certified (ProDoula), Birth Photography, Trained in Traditional Orthodox Jewish Birth (Imani)

Hi! My name is Lisa, my husband and I live in the Ben Avon area! I am a Birth Doula and Breastfeeding Support Advocate. I have been passionate about birth and babies, breastfeeding and health for as long as I can remember! Prior to my training as a birth worker- I was a CPT and loved helping people with strength and nutrition advice reach their individual goals. As much as I enjoyed doing that, I knew I needed to follow my true passion of getting into birth work. I love to support and educate new parents and grandparents!

More About Me:

When I’m not reading or taking trainings related to Childbirth and breastfeeding/chestfeeding, you will find me spending as much time as I can with my family which includes 6 grandchildren! I love to walk and take our dog Nina with us! I enjoy crocheting and love to make newborn photo prop sets! I also like to spend time in the kitchen baking and making healthy meals!

My Why:

Over 20 years ago, I had the honor of attending and assisting in the birth of my niece. In that moment- I knew that this is where I am destined to be. Supporting, nurturing, loving, and guiding a person during their birth and becoming a parent is an incredible honor. It is my goal to keep you feel supported, heard, and nurtured during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Guiding you and your partner/support person with a caring presence, knowledge of different comfort measures, and techniques in order for you to achieve a positive birth experience is the culmination of my life’s work!

My Superpower: I am able to make people feel instantly comfortable, many of my clients feel like they have known me for years though we have just met. I am able to connect with your whole team quickly to get everyone on the same page and help partners feel confident supporting you.

I specialize in: Nervous Parents, HypnoBabies, Spinning Babies, Out-of-hospital Birth, Natural Birth and Home Birth, Epidural Birth, Help you and new grandparents adjust postpartum, High Risk but Natural-Minded, Supporting you!

Millicent Kasabian, Doula (BEST) & Photographer

Accepting new birth clients for 2025

Accepting clients in Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Greensburg and surrounding East suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA

Doula Training through BEST, specializing in Postpartum Care and Birth Photography paired with Birth Doula Services

Hi! My name is Millicent. I am the momma to three beautiful babes and wife to my husband, Taylor. My family and I have called a quiet corner in Penn Township home for the last nine years. Pittsburgh native and Healthcare professional turned stay at home mom in 2014, my journey through motherhood became my passion and purpose. As my role in both my personal and professional life continues to evolve, I have become a certified Postpartum Doula, and trained as a birth doula! After my own crippling experiences with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, I feel called to support families emotionally and spiritually through their own journey of parenthood.

More About Me: When I am not working, you will most likely find me on my back porch with a cup of coffee, watching my chickens free range and listening for the cows in the neighboring field. I am also the dog momma to Amos and Charlie, two very loyal black labradors, who I admittedly love too much. I love antiquing, a trip to my favorite coffee shop any day of the week, and browsing the quarterly Pioneer Woman magazine. I am truly an old soul!

My Why: After my own experiences with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, I wanted to bring purpose to my pain. I want to make parents feel cared for and prepared for the road ahead. In this vulnerable time, I want to be your village. When a child is born, a parent is also born. Through planned care and support, I can delicately support you as you transition into your new role. I absolutely love capturing births from a photographic standpoint, and adding on my birth doula training was a no-brainer to give people seamless support in between capturing these intimate moments of connection and their first hello!

My Superpower: First time parents, Overwhelmed/Anxious parents, Postpartum care for people struggling to find their happiness in this new role, Parents wanting an experienced photographer paired with their doula experience to capture the moment while supporting their birth!

Linda Tomsho, Doula (DONA) & Childbirth Educator(ACHI)

DONA-trained birth doula, certified ACHI homebirth educator, trained in Spinning Babies techniques and trauma-informed care. CPR certified. Board Member, Pennsylvania Doula Council. Former board member of La Leche League (Maryland). Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with post-baccalaureate work in Anatomy/Physiology and Human Nutrition. I am currently in the process of becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.

Accepting Clients in the city of Pittsburgh and its southern and eastern suburbs in Allegheny County.

Hi,I’m Linda!

I live in the Steel Valley area with my husband and our rescue pup, Zelda. I’m the mother of three adult children. Pittsburgh born and raised. I studied Biological Sciences at Pitt with a minor in Chemistry and post-baccalaureate work at Montgomery College.

More About Me: I am a seasoned doula who fell in love with birthwork in the 1980s, and have been back in the field since 2022! I’ve always been interested in the miraculous process of pregnancy and birth, and in fact, once considered becoming an OB or midwife. But what really propelled me into birth work was the traumatic experience of my first birth. It gave me the determination to want to help other women avoid similar situations. As I planned my own home birth, I began working with a local midwife as her assistant and serving as a doula for her clients. Shortly after the perfect home birth of my second child, I began training as a homebirth doula and educator. My third child was born at an out-of-hospital birth center in the Washington DC suburbs. Again, it was a beautiful, healing experience. So you might say I’ve done it all – surgical birth, home birth, and out-of- hospital birth!

When I’m not doing doula stuff or reading or thinking about doula stuff, I’m either tending my herb garden, doing the NYT crossword, writing blogs, rescuing dogs, or antiquing. I’m a voracious reader and always striving to learn new things.

My Why: I find it incredibly fulfilling to help guide birthing families toward a safe, satisfying, and healthy birth experience. I believe I was called to doula work, and I can’t imagine a profession I could love more.

My Superpower is nurturing relationships with my clients so that they trust me and feel comfortable with me. My clients know that I care deeply about them and their baby’s well being, and some have gone on to become dear friends. My doula personality tends toward a laid-back calming presence, but I’m good in a crisis. I also have a knack for coming up with good ideas on a moment’s notice!

I specialize in: First-Time Parents, Young Parents, Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Primary or Repeat Cesarean Birth, VBAC/ToLAC, High-Risk Pregnancy, and those who have experienced traumatic births in the past.

Krista Delorenzo, Doula (IDI) & Childbirth Educator

Accepting Clients in and around Pittsburgh, PA for Birth Doula services, Childbirth Education, and Birth doula with photography!

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Studies from West Virginia University. During my time in college I worked at the West Virginia Child Development Center as a resource teacher, providing care to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. After graduation my passion for supporting families blossomed further through working as a Head Start preschool teacher, and then later as an Early Head Start Home Visitor. The birth of my first daughter was less than ideal, and showed me firsthand the gaps within our maternity care system. This negative experience lit a fire in my soul to personally play a part in bridging that gap.

More About Me: After the birth of my second daughter, in which I had the support of a doula, I decided to continue my education through the International Doula Institute. I expanded my skills and knowledge to become a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, and breastfeeding counselor. 

Still itching to learn more, I completed a childbirth educator training program through birthworker.com, further enriching my toolbox for empowering expectant parents. The best source of learning so far in my life has been experiencing pregnancy, birth, and parenthood firsthand. My daughters are the reason I am where I am today. They drive my passion to create a better world for families.

Most days you can find me on a homeschool adventure with my girls, sitting on the porch listening to a podcast, and growing my business in some way or another.

My Why: To bridge the gap in truly amazing and empowered care. To have a career where I am helping people have amazing birth experiences that are imprinted on their heart. I have truly created a life in which feels like a dream sometimes, and I’m so thankful that you’re a part of that.

My Superpower My philosophy as a birthworker centers around providing education and judgment free support, encouraging parents to step into a place of power, and confidence as they make choices tailored to their family's unique needs.

I specialize in: First-Time Parents, Birth after trauma, People who want to learn everything they can to help the best experience possible, people who want to have their birth photographed along with doula support!

Lily Johnson, CD (BAI)(SBD) Director

Currently accepting repeat birth doula clients!
Director/Owner, Birth Doula (BAI), Postpartum Doula(BAI), Bereavement Doula(SBD), Perinatal Loss Advisor (Resolve Through Sharing), Placenta Encapsulator(IPPA), Midwife’s Assistant(SCM), Birth Photographer, Childbirth Educator(Instinctive Birth, HypnoBirthing), Safe Sleep Certified, Blood Borne Pathogen and ServSafe Trained, Serves on the Board Of Directors at Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas + Pittsburgh Birth Project, AHN Patient and Family Advisory Council, trained in Spinning Babies Techniques, Trained in Imani Birth techniques for orthodox families

I am always wanting to learn more about birth, and take as many trainings as I can to stay up-to-date on the newest information for my clients! I have served as a doula in three cities, and have attended every type of birth you can think of from supported cesarean section to home birth. My goal is to bring calm, speed, and comfort to your birth experience with my techniques and education.

More About Me:

I currently live in Gibsonia, PA and have been supporting parents in postpartum and birth for coming up on 7 years and I have been doing photography for 13 years! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from UNC Charlotte and decided I wanted to have a business which helped people along their journey to parenthood after taking a doula training my senior year of college. I am newly back in Pittsburgh after trotting the east coast of the USA from Charlotte to Tampa to Jacksonville where I lived most recently. In my free time, you will find me spending time with my husband, newborn, and our dog- Boomer, doing photography for our sister business burghbabies.com, loving on my nephew, or exploring the Burgh!

My Why:

I always had a natural empathy and instinct for comforting people, my fascination for birth and passion for human's rights intersected at this amazing career. I found out what a doula was and instantly thought- wow, maybe if my mother had someone like that, her birth experience would have been better. The I went on to have an incredible tough, but so empowering birth myself, with two of our team members by my side. They guided my husband in how to support me and helped me make it my own and adjust the sails as needed through a 5-day long induction! The longest birth I have been to was my own, which is pretty wild to say after over 150 births!

I know that not everyone can say that their experience was hard but empowering. I declared I would be a part of the solution- not just to avoid the "bad experiences" but to help people in the transformation from person to parent. Birth is the single most transformative day, the one that will have an impact on how you feel about yourself, your relationship with your body, child, care providers, lovers and beyond. I believe birth can be joyous, enjoyable, and calming.

My Superpower: Advocacy. I have helped doulas back into AHN during the pandemic, worked on fundraising projects for disabled people in birth work, and I am working on scholarships for Orthodox parents to get help with paying for doula support. Helping people with prior trauma around birth have an empowering experience is what I live for.

I specialize in: Rainbow Babies or Support After Loss, Parents With History of Anxiety, VBAC, HypnoBirthing, Instinctive Birth, Prior Trauma Around Birth, Natural Birth and Home Birth, Epidural Birth, Cesarean Birth, Supporting you!

Education, Postpartum Doulas, Lactation Support

Jessica Sanchez, Childbirth Educator, Doula BAA (CKC)

Currently accepting clients for childbirth education offerings
Trained Birth Doula (DONA), Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Certified in Kangaroo Care, Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Child Development, Certified in Mental Health First Aid, Minor in Psychology, Former Postpartum Support Specialist with Family Foundations Early Head Start, Trained in Traditional Orthodox Jewish Birth (Imani), Trained in Spinning Babies techniques, Trained in Hypnosis for Birth Techniques

Hi! My name is Jess! I am a childbirth educator and trained Birth Doula through DONA, I believe as humans we possess a vast array of emotions and experiences we bring into every aspect of our lives and bringing a child into the world is one where every birthing person deserves to have emotional, physical, and informational support. I have 5+ years as a Nanny and Family Development Specialist supporting families through pregnancy to 3+ years old; supporting parents in their role as caregivers, teachers, and providers, so that parent/child relationships and families will develop to their fullest potential. 

More about Me: I moved to Pennsylvania from Texas, I love working with families and I have a Bachelors of Applied Arts and Science in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. I love going on hikes, cooking, and cross-stitching. I believe we are equitable individuals deserving of respect, quality and relevant service, and advocacy.   

My Why: My experience working in social services influenced me to become a Childbirth Educator/doula. In my career in supporting families, I recognized how impactful our experiences from the start build the foundation to how as humans we navigate our relationships with each other and the world around us.  

 My Superpower: Helping you make the most of your experience by giving you the powerful knowledge to make choices around your options!

I specialize in: Childbirth education for First-time parents, people with history of trauma, high-risk and special needs!

Michaela Pershe, Postpartum Doula CD (DONA)

Accepting new clients for postpartum services
Trained Birth Doula (DONA), Midwife’s Assistant (SCM), Prenatal Yoga Teacher, Childbirth Educator (Custom Curriculum), Placenta Encapsulation (IPPA), Midwifery Student, Birth Photography, Trained in Traditional Orthodox Jewish Birth (Imani)

Hi! My name is Michaela. My husband and I live just north of Pittsburgh. I am a birth doula, newborn and infant nanny, Yoga Teacher, Childbirth Educator, and Midwife Assistant! I am currently in a flexible nursing program to become a midwife as well!

I’m the oldest of seven children in my family and grew up loving everything about babies! Prior to getting into birth work, I trained as an EMT out of high school with a desire to serve and help others. I love people and building relationships and always knew that whatever job I chose I would want to be centered around that. I also have 5+ years of infant and child care as a nanny, and I love to teach new parents about how to take care of their little one!

More About Me:

In my spare time, I love reading, practicing yoga, camping, rock climbing and all things that take place outside! (Although the extremely cold months tend to be a little more on the cooking and crafting side.) I am well-known for bringing my loved ones my latest baked goods, I love to experiment with Vegan pastries!

My Why:

I learned about doula work through a friend several years ago and it instantly spoke to my soul. It was a melding of passions that I held for people and their body autonomy; upholding and protecting the birthing person’s sacred space and power over their body, especially as it relates to pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postpartum period. It is an honor and privilege to be a witness to the power of the human body and birthing people in childbirth- to witness the birth of a new life into the world and see the raw, empowering birth of a parent unfolding as well. It is important to me to make sure the birthing person feels safe and honored during all stages of pregnancy, labor and birth and to involve the partner and emotionally support him/her/them through the incredible, life changing process too.

My Superpower: Helping parents feel confident navigating baby care, baby soothing, and baby sleep!

I specialize in: Postpartum care and supporting you with your feeding and sleep goals!

Gab Hershman, Childbirth Educator, Doula (DONA)

Childbirth Educator & Placenta Specialist

More About Me:

I live east of the city with my husband Ben and our four delightful children. I have a heart to serve by blending encouragement, comfort, and wisdom to help equip you for your best decision-making in the upcoming life-changing moments that birth and newborn days bring. I have had a heart for marriage and families as long as I can remember, and honor the individual/couple transformation that comes with anticipating, growing, and welcoming a baby. I am a home educator and absolutely love helping parents learn more about and bond with their little ones from the moment they meet them.

My Why: I want to share what I know to be true - that my clients are known and loved and equipped for this journey! I want to hear THEIR why, and remind them of it when things get hard.

My Superpower: I have enough patience and grit for everyone in the room! I love being a steady, calm presence in the midst of transition and change. Comforting, advocating, helping, teaching, and guiding are what I seek to do best!

I specialize in: Teaching our signature childbirth education, VBAC preparation, Postpartum Peer Counseling, Placenta Encapsulation

Mary Carroll, RN(BSN), IBCLC, DONA-trained, LCCE

Accepting clients in the Greater Pittsburgh area for Lactation Consultations and Postpartum Support.

More About Me:

I’m an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and Registered Nurse with OB/GYN, Family Practice and home visiting experience. I was trained as a birth and postpartum doula by DONA International in 2010 and 2012. I live in Bellevue with my spouse, foster kids, 2 dogs and chinchilla. I’m also a Lactation Support Specialist for Magee Women’s Hospital.

My Why:

All babies deserve the best their parents can give them, and all parents deserve the support to make that possible. My journey to supporting new families started when I was a Peace Corps volunteer serving alongside midwives in rural Turkmenistan. Using a bike flashlight and the Where There Is No Midwife book to attend births with the midwives, I was inspired to build my own skills to help improve perinatal health. When I returned to the US, I trained as a doula and went to nursing school, later getting certified as a lactation counselor, infant massage instructor, childbirth educator and lactation consultant.
My Superpower:

Supporting families in their goals- “you are the expert in your life!” I advocate and empower self- advocacy for parents and caregivers I work with. I’m also a linguaphile/aspiring polyglot (aka language nerd), and am passionate about sign language!

I specialize in:

Supporting families from diverse backgrounds, especially LGBTQ and international families of all configurations and backgrounds with their lactation needs.

“Mary was my nurse and breastfeeding support for my first baby. I now have 3 babies and I still remind myself “tummy to mummy” every time! I am thankful for all the help she gave me and other moms!”-Chelsea

“I can’t express how valuable I found Mary’s gentle guidance and intuitive nature during my birth experience and I can’t imagine doing it without her.” - Maria & Chet

Prenatal Support | Childbirth Education | Unmedicated Birth | Vaginal Medicated Birth | Planned Cesarean Birth | Advanced Maternal Age | Repeat Cesarean | High Risk | Induction | Infertility | VBAC | Home | Hospital | Birth Center | Postpartum Support | Overnight Support | Newborn Support | Breast and Bottle Feeding Support | Placenta Encapsulation | First-time Mothers | Water Birth | Birth Photography Pittsburgh| LGBTQ Doula | Night Nanny | Overnight Newborn Care | Plus Size Birth | Size Friendly Doula | Private Childbirth Education Class Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Childbirth Education | Zoom Childbirth Education |