I thrive when I follow what lights me up. To be a mother is what I desired first and foremost; to work with children, be creative, use my hands and help people.

Connection is the core value of my work - connecting deeply with people, nature, body, mind and soul. With an open heart and open mind, I hope to make small changes in how we care for our bodies, birth our babies, nurture our children and support our mothers and families.

My understanding of human physiology and movement is adept. I volunteered at St. Agnes Children’s Rehabilitation Center while still in high school. I continued there as a teacher’s assistant working with babies and children with physical disabilities, while completing my degree at Rockland Community College. I later worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in rehabilitation, hospital and school settings including Burke Rehabilitation and Blythedale Children’s Hospitals. I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over two decades and owned a spa for ten years. Massage Therapy training at Swedish Institute in NYC exposed me to an alternative world of ancient wisdom and modalities; teachers, healers and practitioners. I continue to build my skillset working with all bodies, for relaxation, rehabilitation and pain management.

During fertility struggles in my mid-twenties, I channeled all of my energy (and grief) into learning massage for pregnancy and birth as well as baby massage. It was at this moment that the fire was ignited in me about what undisturbed physiological birth could look like. I was in awe.

I was later blessed with two beautiful daughters! Gretchen was born in hospital, induced, after months of fertility treatments. Stella was conceived naturally, born at home, in water. In hindsight, these very different journeys have prepared me to better be present and hold space for others.

I have maintained a successful massage therapy practice while mothering in my single parent household. I have been a member of the Lindgren School community since my girls attended preschool there and where I was a teacher for the youngest 2’s class in a play-based, forest school setting for 8 years. I am continuously devoted to the role of supporting and nurturing families with babies and young children.

I completed the Holistic Doula Program with The Matrona Foundation. I am a member of the Intentional Birth Community of doulas and frequently participate in specialized trainings and workshops including: Kimberly Ann Johnson, Blossoming Bellies Birth and Body Ready Method. It feels full circle to be re-entering the world of pregnancy and birth as a doula, teacher and mother of teenage girls. My vision is to provide a level of care that is truly whole. Research and evidence is valuable, but so is honoring thousands of years of evolution, tradition and intuition. Trusting that women have the deepest knowing within them is essential.

I am called to this work with genuine passion and profound respect. I trust birth.

XO love,

Catherine