Hi, I'm Elise!

Doula, educator, mom of two, and unapologetic nerd.

If you're looking for someone who will listen to your questions, dig into the research, and help you figure out what actually works for your family, I think we'll get along pretty well.

I've always been endlessly curious about people and how the world works. I actually planned to become an anthropology professor once upon a time, and one of my favorite jobs ever was working in a library. I'm the kind of person who learns something new and immediately has twelve more questions.

The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to know, and I love connecting the dots.

These days, I channel that curiosity into my work as a doula, childbirth educator, and perinatal movement specialist, with additional training in feeding, babywearing, infant development, and neuroscience. I'm also a mom of two, so I know firsthand that even the best research doesn't always translate neatly into real life. My goal is to help you understand the science, see the bigger picture, and find practical ways forward that honor your family's needs, resources, and values.

I grew up in Northern California but found my way to Iowa through Grinnell College, and eventually built a life here with my husband, our two kids, and a house full of animals. Outside of work, I'm happiest with a good book, traveling the world, or occasionally disappearing into a game of The Sims. I'm endlessly curious, a little adventurous, and probably more of a homebody than most people think (can a homebody still love to travel? I hope so.)

I know everyone talks about “losing yourself” in motherhood, but if I’m being honest, that hasn’t been my experience. The intense trials and endless joys of motherhood have challenged me in ways nothing else ever has, but in finding my way through those hurdles, I found myself. I don’t think that’s a fluke - and I want to help you feel that same self-assurance it took me years to track down and embrace.

I bring my curiosity, wholehearted commitment, and appreciation for life's complexities to every family I work with. No cookie-cutter advice, no unnecessary judgment, and no expectation that you have everything figured out.

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For the curious: My Education & Training

I did warn you that I'm a nerd.

I'm a lifelong learner, and my education reflects my belief that pregnancy, birth, and parenting are interconnected experiences. I've pursued specialized training across several disciplines so I can help families understand the bigger picture - not just one piece of it.

    • DONA-trained Birth Doula

    • Fertility, Postpartum & Bereavement Doula (via Bebo Mia & Innerbloom)

    • Childbirth Educator

    • VBAC Link Certified Doula

    • Fertility Awareness Method Educator

    • Perinatal Nutrition Specialist

    • Body Ready Method® Pro

    • Pre & Postnatal Women's Coaching Specialist — Girls Gone Strong

    • Perinatal Corrective Exercise Specialist — Core Exercise Solutions

    • Pelvic Floor Yoga Teacher

    • Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher

    • 200-Hour Yoga Teacher

    • Fertility, Restorative & Yin Yoga

    • Pilates & Barre Instructor

    • Kangatrainer

    • Lactation Educator - finishing CLC certification through Healthy Children’s Project

    • Certified Babywearing Consultant — Center for Babywearing Studies

    • Newborn Babywearing — Center for Babywearing Studies

    • Twin & Tandem Babywearing — Center for Babywearing Studies

    • Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner

    • Infant Massage Educator

    • Progressions in Babywearing Education - ongoing through Center for Babywearing Studies

And the learning never really stops. I'm continually exploring new research, refining my skills, and finding new connections between the different areas of my work.

Enough about me. Let's talk about you!

Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating life with a baby, or simply trying to make sense of all the advice out there, I'd love to help you find your way.

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