Lee Ann is originally from Chicago but has lived in the West Michigan area for 20+ years with her husband and their three children. She has always felt the calling to serve, nurture, advocate and empower others.
Lee Ann began a career in Interior Design after graduating from Western Michigan University. Her career has taken many paths from Design, Sales, Substitute Teaching, Advocacy, and Administrative Support & Event Planning – all while managing a household with three children.
She considers herself an ongoing learner. She has a certificate in Advocacy from the TN Developmental Disabilities Council to support her youngest son, who has Down’s syndrome, and others with disabilities. In addition, she has earned a certificate in Leadership from McCormick Seminary (Chicago).
Over the years Lee Ann has supported other families of children with various disabilities. She has advocated for her son and others for appropriate inclusion in areas of education and community activities.
Lee Ann’s interest in birth work began during her own pregnancy and birth experiences, all of which were unique in many ways. She experienced precipitous labor, and fetal distress, and almost had an emergency cesarean for her first birth. Her second birth was happily uneventful and unmedicated. Her third pregnancy included fully medicated bedrest and daily fetal monitoring. When her youngest son was born, he was hospitalized for one week for “failure to thrive”. At three weeks, he was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, Down’s syndrome. And at three months, he was again hospitalized with RSV.
Because of her own birth experiences, Lee Ann has a strong desire for women to have positive, supported birth experiences. The miracle of life, pregnancy, and birth is a genuine privilege that she is honored to support physically, emotionally, and as a resource to others.
Lee Ann is a Certified Elite Labor Doula and Certified Elite Postpartum & Infant Care Doula with ProDoula. She is also a Certified VBAC Academy Pro.
Lee Ann lives in Holland and her interests include healthy living, outdoor activities, travel, Zumba, and anything creative. Most important to her heart are her family and treasured friendships.
Lee Ann is Spinning Babies trained and her birth partner is Annette.