Lisa was born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan and continues to live in Grand Rapids with her husband, youngest daughter, and 2 pets. She always had a passion for helping others and graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy in 1991 and a masters in Higher Education in 2015. Lisa is a Certified VBAC doula through VBAC Academy and a Certified Elite labor doula through ProDoula. She also is a Community Breastfeeding Educator through Birth Queens, and is Rebozo trained through Gena Garcia-Kirby. Lisa completed a Spinning Babies training in 2022 and the Doula TENS Course in 2024. She is a certified HypnoBirthing Specialist and teaches HypnoBirthing Classes through Gold Coast Doulas.
Her journey to the doula profession began with her own pregnancies and birth experiences. She has three children and during her pregnancies she faced severe hyperemesis, contributing to increased fear and nervousness. Due to medical reasons, she was also induced with all three of her children, adding to her apprehension. Everything turned out beautifully with all her children, but her lack of support during this period continued to cast a shadow over her experience and sparked a desire to support women during this process.
Her path to being a doula took a while, but she now feels that this is the right time to pursue this wish that never subsided. She believes that each birth experience is unique and wants to empower women to feel safe, secure, and in control so that they can make the choices and decisions right for them. Becoming the author of their birth stories.
During her free time, she enjoys spending her time with family, and friends and connecting with her community. Her favorite activities include traveling, cooking, knitting, reading, and working out.
Lisa’s birth partner is Alyssa.