I was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, graduated from Kutztown University in 1985 and was married in1988. My husband, Jim, graduated from the United States Naval Academy and became a Naval Aviator flying helicopters. In 1990 we had our first daughter, Margaret, at the Naval Hospital Pensacola. Our second daughter, Ashley, was born in 1992 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our third and final daughter was born at the Bethesda Naval Hospital (almost the parking lot) in 1995. The military moved us several times but our family settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pregnancy, labor, childbirth education and breast feeding have always been a passion of mine. From a little girl I was amazed at how beautiful a pregnant mother was. I remember my summers being at the community pool, the mothers would sit around the baby pool watching their young children play in the water. I was always amazed at the mothers’ growing bellies. It seemed like someone was always pregnant or nursing their baby. This began my passion for all there is about birth and babies.
After the births of my three daughters, I would do whatever I could to help other mothers, especially women whose husbands were out to sea. I continued my reading and education, always wanting to be a doula. Finally in 2017 I made the decision to retire from teaching elementary school and begin my quest to become a certified doula. I chose DONA and had the pleasure of being taught by Rae Davies, she is an absolutely amazing woman with so much knowledge and experience. I am proud to say, that I am an official Certified DONA Doula, Jane Szerba CD(DONA). In 2020 I decided to further my certification and enrolled to become a Hypnobabies Childbirth Instructor, due to COVID, my training was completed in May of 2021. I am proud to say that I am officially a certified Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor. Another amazing milestone in my life are the births of my grandchildren. My first grandson was born on May 22, 2022. Watching my middle daughter birth is one of my most treasured experiences. My oldest daughter, birthed her first daughter, my second grandchild, August 1st. I have been blessed with a grandchild each year, Granddaughter #2 born May 17, 2024, third Granddaughter born May 4, 2025, and second grandson born June 16, 2026.
Supporting women through pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood is more than a profession—It is truly my calling. Whether I am serving as a doula, teaching childbirth education, or simply offering encouragement, I consider it an incredible honor to walk alongside families as they welcome their babies into the world. Every birth is unique, every family has its own story, and I am grateful to be a small part of such life-changing moments.