In 2010 shortly after the birth of my third child, a dear friend had her first baby.  She wanted to breastfeed but was having a particularly hard time.  She contacted me and cried for help.  I went to her home and helped her learn how to position the baby, how to know if it is a good latch but mostly gave her a lot of love and encouragement.  As I left her home it felt AMAZING to help another woman!  I wanted to do this more.  I wanted to help and support women in becoming mothers.  I held onto that feeling wondering how I could lend myself and what I had learned as a young mother to other women.  Over a year later I met Donna Ryan (founder of Birth Boot Camp). I was intrigued by her classes and when I became pregnant for the fourth time I instantly knew I wanted to take her birth class to prepare for that pregnancy and birth.  At each of the 10 classes we attended I knew that is what I wanted to do.  I wanted to teach.  Since becoming a mother I have soaked up all things birth, loved it, revered it, longed to know more, and longed to help other women find the information I wish I would have had the first time I gave birth.  I certified to teach Birth Boot Camp in 2014, co-founded GJ Birth Collective in 2016, became a Birth Boot Camp Doula in 2018 and certified to be a midwife assistant in January 2023. I am now able to educate and support women and men as they become mothers and fathers. It is a joy to watch couples become empowered with education in preparation for their individual birth experience and gain the ability to make informed decisions for their personal experience.  It is thrilling to be a part of the birth community serving growing families through education and support.