Meet Our Doulas
MICHELLE FONTE / OWNER
One of the founders of The Gathering Place, Michelle is a birth & postpartum doula, childbirth educator, yoga instructor, and a passionate breastfeeding and natural birth advocate. Michelle is the mother of six children and has given birth in hospital and at home. Her background is in women's studies, community building and organizing, and birth options advocacy. Michelle has been attending births and supporting women through the childbearing year for over 25 years and is the co-founder Project Motherpath (formerly Birthgirlz), a non-profit organization working to normalize and revalue all aspects of motherhood in our communities through education, outreach and activism.
NA'IMAH DELPECHE
Na'imah is a Certified Labor Doula, Childbirth Educator and Breastfeeding Counselor. She is a peaceful yet spirited mother to 3 magical children. As an experienced Labor Doula, Na'imah has provided care to women and their families for over fourteen years. Her passion is serving women and their families throughout this momentous time. Na'imah accompanies women as they prepare for childbirth, and continues to support them in birth and beyond. Na'imah shares her wisdom and understanding of birth, breastfeeding and holistic parenting to advise and support women in their decision making process. She sees her work as one of nurturing women as they explore their birth visions and walking with them as they uncover their own practices and rituals that will birth these visions into being. Na'imah understands the dynamic nature of pregnancy, labor and birth and incorporates these various aspects when consulting with clients.
CHRISTINA ANTONI
Native to Miami, I am a nurse that has transitioned into the birth world as a doula and birth assistant. The journey into birth work, for me began with my first pregnancy. It is then that the spark arose to discover and understand the power we, as women, possess to bring a child into this world. Now, a mother of two energetic and sweet young girls, I am passionate about helping others uncover their own power, in their transition into motherhood. I believe this is best achieved with the support of each other. Therefore, it is my hope that every woman is given the opportunity and access to support, and with that support will uncover all the strength they possess. Transitioning from the world of nursing, I immersed myself into birth work in 2018 as a doula. On the road to become a Midwife, I am determined to set sail in the journey with pregnant and laboring women and new mamas to uncover, discover, and embrace their power, in their transition into motherhood.
Olga ProskuryakovA
Being a mother of two myself, I realize how crucial professional care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum period is. I have been a doula for more than 3 years. My goal is that every mother feels grounded, nourished, empowered and ready to take on motherhood! I make sure that each woman that works with me is receiving physical and mental care, both before and after birth; evidence based knowledge to make informed decisions; and one of one support from me during this transitional time in a professional, non-biased way. I myself have experienced both a medicated hospital birth and an unmedicated home birth. I know what it feels like to be pregnant, and to have the anxiety and fear of the unknown take over. I know the concerns about how to care for the life of a newborn child and how this new addition may change a family dynamic. I know the desire to want to be a perfect mother, and the fear of not knowing everything and wondering "how will I ever learn it all?". I understand all of these concerns, which are absolutely valid- and I want to take the weight of these worries off of your shoulders so that you are not going through this fragile time alone. I truly believe that a quick and successful recovery after birth is possible with the right support and knowledge. I work with women wanting to have all different kinds of birth experiences- homebirths, at birth centers or at the hospital. I am experienced in different types of births such as vaginal, cesarean, and vaginal after previous C-section. I am also very familiar with many unexpected situations in births, and prepared for whatever may come. I love to bring my knowledge that I've acquired through my own background and training from different cultures into my practice and continue to take trainings, and keep up with the latest information so that I am able to provide my clients with the best support possible.
FABIANE VARGAS
Fabiane is a certified birth and postpartum doula, certified placenta encapsulation specialist, and certified breastfeeding counselor. She is certified with the American Red Cross in Adult, Child & Infant CPR and has had advanced doula training with education complimentary to doula work such as neonatal resuscitation with Karen Strange, rebozo, yoga for birth, newborn care, baby wearing, herbal medicine for pregnancy, aromatherapy, massage therapy, acupressure, hypnobirthing and essential oils for pregnancy and birth. She uses her various talents and experiences to aid women and their families before, during, and after their birth. She has supported many family’s births at home, in birthing centers, and in the hospital. She has supported women seeking an unmedicated childbirth, planning for an epidural, having a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), having twins, high risk births, as well as cesarean births. Her belief is that every woman deserves a safe and empowering birth experience, and therefore she provides information, support, and a wealth of compassion and sensitivity to each of her families. Fabiane is fluent in English and Spanish, she has a background in psychology, nursing and midwifery.
SHANNON PERALTA
Bio pending.
ESTHER MCCANT
My philosophy is not only are women capable of delivering babies but they are best able to do so with enough knowledge as labor progresses on its own. I am only called to encourage and inform you about what you can do to have the birth experience you desire. If there is any alteration of the picture of birth desired by a client and interventions are necessary, it should be due to circumstances completely beyond her control. I believe she can and will birth as she was designed. Wherever my client decides to give birth, whether in the hospital or out-of-hospital birth settings, I want my clients to feel comfortable to be themselves, safe to speak up for themselves and certain that I am the doula for them, an advocate for the baby's well-being and helper for the family they are building.
As a doula, I draw on my knowledge of birth, as a physiological (natural) process and personal experiences to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions during labor. I am also there to help your partner transition your family thru a very tender time. I believe partners also have a “birth” of sorts when they watch or participate in the birth of their child/ren. I love to empower partners to be the best fathers to their children by encouraging them to use their voice throughout the entire process.
My family immigrated from Port-au-Prince, Haiti over 30 years ago. I consider myself to be Haitian-American although my husband a Florida native, would beg to differ. I speak fluent Haitian-Creole and understand some French. We have four rambunctious, naturally-birthed boys, ages 7, 5, 4 and almost 2. Some of my hobbies include spending quality time with my family, my friends at church, cooking, pinning recipes on Pinterest, reading (mostly online), karaoke, spoken word, and working out when I have a chance (my main workout consists of running after my 4 boys!).
CARLA VALINA
At the age of 14, I experienced the miracle of witnessing my little brother being born, an event that I would later recognize as my initial source of inspiration in becoming a birth worker. I am passionate about and committed to safely guiding and supporting families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. This support is implemented by facilitating information, resources, and options so that each family can develop their own conclusions and make informed decisions allowing them to feel confident, empowered, and safe. I wholeheartedly believe in the magical power and intelligence of our bodies and everything they are capable of doing. Whether you are leaning towards an unmedicated birth or not, this is a fundamental aspect of childbirth that will surely come up in our preparation and will provide you the necessary tools to have the most peaceful and rewarding experience possible. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your concerns, preferences, questions, and expectations for your wonderful upcoming birth! - Services available in English & Spanish.
MONA AWAD
I am a single mom of two amazing children, a 10 yr old boy and an 8 yr old girl. After being on the frontline of serving individuals and families as a social worker for more than 20 years, I entered the field of birth work in early 2017. My love for supporting pregnant women began in my own family and community. In January 2019 I decided to follow my passion and do what I love, being a full time doula. My fundamental belief as a community based doula is that everyone deserves a doula regardless of financial circumstances, legal issues, lack of housing, or any other factor. Being pregnant and giving birth are vulnerable experiences and I’m humbled when women invite me to be a part of their process. I work with pregnant clients who are experiencing high-risk pregnancies including those who have experienced or suffer from trauma, mental illness, pre-existing illness/disease, teen parenting, domestic abuse/violence, or socioeconomic issues such as homelessness, poverty, re-entry from incarceration. It is a blessing and a privilege to do this work and provide preventative services, education, resources and support to mothers and their families. This is what motivates me to serve.
COURTNEY JUST
With deep appreciation, I’ve been able to study with the most well respected movement teachers and holistic birth professionals in the South Florida community. In addition to yoga, I practice various somatic movement modalities which I incorporate into my yoga classes, including Feldenkrais Method and The Alexander Technique. As a result, I lead pre and postnatal yoga classes with an insightful understanding of the female body and mama energy that comes along with this phase of life, and seek to help women find healthy mobility, poise, and ease in their movements throughout their early mamahood experience.
My somatic training also informs my work as a certified doula and HypnoBirthing instructor, allowing me the honor of helping women have a more peaceful and informed pregnancy and birth. My birth experience was the most empowering of my life, thanks in large part to my wonderful birth team. It’s now my great pleasure to support other women during this time in their lives, directing them toward evidence based answers, reminding them of their body’s innate intelligence, and holding space with them on their journey.
RAVAE SINCLAIR
With over 16 years of birth doula experience, I am a certified birth, postpartum & breastfeeding professional. I provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing family before, during and after the birth. The goal is to support the birthing person and increase the family's emotional capacity to birth beautifully in their very own way. Whether you're planning a non-medicated birth, to receive an epidural, a home birth, birthing at a hospital or birth center, having a planned c-section, hoping to avoid a c-section or if you have no specific plan at all, I can help! While birth doulas are commonly used in non-medicated births, consider my support for any way you hope to birth.
I also love helping families plan their postpartum life to be sure the transition is as manageable as possible for each member. Bringing home a baby (or babies) is a special undertaking. I can help you enjoy the time by keeping you focused on the moment, remind you of your options and ushering in practices and habits that encourage a healthy recovery.
SAMANTHA OLIVERA
My number one goal is to educate, encourage and support mothers in mycommunity and beyond. After hanging up her apron from what seemed like an eternity in the professional kitchen, she transitioned her energy towards the preservation of female empowerment and alternative medicine. Samantha, known as Sam by most is a genuine gal who is eager to please. She believes that all women deserve to be nurtured, respected and loved, always. Even more so during and after pregnancy. While training at the Magnolia Birth Center, her interest for vaginal fumigation increased and she is currently on her way to obtaining a vaginal steam facilitation certification. Samantha is proud of her ancestral knowledge and feels more awakened each day thanks to her piers, mentors and other like minded individuals who are guiding her through the sacred journey of divine birth work.
Jokingly known as the Cuban Capital of the U.S, she was born and raised in Hialeah, FL. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and contributing to her Caribbean cook book. She looks forward to serving all women with honor and pride.
ELIA GRESIN
I’m a French-Peruvian mom, who has lived in Miami with my family since 2012. I am married and have 3 lovely kids.
I’m also a breastfeeding educator, and an Infant Massage Instructor (IAIM). I completed a Yoga training in India, and I will be glad to help you with breathing and to open your soul and body during labor. Also, I finished an herbalist training in Chile, where I learned make my own all natural massage oil blends that I use during labor.
I speak multiple languages and will be happy to communicate with you and your family in any of the following languages that will make you feel the most comfortable: Spanish, French, English, or even Hebrew.
My goal is to help women become mothers without fear or self-doubt. I whole-heartly believe in respecting and empowering a woman’s individual birth choice, and I would love to be part of your labor support team along with you and your partner.
HERMILA GOMEZ
I’m Hermila and you can call me Milly for short. I am a doula/ birth assistant in training. I was born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Miami, Fl. I am fluent in Spanish, am married to my high school sweet heart and mother to two young daughters who keep me busy and always smiling. My deep love for motherhood and children has guided me to the path of becoming a doula. Although I draw from my own experiences in different types of births and parenting, I have taken trainings with The Gathering Place and Natural Birth Works. These courses have given me the knowledge and technical skills to bring the best possible information and experiences to the families I serve. I have well rounded knowledge of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and parenting. I believe birth is a beautiful transition for families that mark a new beginning. I find honor in being able to help families adjust and find their rhythm during the process of labor and the postpartum period. My goal will always be to provide resources, support, understanding and empowerment. My hope is that with that you will be able to achieve the outcome you desire. I myself have experienced the differences between a C-Section and a natural Unmedicated birth. Having had these experiences opened my eyes to the need for education and support for families during this journey. I learned that when we treat pregnant people with a more holistic approach, give them the proper education and honor them, theycan achieve amazing outcomes.
Angie Jean-baptiste
I became a Doula because I grew a love for childbirth and pregnancy as a whole after having my own son. I believe that every woman should have a Doula beside her during birth. Doula's are there for your ultimate support throughout the entire labor process. Having that support motivates the mom-to-be to keep pushing through the process. I provide both birth and postpartum support. I feel it is important for a first time mother or an experienced mom to have support. Childbirth takes a toll on you both physically and mentally and having someone there to help makes things a lot easier. I see my role as being supportive and motivating. I have been a Doula for a year. I would describe my support as gentle. My focus is to have the mom-to-be focused on self-motivation and keeping calm. Allowing herself to know within that she can do this and will get through it is my goal. Strengthening her mentally to know that it is mind over matter. My philosophy is that like every hard thing in life, birth is "mind over matter." If you as the mom-to-be understand that this is one of those things that you can get through if you put your mind to it, you will do it! I approach birth as a stepping stone in everyone involved lives. It's something that took time and patience to get to and will take time and patience to get through.