Ahh Springtime. I sit here writing this in a sundress, hot tea on my desk, and a smile on my face. You can't help but feel a little lighter. The tulips are blooming, the kids can play outside without freezing, and we are getting ready to welcome lots of babies.
A Joyful Journey is growing and changing just like the seasons. We have so many things to share, where to begin?
I'll start with my fabulous partner, Andrea. Andrea is taking a huge leap into college classes to become an IBCLC. She has been a CLS for a couple years now and graciously volunteers her time, leading a breastfeeding support group at two different locations. IBCLC's need numerous college courses and 1000 hours of breastfeeding hours to obtain this prestigious certification. She is working tirelessly to make A Joyful Journey bigger and better!
On to me. I am ecstatic to announce that I have been accepted to midwifery school! I will be attending Midwives College of Utah ,full time for 4 years. Nerves and jitters are plentiful. Can you see why this post has the title A Spring in Our Step? So much is changing we thought we would add a couple more delightful changes...
We are welcoming 2 fabulous doulas to our team! Yes that's right. Andrea and I will both still be "your doulas" but in addition, you have more amazing options. Caley and Marissa are so excited to be added to the team.
Caley Engnell has two girls of her own and had drastically different experiences with each birth and postpartum experience. She realized from her own personal experiences how vital it is to be surrounded with the best support possible. Through dealing with infertility, loss, VBAC and breastfeeding struggles she found a passion and drive to give mothers the quality support and knowledge that was given to her in her positive birth and to make choices she truly felt were her own. She then trained with DONA international to pursue becoming a birth doula. She believes strongly in the healing power of placenta during the postpartum days and trained to become a placenta encapsulation specialist through PBI as well. She is now eager to provide you with 100% non-judgmental support and empowerment for your birth and assist you in any way she can to make your transition into motherhood as smooth as possible.
Marissa Lukas is a born educator and nurturer. She began her career as an elementary school teacher after graduating from The University of St. Francis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2001. After becoming a mother, life led her on a somewhat different path. Marissa and her husband welcomed each of their four children into the world using The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth. Two babies were born in the hospital, two were born at home, and one of her homebirths was a waterbirth. Educating others about how to have a healthy, safe, and low-risk pregnancy, labor, and birth is Marissa's passion. She is privileged to provide support and empower parents to achieve the birth they desire as a Bradley® Certified Childbirth Educator and Doula since 2009. She has experience in providing doula support for unmedicated, medicated, VBAC, and cesarean births. She would be honored to walk along side you on your birth journey.
So now that you've heard some of our amazing news, please take a moment to share this exciting news and leave a kind comment to welcome the newest members of our team. It is sure to be an exciting, wonderful season at A Joyful Journey.
