Meet our Doula Team

At Discover Birth we find the perfect match for you. Meet our doula team.

Meet our doula team – Since birth is a profoundly intimate experience you need to find someone that you and your support person ‘click’ with. At Discover Birth you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Every doula on our team is professionally trained by a recognized certifying organization.

You should interview a few different doulas to choose the one that is the best fit with your personality, beliefs, philosophy, and hopes for birth.

Some clients prefer to have someone who’s gone through additional special training or who is certified with certain organizations (to receive reimbursement from their benefit plan for example). Finding the one that you feel most comfortable with is the main goal. You are the best judge of their “fit” with you and your partner and other support people. We’ll definitely help you get started! You don’t need to pick from this great big list! We do an intake with you and send you 1-2 doulas to meet with to get started. Please call us at any time! 1-877-BIRTH36 (247-8436)

Areas our Doulas and Educators serve:
TORONTO, ON and surrounding areas
DURHAM REGION, ON and surrounding areas
BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, ON and surrounding areas (West side of GTA)

Management

Stefanie Antunes

Stefanie Antunes

Founder, Co-Director, Chief Doula & Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Doula Trainer
Lamaze® Educator

Stefanie is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, DONA Birth Doula Trainer and offers birth and postpartum doula services. She has worked in the field for over 15 years and is the founder of Discover Birth, the Birth Doula Program, and Doula School. She was awarded ‘Business Woman of the Year for 2022’ by CanadianSME Business Magazine recognizing her contributions to the families of Canada in improving perinatal health outcomes. She has supported over a thousand clients through her classes and doula services and mentors doulas on the team and in the province.

Stefanie was awarded ‘Business Woman of the Year for 2022’ by CanadianSME Business Magazine recognizing her contributions to the families of Canada in improving perinatal health outcomes through Discover Birth’s childbirth education, birth and  postpartum doula offerings.

Jennifer Rogers

Jennifer Rogers

Senior Advisor

Senior Advisor with Discover Birth
Birth Doula
Lamaze® Educator

I became a Lamaze Certified Birth Educator soon after the birth of my first son. My husband and I had a great experience in our own Lamaze class and felt more prepared, informed and confident going into our Birth. I wanted to help other new families to have a similar experience. Lamaze practices are based on the best scientific & medical evidence available and are designed to promote safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting. I also love that the classes are so interactive and never dull! I also knew that I would eventually find my way into the birth room. As a birth doula, I can hold a safe space for the family to experience something truly amazing. Plus, birth is cool. I love it!

Julia Forest

Julia Forest

Co-Director

Birth Doula
Doula Trainer
Yoga Instructor and Trainer

Julia is an international yoga teacher, birth doula, health advocate, and closet artist who is passionate about health, environmentalism and empowered birth. She is active in the creation of many yoga training courses including Sacred Birth with Doula Canada, and co-founder of multiple non-profits with focuses on community empowerment and wellbeing through the lens of permaculture. She also created the Sacred Earth Yoga Training, the first yoga teacher training program that combines yoga, mindfulness, permaculture and leadership to transform lives and communities. Julia supports the agency through management and development remotely.

Andrea Paul

Andrea Paul

Sales and Team Manager

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Lactation Educator
Infant Sleep Educator
Childbirth Educator

Andrea is a DONA certified birth and postpartum doula, lactation educator, infant sleep educator and a childbirth educator. She has been with the team for many years and now manages customer inquiries and relationships. Andrea supports the team in a management capacity providing support and training.

Doulas and Educators serving TORONTO, ON and surrounding areas. Meet our doula team!

Alicia Santin

Alicia Santin

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Postnatal Yoga Teacher

I have always found birth to be beautiful and powerful. After having my own child and birth experience, I decided to pursue training as a doula.
I believe birth is an act of love. It is transformational in so many ways, and it is so much more than just the birth of a child – it’s the start of a new life for everyone. As a birth and post partum doula I find fulfilment not in giving strength to birthing individuals and their family, but helping them access the strength they already posses. Confidence to trust your instincts, to nurse your baby to sleep if you want to, to hold your baby tons, to ask for help, to read books and then to throw out what doesn’t sit with you – to not let the advice of friends, family or random people on the bus take up too much space in your head. Its this kind of confidence that I encourage in the individuals and families I support.
During birth and in the uncertain days of early parenting, I come alongside families with a non-anxious presence and the belief that they can succeed.

Cheryl Willigan

Cheryl Willigan

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula
YOGA Teacher

I have always had a strong connection to health and wellness. Formerly I practiced as a personal trainer and yoga instructor in order to achieve these goals, both personally and professionally. After having my two children, I transitioned into working with postpartum families. I believe in empowering individuals and families with my calm and positive approach to life. I enjoy navigating the first few days, weeks, and months with families as they transition into parenthood. I enjoy creating postpartum plans along side families, working together to support individual needs. It is my goal to empower families with the tools needed to begin the parenting journey. I am DONA International trained as a postpartum doula and  have furthered my education in Accredited Infant Sleep Course for Doulas and Health Care Practitioners.  Certified in basics of Lacation for Doula professionals with emphasis on breast/chest feeding support and infant nutrition, and I am Red Cross CPR certified.

Cody Foley

Cody Foley

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Chimaya Brookes

Chimaya Brookes

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My doula origin story started with my third baby. During this pregnancy, I was in a holistic nutrition course and learning so much about wellness and wellbeing. I felt nurtured and excited about my birth. This being my third child, I felt as though I was prepared enough and actually the labour was not all what I had expected. It was my first unmedicated birth and I felt unsettled and unprepared.

I realized that there should be a care position to assist alongside all the other team members. Someone who can hold space for the new feelings I was experiencing, someone to help me move physically through labour and even help in the early days at home This is when I began looking into what a doula is and it fit perfectly with my vision. I now focus on marrying birthwork with wellness and self care. The best part for me in this role, is reaffirming families in their own decisions around their birth and parenting journey.

Desiree Wills

Desiree Wills

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Elimar Martinez

Elimar Martinez

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support
Certified Family Coach

After twenty successful, but unrewarding, years in the corporate world, I found myself interested in pursuing a career that would help me make a positive impact on society. It took me some time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, but I was certain of one thing – I wanted to help families during birth and the postnatal period.

When experiencing motherhood myself, I did not have a trusted expert to rely on for guidance and reassurance during pregnancy, childbirth or after. Becoming a birth and postpartum Doula seemed a perfect match as it allows me to help other families in each of the stages of parenthood by providing physical and emotional support, care for both parent and babies, and to act as a source for unbiased information.

I approach every job with empathy and absolutely no judgement. I am very comfortable being the person others can lean on in times of joy and crisis, especially when there’s a need for a compassionate, calm presence. I aim to provide a high level of service, and want all of my clients to feel that they have an experienced friend, who is warm, relaxed, and thrives under pressure.

I am perfectly bilingual with English / Spanish.

Elspeth McRobb

Elspeth McRobb

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula
Infant Sleep Education

Elle (she/they)  is a postpartum doula who trained with Pro Doula and will be continuing her training with DONA International. She specializes in overnight and sleep support. She appreciates the importance of a good  sleep almost as much as she appreciates the value of a good cookie, and finds it deeply satisfying to give families restful stress free nights. Bringing with her a judgement free ear and open heart Elle understands that not all parts of being a parent are easy or hallmark card worthy.

Janalee Ferreira

Janalee Ferreira

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

Janalee has trained in Ontario, NYC and British Columbia with one intention: to gather all the necessary tools and skills to offer families the support and respect they deserve on their pregnancy and postpartum journey. She is now settled in the GTA and proud to serve families of all shapes and sizes. Janalee’s practice as a doula is centered on holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care. She believes deeply in the power of a birthing person’s body and intuition, and that the way a person brings their baby earthside absolutely matters. Doula work has allowed Janalee the opportunity and honour to witness families as they bloom and grow into what they’ve always dreamed of becoming.

Kylie Davies

Kylie Davies

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

My name is Kylie and I’m a mother of 3.  I have always worked in health care from being a nurse’s aide in a U.K hospital to nursing homes for the elderly.  My passion has always been for childbirth and supporting those in labour.  Having completed my birth and postpartum doula training through DONA International I have all the tools to help support you through a positive birth experience and beyond.

When I’m not running around with my kids, I enjoy hikes on local trails and reading. I also have an abundance of energy that I like to expel by doing aerobics classes either at home or the gym.

Lashaun Gordon

Lashaun Gordon

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula
Registered Practical Nurse

Coming soon!

Lisa Noelle McKim

Lisa Noelle McKim

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Marcia Horbacio

Marcia Horbacio

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Certified Birth Doula
Certified Postpartum Doula
Certified Sleep consultant

Marcia has a passion for her work and her love for babies shows in the way she smiles at them. People say that she smiles with her eyes and that is a great feeling when sleep deprivation hits and they need someone with loving arms to hold their babies so they can get some rest. As a birth doula, she is that loving hand, the eyes that speak, and the presence that calms and soothes.

Marcia believes that the birthing person should be the protagonist in the birthing room and her presence as a doula should be there to reduce fear and increase confidence in the ability to give birth. One of her birth clients said she spoke very little but her eyes were sending a message of courage and safety all the time.

Marcia has supported countless families through her postpartum support, specializing in multiples and sleep support.

Maryann Herlinger

Maryann Herlinger

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Childbirth Educator
Yoga Instructor

Coming soon!

Meg McPherson

Meg McPherson

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Nicole Switzer

Nicole Switzer

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Nikita Shahamat

Nikita Shahamat

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Specializing in Mental Health Communication

Nikita is a passionate birth and postpartum doula trained with DONA International. She brings her experience in meditation and emotional support to allow a sense of calm and focus to wash over your precious moments. She allows parents to be their true selves without judgment and encourages them to speak their mind and hearts when dealing with life changing moments such as pregnancy and birth. Helping families is her passion.

Sarah Leitch

Sarah Leitch

Birth and Postpartum Doula, ECA

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Early Childhood Asst

After experiencing my nephews’ birth and caring for him as an infant, it was then when I learned the true value of a strong support system. I wanted to educate myself about all things baby so I could support my family and friends in their transition to parenthood.

Time passed and, after the birth of my second daughter, I officially started on my journey to become a doula. I completed my training with Bebo Mia and have been continuing my education through self-studies of calm birth methods.

When I’m not listening to podcasts and audio books about birth/babies, I love hanging out with my 2 little girls and my husband. We love going for nature walks, having dance parties in the living room, and getting creative with arts and crafts.

My goal is to instill confidence and the feeling of comfort and safety for a seamless transition into parenthood.

“Rule number one: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two: It’s all small stuff.” – Robert S. Eliot

Sarah MacIsaac

Sarah MacIsaac

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Photography

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a birth and postpartum doula. I have always been passionate about babies, and I have always felt the need and satisfaction of helping people. When I discovered the world of Doula work, I knew immediately that was it for me! Up until my transition to doula work I had worked mainly in the hospitality industry but always knew something was missing. I’m so glad my life’s journey let me into this path. Growing up with a very large family around me there was always a time when there were new babies and I have always been drawn to supporting them in any way that I possibly could. Now I’m able to support families, just like mine, in a compassionate and non-judgemental way. I enjoy helping families embark on this beautiful journey in their lives and really help them create wonderful memories around it so they can look back and smile.

Sarah McKee

Sarah McKee

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula 

I’m Sarah, a DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula providing inclusive, non-judgmental care to families in Durham region and the GTA.

My practice is rooted in reproductive justice, anti-racism and anti-oppression. I value diversity and I adore getting to know birthing people and their families, listening deeply to what is most important to you, helping you make informed decisions and supporting your choices without judgment. I believe that the care and guidance we receive when pregnant and birthing should extend to the postpartum period, and that doulas are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating that “village” support our ancestors had long ago.

My pastimes include hiking in the woods with my dog, spending time with family and friends, making up ridiculous games for my 4 year old, and taking the occasional nap!

Sarah Rioux

Sarah Rioux

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula 

Coming soon!

Shannon Howanyk

Shannon Howanyk

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Suki Gaetz

Suki Gaetz

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

I have a background in social work and working with families (specifically infants and children). Since I was a little girl I’ve had a passion for helping people. I have always loved babies and after having my own I became interested in how I could get involved in supporting families in their birthing journeys. Becoming a doula has been a perfect fit for me to combine my passion and my experience into a very meaningful and rewarding career.
My pastimes include soaking up as much time with my teenagers as I can, being with my extended family and friends, spinning, baking, sewing and reading.

Susanne Rau

Susanne Rau

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Zoe Elkington

Zoe Elkington

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Doulas and Educators serving DURHAM, KAWARTHAS, ON and surrounding areas on the East side of the GTA and beyond. Meet our doula team!

Jennifer Rogers

Jennifer Rogers

Birth Doula

Birth Doula
Lamaze® Educator

I became a Lamaze Certified Birth Educator soon after the birth of my first son. My husband and I had a great experience in our own Lamaze class and felt more prepared, informed and confident going into our Birth. I wanted to help other new families to have a similar experience. Lamaze practices are based on the best scientific & medical evidence available and are designed to promote safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting. I also love that the classes are so interactive and never dull! I also knew that I would eventually find my way into the birth room. As a birth doula, I can hold a safe space for the family to experience something truly amazing. Plus, birth is cool. I love it!

Andrea Paul

Andrea Paul

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Lactation Educator
Infant Sleep Educator
Childbirth Educator

Andrea has been a practicing doula for nearly a decade and is very passionate about helping families. She creates a calm atmosphere and helps families to navigate their new family dynamic. She loves the variety that birth support offers and how unique each person’s preferences are. Whatever your birth preferences are, Andrea looks forward to supporting your choices. Andrea started her career as a birth doula when she saw a gap in support. As her love for supporting families grew she became a postpartum doula to help families manage and grow their confidence with their new baby(ies). She then certified as an infant sleep educator, lactation educator, and childbirth educator. Helping families reach their goals is incredibly rewarding.

Nicole Daniel

Nicole Daniel

Birth and Postpartum Doula, RN

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Registered Nurse

Coming soon!

Sarah McKee

Sarah McKee

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula 

I’m Sarah, a DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula providing inclusive, non-judgmental care to families in Durham region and the GTA.

My practice is rooted in reproductive justice, anti-racism and anti-oppression. I value diversity and I adore getting to know birthing people and their families, listening deeply to what is most important to you, helping you make informed decisions and supporting your choices without judgment. I believe that the care and guidance we receive when pregnant and birthing should extend to the postpartum period, and that doulas are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating that “village” support our ancestors had long ago.

My pastimes include hiking in the woods with my dog, spending time with family and friends, making up ridiculous games for my 3 year old, and taking the occasional nap!

Sarah Rioux

Sarah Rioux

Birth and Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula 

Coming soon!

Stefanie Antunes

Stefanie Antunes

Founder, Co-Director, Chief Doula & Educator

Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Doula Trainer
Lamaze® Educator

Stefanie is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula Trainer and offers birth and postpartum doula services. She has worked in the field for over 15 years and is the founder of Discover Birth, the Birth Doula Program, and Doula School. She has supported over a thousand clients through her classes and doula services and mentors doulas on the team and in the province.

Doulas and Educators serving BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, ON and surrounding areas on the West side of the GTA. Meet our doula team!

Desiree Wills

Desiree Wills

Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula

Coming soon!

Priyanka Gulati

Priyanka Gulati

Lamaze Childbirth Educator

Womens Health Physiotherapy
Lamaze® Educator
Birth Doula
Blooma Prenatal Yoga training

I am a women’s health physiotherapist, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, a Doula and a mom of a two year old girl! Three years ago as I started attending labours I realized the big difference it made for families to have someone by their side. My belief in doulas grew stronger when I had one for my daughter’s birth. My wish is to be there for you and your family through the trials of labour and birth. Labour and birth may be just the way you imagined it, or it may be a different kind of journey, but in the end my goals is for you to come away satisfied and happy for the experience of your birth!

Find a Class or Doula

Our wonderful team of doulas, lactation consultants, and childbirth educators are at your disposal. At Discover Birth you’re bound to find the perfect match for your needs in Durham Region.