Biography

The most central part to my identify is my cultural roots. I am a first generation Cape Verdean-American woman. My parents are deeply proud of their heritage. They worked tirelessly in this country to afford my siblings and I with opportunities they never even thought one could dream of. Thankfully, their efforts came full circle and they now are both enjoying their well deserved retirements back home. That passion, dedication and drive are what fuel me everyday. My innate qualities which were shaped by my upbringing ultimately lead me to pursue a career as a social worker. I have been a social worker with Boston Public Schools for over 12 years now working with children and their families. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to support and serve the rich and diverse population in Boston.

Why did you become a doula?

There is untapped power, potential and strength within every woman. I personally came to realize this through my own labor and birth experiences. The support team that I was blessed with (my incredible doula and parter) allowed me to discover what at that time I did not know was inside me. This sparked a desire in me to support birthing mothers in having an experience that centralizes their voice. All to often birthing mothers have negative experiences due to many challenges which can include systemic barriers, inequities and hospital protocols. I became a doula to change the outcomes for birthing mothers by providing them with genuine care, unwavering support and advocacy.

What is your personal connection to birth/family/community?

My own birth experiences were both at Mount Auburn Hospital. The staff were incredibly kind and supportive. I also come from a largely connected Cape Verdean family. Our cultural roots are grounded in family and community.

What is your philosophy of doula care?

I believe that every birthing mother deserves the best possible care despite their race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. I believe that it is the duty of those caring for and supporting birthing mothers to elevate their voice and improve birthing outcomes especially for those most marginalized.

Who is your ideal client?

I look forward to working with any birthing mother that will allow me the opportunity to be a part of their journey.