Krista Sullivan; Owner, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Krista started Monumental Beginnings in Fall 2016 as a passion project, fueled by a desire to advocate, teach, and improve birth experiences for families. It was truly a ‘labor of love’ with a team of one. She has since developed the business into a busy practice. Before becoming a doula, Krista was an elementary school teacher in Boston, and also worked as a nanny for many years. Krista brings a calm and patient, problem-solving approach to her work. She helps families identify their goals, and create practical solutions to make parenting less stressful and more sustainable. She enjoys seeing the growth each family experiences from overwhelmed beginners to experienced and confident experts. Krista mainly focuses on postpartum care and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. She has experience working with first-time parents, single parent families, military families, high-risk pregnancies, infertility complications, immigrant families, adoption, LGBTQ community & Advanced Maternal Age. Her favorite clients to help are those with an open mind, and a sense of humor. Krista maintains great working relationships with families and professionals throughout Rhode Island, South Shore Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Greater Boston. She is an active member of the Cape & Islands Maternal Depression Task Force and helped to create a grant-funded community doula program that largely expanded and improved postpartum care for local families. |
Erinn Bray; Birth & Postpartum Doula
With a passion for family and childcare Erinn originally pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. She attended her first birth in 2002, being the primary support for a young mother. Through attending family and friends births and the birth of her own children, Erinn’s passion shifted more to the pregnancy, birth and postpartum aspects of family. Her goal is to give you and your family the attention and knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy and labor process as well as your postpartum experience. Erinn provides non-judgmental support providing individualized care based on your choices and preferences. She wants families to always feel respected and cared for and wants to leave them feeling heard and confident. Erinn is a DONA certified Birth Doula, a CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula and a Placenta Training Company Placenta Encapsulation. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband and their two teenage children. She loves spending time with her family. She enjoys nature, kayaking, walking, yoga, knitting and cooking/baking. She loves supporting families and is always happy to help in anyway she can. |
Suzan Scharr; RN, Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) , Childbirth Educator (CCCE)
Suzan joined Monumental Beginnings in 2020 after working at Falmouth Hospital for 40+ years in various roles including- Registered Nurse, Lactation Consultant, and Childbirth Educator. Suzan also currently works as an RN/IBCLC at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Supporting women and their families has always felt like the path she was meant to be on. It’s been a privilege to support families with evidenced based information as they go through the childbirth process and grow into a new family. Those relationships often form in prenatal classes, and provide a natural bridge to breastfeeding, and postpartum support. When not working, Suzan enjoys spending time with her husband, George and other family here on Cape Cod. She can often be found walking or biking along Shining Sea Bikepath! "Once you meet Suzan you feel as though you’ve known her for ages or that you’ve found the puzzle piece you need to move forward. If you’re lucky to have her as part of your birthing team she’ll become a treasured member of your tribe and enhance each phase of your life as you travel through as a mom. Suzan is truly a treasure and we are all lucky she practices her calling for mothers and babies alike.” Suzan is a fierce advocate for maternal health, prenatal care, pre and postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, and so much more. For many years Suzan’s been the epicenter of the most caring community of mothers and new families on Cape Cod. She’s dedicated herself to help so many through diverse experiences and I trust that each and every mother she has connected with would be proud to recommend her to others." -Karen C., Falmouth, MA "Suzan Scharr is an incredibly kind, supportive, compassionate and reassuring nurse and lactation consultant. Her vast experience, wealth of knowledge and sense of empathy was instantly calming for me as a new mother. She helped guide me through 3 deliveries and breastfeeding journeys. With her support I was able to successfully exclusively breastfeed my babies for the first 6 months of their lives and continued after introducing food for a total of 22 months, 30 months, and 21 months. Despite extreme hardships along the way, all 3 were very hearty and made it through their whole infancy without formula supplementation. I attribute much of my confidence development as a new mother and success in breastfeeding to Suzan’s everlasting support and friendship, and I will always be forever grateful!" |
Deborah Da Silva; Postpartum Doula
Deborah was born in Boston but lived most of her life in Santa Catarina, Brazil. She recently moved back to New England after the Covid pandemic. Deborah is bilingual, and speaks both Portuguese and English fluently. Deborah completed her postpartum doula certification with ProDoula in Fall of 2023. Deb offers kindness, patience, and encouragement to all families that she serves. She enjoys helping families gain confidence throughout the postpartum period- Brazilian families in particular! Due to the fact that she has lived in both the US and Brazil, she brings new ideas and cultural perspectives to her work with new families. |
Breanne Kelly, Birth & Postpartum Doula
In addition to her doula certifications, Breanne is an experienced nanny, Newborn Care Specialist, & CNA. Breanne is a year round Cape Cod resident, and has worked with children and families for 20 years. For the last several years, she began focusing specifically on the newborn stage and offering overnight doula care. Breanne graduated this past summer from Cape Cod Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to a background in early childhood, Breanne is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and holds up-to-date certification in first aid, CPR, for both adults and infants. Her passion is working with children-always has been, always will be! Research shows that the majority of a person’s development occurs in the first two years of life. Breanne believes that those first two years are precious and require the best possible care! She wants to be a part of that solid foundation for newborns and to nurture, and help these tiny little people grow into outstanding human beings! |
Katie Kelly, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Katie has always had a passion for women’s health and wellness. Her love for caregiving began when she was very young, assisting mothers in her neighborhood as a child, and led to becoming a nanny. Her love of supporting families developed into a desire to enter birth work. Katie completed her Associates Degree at Cape Cod Community College in 2017. She earned her certification as a labor and postpartum doula, as well as an Epidoula (epidural educator) through Maternity Wise Institute in 2020. Katie has worked closely with families during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Offering attention and care, Katie is dedicated and will support and respect her clients in their choices and decisions. Katie is a radical intersectional doula who has a strong passion for women’s reproductive rights, sexual trauma education, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and ending the black maternal mortality rate. She believes there is a lot of work to do in the birth world and wants to contribute in a positive way one family at a time. Katie lives on Cape Cod and enjoys roller-skating, meditation, blending her own essential oils, spending time with her dog, and all things holistic healing. |
Tonya Tyler; Postpartum Doula
Since Tonya was a young girl, people have referred to her as the "Baby Whisperer". Whenever a fussy baby is around, they think of Tonya, earning her the name "Auntie Swayer" amongst her family with many nieces and nephews. She has always had a soft spot for babies and children and is known for her way with them. Tonya left her corporate job in 2020 to pursue Postpartum Doula Training which grew to her also training as a Newborn Care Specialist, while working toward and achieving her Certification as a Postpartum Doula through C.A.P.P.A. Tonya has a calming disposition and years of infant experience that will be a comfort to you as she serves you and your family while instilling confidence in you during this 4th trimester. She feels so strongly that support during this tender time of your family's life is invaluable and finds great joy in helping you navigate through it. In her spare time Tonya keeps busy baking, cooking, playing the piano, listening to music, podcast, talking walks by the bay and enjoys quality time with her witty hubby, soon to be married, delightful daughter, fun senior parents, family and friends. Testimonials for Tonya: "Tonya asked lots of questions and demonstrated from the beginning how attentive, caring and nurturing she is. Avery was just learning to take a bottle, and Tonya was so patient with her, I still can't believe she got her to take it. Her attention to detail and communication about how we wanted the night to go made me more than confident about leaving my baby in her care. She did such a great job at listening and understanding our needs (and our baby's needs), and I trust her so much because of that and because she just knows what to do when Avery needs comforting. Tonya is amazing with children and infants and does such a good job making them feel comfortable. Tonya has been such a gift to our family and I know will be to so many others!" -K.M "I highly recommend Tonya for postpartum support. She is dedicated to helping families thrive in their 4th trimester. She brings a warmth and quality of care to her families. She is someone you can trust and cares deeply for each family. She also has amazing cooking and baking skills. Your family will be blessed to have her join you on this journey." - T.C "Tonya's abilities are a testament to her excellent character. She is disciplined with her time, dependable, organized and able to see both big goals and small details. Tonya is an amazing individual. You will be hard pressed to find a more competent and caring person. I am confident that you will find her to be a joy to work with." |
Tessa Vasiliadas, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Tessa is a birth and postpartum doula in the greater Boston area. Her years of nannying experience - specializing in preemies, high risk pregnancies, and lgbtqa+ families - plus her passion for advocacy make her a well rounded birth worker. She holds two bachelors in Human Development & Human Services, as well as Religious and Theological Studies from Merrimack College. Tessa trained under midwife Michelle L’Esperance at Warm Welcomes Doula Services. Tessa is passionate about reproductive rights and education, as well as creating a healthy and successful birthing experience for all birthers regardless of gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status. |
Andrea Luzitano, Postpartum Doula
Andrea lives in Kingston with her husband, four young children, and goofy basset hound, Daphne. She is a former public school educator and current holistically-trained postpartum doula, certified as a Conscious Postpartum Caregiver by the Center for Sacred Window Studies. Andrea has been working in this field since 2019 through several local agencies as well as her own private practice (Upon Arrival), and focuses her services not only on practical care and household help, but also on postpartum nutrition, self-care, and understanding the neurological changes that take place during pregnancy and early parenthood. She uses up to date, evidence-based information merged with ancient, holistically-minded postpartum care traditions from around the globe within her scope of care to “mother the mother,” and truly believes that trusting one’s own ingrained instincts and intuition is the key to a peaceful postpartum window. Andrea is honored to be a part of the much-needed grant program for postpartum support, and is happy to offer her services to bridge the gap for new parents on the Cape and beyond! |
Taylor Uhlman; Birth Doula, LMT
Taylor initially discovered a passion for birth work through her career as a Licensed Massage Therapist and co-owner of Eucalyptus Wellness Sanctuary on Cape Cod. She welcomes and supports ALL types of birth, including medicated, non-medicated, VBAC, Cesareans, home births, and multiples. Her absolute favorite way to support birth is through the birth partner. Giving the partner the confidence and tools needed to be the best support system is key to achieving a wonderful birth experience. Taylor's role as a doula is to be an educator, supporter, and overall kickass wingman. As a bodyworker, Taylor has a passion for body mechanics such as movement and positioning throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. In 2023, attended the Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner Workshop, which provides her with the training needed to perform hands-on prenatal bodywork to help address discomfort associated with fetal positioning. This certification provides her with the education and tools needed to create overall balance in the pregnant body through massage and movement. Along with loving everything birth, Taylor also loves strong coffee, homesteading, George Strait, and antique farm equipment. She lives on a small farm on Cape Cod with her family and a few too many animals. Taylor is an amazing support to families giving birth on the South Shore. Her infectious smile and gentle way makes everyone around her at ease. |
Rosetta Windle Krazinsky, Birth & Postpartum Doula
After giving birth to her own 2 children, experiencing postpartum mood disorder, and attending several hospital and home births, Rosetta's passion emerged to join the birthing community to support and advocate for families. After witnessing, attending and giving birth herself she realized the amazing power birthing mothers have and the incredible amount of strength and trust that it takes to have a baby. Her goal is to meet families where they are on their journey, to listen, offer guidance, and educate to help families make informed decisions. She helps mother's enter their births with strength and confidence, leaving fear far behind. She offers individualized care based on what's most important to the family; whether that be a holistic driven approach, or a planned hospital birth. She has trained with the Napa Valley Midwives in Napa California, received certification through the Matrona Holistic Postpartum Program and is currently continuing her education in certified lactation counseling, infant massage, and homeopathy. She is an active member of the Cape Cod Maternal Depression Task Force. Serving the Upper Cape and Plymouth, Rosetta is excited to connect and work with the families of Cape Cod and beyond. |
Becky Fischer, Postpartum Doula
With a mental health background, Becky received her M.A. from Boston College in Counseling Psychology. After working as a mental health therapist for 12 years, she chose to refocus her passion for supporting parents in this new role. An advocate for early intervention, Becky believes those early months and years of life are incredibly formative and special. As a Lower Cape resident for 17 years, Becky feels well-connected to local resources and organizations that provide services to families with newborns. She is trained as a DONA Postpartum Doula and is currently working towards DONA certification as well as certification as a Lactation Counselor. Becky is inspired to shift her professional focus to being trained as a Postpartum Doula. Mother of three young adults, Becky recalls the incredible comfort she felt with her own birth doula. She also feels eternally grateful for the gentle guidance she received from La Leche League as a new mom. In her free “empty nesting” time, Becky enjoys yoga, walks in the woods with her dogs, watching the Celtics and Red Sox, and most especially – time with her husband and visiting her kids. Parenting can be glorious and wonderful, but it can also be difficult, tiring, and fraught with mixed emotions. Becky is eager to nurture and assist parents and their families. She hopes to validate all these feelings while helping to find ways to rest, bond, adapt and flourish with a baby. |
Rachel Freedman, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Rachel is currently a student at Simmons University studying Public Health and is set to graduate in December! She is a childbirth educator and doula through BEST Doula. She fell in love with women's health and wellness during the pandemic after experiencing burnout in a traditional medical role. Her passion for education, support, and changing maternal outcomes is visible in her advocacy and birth work. She is a Cape Cod native and plans to return to help revive the birth world on Cape Cod upon her graduation. Rachel has had training in First aid/CPR, Mental Health First aid, Peer Education, and of course as a doula and childbirth educator. Currently taking on Boston birth +postpartum clients Can take Cape Cod clients with dd of Jan 1 2024 or later |
"Any family lucky enough to interact with Doreen will benefit exponentially from her services. Her experience and knowledge, coupled with her kindness and patience, is priceless for new moms!" ~Samantha
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Doreen Barton; Lactation Counselor (CLC), Postpartum Doula (CPD), Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)
Doreen has a passion for helping families rest and care for their newborn babies. She loves teaching caregivers simple techniques to feed & soothe infants, calm the chaos, and enjoy the little moments which often get lost in the fullness of life. Specializing in gently guiding parents into their new roles, Doreen has extensive experience with breastfeeding, caring for multiples, nurturing challenging newborns, and balancing hectic family life. She holds a degree in Health Science, and has completed additional coursework in nursing, nutrition, biology, anatomy & physiology, sociology, and public health. Doreen is CPR/BLS/first aid certified, a certified lactation counselor (CLC), a certified postpartum doula (CPD), and a newborn care specialist (NCS). She was raised in Kingston, MA, and is blessed to have a wonderful family who live nearby. Doreen and her husband reside on Cape Cod with their 5 active children, enjoying summers at the beach, warm holidays, and good food. She loves learning new things and is always working to further her education in the field of health and wellness. |