Founder + Creative Director behind The Educated Birth

A creative dreamer at heart, Cheyenne is a certified birth and postpartum professional, a copywriter, illustrator, and designer—all while being a wife, a mom.

She’s dedicated to reshaping the world of health equity—envisioning a future where everyone navigating fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum has access to affirming, quality care, education, and support in a way that truly meets their individual needs.

If you’re passionate about redefining birth work and making a real impact, you won’t want to miss!

Founder of Bebo Mia

As the founder of bebo mia inc., Bianca has been shaking up the birth world since 2007—advocating for mental wellness, reproductive justice, and equitable access to perinatal care for marginalized communities.

A self-identified “super lesbian” and devoted mother, Bianca is passionate about queer-inclusive care, fighting fatphobia in medicine, and the power of women’s rage. Her journey into birthwork started from a place of deep personal struggle, navigating postpartum depression in an unsafe environment. Instead of being broken by the experience, she used it to reshape doula education—founding bebo mia to ensure birthworkers get the inclusive, well-rounded, and business-savvy training they need.

Bianca is here to share her wisdom, challenge outdated systems, and help us all build stronger, more inclusive communities. You won’t want to miss her!

Thanatologist, Deathworker, Award-winning author, Chaplain, & Founder of the School of American Thanatology

Cole’s work is dedicated to helping people explore and nurture their relationship with death, dying, grief, and loss—because understanding death helps us live more fully.

You may have seen her on Netflix’s The Future Of… or heard her on Radiolab, Ologies, The New York Times, or The Atlantic. She’s a leading expert in the field of thanatology, and her work on Shadowloss Theory and Thanabotany is changing how we think about grief.

Her latest book, A Guide to Grief for Ages 10-14, is the wise and compassionate friend every young person needs when experiencing loss. And guess what? She has another book for adults coming in 2025 with Penguin Books!

With students in 30+ countries, Cole’s impact is global—but now, she’s bringing her knowledge and insight to our conference. Whether you’re a death doula, birth doula, or just curious about grief work, you do not want to miss this!

✨Get ready for deep conversations, paradigm shifts, and a whole new way of understanding loss and life.✨

Registered Provisional Psychologist
Founder-Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre

You may know her as the creator of @theteaonbirthtrauma, but don’t let the name fool you—Teela’s expertise goes far beyond birth. She dives into trauma across all of life’s big transitions, offering insight, support, and empowerment to navigate the complexities of these experiences.

As the founder of the Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre and co-founder of the Global Birth & Perinatal Trauma Research Collaborative, Teela is reshaping how we talk about trauma and care for ourselves and others. With her unique mix of research-backed knowledge, personal experience, and unwavering passion, Teela brings so much to the table—and you don’t want to miss it!

The Food Doula
Award-Winning Cookbook Author, Nutrition Expert, and Founder of The Food Doula

Lindsay’s mission is to help individuals confidently navigate nourishment through all of life’s big transitions. She brings a wealth of expertise, not only from her professional background but also as the creator of The Professional Perinatal Nutrition Program, which empowers care professionals with science-backed tools to provide holistic and inclusive nutritional support.

Whether it’s finding balance during times of physical, emotional, or life-changing shifts, Lindsay’s work has inspired thousands to embrace nourishment that’s both practical and impactful. Her engaging approach makes space for all experiences and focuses on making nutrition accessible for every stage of life’s journey.

Get ready to learn, laugh, and leave with actionable insights that will transform the way you approach nourishment for yourself, your clients, and your community.

Owner of Birth Pools by Grace
Birth and Postpartum doula, Babywearing Educator

Grace’s journey into birth work began after the birth of her son in 2021, which opened her eyes to the transformative power of birth. Her passion for water birth and hydrotherapy inspired her to create Birth Pools by Grace, making water birth more accessible for families in Canada.

As a mentor, educator, and fierce advocate for doula support in all forms, Grace brings her unique experience and energy to every space she’s in. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and empowering others is sure to inspire and ignite conversations at the conference!

Death Doula, Educator, Ceremonialist
Co-Founder - The Death Wives

With her incredible depth of experience and a passion for reframing life’s greatest transitions, Erin is not only a sought-after speaker but a force of nature. Known for her compassionate approach and powerful storytelling, she has been featured on TEDx, PBS, and Forbes, sharing her message about embracing change with intention and care.

Erin will join us as both a speaker and a panelist, and trust us, you don’t want to miss her unique perspective on life’s sacred moments. Her insights will leave you feeling energized, moved, and ready to deepen your understanding of the human experience.

Fertility Therapist, Canadian Surrogacy Expert + Owner & Founder of Carried With Love

With over a decade of experience in the fertility and surrogacy community, Ariel has guided countless individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.

After her own challenging experience with miscarriage as a surrogate in 2016, she recognized the need for specialized counseling in this field. This led her to establish Carried with Love, a fully virtual practice offering support for those facing infertility, loss, pregnancy challenges, and postpartum mood disorders.

Ariel has carried five babies as a gestational surrogate, resulting in four live births, with the most recent in the summer of 2023. Although she has retired as a surrogate, she remains an active presence in the fertility community, leveraging her strong social media following to normalize all paths to parenthood for individuals and couples worldwide.

At the conference, Ariel will share her insights and experiences, offering valuable perspectives on fertility, surrogacy, and the importance of mental health support in these journeys. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from her expertise!

AACC-Accredited Certified Master ADHD Coach & Co-Creator of the Pregnancy & ADHD Workbook

With a deep commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and anti-oppressive care, Dusty helps adults navigate life with ADHD—especially during pregnancy, a time when executive function can feel like it’s on hard mode.

She’s shared her expertise on the HowToADHD YouTube channel, co-authored an ADHD and Pregnancy journal, and collaborated with Alix Bacon, president of the Canadian Association of Midwives, to create a Notion template designed to support pregnant individuals in managing their journey.

Founder of Pocket Doula & Founding Member of the National Collaboration for Doula Access

Anna Balagtas (she/they) is a queer Filipina non-binary femme prioritizing supporting systemically marginalized and underserved communities across Turtle Island. They are the founder of Pocket Doula and founding member of the National Collaboration for Doula Access (NCDA). Anna supports emerging careworkers and reproductive health organizations in radicalizing their practice through queer reproductive justice advocacy and community organizing. In their work, Anna uses creative and collective means to disrupt the many systems of oppression that hinder our liberation. When they're not working, Anna is tending to the many marble pothos plants she has in their house or is scoping out the best place to buy ataulfo mangoes. 

The Digital Doula
Birth & Postpartum Business Expert

Anabelle is a six-figure doula, mentor, and business strategist who has supported over 200 families and guided more than 350 doula students toward success. Once a struggling doula herself, she understands the challenges of balancing client care with the demands of running a business. Determined to create a sustainable career, Anabelle transformed her practice by mastering social media and leveraging automation to streamline workflows and scale her impact.

Today, she’s on a mission to help doulas like you build thriving, sustainable businesses. Known for her relatable and actionable teaching style, Anabelle equips doulas with the tools and confidence needed to attract dream clients, create efficient systems, and grow their practices—all while avoiding burnout.

Co-Founder of the Death Doula School, Registered Nurse, & Death Doula

Kacie has dedicated her career to reshaping how we approach end-of-life care. She’s the force behind Death Doula School, a leader in the Death Doula Collective, and an advocate for holistic, heart-centered support for clients and families. 🌿

But here’s why YOU, as a doula, need to be in the room for this:

💀 End-of-life is a part of the full spectrum of care—and whether you’re a birth worker, postpartum doula, or a grief support professional, you WILL encounter families navigating loss.

💛 Kacie is here to give you the tools to support those moments with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

🔥 Her work is changing the way doulas show up in this space, and this session is your chance to be part of that shift.

So if you’ve ever wondered:
• How do I support families experiencing loss?
• What is my role as a doula in end-of-life care?
• How do I navigate grief and hold space for it?

Then this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.

Founder of Blackbird Medicines

Chrystal is an Anishinaabekwe-euromix matriarch, storyteller, Social Service Worker, plantkin helper, and certified Sexual Educator with the American Board of Sexology. Her work in restorative healing justice is transforming the way we approach community care.

As co-founder of Aunties on the Road Doula Collective and the Indigenous Death Doula Collective, Chrystal has trained over 1,300 doulas in birth, death, and full-spectrum care—revitalizing traditional knowledge and strengthening support networks. Through Blackbird Medicines, she continues to develop training programs that empower helpers to step into their roles with confidence, cultural connection, and a deep understanding of holistic care.

Beyond her work in doula training, Chrystal offers sexual health education and perimenopause support, ensuring that people have access to the knowledge and care they need at every stage of life.

Her wisdom, experience, and dedication to community healing make her an incredible addition to our panel lineup. Whether you’re a birth worker, death doula, or somewhere in between, Chrystal’s insights will challenge, inspire, and deepen your practice.

Founder - The Collaborative Doula Collective, Mentor, Full Spectrum Doula

Amy is a passionate and compassionate doula dedicated to supporting families through life’s profound transitions. Whether guiding clients through the intensity of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, or offering care during experiences of abortion, loss, trauma, or end-of-life, Amy brings a balanced approach that blends warmth, humour, and heartfelt presence.

Advocacy lies at the heart of their work, ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and empowered in life's most pivotal moments. A strong believer in community, Amy is committed to mentoring fellow doulas, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering networks where families and doulas thrive together.

With a steady and empathetic presence, Amy serves as a fierce advocate and a supportive guide, embracing every moment—celebrating joys and holding space through challenges.

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Photographer
Owner of Magnolia & Fern Photography & Doula Services

Christina is a compassionate and multifaceted birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and photographer known for her kind, bubbly personality and calming presence. Her ability to help families feel supported and beautiful is evident in both her doula care and photography.

As a photographer, Christina captures the profound beauty of maternity, birth, postpartum, and early family life with intuition and grace. Her creative talents also extend to the collective, where she brings warmth and authenticity to branding imagery.

In her doula practice, Christina’s nurturing approach provides families with peace and confidence. By seamlessly integrating her roles as a doula and photographer, she celebrates and preserves the transformative journey of childbirth and parenthood.

Owner of Ruh Doula Care & Birth With Ruh

A proud visible Muslim woman, wife, and mother of three, Asma’s journey into birth work began with the birth of her first child. Navigating the system as both a mother and a doula, she quickly recognized the gaps in basic pregnancy and birth education and the urgent need for respectful, evidence-based care.

For Asma, Birth Work is Community Work. Her practice is deeply rooted in accessibility, anti-racism, and advocacy, with the firm belief that healthy parents and valued children are the foundation of a strong society. She works tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

A self-proclaimed birth nerd, Asma is always expanding her expertise. She is a certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, an Evidence-Based Birth Practitioner, and a Body Ready Birth™ Trainer, and she also holds certification in Body Ready Method™. As the founder of Ruh Doula Care and Birth With Ruh, she is dedicated to offering faith-based birth support and education.

Professor, officiant, and full-spectrum doula

Dr Jodi Hall who’s been queering spaces for birth, abortion, and death since way back in ‘96! Jodi describes herself best: “Community is my teacher, and dance floors my therapy.” This philosophy fuels her approach to life’s sacred and soulful transitions.

With nearly three decades in care work, Jodi brings a feminist twist to everything she does. While raising three children, she earned a PhD in Health Professional Education – Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Western University.

Jodi’s research dives into topics like reproductive justice, trauma, social exclusion, MAiD (medical assistance in dying), and the expanding role of doulas in end-of-life care. She’s co-authored numerous publications shining a light on health inequities, particularly for communities facing criminalization, homelessness, and systemic violence.

But Jodi’s work doesn’t stop at academia. In 2005, she founded A Safe Passage—the first program of its kind, empowering professionals to support survivors of violence transitioning into parenting. This groundbreaking work has educated thousands across the globe.

Known for her warmth, humor, and knack for bridging hands-on experience with academic insight, Jodi is a sought-after speaker and facilitator. Whether the topic is trauma-informed care, gender-affirming reproductive care, or reproductive justice, Jodi is here to inspire and educate.

Photographer, 3 time Surrogate, & Surrogacy Advocate

Known for their vibrant, emotive style, Erika specializes in event and documentary photography that truly captures the heart of the moment.

With a passion for fostering collaboration and empowering their subjects, Erika brings a unique sense of community and connection to their work—values that align perfectly with the spirit of our conference.

Not only will Erika be documenting the magic of the event and joining us as a panelist, they’ll also be offering professional headshots during the conference! If you’re looking to refresh your website, social media, or marketing materials, this is the perfect opportunity to capture your best self.

📸 Get ready for unforgettable event photos, insightful discussions, and the chance to level up your personal brand with Erika’s expertise!

Registered Midwife

asmine is a Registered Midwife with a rich and diverse background—Anishinaabeg, Syrian, and Finnish—who brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to reproductive care.

As a wife, mother, and passionate advocate for women’s healthcare, Jasmine has dedicated her work to supporting Indigenous clients in an interdisciplinary setting. She provides prenatal and postpartum care, sexual health services, health education, and lactation support, ensuring that families receive compassionate, culturally informed care at every stage of their journey.

While she no longer attends births, Jasmine’s impact is just as powerful—helping families prepare, heal, and access the resources they need while ensuring they are connected to the right intrapartum care providers and supports.

Jasmine’s insights into holistic and culturally responsive care make her an incredible addition to our panel lineup. Don’t miss the chance to learn from her and be inspired by the work she’s doing in community!

Indigenous Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Postpartum Depression Support Person

Stephanie is Onyota’á:ka/A:no:wál (Oneida/Turtle Clan) and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.

Stephanie has dedicated her career to supporting families through some of the most transformative moments of their lives. She’s also a past President of the International Lactation Consultant Association, an Instructor at McMaster University, and currently pursuing her MSc in Health Science Education—because learning and teaching are at the heart of everything she does.

Stephanie’s insight into reproductive care, lactation, and mental health—especially through an Indigenous lens—makes her an invaluable voice on the conference.

Whether you’re a doula, lactation consultant, midwife, or anyone supporting new families, you won’t want to miss the wisdom she has to share!