Meet Your Doulas
Tracy MacGregor, Labor and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Child Birth Educator, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist and Owner of Doulas of Berks County
Tracy is a Labor and Postpartum Doula certified through both ProDoula and DONA International, an ALPP Certified Lactation Counselor, and a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. She aims to provide an encouraging and comforting environment for all of her clients, both in and out of the hospital or birthing center. She is very passionate about breastfeeding, so supporting new moms along this journey is very fulling work for her. She forms close connections with her clients which often extend past the postpartum period, as her experience as a single mother highlighted the importance of connection during parenthood.
She is a mother to one amazing daughter and three fur babies. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and reading with her book club.
Tracy MacGregor, Your Personal Breastfeeding Specialist, CLC, ALC, PPD, LD, CBE, PES
Melissa Owens, Certified Lactation Counselor
Melissa Owens, Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor
Melissa trained to be a Postpartum Doula through CAPPA and has recently received her Lactation Counselor certification. She has experience working with many families, including moms of multiples. She knows the struggles faced during the postpartum period for all moms, not just first time moms. It was her own experience struggling through the postpartum period and her breastfeeding journey which has drawn her to this work. She understands how vital it is for moms to have support, knowledge and comfort during this time and is honored to provide this for the clients with whom she works.
Melissa has 4 children of her own, ages 8,6,4 and 2. When she’s not supporting new moms, she likes to spend time with her family, enjoys cooking and being outdoors.
Shelby Rutherford, Postpartum Doula
Shelby has worked for several years as a professional nanny. It was this work that drew her to Postpartum Doula work. Providing emotional and a judgement-free support are her ultimate goals as new moms navigate bringing baby home and introducing them into the family. Not only will she will be there to answer any infant care questions, but she will focus on moms needs as well. She will ensure that not only baby, but mom is well taken care of.
Shelby has five years of experience working closely with children on the spectrum. As a result she has learned to navigate life with children in a way that makes them feel safe and secure. Listening to a child and their needs, even while nonverbal, is like second nature to her. In her work with children she has leaned heavily on Occupational, Behavioral and Speech Therapy. Patience is key and so are boundaries. She has loved learning how to help children feel safe and confident while they begin their own journey through life.
In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her family and her cats. She also has a passion for the outdoors, writing, baking and gardening.
Shelby Rutherford, Postpartum Doula
Justine Mortimer, Birth Doula
Justine Mortimer, Labor and Postpartum Doula
Justine is a faith based, holistic birth and postpartum doula located in Collegeville. She is a huge advocate for psychological birth, but understands that modern medicine is also there as an option. Her main goal is to make sure families are informed, empowered and overall supported. She trained under her former doula and mentor at Transcend Maternal Services and will be expanding her knowledge with a cross certification under Faith Driven Doulas. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom which allows her to pursue her calling as a birth and postpartum doula.
Justine is the mother of two wonderful boys and has been married to her husband for 9 years. Her family also includes dogs, chickens, hermit crabs and a bearded dragon!
Sara Drissel, Postpartum Doula
Sara Drissel, Postpartum Doula
Sara is a Postpartum Doula, and has been a medical assistant for the last 10 years. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful kids. As a new mom, she struggled with the postpartum period and loves to help clients with their new transition to parenthood, or when adding a new member to the family. She also has a passion for preemies, as her son was 3 week premature and understands first-hand the difficulties when transitioning baby from hospital to home.
In her free time, Sara enjoys being outside with her kids, hiking, riding ATVs, participating in church activities, and traveling.
Anika Vanim, Birth Doula
Anika Vanim, Birth Doula
Anika is a Certified Birth Doula, Reiki practitioner, Prenatal Yoga instructor and placenta artist who is dedicated to empowering mothers through their most authentic birthing vision. She has personal experience in both preterm and home births - having her first child three weeks prematurely and free-birthing her second child at home - Anika connects deeply with the home-birthing community as well as those facing preterm births. She provides comprehensive support to mother, whether they are navigating natural labor or preparing for cesareans, ensuring they feel informed and supported every step of the way.
Beyond birth work, Anika enjoys studying, family photography and adventures with her children.
Elena Benfer, Postpartum Doula
Elena Benfer, Postpartum Doula
Elena is a Postpartum Doula trained through Birth Arts International. She has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2017, and developed her passion for pregnancy and birth from prenatal and postpartum massage sessions. Elena’s vision in her doula journey is to provide comfort, guidance, and educational support to every new mother.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs in recreational parks, riding bicycles, skiing, cooking, and reading books. She looks forward to bringing encouragement and supportive care to your expanding family!
Sarah Shane, Postpartum Doula
Sarah Shane, Postpartum Doula
Sarah is a trained Postpartum Doula through DONA. Along with raising her children, Sarah has worked in nursery room daycare and has taken classes in early childhood education and development. Her passion for doula work derived from her own experiences of support (and lack of support) after each of her birth experiences. Her love for supporting babies, mamas and families makes her a great option for your family!
In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her 3 fun-loving boys and 4 rambunctious Labrador pups!
Grace Kovitch, Postpartum Doula
Grace is a naturally-minded, Christian Doula who lives in Barto. She grew up with a large family and has always understood the important of family, babies, and a mother’s presence in the home. It was that understanding that brought a deep longing to be there for and support parents in the postpartum period. After shadowing a lovely and skilled doula mentor, she had truly found her God given calling. Grace became certified soon after with the ultimate goal of being an advocate and pillar of support for moms and dads in the community.
When Grace is not supporting new moms, she enjoys hiking, weightlifting and camping her free time.
Grace Kovitch, Postpartum Doula