Uchenna Jones, RN, BSN, CLC, Birth Doula

My name is Uchenna Jones. I am a wife and mother to three young men. Providing care to the expectant mother is what I love to do! Since 2002 I had the joy and honor of supporting so many wonderful mothers from various ethnicities. I received my initial training through Doulas of North America, DONA. The training I received was a life-changing one. In 2009, I even went as far as becoming a Registered Nurse. I was able to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, I am a Registered Nurse in Labor and Delivery at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. 

OluwA'Timah, Birth Doula, Midwifery Student

My name is OluwA'Timah and I became passionate about reproductive justice at a very young age. As I got older I realized I didn't want to just talk about issues, I wanted to change them and as such began to pursue Midwifery. My experiences as a Midwife's assistant has really allowed me an in-depth and knowledgeable perspective of birth. In addition, my career as an advocate and activist has really pushed me to become a strong and vivacious doula. I am 23 years old and hail from Southern Georgia so I combine a lot of my cultural practices into my doula work to honor the Granny Midwives who came before me. With my current college education, real-life experience, and passionate ideals I will work hard to make your birth everything you envision it to be.

Tia Murray, MS, CLC, CD(DONA), Birth Doula, Midwifery Student

Tia Murray is the Founder and CEO of Harambee Village Doulas. Tia is a mother of five beautiful children, was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and always dreamed of giving back to her community. She is a certified Birth Doula, through DONA (Doulas of North America International), and a certified lactation counselor. Mrs. Murray is also a Ph.D. student at the University's School of Human Ecology, studying the intersections of Reproductive Justice and Human Development and Family Studies.

Tia has passionately worked with parents, children, and families in multiple capacities throughout her professional career. Her work has focused heavily on social justice, reproductive justice, access to culturally-inclusive maternal and child health care, and the promotion of community-based intervention and prevention programming. She strongly believes that it is crucial to meet families where they are at, to be curious and inclusive, and to provide culturally and socially safe support services. Tia, an aspiring Midwife, also has specialized training in Infant Mental health and is certified in the Newborn Behavioral Observation (NBO) system through the Brazelton Institute.

Kelly Marie Ward, PhD, Doula

As a doula I work to validate and support all pregnancy outcomes. I provide informed and compassionate care rooted in reproductive justice. I was drawn to working with Harambee Village because of it’s commitment to addressing racial inequalities in reproductive health outcomes. When I’m not taking care of my kids or checking in with clients, I teach Sociology and Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Hope Jackson, Doula

Hello, my name is Hope! I received my bachelor's degree from UW Madison in Gender and Women's Studies. I am passionate about women's rights and reproductive justice. As a doula, I strive to ensure that all birthing people feel supported and encouraged to have the birth experience that they envision

Genevieve Perrote, Doula,

My name is Genevieve and I am a Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal member and a doula here in Dane Co. I am moved by the physiological aspects of birth and baby. I love learning through practice. My life path has led me to this work and I am ready to help you keep your power and choices in your birth. Continual support and lifelong learning keep me passionate to hold space for you. I am humbled to help you experience a birthing journey that’s perfect for you and your loved ones. Whatever that may look like. I am here.

Obie Oniah, Doula & International Doula Survey Coordinator

Obie is a Medical Student studying at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. She is also working to support collaborative and community participatory research projects at Harambee Village Doulas and Roots for Change Cooperative (Raices del Cambio). Obie is an aspiring OB-GYN physician and is also a Doula at Harambee Village.

Katie Reinemann, RN, BSN, Birth Doula

Hi friends, my name is Katie Reinemann! I am passionate about working with all intersections of identity and circumstance to support mamas and birthing people during their birth experience. I believe that birthing people know their bodies and themselves best, and my role as a doula is to support, soothe and provide guidance when requested to make the birth experience as positive as possible.

Corinne Hale, Doula

People are my passion. As a birth worker and educator, I provide birthing people and families with information, empathy, and compassion. I approach all of my work through a reproductive justice and health equity lens to provide calming and empowering care throughout the pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum experience. Outside of doula work, I'm a proud mama, forever student, and Caribbean bush medicine enthusiast.

Bridget Barth, Doula

Bridget is a mother of 3 with her Master's in Educational Leadership. Her core value of hope allows her to approach life with integrity and sustains her passion for justice. Bridget utilizes the body's physiology, neuroscience, and trust in the client's intuition and ability to make informed decisions to increase the likelihood of positive birth outcomes, as defined by the birthing person.

Chesney Ruth, Doula, CLC

I am a mother of one beautiful son whose birth was my inspiration for becoming a doula. I knew that I wanted to have my doula education rooted in social, racial and reproductive justice which led to my purposeful partnership with Harambee Village. I am here to support all birthing people and their decisions regarding their pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I am an educated community herbalist with knowledge of nutritive herbs specific for pregnancy and postpartum.

Emelle Holmes-Drammeh, Doula

I am a wife and mother of two beautiful daughters. I have spent the last 14 years of my life working as a Physician Assistant here in Madison. Eight of those 14 years have been in OB/GYN. I have committed my life to advocacy and the wellbeing of women, especially women of color. As a doula I am able to take this work to a different level, striving to support healthy babies and parents.

Lynette Willsey-Schmidt, Doula In Training

My name is Lynette (she/her/hers) and I am a mother of three, a cat lover, an avid reader and hiker, and a nurse. I believe strongly that pregnancy and birth is a transformative process and that every birthing person deserves informed and compassionate care as they navigate this moment in their lives. I am also passionate about correcting health injustices that exist and I hope to be part of the solution.

Theresa Rhoner, RN, IBCLC, Doula

I am a mother of 2 humans, 2 dogs, and 14 chickens. I have worked in the maternal child field for the last 17 years, with a focus in lactation the last 10 years.

Chandra E Lewis, Doula

I am passionate about serving the community by reimagining how doula services are offered to the marginalized among us. I believe that EVERY birthing person should feel comfortable and empowered in their process. When I'm not working as a birth doula, you can find me training to be a childbirth educator, a full spectrum doula (including pregnancy and infant loss and end of life care), and contracting as a Virtual Assistant. Sometimes you can even find me creating memories by building bears and other stuffed animals at the mall.

Nyah Miller, Doula

I’m am a full-time student at UW Madison with a major in health promotions and health equity and a completed certificate in gender and women’s studies. I have also been a certified nursing assistant for the past five years. The maternal health equity of Black and Brown laboring bodies is my passion behind my career focus. I am more than happy to be working with Harambee Village as they align with long-term career and advocacy goals. I hope to be a successful and valuable part of solution.

Francesca Fritz, Doula

Francesca is a doula with an education in life sciences and a background in clinical healthcare through service work and healthcare IT. She is hispanic and speaks Spanish. She is passionate about healthcare equity across all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses.

Bejay Udchitz, Doula

Krystal Judah, JD, MS, LPC, Doula (Rock County)

My name is Krystal Judah. I have built a career around advocating for and empowering women. As a Doula, I look forward to being a support person who can validate , guide, and help make sense of all that’s involved during a person unique and very special birthing experience. My work supported by training as a doula from Harambee Village as well as my legal and counseling education. I received a Juris Doctor degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Of all the things I do being a mother to my three sons brings me the greatest joy!

Bianca Kuffer, Doula (Rock County)