Meet The Team!

Each of our doulas are trained and certified (or working toward certification). Each has a unique story and passion fueling their desire to work with you in your journey. Take some time getting to know each of them in order to choose your best fit. 

Mandi Rodenbeck!

OWNER

Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA), Body Ready Method Certified Pro, Spinning Babies Trained Enthusiast,  Certified Community Breastfeeding Educator, and Doula Mentor

  • I first learned of a doula when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was researching information on natural birth and learned that a doula would be beneficial. I asked a friend to be a doula for me but when my labor turned into a traumatic struggle and my birth plan went totally awry, I realized that a trained doula MIGHT have been able to help me more in ways than my friend could. I became curious about how a trained doula differs from a support person, husband, mother, nurse etc. 

    Later that year, I went to work at a boutique through a cloth diaper company called Cotton Babies. I learned many things in that year in terms of product, cloth diapering, baby wearing, etc. But what I walked away with after that year was a very real realization that I loved to help, support, encourage, and educate mothers and see them succeed in what they want to do. Lastly, I feel as though my identified “mission” in the world has been developed in me since I was young. Based on my skill set and interests, I have had a difficult time assuming I had to choose between being a teacher, counselor, social worker, ministry leader, or stay home mother. I feel as though becoming a doula for birth and postpartum beautifully combines features of all these vocations and my heart is at peace finally being able to settle on something that suits me so well. 

    Doulas are not the center of the show (mom and partner are) and doula gently comes aside them to assist in as much or as little as needed. When I am your doula, my goal is to help YOU take over your birth so you will feel empowered and victorious of a job well done.

    I am a wife to my husband (Josh) and we have been married since 2014. We have three babies together: Adeline (2016) and Calvin (2018) and Louis (2020). My first labor was a difficult medicated hospital experience, my second was a wonderful natural hospital birth, and my third was a home birth. I like knowing I have all three experiences tucked in my pocket to support the journey of any client. I enjoy workouts (with a buddy), any outdoor activity (with a buddy), and eating good food (with a buddy). Specifically, I am always down for a good run, running off to the beach, and eating Corelife! When I am not doing doula activities, I am fully emersed in mom life, binge watching survivor, and making travel plans with my husband!

Doula

Birth and Postpartum Doula and Spinning Babies Trained Enthusiast (DONA and BEST)

Emily Wilwerding

  • I have been fascinated with pregnancy and birth ever since I was ten and came into contact with the incredible photography by Lennart Nilsson detailing the growth and development of the infant from conception to birth. I knew then that I would be involved with birth some day, and read every book on pregnancy, doulas, and midwifery that I could get my hands on. Now I have a wonderful husband and five kids, all of which I gave birth to at home. When I come to a birth, I don’t only bring with me my training as a Doula, but also the experience of having birthed five children myself. Not to compare, but to empathize. And to share my deeply held belief that birth works. Our bodies know how to have babies. Yes, it is through the hardest work you will probably ever do. But the reward at the end is absolutely precious. So whether you are planning to birth at hospital or at home, I can  be there to support and encourage at every step. 

    I absolutely love living close to Lake Michigan, and spending my summers working in my garden and going to the beach with my children. In the winter, we homeschool and I knit as my creative outlet. I’m a pianist and church music director. My goal in life is to look for the beauty and joy in everything.

Sarah Elizabeth Moorhead

Doula

Birth and Postpartum Doula (Hearthmother Birthkeeper) and Spinning Babies Trained Enthusiast

  • I was drawn to pregnancy and birth while at college, studying to be a teacher. I started a deep dive into women’s health and landed in physiological pregnancy. I was blown away by the beauty and intricacies of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I have taken my love for teaching into my work as a doula, and I love helping women make informed decisions in a space that can quickly become confusing. I love all things health and wellness, which informs so much about the way I approach birth. I really believe that childbirth is a natural, powerful, and transformative experience that most often works best with minimal interference, understanding every birth is different and will require different support. Welcoming new life into the world is an honor I will never move past! 

    As your doula I want to give you the tools and support to empower you make confident decisions and honor the way your body was designed. I believe that how a baby enters the world is a formative experience for them and their mom, and it can be a peaceful experience for both mom and baby. 

    Being the oldest of six children, family is huge to me! I have seen the blessing that children are, my siblings being my best friends. I love the outdoors, camping, and hiking. I almost always have my nose in a book in my free time, and I love all things homemaking and hospitality! 

Ashley Korff!

Doula

Birth Doula (DONA), Bereavement Doula (SBD)

  • When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up,  my answer would consistently be the same: “a mom.” It always earned a chuckle, but even as an adult, I still feel that way! Having had my babies at a young age, I became obsessed with learning about all things pregnancy and birth. I read all  of the pregnancy books and watched all the birth videos. Still, going into my first labor, I didn’t quite feel “prepared.” Later, I discovered what a doula was, and I realized that it was truly my calling. I have always had a servant's heart, and I felt like I had found what I was supposed to be doing. I embrace the Greek translation of the word “doula,” which means servant, or “one who mothers the mother”.  My commitment is to serve you and care for you to the best of my ability. You deserve to feel supported and empowered in your journey through pregnancy and birth, and I dedicate myself to supporting your family as you transition into this new chapter of life. I adore caring for moms throughout pregnancy and answering any questions you may have along the way! I will always believe in you, and you will always have someone in your corner cheering you on. Having personally faced the challenges of a traumatic birth, my mission is to minimize birth trauma and create a safe space for first-time moms, those with previous birth trauma, and VBAC mamas! I also hold a special place for rainbow babies and mothers navigating the complexities of loss, providing a safe space for healing and celebration. When you entrust me with your birth journey, you're not just hiring a doula; you're gaining a dedicated birth confidant, ready to navigate every twist and turn with you. Together, let's create a birthing experience filled with strength, comfort, and a truly positive experience you will look back on.


    When I am not at a birth, you can find me immersed in the joys of reading, tending to my garden, reading my Bible, and indulging in my enthusiasm for all things Star Wars. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Ryan, and we have 2 fiery little girls that I get to spend most of my time with. I love learning new things and new skills so I am always “trying something new”. I do my best to go through life trying to love everyone and sharing a bit of joy whenever I can!

Maddie Bunch!

Doula

Birth Doula (CAPPA)

  • I have always wanted to be a mom. But once I became one, it opened up a whole new world for me. It wasn’t until after my third child that I realized how important it is to have the right support team during pregnancy and birth. I felt a strong desire to make a difference in the birth world. It can be overwhelming, and I wanted to offer parents the support, guidance, and information they need to make the best decisions for themselves. After experiencing a birth that honored my wishes, with the right support team beside me, I truly saw how sacred this event is in a mother’s life. That experience set me on the path to supporting other moms. As your Doula, my goal is to offer both my hand and my heart, while providing evidence-based information and unwavering support during your journey into parenthood.

    I’m married to my best friend, Eric! We’ve been together for 10 years (married for 5) and have three active boys. One of my favorite things about Michigan is the changing seasons and the beautiful beaches. I love spending time outdoors with my kids, especially playing in the sand. I enjoy reading, living a cleaner lifestyle, and being home to raise my children. Through every season of life, I lean on my faith as my foundation. It shapes the way I serve, love, and support others—especially during life’s most sacred and transformative moments.

Leah Gritter!

Doula

Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA)

  • Hello! Growing up in West Michigan, graduating from college in northwest Iowa, serving as a teacher both overseas and locally, and building a family with my husband Scott have all led me to this work as a birth doula. Once our family began to grow, I became a stay at home mama and supported my husband in his work with youth ministry at our church. Over the past twenty eight years I have leaned into my natural gifts of teaching, mentoring, planning, nurturing, and encouraging. The combination of handling and responding to daily issues as a family of five, and being involved in the lives of young people has equipped me to be present with people emotionally and guide them through situations that feel both daunting and exhilarating.

    After raising three children, my time and my energy are now ready to focus on coming alongside women, and their partner, to walk with them through this journey of birth. Our bodies are beautifully designed to do this hard work and I am excited to encourage women to lean into this time of labor and delivery, using their natural ability and strength to work towards a positive birth experience. It will be an honor to help young families wade through the adventure of bringing new life into this world. 

    Grand Rapids is my home and I enjoy our beautiful state in all of its seasons. Things that are important to me are my faith, my family and friends, creation care, and fostering a heart of gratitude. I enjoy time outdoors hiking, camping, and gardening, a cup of good coffee and early morning sunrises, and restoring our old home.

Hannah Heerdt

Doula

Birth Doula (DONA) and Spinning Babies Trained Enthusiast

  • Over the past several years, I’ve felt a strong call toward birth work and the privilege of supporting women during one of life’s most transformative seasons. My journey to becoming a labor and delivery doula was shaped by the births of my own two children. While deeply meaningful, I look back on those experiences now and realize how little I understood about what our bodies were created to do. I was nowhere near informed about childbirth nor what my own body was capable of.
    That perspective now fuels my work. I never want a mother I support to look back and think, “I wish I had understood more so I could have made well-informed decisions.” My goal is for you to feel educated, heard, supported, and safe — regardless of how your birth story unfolds or what your goals are. That desire pushes me to lear as much as i can for you about the labor and delivery process, so im happy to say I am also Spinning Babies trained in addition to my basic doula training.
    I am continually moved by the strength, beauty, and sacredness of birth. There is absolutely nothing like it! As your doula, I bring a calm, adaptable, and steady presence, meeting you where you are and supporting your choices with compassion and confidence. My desire is that you leave your birth feeling informed, respected, and deeply empowered in your story. And that at the end of it you can look back at your birth and say -“I understood every decision that was made, I felt safe, I felt confident, I was strong, I’m a rockstar, and I did such a good job”. Your birth is YOUR story, and I’m incredibly honored you’d consider me to walk alongside you in it.

    A Little About Me I’m a wife to my husband and love of my life, Jesse (since 2018), and a homeschooling mama to our two sweet littles — a son and a daughter who keep me on my toes. I discovered a passion for worship leadership in 2013 and have been serving on worship teams ever since, most recently at our church home of the past few years. I can happily disappear into a good book for hours, and in the summer you’ll almost always find our family out on the water soaking up the  sunshine. I rarely buy anything new if I can thrift it first (there’s nothing better than a good find), and my morning coffee isn’t just a preference — it’s a non-negotiable.

Emily Beeman

Lead OT/CLC

Occupational Therapist, Certified Lactation Counselor, Infant massage educator, and class instructor.

  • Emily Graduated with Masters of Science from Duquesne University in PA. in 2007 and worked in Pediatric settings including early intervention services (birth to three years), outpatient clinics and elementary systems. She has plenty of experience working with children with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder,  Down syndrome, and other developmental delays. After journeying through her personal motherhood, lactation, and postpartum experience, Emily has been able to channel her passion for OT by specializing in infant and maternal wellness. She is so excited to work with you and your family in order to help you heal, grow, and thrive. 

Johannah Vande linde

OT/ CLC

Occupational Therapist, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, Certified Neonatal Therapist

  • Jo earned her Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy in St. Louis in 2012. Since then, she has dedicated her career to pediatric feeding, eating, swallowing- focusing specifically on supporting the maternal-infant dyad. Her expertise lies in working with infants facing complex cardiac, genetic, neurologic conditions, and prematurity.

    Jo has developed her skills in major children’s hospitals across the country, including LA, Little Rock, and Grand Rapids. Upon returning to GR, she found great fulfillment in supporting her local community- particularly by guiding friends and families through early parenting decisions. She specializes in helping parents navigate decisions around: breastfeeding, returning to work after maternity leave, and introducing solid food to babies.

    Outside of work, Jo enjoys exploring West Michigan with her dog, Pavie, spending tie with her nieces and nephews, and journaling about her adventures and daily reflections.

Sarah Rae Edgin

Doula

Postpartum OVERNIGHT Doula (Childbirth International)

  • Hello! As a postpartum doula, im dedicated to helping families feel confident, cared for, and supported as they welcome their babies into the world. I’m married, a stepmom to one wonderful son, and a mom to two amazing boys of my own. Having experienced both the joys and challenges of new parenthood firsthand, I understand just how important it is to have someone you can trust by your side.

    My own birth experiences deeply shaped my desire to become a doula. I had a C-section with my first child, and when I attempted a VBAC with my second, it also ended in a C-section. After going through those journeys, I began researching doula care and quickly realized it was something I felt incredibly passionate about. I believe that every parent deserves compassionate, nonjudgmental support and the opportunity to feel empowered, informed, and encouraged as they recover and bond with their new baby.

    In my free time, I love spending time with my family and being around children. Whether it’s providing hands-on newborn care, offering guidance and resources, or simply being a calm, reassuring presence, my goal is to help make the postpartum period as peaceful and positive as possible. It would be an honor to walk alongside you during this special time in your life.

Melia Dickens

Craniosacral Therapist

  • Hi, I’m Melia! Follower of Jesus, wife, momma to 4 kiddos, and passionate advocate about your well being. 

    After having my fourth baby at the end of 2022, I walked through a very trying and difficult season where I could not figure out how to make him happy or content. No amount of nursing, snuggles or love could eliminate his discomfort even though we had the most bonding time in comparison to my other kids (thanks to our wonderful support system!) 

    His story led me on a journey to figure out what I could do to help him and that’s when I came across The Gillespie Approach. As soon as I read about it, I knew in my heart that it was the therapy my son needed. In my desperation, I flew to Florida for a weekend intensive  (I could not find anyone local to me!). During that very first session, I watched my baby unfold and become a completely different person in a matter of an hour. It was in that moment, that I knew I needed to learn this modality to help other moms and babies who were struggling like we were. That day quite literally changed the course of my entire life and I pray that I can bless your family the way this modality has blessed mine. 

    Since training in The Gillespie Approach myself, I have uncovered a deep desire for everyone to know that there are root cause solutions to our everyday problems.  Our bodies are smart. They were designed so intricately and intelligently by our Creator. Our bodies know exactly what they need to heal, we just have to be willing to listen. 

    When I’m not on this mission to help moms & babies, you can find me at home on my farm in Hastings - homeschooling our children, lost somewhere in my garden, making a fresh cut flower bouquet or canning the harvest I just brought in. None of this beautiful life would be possible without my wonderful husband PJ, who supports all of my dreams and provides so faithfully for our family. I look forward to meeting you soon!