About Jess

My journey into birth work began not in a classroom but in the heart of a large, resilient family where the stories of new life were woven into our daily rhythm. Growing up as one of seven children, birth was never an abstract concept; it was a living history shared openly by my mother. I was raised on the tales of my brothers: one born in the chaos of a car halfway to the hospital and another born in the stillness of home with a midwife. These stories taught me early on that birth is messy, beautiful, and deeply sacred.
​At fifteen, this lifelong fascination transformed into a calling. I became consumed by the complexities of midwifery, the shifting legal landscapes of reproductive care, and the profound history of birthkeepers. When I photographed my first birth shortly after, I felt a sense of divine alignment, a peace that confirmed I was exactly where I was meant to be. By sixteen, I was a certified doula, graduating early to begin a journey that would take me across the world. From the rural communities of Honduras to the shores of Hawaii and the landscapes of France, I have spent over a decade learning from diverse cultures and the universal language of new life.
My approach to this work is deeply shaped by the women who came before me. I carry the resilience of my mother, who taught me the power of self-advocacy, and the legacy of the midwife who delivered me in Rhode Island. Today, my practice is grounded in the mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina. Here, the rhythms of the land and the traditions of Southern Appalachia have deepened my commitment to birth justice and the midwifery model of care.
For me, birth work and stewardship are inseparable. The same patience and trust required to tend to my homestead, raising cattle, pigs, and poultry, guide me in the birthing room. Whether I am supporting a family through the postpartum period or upcycling heirloom textiles in my studio, my work is an act of reverence for the cycles of life, the strength of community, and the belief that we are all stronger when we show up for one another.
I am a maternal health specialist, grant writer, and legal scholar dedicated to the midwifery model of care and birth justice. My career began with a decade of direct newborn care and clinical birthwork, and it has since expanded into systemic advocacy and policy. To date, I have secured over $1.2M in funding for nonprofit organizations, focusing on improving perinatal outcomes and dismantling barriers within healthcare. Currently a JD candidate at Vermont Law and Graduate School, my move into the legal field was driven by the specific restrictions and public policies I witnessed affecting healthcare in the Carolinas. This academic pursuit follows a degree in Psychology from Vermont State University and a Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice, fueling my trauma-informed approach to both law and birthwork.
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​As a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), and PMH-C, I provide families with a foundation of confidence and educational resources. My practice is deeply rooted in infant attachment, postpartum healing, and evidence-based coaching. I am also the author of multiple books, including Postpartum Nourishment and the forthcoming She Can Hold Her Own, which explores the lives of women homesteaders in Southern Appalachia.
When I am not studying or writing, I manage a diverse homestead in the Appalachian mountains. Raising pigs, mini cows, donkeys, and poultry provides a necessary balance to the rigors of legal study. This connection to the land informs my work as a documentary photographer and my commitment to sustainable, community-based living. Whether I am supporting a birthing family or tending to the animals in my care, my work is guided by the principles of stewardship and restorative practice.​
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​In addition to my clinical work, I am a frequent guest lecturer and speaker on maternal health and birth justice. I also serve as the producer of The Vermont Birth Experience and am currently developing a Maternal Health Advisory Board for the brand Pump for Joy. My goal is to bridge the gap between rural community needs and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Doula for all!

Jess even helps "doula" mare/foal and dog/puppy births!