The Nova Scotia Doula Association began in 2007 with a group of women who desired to grow awareness of the Doula profession and provide educational opportunities to doulas wishing to further their knowledge and skills.

Our mission: The Nova Scotia Doula Association (NSDA) cultivates the growth of individual Doulas and the collective profession, thereby increasing the quality of prenatal, birth and postpartum support given to the pregnant person and their families in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia is home to many Doulas who operate across the province of Nova Scotia, some serve as volunteers providing services to families in need. Our members and associates are committed to expanding and raising awareness of the Doula profession throughout our province and Atlantic Canada.

Our Board of Directors

Jenny Jarrett

Chair

Jenny has always had a passion for birth and perinatal wellness. As a registered massage therapist for fourteen years, she wanted to further support people throughout their pregnancies and became a Birth Doula. She has had the privilege of helping families in this role for many years since completing her training with Doula Training Canada. She is also certified in her Level 1 & 2 of Pelvic Health Massage Therapy. She is a mother to two beautiful girls who fill her days with a little bit of crazy and a lot of laughter. Her family loves going on adventures around Atlantic Canada and love to camp, explore beaches, take hikes, and the never ending pursuit for the best ice cream! As Chair of the NSDA Jenny is excited to further advocate and educate the public and healthcare professionals about the important role that Doulas play when it comes to perinatal wellness. Jenny can be reached at education@novascotiadoulas.org

Karen Reid

Treasurer

Karen is our wonderful and talented Treasurer and beings to her role an impressive 15 years of experience as an Analyst and Accountant. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Dal and completed the academic portion of the Certified Management Accountant Program in 2015. Karen keeps our books balanced and our mouths drooling with her yummy yet healthy recipe contributions to our newsletters. Please contact Karen with any payment questions at payments@novascotiadoulas.org.

Amber Tapley

Director of Professional Liaison

Amber is a certified Full Spectrum Doula, Childbirth Educator and Perinatal/Pediatric Registered Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner. She supports families from conception and well into the postpartum journey, with holistic care for body, mind and spirit. Amber is a Board Member of the NSDA and an avid advocate for birthing families. You can contact Amber at liaison@novascotiadoula.org

Liz Burns

member at Large

Liz (she/her) realized after the incredible support she received during the births of her own two children, that she longed to support others in finding this same joyful and transformative journey to parenthood. She made a big career switch, trained as a doula, founded Driftwood Doula Care, and has never looked back! Liz is also a volunteer doula with the Chebucto Family Centre, and has volunteered for several board of directors roles over the years. With the NSDA she wants to help create opportunities for doulas to share their knowledge and raise awareness of their value by collaborating with other birth workers (such as pelvic floor physiotherapists and delivery nurses), thus paving the way for a holistic approach to perinatal health. When Liz isn't at a birth, supporting families, or teaching prenatal classes, she loves making crafts with her daughter (aged 6), listening to stories told by her son (aged 2), cuddling with her cat "Poppy", going to spin classes, and writing blogs. You can reach Liz at liz@driftwooddoula.com

Alyssa Porter

member at large

Alyssa is a certifying Postpartum Doula, and hopes to dive into training to become a Birth Doula. She is currently working for Blossom and Birth as an evening and weekend Postpartum Doula. Alyssa believes that during the birthing, and postpartum experience, you can never have too much knowledge or too many hands to support families. Alyssa has always had a strong desire to advocate for new families, and support their mental health to ensure the most positive and joyful start to parenthood. Alyssa was eager to be a part of the board to try and spread awareness, and ensure that new families feel supported during their journeys into childbirth, postpartum, and parenthood.