About Me

I became a mom in 2018 and again in 2022. I jumped onto the rollercoaster of new parenthood and held on tight, pouring my energy into parenting and my kids. When a close friend became pregnant not long after my second child was born, I was so excited to share my knowledge with her, now that I had a clear perspective of what I wish I had known before. She asked if I had ever considered become a postpartum doula and the idea stuck with me. I sat with this question in my heart, researched, and decided to do a DONA International training.

Two days after completing my postpartum doula training, my close friend and her wife had their baby. They were the first family I helped, and I knew this was the right path for me. I received my DONA certification in August 2024 and have helped many families in Pittsburgh since then.

I love helping new parents feel less alone during their postpartum time. It is such a precious time—full of big feelings, little sleep, and a steep learning curve—that it helps to have someone centered with you who can assist with daily survival as you adjust to your ever-changing new normal.

Babies are the best teachers for showing us that life is full of change. I like to be a consistent presence for families and a gentle guide. I would be honored to work with your family as you welcome your first, your second, or any baby.

Elissa, sitting and holding a sleeping newborn and smiling.
A stack of rocks called a cairn.

You don’t have to be without a guide!

Elissa, sitting on a chair holding a newborn and looking down at the baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are you vaccinated?

    Yes, I have my flu and Covid-19 vaccine for 2026-2027. My family is also up to date on vaccinations.

  • Are you willing to wear a mask in my home?

    Yes, I am happy to mask up in your home, just let me know. I wear KN-95 masks. I will also let you know in advance of a visit if myself or anyone in my home is sick and ask that clients do the same.

  • Do you take insurance?

    I don’t take any specific insurance, but DONA-certified doulas are often approved if your insurance provides any reimbursement for postpartum care, so let’s work on that together on a case-by-case basis.

  • Who designed your logo?

    I drew the logo design. The outer circle represents me, the postpartum doula, holding your family. The family shapes also resemble a cairn, a stack of stones used to mark a path, as I am helping you find your way as the parents of this new baby. My talented cousin, Andrea Hubbard (https://www.typeo-design.com/), took my idea, cleaned it up, made it digital, helped with colors and gave me font ideas! I can’t thank her enough!

  • Who took your photos?

    Headshot photos are by the wonderful Sarah Petro of People Grow People (https://www.facebook.com/peoplegrowpeople/) and the other photos of me in action were by very kind clients who allowed me to take photos in their beautiful home! The cairn photo is by Sean Stratton.