Roots Volunteer Doula Program

Roots Community Birth Center believes in doulas as much as we believe in midwifery care for all. As a part of our commitment to birthing families and doulas, we have a doula internship. These passionate doulas are volunteers for Roots clients. If you are not a Roots client they are available for hire. Read each bio and reach out if you think someone is a fit!

Kyliah Thompson

Hey everyone, I’m Kyliah (she/her)! I am a trained Doula and Social Worker in North St. Paul. I am originally from the Chicagoland area and have lived in various parts of the Midwest, attending the University of Minnesota Duluth for undergrad and Washington University in St. Louis, receiving my Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health. Having worked with a range of communities, cultures, ages, and backgrounds, I recognize the importance of upholding everyone’s individual story and experience no matter where their journey has taken them. Advocating, empowering, and building strong and intentional relationships with the people around me is central to my approach as both a Doula and a Social Worker. My main goal always is to ensure you feel safe and secure, unconditionally accepted, and CAPABLE within your journey. I lead with empathy and firmly believe that compassionate relationships, trust, and transparency can make a huge impact on your birth journey and beyond. Creating conscious care that affirms BIPOC birthing people mentally, emotionally, and physically is a core value for me as a doula.

In my spare time, you can find me cooking, watching the newest show or movie on Netflix (or any other streaming service), or spending time with my husband, Cason, and my dog, lovingly known as Baby Moon.


 

Hanna Grumke

Hi, I’m Hanna! I attended my first birth as a doula in 2018 and have since completed an herbal apprenticeship, two doula trainings, an abortion doula training, graduated with a degree in Women and Gender Studies, and moved to Minnesota. I am studying at the Midwives College of Utah and plan to become a CPM by 2027. When I am not in class, I enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old cat, Blair, and my niece, Charlie. I love live music, being outside, trying new restaurants, and dancing. I am on a journey to learn and grow as much as the universe allows. I have always been drawn to caring professions and I feel my best when I have the opportunity to support others in living their truth. I believe our bodies know what they're supposed to do and I strive to create a safe environment so that you can birth the way that you intend. Everyone deserves to have support on this transformational journey.

Taylor Stainbrook

Hi! I’m Taylor, a full-spectrum doula-in-training, former Root’s client, and University of Minnesota soccer alum. Throughout my transition from conception through childbirth to parenthood, reproductive curiosities festered and quickly converted into full-blown commitment and lifestyle. There are an abundance of statistics affirming that doula-involved births are proven to result in less need for major labor interventions, increases chance of natural birth, improves general health outcomes, and fosters a healthier start to parentage—and that’s why I had to get involved.

You can find me at a coffee shop with books spilling out of my bag, the indoor playground with a toddler, or possibly off any imaginable street in the metro area (I walk, A LOT). I’m here to support, remain forever curious, and foster environments that contribute to experiences remembered with satisfaction and fulfillment. I hope to see you soon!


Emi Gaçaj

Hi there! I’m Emi (she/any), and I am a Full Spectrum Birth Doula, Sex Educator, Youth Activist, and a pregnancy researcher! I’m currently attending Columbia University (on a gap year), and am passionate about exploring the intersections between health, justice, and holistic, whole person care. My journey into birthwork began with community organizing, meeting my peers where they were and building a groundwork in education and wellness. I look to uplift and empower the experiences of birthing people, and honor the stories, perspectives, and emotions in reproductive spaces. Agency and bodily autonomy inspire my work; someone's lived experience should be a guide for their relationship with pregnancy and birth. In my free time, I work with my organization The Body Org to bring wellness products, peer education, and health initiatives to youth nationwide. I find joy in fermenting kombucha, cooking new foods, and exploring different styles of movement - and Matcha, my kitten!

Jaylyn Carr

Hello! 😊 My name is Jaylyn and I am a professionally trained labor and birth doula through DONA! I have always been drawn to the beauty of pregnancy and birth. My mother had a daycare my entire life in our home and working with kids and being the oldest of 4 siblings has caused me to love children! When I went through my own birthing experiences, it made me realize how truly beautiful and powerful birth is and how much I really wanted to work in the birthing world! I have 3 boys of my own ages 7, 4 and 3 and had wonderful and beautiful birthing experiences each time. They were all incredible and so thankful for all of the birthing support I had, I want to make sure I can be that type of support for others going through the experience of labor and birth! I am always expanding my birthing knowledge and plan to become a lactation consultant as well! I have nursed all 3 of my boys and had a wonderful experience each time with some ups and downs, I am so passionate wanting to help out other parents who need assistance in their experiences of becoming a parent! I love spending time with my family, being outside, going on adventures, taking photos, baking, and just enjoying each others time! I love introducing my children to new things and watching it through their eyes! I believe all birthing families deserve doula support and knowledge throughout their labor experience! Birth is so powerful and beautiful and I believe it is so important to make sure you have someone to guide you through that! I would love to be considered to help you create a strong, calming and sacred space during your birthing experience! I would love to be considered to be that support for you and your family! I look forward to hearing from you 😊

Alexis Fine

Hi! My name is Alexis, and I would love to be your doula and support you during your pregnancy and birthing journey. I am a DONA-trained doula and am passionate about women’s health and, more specifically, childbirth. I graduated from the University of Michigan and studied anthropology with a focus on birthing systems and birth cultures worldwide. For the last 8 years, I have worked in various daycare settings and as a nursing assistant at the Children's Hospital of Minnesota, and am incredibly comfortable and familiar with newborns. Childbirth is an intimate and personal experience, and I want to help you navigate your options and ultimately feel comfortable and confident with your decisions. My main goal is to make you feel heard, respected, and empowered. I believe a doula's job is to listen to the mother and help her achieve the best birthing experience for her, whatever that may be. Please feel free to reach out to see if we would be a good match! I look forward to meeting you!