Changemakers
Change is needed.
Needed Changemakers is a collective of women’s health practitioners, advisors, and advocates working to transform perinatal care together. We champion radically better nutrition for women with relentless curiosity, scientific rigor, and constant momentum.
It’s time for radical change.
A radical change is needed in how we approach pregnancy in the United States. The US has the worst maternal and infant mortality rate of any developed nation. We know unequivocally that nutrition changes health outcomes, but in the current standard of care it’s relegated to an afterthought. The average prenatal care appointment in the US is 7 minutes long–and not all care providers are nutritionally trained. Women deserve better than the bare minimum status quo.
-
Dr. Phabillia Afflack
MD, OB-GYN
Dr. Phabillia Afflack, MD, OB-GYN
Dr. Phabby has over 20 years of experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and family planning. She’s a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a board-certified OBGYN. Dr. Phabby has a passion for Holistic Medicine and Holistic Obstetrics and Gynecology. She advocates for a collaborative approach to care, a true patient-centered model, that takes into account one’s mind, body, and spirit.
-
Paula James-Martinez
Filmmaker and Editorial Director
Paula James-Martinez, Filmmaker and Editorial Director
Paula James Martinez is a writer, filmmaker, and women's health advocate. She is the director and producer of the documentary Born Free, which investigates the truth about birth and maternal health America. Sits on the boards of non-profit organization "The Mother Lovers" and "4Kira4Moms" to raise awareness of the US maternal health crisis, and co-hosts the parenting podcast "Scruunchy".
-
Abby Vidikan
LM, CPM
Abby Vidikan, LM, CPM
Abby Vidikan is a licensed midwife who has worked at two of L.A.’s premiere Birth Centers, but currently manages a busy private practice that has served hundreds of women and families. Through her work, she has been able to forge relationships and work in collaboration with many physicians and MFMs, doulas, childbirth educators, and body workers.
-
Dr. Leah Gordon
ND
Dr. Leah Gordon, ND
Dr. Leah Gordon is a naturopathic and functional medicine doctor, the owner of Womanhood Wellness™, a founding medical advisor for Needed, and a passionate speaker and educator. She helps women balance their hormones and boost their fertility through online programs and individualized, root-cause medicine. She is especially passionate about supporting couples naturally if they have to go through IVF.
-
Ivy Joeva
Doula
Ivy Joeva, Doula
Ivy Joeva is a doula, coach and educator serving women and couples who desire a conscious path on the journey of becoming parents. She provides holistic support throughout the childbearing years including fertility coaching, preparation for birth, "baby-proofing" your relationship or marriage, postpartum recovery care and counseling for pregnancy loss of all kinds. Ivy is a graduate of UC Berkeley and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
-
Emily Stone Rydbom
CN, BCHN, CNP
Emily Stone Rydbom, CN, BCHN, CNP
Emily Stone Rydbom is a certified nutrition consultant, board-certified holistic nutritionist, and certified nutrition professional. She is an entrepreneur, published researcher, and international educator who has been on the leading edge of applied personalized nutrition since 2010. She is most widely known for her groundbreaking work in the improvement of transgenerational health as the founder and CEO of GrowBaby Health and the GrowBaby Life Project (501c3) research.
-
Dr. Ari Calhoun
ND
Dr. Ari Calhoun, ND
Dr. Ari is a perinatal and pediatric naturopathic doctor, the owner of Wholesome Brain Medicine, a founding medical advisor for Needed, and a passionate speaker and educator. She helps parents holistically optimize their child's brain and emotional development from the womb onwards. Through her medical clinic and educational platform, she works alongside families to identify, prevent, and heal the underlying causes of Autism, ADHD, behavioral disorders, PANS/PANDAS, mental health conditions and other neuropsychological disorders.
-
Ricki Lake
Filmmaker
Ricki Lake, Filmmaker
Ricki Lake is an actress, producer, and television host. She made her film debut as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (1988) and went on to appear in Cry-Baby (1990), Serial Mom (1994), Cecil B. Demented (2000), and numerous other films. At the age of 24 she began hosting a talk show, Ricki Lake (1993–2004), becoming the youngest person at the time to take on that role. For her second series, The Ricki Lake Show (2013), she won an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Lake is also an independent filmmaker with credits that include producing the critically acclaimed documentaries The Business of Being Born (2008), Weed the People (2018), and The Business of Birth Control (2021).
-
Dr. Elana Roumell
ND
Dr. Elana Roumell , ND
Elana is a key contributor and advisor to Needed, providing great insight to product development and formulation. Dr. Elana is a Naturopathic Doctor, driven by a lifelong interest in health, medicine, and alternative options. She is especially passionate about pediatrics, and is committed to helping parents keep their children optimally healthy through her platform Med School for Moms.
-
Carson Meyer
Doula
Carson Meyer , Doula
Carson Meyer is a Needed changemaker, doula, author and certified nutrition consultant who has supported hundreds of women on their path to parenthood. She hosts circles for families across the country to help them access community and information on healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum practices. She also leads mentorship opportunities for new and aspiring doulas. Her first book Growing Together is available for pre-order and will be released March 2025.Her work has been featured in Elle, Vogue, GOOP, and the Los Angeles Times. Carson is also the founder of C & The Moon, a clean skincare line founded on the belief that the way we care for ourselves is intrinsically linked to the way we care for the planet. She graduated from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 2016 and lives in western North Carolina with her husband Johnathan, their daughter Lou, and Bernedoodle Paulie.
{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Carson Meyer is a Needed changemaker, doula, author and certified nutrition consultant who has supported hundreds of women on their path to parenthood. ","italic":true},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.carson-meyer.com/pregnancy-circle","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"She hosts circles","italic":true}]},{"type":"text","value":" for families across the country to help them access community and information on healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum practices. She also leads mentorship opportunities for new and aspiring doulas. Her first book ","italic":true},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Together-Practices-Pregnancy-Motherhood/dp/1797230735#detailBullets_feature_div","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Growing Together","italic":true}]},{"type":"text","value":" is available for pre-order and will be released March 2025.Her work has been featured in Elle, Vogue, GOOP, and the Los Angeles Times. Carson is also the founder of C & The Moon, a clean skincare line founded on the belief that the way we care for ourselves is intrinsically linked to the way we care for the planet. She graduated from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 2016 and lives in western North Carolina with her husband Johnathan, their daughter Lou, and Bernedoodle Paulie. ","italic":true}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Like the article? Share it!"}]}]} -
Dr. Elliot Berlin
DC
Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC
Dr. Elliot Berlin is an award winning prenatal focused chiropractor, childbirth educator, labor support bodyworker, and co-founder of Berlin Wellness Group in Los Angeles, California. Through media such as documentaries, The Informed Pregnancy Podcast, his new video streaming platform Informed Pregnancy+ and stand up comedy, Dr. Berlin compiles and shares empowering information to help new and expectant parents make Informed healthcare choices.
-
Dr. Soyona Rafatjah
MD
Dr. Soyona Rafatjah, MD
Dr. Soyona Rafatjah is a board-certified Family Medicine Doctor. She is the Medical Director and owner of PrimeHealth, a Functional and Integrative medical practice in Denver, CO. Needed is the prenatal brand of choice for herself and her patients.
-
Allegra Gast
RDN, IBCLC
Allegra Gast, RDN, IBCLC
Allegra Gast is a functional registered dietitian and international board certified lactation consultant. She specializes in postpartum nutrition and ensuring both mom and baby are nourished.
-
Dr. Maxine Owusu
MD
Dr. Maxine Owusu, MD
Dr. Maxine Owusu is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician. She is a native from NYC where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Syracuse University and obtained her Doctor of Medicine (MD) at SUNY Upstate Medical. In 2017, she then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Northwell/LIJ Medical Center. She is also a budding entrepreneur and recently started a lifestyle brand called Shea Seasons that celebrates Pan-African culture and emphasizes self-love and care. Originally from NYC she now lives in Atlanta with her husband and two beautiful kids.
-
Abby Epstein
Film Director
Abby Epstein, Film Director
Abby Epstein is a theater and film director whose work includes The Business of Being Born, Weed the People, and The Business of Birth Control. Alongside her filmmaking partner Ricki Lake, she is the executive producer of Breastmilk and The Mama Sherpas.
-
Katya Mosely
L.Ac.
Katya Mosely, L.Ac.
Katya Mosely, L.Ac. is a perinatal-focused licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and physician of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the founder and lead acupuncturist at Spirit Gate Acupuncture + Wellness, in West Los Angeles, where she focuses on optimizing the health, wellness, and vitality of each adult and child patient.
-
Cassy Joy Garcia
Cassy Joy Garcia
Cassy Joy Garcia is a certified holistic nutritionist, a NY Times bestselling author, and a professional home cook. She is the founder of @fedandfit, a popular destination for healthy living, including easy dinnertime prep. She is the mama of 3 littles.
-
Dr. Leslie Stone
MD, OB-GYN, IFMCP
Dr. Leslie Stone, MD, OB-GYN, IFMCP
Leslie P. Stone, MD, IFMCP, is board certified in family practice with a fellowship in surgical obstetrics. She is a published researcher and international lecturer on developmental programming of health and disease and the application of individualized Functional Medicine care during pregnancy. She's also the co-founder and CMO of GrowBaby Health, a proven Pregnancy Care Model which has been used in clinical practice within a >50% Medicaid population.
-
Blyss Young
LM, CPM
Blyss Young, LM, CPM
Blyss Young, LM, CPM, is a home birth midwife, childbirth educator, placenta encapsulator and natural birth and family consultant. Through her guidance and love centered approach she supports families to birth in the ways that they feel most empowered. She is a firm believer in intuition, the sacredness and ritual of birth and the power of autonomy in birth. She has studied with both Dr. Stu Fischbein (LA's only home birth obstetrician) and many skilled midwives. She has been fortunate to learn the art of midwifery in addition to the unique skills of delivering Breech, Twins and VBACs.
-
Dr. Gabriela Sheets
PhD
Dr. Gabriela Sheets, PhD
Dr. Gabriela Sheets has a PhD in human biology and microbiomics and is a key contributor and advisor to Needed, providing great insight into product development and formulation. Dr. Sheets conducted groundbreaking and award-winning research on the early development of the gut microbiome. She rapidly discovered the dearth of good practices and information regarding the immune and microbial systems in babies, which inspired her collaborations with parents, practitioners and researchers alike. She is passionate about ameliorating human suffering by supporting the flourishing of human microbiomes, one family at a time.
-
Dr. Sarabenet Sequeira
MD
Dr. Sarabenet Sequeira, MD
Dr. Sarabenet Sequeira has been practicing holistic, integrative pediatrics for twenty years. Dr. Sequeira worked as a nursery and pediatric hospitalist while becoming trained in integrative modalities, such as nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and functional medical testing, and has practiced these in a primary care pediatric setting for nearly two decades.
-
Jill Castle
RD
Jill Castle, RD
Jill Castle is a pediatric dietitian and key contributor and advisor to Needed. Jill is one of the nation’s premier childhood nutrition experts. Known as a paradigm shifter who blends current research, practical application and common sense, Jill inspires audiences to think differently about feeding kids.
-
Ryann Kipping
MPH, RDN
Ryann Kipping, MPH, RDN
Ryann is a clinically trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Author of The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook, and master online nutrition educator. She is the founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist, a virtual nutrition private practice, which focuses on helping those trying to conceive and pregnant navigate the era of online information overwhelm.
-
Carley Mendes
Nutritionist
Carley Mendes, Nutritionist
Carley Mendes is a nutritionist who specializes in holistically nourishing pregnancy, postpartum, and babies. She is also the founder of Oh Baby School of Holistic Nutrition, an online platform that certifies practitioners and provides them with an unparalleled understanding of the optimal nutrition required to support maternal health and growing babies.
-
Steph Greunke
MS, RD, CPT, PMH-C
Steph Greunke, MS, RD, CPT, PMH-C
Stephanie Greunke is a registered dietitian that specializes in prenatal/postnatal nutrition, behavioral psychology, and holds additional certifications in perinatal mental health and fitness. She's a key contributor and advisor to Needed as well as Needed’s Head of Practitioner Relationships. Steph is the owner of Postpartum Reset, an online postpartum nutrition course, and the co-host of "Doctor Mom" podcast.
-
Dr. Alyssa Berlin
PsyD
Dr. Alyssa Berlin, PsyD
Dr. Alyssa Berlin is a clinical psychologist specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. She offers private counseling for women individually and with their partners. She is the creator of The AfterBirth Plan™, a program that prepares couples for what to expect after a baby is born. The workshop teaches couples how to prepare for a healthy postpartum transition for the baby, for each partner, and for the evolving relationship.
-
Taylor Walker Sinning
Doula
Taylor Walker Sinning, Doula
Taylor is a Certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Health Coach, HypnoBirthing Educator, Doula, and Fitness Model. Her brand, Taylor Walker Fit, began as a fitness-focused blog and evolved with adding marriage and motherhood to the mix. Now “fit” not only represents fitness, but the ability to “fit” nutrition, self-care, and holistic wellness practices into the mom + wife + career equation in a realistic way.
-
Dr. Miranda Naylor
DO
Dr. Miranda Naylor, DO
Dr. Naylor is an osteopathic doctor board-certified in Family Medicine and Functional Medicine. She is passionate about helping women uncover the root causes that are keeping them from optimal health. She specializes in women’s health, particularly preconception, fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. She regularly treats thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone imbalance, digestive concerns, autoimmunity, and mitochondrial health.
-
Dr. Casie Danenhauer Humble
DPT
Dr. Casie Danenhauer Humble, DPT
Dr. Casie Danenhauer Humble is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Enlighten Physical Therapy in Culver City, CA. Her mission is to provide conscious care for her pelvic health clients through education and embodiment practices. She combines her skills as a pelvic floor PT and yoga instructor to facilitate a unique and holistic path towards healing both individually and in group settings. Her philosophy maintains a balance between evidence-based science and an integrative consideration of yoga therapy including the physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual systems for maximizing whole body health.
-
Gina Conley and Roxanne Albert
RN, BSN
Gina Conley and Roxanne Albert, RN, BSN
Roxanne and Gina are the founders of MamasteFit, providing full spectrum care from pregnancy, through birth, and recovery in the postpartum. Their services include childbirth education, birth support, and fitness training. Both are US Army Veterans, mothers, and military spouses.
-
Hayley Oakes
LM, CPM
Hayley Oakes , LM, CPM
Hayley Oakes is a licensed midwife based in Los Angeles offering integrative prenatal and postpartum care. She has attended births since 2010 as a doula, midwife assistant, apprentice and midwife, witnessing and supporting birth in all settings: home, birth center and hospital. Hayley is the host and creator of Milk Trails, a podcast dedicated to the out-of-hospital birthing experience.
-
Dr. Pooja Mahtani
PharmD, MS
Dr. Pooja Mahtani, PharmD, MS
Dr. Pooja Mahtani is a functional medicine nutritionist as well as the founder of Pooja Mahtani Wellness, a virtual functional nutrition practice specializing in women's health. It wasn't until Pooja's own health struggles with PCOS, NAFLD, and IBS that she discovered the immense healing power of food. Pooja has now made it her mission to help women achieve hormone health through a combination of cutting edge nutrition science and sustainable lifestyle changes.
-
Domino Kirke-Badgley
Doula & Educator
Domino Kirke-Badgley, Doula & Educator
Domino Kirke-Badgley is the co-founder of Carriage House Birth, founder of The Doula’s Doula, a seasoned full spectrum doula, and childbirth educator. Domino is a trained musician, but after the birth of her first child, she decided that performing had to take a back seat. She's the mother of two children, 13 years apart, and the godmother to many! Domino is also the co-founder of Grand Street Healing Project, a community run Healing Arts space located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Domino resides in both NYC and New Paltz with her husband, two children and two dogs. When she’s not teaching, or supporting families; you can find her learning how to cook, growing food or writing songs.
-
Lindsey Bliss
Doula & Educator
Lindsey Bliss, Doula & Educator
Lindsey Bliss is a seasoned birth doula, a childbirth educator, a co-founder of Carriage House Birth, and the mother of seven. Lindsey is considered to be a multiples expert after giving birth to two consecutive sets of twins. She is the author of The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth. Lindsey has been practicing since 2009 and has supported hundreds of families.
-
Dr. Rory Gibbons
B.Sc, ND
Dr. Rory Gibbons, B.Sc, ND
Dr. Rory Gibbons is a naturopathic doctor who resides and practices in the lower mainland of British Columbia. His clinical practice focuses on providing solutions to dads struggling with fatigue, low mood, burnout, weight gain, and digestive issues. Dr. Gibbons’ journey as a parent and the new challenges he faces each day informs his practice and his passion for educating others. He strives to bring thoughtful knowledge and research to his patients, giving them the education they need to find their best health.
-
Dr. Tracy Shevell
MD, OB-GYN
Dr. Tracy Shevell, MD, OB-GYN
Tracy is a High Risk OBGYN who has pivoted from direct hospital care to serving as a guide to help fix our broken system. Mothers and families are more disconnected from ever and their doctors are equally as frustrated. With 20 years of clinical experience, she created Blue Moon Perinatal as a navigational and support service to help women self educate, learn how to empower themselves medically and how to get the best care they can. It is her hope that this can be used to mend the disconnect of the current challenges women face in their childbearing years, from preconception to the postpartum period.
-
Jessica Bippen
MS, RD
Jessica Bippen, MS, RD
Jessica is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Masters in Nutrition Therapy. She offers a science-based approach to nutrition and wellness and believes that a one-size-fits-all method won’t fit every season of life.
-
Dr. Heather Finley
DCN, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Dr. Heather Finley, DCN, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Dr. Heather Finley is a registered dietitian who helps people struggling with bloating, constipation, and IBS find relief from their symptoms and feel excited about food again. Heather struggled with her own digestive issues for nearly 20 years and understands firsthand the impact that nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset have on digestive health. Gut health shouldn’t be restrictive, stressful, and all-consuming. She developed a simple way that individuals can reduce digestive symptoms and add foods back into their diet using her trademarked gutTogether method. Dr. Heather has a doctorate in clinical nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Her work has been featured in Mind Body Green, Yahoo! Life, and Very Well Health.
-
Dr. Anthony Chin
MD
Dr. Anthony Chin, MD
Dr. Chin went to UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Molecular Biology in 1991. He then attended Medical School at UCLA to obtain his MD degree in 1995. Later he completed his Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in 1999.
-
Dr. Nicole Avena
PhD
Dr. Nicole Avena, PhD
Dr. Nicole Avena is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet and addiction, with a special focus on nutrition during early life and pregnancy, and women’s health. In addition to over 100 peer-reviewed scholarly publications, Dr. Avena has written several popular books, including Why Diets Fail; What to Eat When You're Pregnant; What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler; and What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant.
-
Nimisha Gandhi
BS, CNC
Nimisha Gandhi, BS, CNC
Nutritionist, mother, clinical researcher, and educator, Nimisha Gandhi is well-known for her work and life passion for reproductive health issues. Nimisha is a functional medicine nutritionist, certified Ayurvedic counselor, and certified Yoga Nidra teacher. She is the founder of Moon Cycle Nutrition. Nimisha works mainly with teens and prenatal and postpartum folks, focusing on the menstrual cycle, autoimmune conditions, and rebalancing the gut microbiome. Nimisha’s approach to mind-body-spirit wellness is deeply influenced by both ancient healing practices and modern medicine. Nimisha serves as a board member of several health and wellness companies and organizations, including FemTech Collective and Conscious Kitchen.
-
Dr. Morgan MacDermott
ND
Dr. Morgan MacDermott, ND
Dr. Morgan MacDermott is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor specializing in women’s reproductive and pediatric health. She is a mother of three, co-host of the Healthy as a Mother Podcast, and the creator of the Milk Medicine Membership (MilkMedicine.com) - an online educational resource for naturally-minded women transitioning into and throughout motherhood.
-
Lauren Hays and Megan Dalton
RN, BSN, PMHNP
Lauren Hays and Megan Dalton, RN, BSN, PMHNP
Lauren is the mama of three precious little men and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who turned her pain into purpose by using personal and professional recognition of the void in mental health care for mothers into a career shift and the ""why"" behind The Matrescence. Megan is a proud mom of three who uses her business background to grow The Matrescence Community.
-
Brittany Anderson
RN, WHNP-BC
Brittany Anderson, RN, WHNP-BC
Brittany Anderson is an integrative women’s health nurse practitioner turned functional medicine consultant, who is deeply passionate about supporting women and their partners from preconception through postpartum. In addition to her work in the clinical setting, Britt is an experienced fitness and nutrition coach, and birth doula. Britt is also a certified Mercier therapy practitioner and has incorporated this technique into her care for clients walking through everything from birth trauma to fertility challenges.
-
Dr. Kela Robinson Smith
PhD, DNM, MNM, BCFN, BCHC
Dr. Kela Robinson Smith, PhD, DNM, MNM, BCFN, BCHC
Dr. Kela Smith Ph.D. is a doctor of natural medicine, functional nutritionist, board certified health coach and CEO of the Hormone Puzzle Society a health hub for fertility, hormones and pregnancy. She works with couples all over the world to guide holistic healing, mind/body/spirit. She is also an author, speaker, podcast and summit host. She hosts The Hormone P.U.Z.Z.L.E Podcast.
-
Dani Marie Roy
Dani Marie Roy
Dani has spent the last 10 years in practice specializing in nutritional care for preconception, prenatal + postpartum moms and babies.
-
Haley Miskowiec
RD
Haley Miskowiec, RD
Haley Miskowiec is a Registered Dietitian who has been working with women before, during, and after pregnancy for over 8 years. She is on a mission to help women have healthy, feel good pregnancy journeys. Haley has helped hundreds of women break free from outdated, overwhelming and conflicting nutrition information through her coaching and Nourish Baby & Me Foundations Program at Nutrition with Haley. She is passionate about helping women minimize their pregnancy symptoms, gain energy, and feel confident that they are getting in the nutrients needed to support the growth and development of their baby.
-
Brittany Beaver
MS, RD, LD
Brittany Beaver, MS, RD, LD
Brittany Beaver is a registered dietitian with a primary focus is pediatrics and pregnancy. She is passionate about nontoxic living and empowering women to make safer swaps for themselves and their families.
-
Dr. Ally Power
ND
Dr. Ally Power, ND
Dr. Ally is a naturopathic doctor and motherhood coach with a particular passion for supporting mothers through their journey into motherhood. She believes mothers deserve comprehensive, nurturing care during this massive transition that is becoming a mom. She primarily supports moms to have more energy, joy, and less overwhelm and anxiety in motherhood. She is known for meeting mamas where they are at, with her simple and attainable (she is a busy mom too, so she get's it), yet thorough and evidence-based treatment plans.
-
Kristin Brown
RD
Kristin Brown, RD
Kristin is a registered dietitian who helps women craft a healthy life they love using delicious food and sustainable lifestyle practices. She serves clients in Canada and the US and has been in the nutrition world for the past decade. Although she's trained in mainstream dietetics, she is passionate about integrative and functional medicine. She believes that food is the greatest form of medicine and that food choices based on ancestral patterns is one of the best ways to keep our bodies and minds healthy.
-
Sophia Pavia
RDN
Sophia Pavia, RDN
Sophia is a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in women's fertility and optimizing progesterone to help women get pregnant, stay pregnant, and bring home their healthy baby. To Sophia, there is no greater thrill than hearing that a woman who’s longed to be a mother has brought home her baby at long last.
-
Dr. Lucia Aronica
PhD
Dr. Lucia Aronica, PhD
With over 17 years of research experience, Dr. Lucia Aronica is a visionary leader at Stanford University School of Medicine. She spearheads groundbreaking academic programs that unravel the interplay between nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics to optimize human longevity. Her pioneering initiatives, like establishing Stanford's nutrigenomics program and introducing the first biology of longevity course, shape the next generation of professionals harnessing genomic insights through personalized nutrition strategies.
-
McLean McGown
Doula
McLean McGown, Doula
McLean is a Postpartum Doula and Motherhood Coach who’s work centers around educating women, mothers and families as they navigate their life’s journey. Through a holistic lens of body, mind and spirit, McLean helps women to empower themselves. She uses various tools in her work including Nutrition, yoga, meditation, hypnosis, reiki, processing of the birth, Lactation Education, birth and postpartum education, couples work and family lineage work.
-
Jess Baumgardner
Doula
Jess Baumgardner, Doula
Jess is a health coach, doula and mom - her clients call her their wellness and birth concierge. She supports people giving birth during every step of the journey - before, during and after. Jess wants your experience of parenthood, at all stages, to leave you feeling deeply held, and prepared and confident in what's next.
-
Hillary Bennetts
Nutritionist
Hillary Bennetts, Nutritionist
Hillary Bennetts is a nutritionist and business consultant focusing on prenatal and postpartum health. In addition to nutrition consulting, she provides business consulting and content creation for companies in the health and wellness industry. Hillary spent almost a decade in corporate consulting before shifting gears to combine her lifelong passion for health and wellness with her business background and nutrition education.
-
Aida Garcia-Toledo
Aida Garcia-Toledo
Aida Garcia-Toledo is a non-toxic living and sustainability expert based in Los Angeles, CA. Aida founded Non-Toxic Munchkin, now 3 Little Plums, over a decade ago after years of working as a journalist in order to share her expertise and help her community transition to a healthier, safer, more organic life...without the added stress. As a mom herself, Aida is passionate about researching, educating, and inspiring others to take on their non-toxic living journey by providing them the research, know how and tips to take ownership of their own journey.
-
Madeline Given
BCHN®, IBCLC, RWP
Madeline Given, BCHN®, IBCLC, RWP
Madeline Given is a functional perinatal nutritionist and IBCLC. She is passionate about helping women heal their fertility, achieve better birth outcomes, and prepare for postpartum through preventive and intentional care. She currently serves women through her online private practice, Madeline Nutrition, where she offers one-on-one consults and packages.
-
Kristen Vucinich
Nutritionist
Kristen Vucinich, Nutritionist
Kristen Vucinich is a pregnancy and postpartum nutrition specialist who is filling the gap between standard medical care and the true nutritional needs of motherhood. Her company, Heartfed, is an educational and emotional support system for women seeking to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience, one rich in nutrients, knowledge, and empowerment.
-
Robyn Price
RD, CBS
Robyn Price, RD, CBS
Robyn is a Pediatric Registered Dietitian and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. She is the founder of The Breastfeeding Dietitian, which focuses on helping moms KEEP breastfeeding without the worry, stress or guilt. Through education and empowerment, she helps parents solve their baby’s gas, reflux, and colic problems the “baby-led” way using her unique background by helping both mom’s diet and baby’s feeding.
-
Mia Rigden
Nutritionist
Mia Rigden, Nutritionist
Mia Rigden is a Los Angeles-based board-certified nutritionist, trained chef, and the author of The Well Journal and Foodwise, a comprehensive, encouraging guide to healthy eating with 100 delicious and nutritionally balanced recipes. Within her practice, Ridgen offers bespoke nutrition programs and solutions tailored to meet the uniquely individual needs of each client. Her science-backed recipes and nutrition tips all aim to help people find realistic and enjoyable ways to improve their health and quality of life.
-
Courtney Ursetti
Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula
Courtney Ursetti, Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula
Courtney Ursetti is a mother of two daughters, a holistic birth mentor and wellness guide living in Los Angeles. Her mission is to change the narrative of how we think and feel in our approach to daily health and our journey into motherhood.
-
Kinsey Olson
RN, BSN
Kinsey Olson, RN, BSN
Kinsey Olson is a nurse, doula, wife, mama and homesteader based in southwest Missouri. Her online practice, Motherland Birth Co. started after years of healing her own hormones and walking through five chronic diseases, learning to intuitively listen to herself and understanding her fertility struggles. She works with hundreds of clients annually through 1:1 coaching and online programs to get to the root cause of their fertility and hormone struggles to feel at home in their body. Her Instagram (@motherlandbirthco) shares free education and resources, along with a healthy dose of real life as a mama.
-
Dr. Jenny Stofer
DC
Dr. Jenny Stofer, DC
Dr. Jenny is a board certified prenatal Chiropractor specializing in Mercier Therapy and Webster technique. She has provided fertility, prenatal and postpartum care for over a decade to meet the physical needs unique to each stage. She is the founder of Conceive Wellness, a practice dedicated to providing care that attunes to the needs of the individual. This personalized care helps women navigate the dynamic stages of early motherhood.
-
Kristyn Hodgdon
Kristyn Hodgdon
Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer at Rescripted. She is also a professional writer, voracious reader, and IVF mom of twins. Through her work at Rescripted, Kristyn is focused on changing the narrative around fertility and rescripting the journey for the millions of people who are trying to conceive, struggling with infertility, or dealing with pregnancy loss. She lives in Long Island, NY with her husband Dan and their two children.
-
Abby Mercado
Abby Mercado
Abby Mercado is the mom of Max & Annie, 3-year-old IVF twins. She’s also a VC-investor-turned-entrepreneur who was inspired by her experience to improve the fertility industry through technology. Abby believes that the louder we are about infertility as a disease state that affects more than 1 in 8 Americans, the greater the access to care.
-
Sonia Ribas
Health Coach
Sonia Ribas, Health Coach
Sonia is a Health Coach specializing in Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum. She has spent the last 15 years being the partner, ally, advisor and mentor to women all over the world on their personal journey towards motherhood. Her integrative approach covers everything from nutrition to wellbeing, making her an expert guide in her clients’ path towards healthy babies.
-
Arden Cartrette
Doula
Arden Cartrette, Doula
Arden is a Birth + Bereavement Doula and a Trauma Support Specialist. Her priority is to help women navigate miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, trauma, and the grief that comes with the journey. Through private support, community, and digital content, The Miscarriage Doula is a resource and service that’s here to help women get through it all.
-
Dr. Meagan Breining
ND
Dr. Meagan Breining, ND
Dr. Meagan Breining, aka “Dr. Meg,” is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and founder of Bold Natural Medicine. She also has a passion for helping her patients work through chronic health problems, including constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating, and SIBO, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, fatigue, and skin issues. Her personal experiences with gut issues, hormone imbalance, and weight problems, were ultimately what caused her to chose naturopathic medicine as her forever calling.
-
Marissa McCormick
MS, RD
Marissa McCormick, MS, RD
Marissa McCormick is a registered dietitian and mom of three. She is passionate about prenatal nutrition and shares her knowledge and expertise on her growing Instagram account @nutrition4moms. She is the creator of the virtual prenatal learning platform "The Pregnancy Nutrition Vault", and healthy lifestyle guide "The N4M Formula."
-
Leslee Flannery
RD
Leslee Flannery, RD
Leslee Flannery is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in Gestational Diabetes. She founded her business Mama Knows Nutrition in 2020 where she teaches Gestational Diabetic women how to enjoy the food they love while lowering their blood sugar during pregnancy! Leslee’s program The Better Blood Sugar Method has helped hundreds of women deliver healthy babies!
-
Dr. Jessica Monroe
PhD, RD, LD
Dr. Jessica Monroe, PhD, RD, LD
Jessica is a registered dietitian providing functional nutrition counseling from preconception through postpartum. She is the owner of a private practice where she helps women with a range of services from looking for a root cause of their infertility through helping to nourish themselves and their babies during pregnancy.
-
Crystal Karges
MS, RDN, IBCLC
Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC
Crystal Karges specializes in maternal health and child feeding, working with mothers in the perinatal period and beyond to help them heal from generational cycles of diet culture, mother free from food guilt and body shame, and raise intuitive eaters. Crystal is also the host of the podcast, Lift the Shame: Mothering Free From Diet Culture, Food Guilt and Body Shame.
-
Sarah Bivens
Sarah Bivens
Sarah Bivens is the co-founder of Doing It At Home, a podcast and community for home birth stories and resources, and a lifestyle coach. A mother of two, Sarah is passionate about women and mothers experiencing balance, joy and healing in all areas of life: mental, spiritual, emotional, physical, social and sexual.
-
Aleiela Allen
Ayurvedic Doula
Aleiela Allen, Ayurvedic Doula
Aleiela Allen is an Ayurvedic Birth and Postpartum Doula and founder of Leilove. She has a deep passion for helping others and Ayurveda, Leilove beautifully combines the two. She approaches each family individually with unique needs and feels truly honored to be part of their special journeys. She has recently added meal delivery to her services, providing nutrient dense foods in the first delicate weeks of motherhood.
-
Amie Ray Bourget
Midwife’s Assistant, Doula
Amie Ray Bourget, Midwife’s Assistant, Doula
Amie Ray Bourget is a midwife’s assistant and doula serving families in Los Angeles, California. Amy’s personal and professional experiences working with midwives shaped how she supports women. She believes women can have a positive and empowering birthing experience when they feel safe and supported along the journey.
Be a part of the change
Changemakers is much bigger than an individual or an idea. It’s a movement, a purpose, a community working together to champion radically better for women.