Nichole’s professional career in midwifery has spanned over 15 years and includes health education consultancy, full scope midwifery services in private, public and military facilities, and clinical faculty advisory.

Nichole earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina, completing her studies in 2005. Her desire to listen to women was the motivation that led her to midwifery, a specialty she has practiced since 2005. Seeing herself as a partner in her patients’ health care, Nichole is passionate about working with women, individuals, and families to ensure safe and informed care. Her areas of expertise include sexually transmitted disease education/prevention and teen pregnancy, with a special interest in transgender care.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Nichole loves coastal living. She is the mother of two daughters and has one fur baby as well. In her free time, she enjoys travel, knitting and exploring different cultures.

Lisa’s professional career began in the Army Nurse Corps after earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University in 2001.

Lisa’s passion and belief in advocating and educating women about their bodies, labor, postpartum and well woman care led her to pursue advanced nursing education. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Anshutz Medical Center in 2010.

Patient-led care enables Lisa to partner with women and their families to ensure safe, informed, individualized care.

Special interest in maternal mental health.

Originally from Killeen, Texas, Lisa recently relocated to Virginia and looks forward to walking on the beach. She is the mother of one son and grandmother to one grandson. In her free time, she is a foodie and enjoys hiking and traveling in her camper van.

Hope Strachan is a passionate advocate for women’s health, currently serving as a board member of the Doula Association of Virginia. With a robust background in maternal care and a commitment to empowering women, Hope is dedicated to enhancing the birthing experience for families across the state.

As the CEO of Naked Elements, Hope specializes in skincare and labor and delivery support, offering specialized care/support designed to promote wellness during pregnancy and beyond. Her entrepreneurial spirit drives her mission to provide women with the tools they need to feel confident and supported in their health journeys.

Hope’s extensive work experience includes roles as a Birth Assistant and Director of Operations at Jamii Birth and Wellness, where she specializes in home births. Her certifications in childbirth education, lactation consulting, and postpartum support enable her to provide comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each family.

In addition to her practice, Hope is an esteemed professor in higher education, where she emphasizes the mantra that “knowledge is power.” She is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills and insights necessary to advocate for women’s health. Her commitment to education and community engagement enriches her role as the Chair of the Shared Governance Committee, where she fosters collaboration among healthcare providers, doulas, and families to ensure the best possible care.

Hope’s leadership experience is marked by her ability to inspire and mobilize others toward a common goal. She believes in the importance of shared decision-making and open communication, which are essential in creating a supportive environment for mothers and their families.

With a steadfast dedication to women’s health and a passion for education, Hope Strachan continues to make a meaningful impact in her community. As she often says, “Empowering women through knowledge and support is the key to transforming lives.”

A community-based doula with over 20 years of experience in birth work. She became a State Certified Doula in 2023 and is the Founder and President of The Doula Association of Virginia.

Passionate about empowering families, Nataki specializes in childbirth education, prenatal nutrition, lactation, and postpartum support. She is also dedicated to mentoring and teaching new doulas, with a particular focus on the distinctions between home birth and hospital birth practices, as well as the powerful energetic exchange between a doula and their client.

Beyond birth work, Nataki is a mother, grandmother, and entrepreneur. She owns Brazilian Mist, her own coffee brand, and Serenity’s Oasis, a metaphysical-inspired store. She also shares her experiences through her Spotify podcast, “My Life as a Black Doula: Unfiltered.”