Gail has 3 daughters and 4 grands; she has a degree in Child Development and MA in Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health, She has been a Bradley Childbirth teacher, pregnancy and postpartum doula, La Leche League Leader, IBCLC, founder of Parents’ Place, a parent education program in Pacific Grove. She has a parent coaching business: Roots and Wings Parent Coaching and enjoys time with family and friends, quilting, reading and scrapbooking.

Tara is a fierce advocate for justice, with a history of working with foster youth, female survivors of domestic violence, and Veterans. Her devotion to the underrepresented populations in our community led her to study Psychology at Grand Canyon University. After obtaining her bachelors degree, she jumped into the field but quickly experienced many broken systems that were supposed to serve those most in need, this inspired her to return to school to pursue her Masters in Psychology, with an emphasis in Industrial Organization, with the desire to help change the broken systems that support our vulnerable. Her education and rich experience in her work help bring a different perspective and more support than we have ever had before. 

Tara is also a mother of three, with her first child born locally at the Monterey Birth and Wellness Center in 2021. Tara’s second was her son, who was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in utero, and born as a still born in 2023, and her third child being born at home in 2025. Both of her experiences in birth and postpartum have shaped her into a woman who is a champion for those who are pregnant, laboring, experiencing the depths of postpartum, and mothers of babies who were gone far too soon.

JB was born and raised in Philadelphia and recently moved to the Monterey area to start her new role as a Stay at Home Mom. She has worked on submarines as an Active Duty member of the Navy for 9 years before this most recent transition. During her first pregnancy, she felt incredibly supported by her community in Hawai'i, but was quick to recognize how atypical that experience was. Birthing rights are human rights and it is SO important that people have the adequate support to have an empowered birth experience regardless of what that looks like. 

Kaleena returned home to the Monterey Peninsula in 2018 after a long and prestigious career of professional dance in the Bay Area. After the ecstatic home births of her children she became a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator. She also utilizes the pre and postnatal applications of The Gyrotonic ® Method movers so clients can enhance their understanding of their pelvic floor anatomy and function, create space in their ever changing bodies, and understand birth biomechanics to encourage optimal fetal positioning. In her free time Kaleena loves spending time with her family exploring all the beauty the Central Coast has to offer.

Carly Riley is a postpartum doula who began her work after the birth of her 2 daughters. She experienced firsthand the challenges and gaps in postpartum support, and felt a deep calling to help other mothers and families. "I believe that "it takes a village" to nurture and empower mothers and families. If a Mother is properly tended to in the first few weeks after giving birth, she will emerge with a body that is vibrant, a mind that is clear, and a relationship with baby/family that are deepened.

Gabriela is a life-long resident of Monterey County, raised in King City. She is an alumna of CSU Monterey Bay and San Jose State University and has worked in non-profit organizations serving community members of Monterey, Santa  Cruz and San Benito Counties. She has several years of experience in management, grant writing, development, and program delivery. Her work in development and non-profit administration led her to learn (and love) Canva! Gabriela is excited to use her work and lived experience in service to the Birth Network and its families.

Gabriela lives in Salinas with her three kids, ages ranging from preschool to high school, and her husband. 

Ms. Rebecca Hardt, LMFT, PMH-C is a California coast native and proud mother of two under two born in 2019 and 2021. Ms. Hardt was cared for by a doula and local midwife during both pregnancies with her end goal of having a home birth. Unfortunately, babies have their own plans and Rebecca was transferred to the hospital for cesarean sections on both occasions. Following her second son's birth and his three month bout with colic, Ms. Hardt experienced postpartum PTSD which led her on a path of self discovery and great healing both physically and spiritually. Once on the other side of the most difficult time in her life as a mother, Ms. Hardt obtained a perinatal mental health certification through Postpartum Support International to add to her 10 years in practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist. Today, Ms. Hardt is especially passionate about volunteering her time as a clinician and fellow parent who experienced a PMAD yet landed on her feet. Ms. Hardt has the wish that every struggling parent is able to find the needed support to remain well, recover and feel whole again during their perinatal journey.

Monica was born and raised in Monterey and now feels fortunate to be raising two young children in the same community. She earned a B.A. in Medical Anthropology and Global Health from the University of Washington, followed by a Master’s in Public Health from the University of New England, with a focus on health literacy.

Monica has worked with nonprofits for almost a decade, primarily in fundraising and development. In 2020, she launched her own freelance copywriting business, supporting nonprofits through digital campaigns that raise both funds and awareness for meaningful causes.

From navigating parenthood during the pandemic to becoming a mother of two, Monica has developed a deep sense of purpose around birthing and parenting advocacy. She is passionate about supporting families during one of the most transformative seasons of life and helping build a world where kindness, connection, and equity come first.

In her free time, Monica enjoys time outdoors with her family (dog included), exploring hiking trails and the beach, and slowing down with a good book or creative project. 

LyVesha aka Queen Tay, (she/her) was born and raised in Chicago, Il and she has lived in Monterey County for a little over five years now. She is 41 years old and a Mother of four beautiful children whom she loves dearly. She is a visionary leader and a BHC/Community Health Worker for the Monterey County VIDA Project. LyVesha is on the LEAD Council for the Coalition for Homeless Service Providers. She is one of the founding as well as currently active members of the Seaside Covid Action Team alongside respected Seaside City officials. She has received two Certificate’s of Recognition from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for her services to this community since the start of the pandemic. She is an Activist, a Poet, and a Model for the Annual Prancing Ponies Foundation Car/Fashion Show which raises funds to sponsor Women Leadership training classes for underprivileged Women. She is a local political advisor and a Motivational Speaker/Life Coach. Her passion for human service has led her to the Doula Community in which she is looking forward to learning, growing, sharing and inspiring to spark an increase in Black representation/engagement in what can be historically recognized as the legacy of Black Women. She is also Founder of Kweens Kounsel Inc., which is an initiative to build a Black Birthing community.

Angie is a recent Minnesota transplant who has been a birth and postpartum Doula for 15 years. She was a La Leche League leader for 10 years and attended the Eat, Pray Doula training in Bali. She has a passion for bringing people together and is eager to promote a sense of ownership within the membership of BNoMC. Angie also teaches parent education classes with the Parenting Connection of Monterey County. She and her husband enjoy living near the beach with their four children.

Michele offers equitable, accessible, and respectful midwifery care. "Working with families during their perinatal year is my heart work…my life’s work. I am committed to caring for and supporting marginalized and underrepresented communities. I believe that everyone has the right to experience equitable, respectful, comprehensive, personalized, and evidence-based care.