Debbie

Traditional Health Worker, Doula, Certified Herbalist and Traditional Midwife:

Growing up running wild through empty fields and climbing walnut trees, Debbie always dreamed of being a medicine woman in the ways of the old West, concocting healing potions. As an adult and mother of eight, she returned to these influences, especially when her children required extra care that conventional methods couldn't provide. This led Debbie to explore alternative healing modalities.

Debbie began studying Western Herbalism in 1987 under a traditional herbal mentor. Over the years, she attended numerous herbal intensive courses and conferences and enrolled in many herbal programs as they became available. She learned from esteemed sources such as Aviva Romm’s Herbal Medicine for Women and the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine, equipping herself with the knowledge to care for her family.

Her journey took a new turn when she met a Traditional Midwife and became intrigued by the intersection of Western herbalism and traditional midwifery. She began shadowing the midwife, attending births, and learning the trade. As her children grew up and left home, Debbie enrolled in the Ancient Art of Midwifery School, which specializes in Traditional Midwifery.

In 2011, Debbie joined Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center as an apprentice. After completing her training, she continued at Bella Vie as a postpartum care coordinator, postpartum care provider, birth assistant, and taking on various other roles around the birth center. Debbie also holds a Traditional Health Worker (THW) Certificate, allowing her to work as a doula, which she provides to Bella Vie clients as well.

Debbie is passionate about working with people, bringing her extensive skills and knowledge to every interaction. She finds joy in helping mothers learn to breastfeed and perfect their latch, making nourishing broths, preparing herbal baths for perineal healing, and discussing newborns' breathing patterns with anxious parents. She bridges ancient practices and modern times, blending traditional lore with current studies to provide holistic care.

Debbie cherishes the "in-between time" with families, guiding them through the sacred moments before and after birth. She finds beauty and satisfaction in supporting this timeless process.

In her free time, she cherishes quality time with her family, delights in gardening and sewing, and has a remarkable talent for transforming spaces with her interior decor skills.