The following bios are self-written by each of our doulas- personally expressing their inner thoughts, backgrounds and experience, in an effort to provide you with the best possible match for you. Doulas of CNY strive to provide you and your family with the best care and believe that offering you this bio section is a unique part of our agency.
At Doulas of CNY we believe that a doula's role is to support the Mom and her partner through THEIR labor, THEIR birth and THEIR experience, not to impose any personal beliefs or opinions on them. We supply a woman and her partner with information in which they can make the best personal decisions for them. We support the partner so that he is able to participate at his own comfort level. We believe a Doula's nonjudgmental, supportive role is extremely influential to the labor, birth and postpartum outcome.
Doulas of CNY offer extraordinary doula services and look forward to meeting you!
Our Amazing Support Team
Christine Goldman
Doulas of CNY, Owner
Fertility, PreNatal, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Consulting Birth Doula, Childbirth & Lactation Educator, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, Prenatal Consultant, Certified Postpartum Doula, Mentor
I am so blessed myself be a mother of five wonderful children, two boys and three girls. 21-32. My family is my true inspiration for pursuing my life as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. They have grown with me in my Doula career since 2000, and have been a wonderful support -they have been my 'doulas'! My decision to become a Doula came from the love of my own pregnancies and births. Prior to becoming a Doula, I had been involved in obstetrics as a medical secretary, family practice, my own daycare business and mothering, gaining strong knowledge in pregnancy, babies and family health. While raising my own children, I began networking with other mothers in my church and community encouraging each other throughout our daily encounters with our children and finding local resources to assist us as needed.
The Lord has prepared me for this role, to compassionately support expectant mothers and partners through their journey. Over the beginning years as a doula, I quickly realized that a main focus and effort is about the work I do prior to the birth. If you don’t know what your choices are, you don’t have any. Women are choosing to become more active in their healthcare role, knowledgeable in pregnancy and birthing-- their own advocates, so that their birth can be the experience they choose. I am truly blessed to be a part of your miraculous, joyous, blessed event.
Assisting families after the birth of their baby is another beautiful part of my Doula experience. As a "seasoned" Christian Mom and Postpartum Doula, it is an honor to share not only my educational knowledge, but also my life experience as a mother of five aiding with little tips, emotional support and both professional, practical advice and empowering a family to adjust and welcome their new baby.
I now am blessed to be working at CNY Fertility in Syracuse as their Fertility & PreNatal Doula and would be happy to meet with you for consultation. **Fertility consults available to assist in your plans, goals and navigating through your own personal journey all the way to delivery**
**OFFERING BIRTH DOULA and VIRTUAL consulting. Often for various reasons, Moms may feel that they only need support in early labor at home. A consulting birth doula can add peace offering pros and cons of laboring choices, alternative for labor, stress relief for partner enhancing their ability to press in and help mom at their comfort level. Working with mom and her partner up until the time she is ready to go to her place of delivery, the added benefit of this type of support is evidently seen as mom can relax and get into her 'birthing zone' quicker, and creating a shorter hospital stay, and better postpartum outcomes. Mom may continue consulting as needed when arriving at hospital if chooses. Consulting birth doula package is offered with 1 postpartum visit including lactation support. if requested. Call me for more INFO.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
1 Peter 4:1 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its many forms.
Cindy Yale, Certified Birth Doula
I am very excited to introduce myself as Doulas of CNY newest birth doula! I have such a passion and love for standing beside birthing women during the miracle of bringing new life into this world. Helping women educate themselves about their choices and supporting them during this emotional, yet joyous event, is a personal goal and mission.
My family lives near the eastern banks of Cayuga Lake, in Aurora. We own Wellsview Farm, where work 90 acres of farmland. We grow hay, corn and soybeans and my youngest daughter has two horses she trains, shows and rides.
I have been blessed beyond measure to give birth to three beautiful, independant daughters and to help raise and mother a fourth daughter that I call my own. I supported and comforted my three older girls through the births of their children - yes, I am the proud grandmother of two grandsons and two granddaughters! All of our births were unique, special and different, and they grew in me a desire to support other birthing women.
In 2016, I began training with an amazing group of women, through DONA International, to become a certified birth doula. The training included the stages of labor and delivery, pain relief and comfort measures, breastfeeding and postpartum care. The three day retreat cemented within me a soul-driving desire to serve birthing women and their families. I promise to listen to and stand beside mommas as they make birth plans to ensure their wishes were met. I promise to massage, feed, nurture, walk with, support and comfort them along their entire journey. I promise to show them that every woman’s journey is different, special and unique. I promise to honor their trust in me as we work together growing their family.
I am very excited to join Doulas of CNY in offering the many services related to birth. Christine is passionate about prenatal education, advocating for moms in their birth journey and postpartum work. Karen is an amazing, supportive doula sister, Jenna loves photography and will do maternity, newborn and family photos. If you are looking for it, Doulas of CNY can provide it!
If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to meet with me to talk about a doula supported birth, please call Christine and set up an appointment! I look forward to meeting you and supporting your birth journey!,
Syracuse, Geneva, Auburn, Ithaca areas
My family lives near the eastern banks of Cayuga Lake, in Aurora. We own Wellsview Farm, where work 90 acres of farmland. We grow hay, corn and soybeans and my youngest daughter has two horses she trains, shows and rides.
I have been blessed beyond measure to give birth to three beautiful, independant daughters and to help raise and mother a fourth daughter that I call my own. I supported and comforted my three older girls through the births of their children - yes, I am the proud grandmother of two grandsons and two granddaughters! All of our births were unique, special and different, and they grew in me a desire to support other birthing women.
In 2016, I began training with an amazing group of women, through DONA International, to become a certified birth doula. The training included the stages of labor and delivery, pain relief and comfort measures, breastfeeding and postpartum care. The three day retreat cemented within me a soul-driving desire to serve birthing women and their families. I promise to listen to and stand beside mommas as they make birth plans to ensure their wishes were met. I promise to massage, feed, nurture, walk with, support and comfort them along their entire journey. I promise to show them that every woman’s journey is different, special and unique. I promise to honor their trust in me as we work together growing their family.
I am very excited to join Doulas of CNY in offering the many services related to birth. Christine is passionate about prenatal education, advocating for moms in their birth journey and postpartum work. Karen is an amazing, supportive doula sister, Jenna loves photography and will do maternity, newborn and family photos. If you are looking for it, Doulas of CNY can provide it!
If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to meet with me to talk about a doula supported birth, please call Christine and set up an appointment! I look forward to meeting you and supporting your birth journey!,
Syracuse, Geneva, Auburn, Ithaca areas
Karen Archibee, Certifying Doula
Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greatest fear.”—Jane Weideman
My name is Karen Archibee, and I am so glad you are interested in having support during your birth! I completed my three- day training in Rochester, NY, and am currently working towards my DONA certification. Since having my own children (and having support from my own doula through Doulas of CNY), I found a passion for pregnancy and childbirth. Thanks to my doula, I truly enjoyed both my labors and viewed them as some of the most powerful moments of my life. I believe that our bodies are incredible and that we are strong.
There is so much to learn about labor and birth, and I want to help encourage you as the pregnant person, by guiding you with emotional and physical support. I can also provide evidence based resources, so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your baby. I believe in supporting not only the birthing person, but the partner as well. Birth matters, and I want to be able to assist you in the birth you wish for. If you have no idea what you want, I can you help you articulate that. If those plans don't go as hoped, I want to be able to support and assist you through the next steps. Every birthing person should feel powerful and supported.
I am thrilled to join the same organization that supported me throughout my pregnancies. I can't wait to give back to our community through supporting our local families.
As a full time Admissions Counselor, I hope to support clients primarily in the winter and summer months, when I am not traveling for work. I love spending time with my partner and two children, at our homestead in Parish. I enjoy reading, cooking, and being creative.
Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, and Jefferson counties
My name is Karen Archibee, and I am so glad you are interested in having support during your birth! I completed my three- day training in Rochester, NY, and am currently working towards my DONA certification. Since having my own children (and having support from my own doula through Doulas of CNY), I found a passion for pregnancy and childbirth. Thanks to my doula, I truly enjoyed both my labors and viewed them as some of the most powerful moments of my life. I believe that our bodies are incredible and that we are strong.
There is so much to learn about labor and birth, and I want to help encourage you as the pregnant person, by guiding you with emotional and physical support. I can also provide evidence based resources, so that you can make the best decision for yourself and your baby. I believe in supporting not only the birthing person, but the partner as well. Birth matters, and I want to be able to assist you in the birth you wish for. If you have no idea what you want, I can you help you articulate that. If those plans don't go as hoped, I want to be able to support and assist you through the next steps. Every birthing person should feel powerful and supported.
I am thrilled to join the same organization that supported me throughout my pregnancies. I can't wait to give back to our community through supporting our local families.
As a full time Admissions Counselor, I hope to support clients primarily in the winter and summer months, when I am not traveling for work. I love spending time with my partner and two children, at our homestead in Parish. I enjoy reading, cooking, and being creative.
Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, and Jefferson counties
Bethany Ratliff, Certifying Doula
Certified Personal Trainer, Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist, AEA Aquatics Fitness Instructor
Welcome! I am from the Oneida area and am certifying through Childbirth International (CBI) as a birth doula. My inspiration for birth work started with the pregnancy and birth of my first daughter 14 years ago. I was blessed with being able to connect with one of the Doulas with Doulas of CNY and had an incredible birthing experience and an outpouring of support! It was one of the best decisions I made and I chose to have the same doula for my second daughter 8 years later.
I look forward to providing expecting parents with continuous physical support throughout labor progressions and providing comfort measures, emotional support as a continuous presence and source of encouragement, and informational support so that you are equipped to make informed decisions before, during, and after childbirth.
I started my career in the fitness world in 2015 and am currently the Wellness Director at a local gym. As a certified Personal Trainer and Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist I also offer services in these areas as well and would be honored to assist you in any fitness goals you have!
I am very excited to be a part of the Doulas of CNY team and look forward to servicing the families in our community.
Oneida, Syracuse, Hamilton, Cooperstown
Certified Personal Trainer, Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist, AEA Aquatics Fitness Instructor
Welcome! I am from the Oneida area and am certifying through Childbirth International (CBI) as a birth doula. My inspiration for birth work started with the pregnancy and birth of my first daughter 14 years ago. I was blessed with being able to connect with one of the Doulas with Doulas of CNY and had an incredible birthing experience and an outpouring of support! It was one of the best decisions I made and I chose to have the same doula for my second daughter 8 years later.
I look forward to providing expecting parents with continuous physical support throughout labor progressions and providing comfort measures, emotional support as a continuous presence and source of encouragement, and informational support so that you are equipped to make informed decisions before, during, and after childbirth.
I started my career in the fitness world in 2015 and am currently the Wellness Director at a local gym. As a certified Personal Trainer and Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist I also offer services in these areas as well and would be honored to assist you in any fitness goals you have!
I am very excited to be a part of the Doulas of CNY team and look forward to servicing the families in our community.
Oneida, Syracuse, Hamilton, Cooperstown
Bridget Parke, Certifying Doula
“A Doula can’t empower you, but she CAN help you ignite the POWER that has always existed within you”. -Anonymous
You are capable. You are already mighty and strong and you empower yourself. As a doula, I will create space for you to feel supported to advocate for your own desires.
Hello! I am Bridget Parke, and I am currently finishing my Birth Doula Certification through Childbirth International (CBI). My passion for all things birth was ignited with my first born, and the amazing doula experience I had. Having a doula to be there to answer all of my questions, help my partner, and have another person to focus solely on my needs during birth was so invaluable that I wish every person could experience that splendor.
That experience, plus endless hours of researching, reading, watching, and listening to all things birth has led me to my doula journey. I am so excited to finally pursue my passion of helping other moms and partners feel supported, and ready to take on the birth they desire. I will provide unbiased, nonjudgmental, inclusive, evidence-based care for any birth type in all environments, and just want to make sure that you feel supported, and are aware of all your options available. I am thrilled to join the amazing team at Doulas of CNY, and start serving the mothers of my community.
While I welcome any birth options, my strongest pull is helping support mothers who desire a physiological vaginal birth. Birth generally responds well to trust. Trust your intuition, and I can help show you that you are powerful, and able to confidently bring your baby into this world. Studies have shown that respect and affection in labor from a doula equals more positive birth outcomes, and higher postpartum self-esteem. I look forward to hearing from you, and how I can help make you feel great about your birth.
“A Doula can’t empower you, but she CAN help you ignite the POWER that has always existed within you”. -Anonymous
You are capable. You are already mighty and strong and you empower yourself. As a doula, I will create space for you to feel supported to advocate for your own desires.
Hello! I am Bridget Parke, and I am currently finishing my Birth Doula Certification through Childbirth International (CBI). My passion for all things birth was ignited with my first born, and the amazing doula experience I had. Having a doula to be there to answer all of my questions, help my partner, and have another person to focus solely on my needs during birth was so invaluable that I wish every person could experience that splendor.
That experience, plus endless hours of researching, reading, watching, and listening to all things birth has led me to my doula journey. I am so excited to finally pursue my passion of helping other moms and partners feel supported, and ready to take on the birth they desire. I will provide unbiased, nonjudgmental, inclusive, evidence-based care for any birth type in all environments, and just want to make sure that you feel supported, and are aware of all your options available. I am thrilled to join the amazing team at Doulas of CNY, and start serving the mothers of my community.
While I welcome any birth options, my strongest pull is helping support mothers who desire a physiological vaginal birth. Birth generally responds well to trust. Trust your intuition, and I can help show you that you are powerful, and able to confidently bring your baby into this world. Studies have shown that respect and affection in labor from a doula equals more positive birth outcomes, and higher postpartum self-esteem. I look forward to hearing from you, and how I can help make you feel great about your birth.
Kristin Biondi, Certifying Postpartum Doula
I am a NYS Licensed massage therapist since 2001. I attended Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. I have been working at CNY Healing Arts, part of CNY Fertility, for the last 6 years. I work with clients during the fertility journey as well as clients during their pregnancies. I am also mom of two children. I am a survivor of post partum depression and anxiety experienced after both births. I have worked with the support group at Crouse Hospital in the past providing massage services to new parents. I have taken continuing education for Post Partum depression and anxiety as it relates to massage. This has led to my desire to continue my role of support for post partum parents regarding all obstacles during this transitional period. I am currently studying to be a Post Partum Doula and hope to join our Patient Support team, Fertile Spirit and CNY Fertility. I look forward to utilizing my professional training but also my personal experiences to help clients with the journey into parenthood.
I am a NYS Licensed massage therapist since 2001. I attended Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. I have been working at CNY Healing Arts, part of CNY Fertility, for the last 6 years. I work with clients during the fertility journey as well as clients during their pregnancies. I am also mom of two children. I am a survivor of post partum depression and anxiety experienced after both births. I have worked with the support group at Crouse Hospital in the past providing massage services to new parents. I have taken continuing education for Post Partum depression and anxiety as it relates to massage. This has led to my desire to continue my role of support for post partum parents regarding all obstacles during this transitional period. I am currently studying to be a Post Partum Doula and hope to join our Patient Support team, Fertile Spirit and CNY Fertility. I look forward to utilizing my professional training but also my personal experiences to help clients with the journey into parenthood.
Jenna Herbert, Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer
jmariephoto.org/
Jenna is well known in the local community for her spunky flare and personal touch. Whether it's snapping maternity, newborn or family photos in your home or place of your choice, Jenna has a unique sense of style that captures everyone's personality. Maternity, newborn, and family photos available. Call her for your consultation, (315) 679-3361, visit her facebook site, https://www.facebook.com/jmariecaptures
or Email office for more info.
