I fell in love with Birth while having my own babies. 4 in 5 years. Each of their births were different, transformative, important. I learned a lot about myself while birthing my kiddos: 1) that I was stronger than I ever imagined; 2) that my body was full of magic; and 3) that my whole purpose in life was to support other people through this highly intense experience. My budding career in fashion and art flew out the window and while raising my rapidly growing family, I trained to become a Certified Childbirth Educator, Lactation Counselor, and Certified Professional Birth Doula.
I began teaching A Brighter Birth CBE classes out of my living room in 2008, with my 3rd baby sprawled across my lap or strapped to my back. After my 4th was born in 2009, I decided to put my Doula Certification to work and started attending births. Since then, I’ve attended close to 300 births, taught near 2000 families and have counseled many, many women with breastfeeding challenges. I’ve also facilitated CenteringPregnancy prenatal appointments alongside Midwives and Obstetricians, further allowing me insight and understanding of birth in a hospital setting.
As a Mother to 4 of my own, and within a blended family of 8, I understand what new and seasoned parents want in pregnancy, labor, birth and beyond. Meeting people where they are is one of my gifts, but respecting their individuality and finding what they truly need to feel safe while giving birth is my mission. I want every person I work with to LOVE their birth experience.
A Brighter Birth Childbirth Education is based on the age old concept that Birth is Normal. We promote and endorse the idea of laboring bodies working naturally, intelligently and efficiently while understanding that every birth is different. Our resounding message is, “Birth is a Mystery until your baby lands on your chest”. We want to help you uncover the facts and prepare you for anything.
We firmly believe that an empowered birthing experience comes from being an active participant. Loving your birth is rooted in how you were made to feel on that day- was your voice heard? Were you in control of your body? Was your permission given for anything done to you or your baby? Was your partner included in each and every conversation? Were you supported every step of the way? Did you feel safe? The ABB method focuses on partner support, choosing the right birth team for you and building skill with tools and wisdom to enhance your experience and to feel as ready as you possibly can to bring your baby earthside.
Unfortunately, you can’t control how this day will take shape; how your body will respond to the hormones of labor, how you will react to your body’s way of working or even how your baby will cooperate with the labor you create…the only aspect of your birth that you can truly control and plan… is your Birth Team. The people who will hold you up, reassure you, support and care for you…a team that you trust, a team that YOU choose.
This decision is the most important one you will make around your birth experience. Partner, Birth Location, Medical Care Provider and Doula- this is what makes up your team. I believe in YOU, in your individual goals and desires around this special day. I work with you prenatally, through Birth Consults, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Doula Visits, and more to prepare you for all of the mysteries that may unfold. There might not be a way to control your birth, but there are certainly choices you can make to ensure that the day your baby is born you are surrounded by safety, joy and trust. I want you to LOVE your birth.
Unfortunately, you can’t control how this day will take shape; how your body will respond to the hormones of labor, how you will react to your body’s way of working or even how your baby will cooperate with the labor you create…the only aspect of your birth that you can truly control and plan… is your Birth Team. The people who will hold you up, reassure you, support and care for you…a team that you trust, a team that YOU choose.
This decision is the most important one you will make around your birth experience. Partner, Birth Location, Medical Care Provider and Doula- this is what makes up your team. I believe in YOU, in your individual goals and desires around this special day. I work with you prenatally, through Birth Consults, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Doula Visits, and more to prepare you for all of the mysteries that may unfold. There might not be a way to control your birth, but there are certainly choices you can make to ensure that the day your baby is born you are surrounded by safety, joy and trust. I want you to LOVE your birth.
I became a doula because I know how important it is to feel safe when bringing your baby into the world. And what it takes to feel comfortable in the most vulnerable + powerful time of your life. I also know the magic that is birth and attending one is always an incredible honor- one that I take extremely seriously. I work hard for you to have the experience that you hope for, while preparing you and your partner for whatever twists and turns there may be.
Partner supported birth is at the core of my belief system, therefore, my role is NOT to take over for your partner, rather to enhance their ability to care for you. Facilitating that relationship is an integral piece of my work as a doula. In fact, I have been told that my presence at a birth has been a greater relief to the partner, taking the brunt of “labor Coach” off of their shoulders and enabling them to do what they do best, and what they are truly needed for in labor— to Love their laboring partner through it.
I hold a CLC, Certified Lactation Counselor certification, from The Healthy Children’s Project. I exclusively practice by making home visits. In your space, on your time. I’m a stickler for brand new parents lying in, taking it easy at home, after their baby is born. So no rushing into my office, let me come to you.
Our appointments include an hour long counseling session in your own home, where you feel most comfortable, and where you will be nursing most often + a follow up consult phone call to see what’s working.
I hold a CLC, Certified Lactation Counselor certification, from The Healthy Children’s Project. I exclusively practice by making home visits. In your space, on your time. I’m a stickler for brand new parents lying in, taking it easy at home, after their baby is born. So no rushing into my office, let me come to you.
Our appointments include an hour long counseling session in your own home, where you feel most comfortable, and where you will be nursing most often + a follow up consult phone call to see what’s working.
Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Welcome to an entire underground world that has been growing and expanding, shifting and evolving, waiting for you. The world of birth can be overwhelming. There’s a lot. Hospital or home? Doc or Midwife, or both? Doula? What classes will you take? Induction? Epidural? Hydrotherapy? Breast, bottle or both? What are you reading? Are you exercising? How is your diet? What is your postpartum plan? What will you do with your placenta? Do you plan to pump at work?…..Aaaarrrrggghhhh! (Where’s that face smacking emoji?) Let us help. Sit down OR pick up the phone with one of the Collective’s Professional Birth Doulas to help you find the answers to all these questions and more. You’ll receive a personalized checklist to get you started + TONS of RVA local resources to maintain your birth flow and help make that impending birthday a little easier.
Owners of their own birth service oriented businesses with the same philosophy around supporting families from fertility to postpartum. We all work together, creating a safe and sacred one stop shop for birthing folks and families to meet all of their needs during their reproductive phases. Our focus is on our clients’ experience. Adapting our services to meet their needs, ultimately facilitating an empowering transition into parenthood.
Each of these local businesses are strongly endorsed by ABB. Look out for special deals and pricing when bundling some of these services together!
Owner/Operator of A Brighter Birth.
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor for ABB. Mama to 4 little people, lover of food, art, music, fashion, yoga and ALL things birth. I stumbled across A Brighter Birth when I was pregnant with my first kiddo 15 years ago. It was the only out of hospital CBE class of it’s kind, taught by the fabulous Chris Dewilde. My partner and I utilized every.single.tool we learned during our 46 hour birth experience, helping us feel empowered and confident in making decisions and working together. I was honored to take the class over in 2008 and began teaching out of my own living room (hiding all of my family’s crap upstairs and sending my 4 babies out of the house every week!:)
Owner/Operator of A Brighter Birth.
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and Lactation Counselor for ABB. Mama to 4 little people, lover of food, art, music, fashion, yoga and ALL things birth. I stumbled across A Brighter Birth when I was pregnant with my first kiddo 15 years ago. It was the only out of hospital CBE class of it’s kind, taught by the fabulous Chris Dewilde. My partner and I utilized every.single.tool we learned during our 46 hour birth experience, helping us feel empowered and confident in making decisions and working together. I was honored to take the class over in 2008 and began teaching out of my own living room (hiding all of my family’s crap upstairs and sending my 4 babies out of the house every week!:)
Birth Doula/Childbirth Educator/Lactation Counselor for A Brighter Birth.
Hunter Moore is a toLabor trained professional birth doula who calls Richmond home after almost 15 years here. Hunter is also a VCU alumni with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and years of experience in fashion and merchandising. It wasn’t until after the birth of her own daughter that she realized how support and empowerment from community could successfully impact the journey to motherhood. A quick career shift has allowed Hunter to settle beautifully into her true calling of supporting local mothers and families through educated and empowered birth. As a working mom herself Hunter finds such joy in applying her own life experiences to her life work now through birth work.
Birth Doula/Breastfeeding Specialist + Educator for ABB
Mothering isn’t something we were ever meant to do alone. From pregnancy to postpartum, Sarah is passionate about bringing back personal woman to woman supportive care. Sarah is a mother of 4 boys ranging in ages from toddler to tween and has spent nearly 7 years of her life breastfeeding. With these boys as her first teachers, wise women as her mentors, and breastfeeding and postpartum doula training, Sarah provides non-judgemental, compassionate support to new families. In addition to being a CAPPA trained postpartum doula, Sarah is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and is currently pursuing her 200h yoga teacher training (Beloved Yoga), and labor doula (ToLabor) certificates.
Birth Doula/Breastfeeding Specialist + Educator for ABB
Mothering isn’t something we were ever meant to do alone. From pregnancy to postpartum, Sarah is passionate about bringing back personal woman to woman supportive care. Sarah is a mother of 4 boys ranging in ages from toddler to tween and has spent nearly 7 years of her life breastfeeding. With these boys as her first teachers, wise women as her mentors, and breastfeeding and postpartum doula training, Sarah provides non-judgemental, compassionate support to new families. In addition to being a CAPPA trained postpartum doula, Sarah is a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and is currently pursuing her 200h yoga teacher training (Beloved Yoga), and labor doula (ToLabor) certificates.
Birth Doula
Cheyenne Varner is a woman of many talents and an incredible resource to our birth community. From her beautiful magazine Everyday Birth to her educational design work through The Educated Birth Chey is a wealth of knowledge and support. Cheyenne trained through toLabor and we are overjoyed to have her on the A Brighter Birth team and supporting clients as a birth and postpartum doula.
From Cheyenne: Supporting pregnant people is what I do. My role never looks quite the same, because no person or family I work with is! If I had to give my “style” a name, I’d call it “Quiet Strength.” I bring a calm, peaceful presence into birth spaces, anchored in the many hours of having gotten to know you, and my natural personality. As a doula I love spending time preparing for birth together with my clients, this is where you learn what to expect and how to create the experience you desire.
In-home Pediatric care for A Brighter Birth
After almost 15 years of working with families and newborns, and a mother of three herself, Dr. Janet West knows a thing or two about taking great care of babies. A Board Certified pediatrician and former military spouse, Dr. West has spent the majority of her career directing multiple pediatric clinics that served military families. She’s helped hundreds of parents care for their newborns, using compassion and gentle guidance while focusing on a holistic approach to her practice. Throughout her career, she recognized a common thread among families who were struggling with balancing the responsibilities newborns demand and the exhaustion they create. After obtaining her MBA, Dr. West started RVA Baby to provide them a better experience by offering medical services in the comfort of their own home. When she’s not working with clients, Dr. West loves spending time watching her twins perform at local venues, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her granddaughter Kathryn Rose.
In-home Pediatric care for A Brighter Birth
After almost 15 years of working with families and newborns, and a mother of three herself, Dr. Janet West knows a thing or two about taking great care of babies. A Board Certified pediatrician and former military spouse, Dr. West has spent the majority of her career directing multiple pediatric clinics that served military families. She’s helped hundreds of parents care for their newborns, using compassion and gentle guidance while focusing on a holistic approach to her practice. Throughout her career, she recognized a common thread among families who were struggling with balancing the responsibilities newborns demand and the exhaustion they create. After obtaining her MBA, Dr. West started RVA Baby to provide them a better experience by offering medical services in the comfort of their own home. When she’s not working with clients, Dr. West loves spending time watching her twins perform at local venues, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her granddaughter Kathryn Rose.
Prenatal Massage Therapist
Meet Lyra Parker! She is a kind, devoted, empathetic practitioner holding safe space in Richmond, VA. In January of 2015, she completed her second professional Doula training with ToLabor, a certifying organization based in Richmond. Since that time, she’s provided full spectrum doula support to the RVA community. Several years ago, while holding space for a laboring client, she discovered a deep connection with therapeutic touch and was inspired by the immediate relief it brought her client during one of the most physically challenging events of her life. Because of this experience she decided to pursue the study of massage and bodywork.
Parker graduated from the Lotus School of Integrated Professions and is a VA Licensed Massage Therapist. Since graduating massage school, she’s trained with Claire Marie Miller in prenatal and postpartum massage and studied Acupressure for labor and delivery with L.Ac Keith Bell. She became a Practitioner of The Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy with the Arvigo® Institute in 2017, where she learned the art of abdominal massage for reproductive and digestive wellness. She’s also studied the Psoas/Diaphragm/Pelvic floor relationship with anatomist Tom Meyers of Anatomy Trains and works a couple days a week at a Women’s and Men’s Pelvic Health Physical Therapy clinic. Parker is fascinated with the pelvis, its dynamic structure and the way in which it communicates and moves with the entire body.
She is currently studying Visceral Manipulation with the Barrall Institute. VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive, and lymphatic dysfunction. It elevates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia and ligaments.Parker believes that massage is a moving meditation, one that brings people into harmony with their incredibly resilient bodies and an opportunity to slow down. She finds joy in her practice every day and hopes to give clients a unique and restorative experience. Accessibility and inclusivity are incredibly important goals of Parker’s work. Her practice is all-inclusive, honoring and supporting the identities of all. All are welcome here. In her free time, she is happy to be reading, cooking, hiking, biking, running, dancing and spending time with her sweet fur babes and loving partner.
Birth and Family Documentary photographer for A Brighter Birth who believes that life is about relationships.
Listening to and getting to know her clients is essential to the creative process, and allows her to make honest photographs that broaden our emotional repertoire, encourage nostalgia, and show the importance of slowing down and being present. She’s inspired by the art that exists in genuine moments of connection between people and feels passionately about empowering families with photography that tells their story.
www.bettyclicker.com
Birth and Family Documentary photographer for A Brighter Birth who believes that life is about relationships.
Listening to and getting to know her clients is essential to the creative process, and allows her to make honest photographs that broaden our emotional repertoire, encourage nostalgia, and show the importance of slowing down and being present. She’s inspired by the art that exists in genuine moments of connection between people and feels passionately about empowering families with photography that tells their story.
www.bettyclicker.com
Yoga Partner with A Brighter Birth.
This beautiful studio, located in the heart of the city, off of the historic Shockoe Slip, offers Prenatal, Restorative, Vinyasa, Hot Power and many more styles of yoga for the pregnant and non pregnant person.
Prenatal Class Description:
For the expecting mother and those desiring to be mothers, this practice is a wonderful way to nurture your body – both to prepare to conceive or prepare for labor. These unique classes are specifically sequenced to offer a safe and effective practice designed to both strengthen and relax the body through a combination of breath and body movement and meditation. Within this class, you will find a safe, supportive community for mothers to share in this experience together.
Prenatal classes are unheated and 75 minutes. All women at any stage of pregnancy and those looking to conceive are welcome.
Instructors have specific prenatal training with an additional 85 hours of prenatal certification.
Float Spa Partner with A Brighter Birth
This wellness oasis, located in the fan, by Byrd park, offers float therapy, reflexology sessions and other services for mothers to be.
Float Therapy and Pregnancy
Float therapy is a large enclosed bathtub designed to reduce distractions: lights, sounds, gravity, and tactile sensations. The water is heated to skin temperature and is filled with 1000 pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), making it denser than even the Dead Sea. You will find yourself floating effortlessly and losing track of where your body ends and where your body begins. As you lie in a float tank, about 90% of neuromuscular activity is decreased. Cortisol levels drop significantly, blood pressure lowers and a deep sense of relaxation starts to take over your body. Whether you are trying to get pregnant, pregnant or recently had your little one delivered, floating will help lower stress by unwinding your mind and body as it goes through this very transformative time. Floating during pregnancy also helps promote excellent sleep patterns, alleviates spine and back pain, reduces swelling & inflammation, helps your baby get into position around the 36th week of pregnancy and gives you the chance to experience a deeper bond and connection with your child.
Vitality Float Spa offers 60 and 90-minute float sessions. A pool noodle is offered during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, so you can lie on your stomach or side for comfort while you are floating. The more often you float during pregnancy the more benefits you will notice.
Float Spa Partner with A Brighter Birth
This wellness oasis, located in the fan, by Byrd park, offers float therapy, reflexology sessions and other services for mothers to be.
Float Therapy and Pregnancy
Float therapy is a large enclosed bathtub designed to reduce distractions: lights, sounds, gravity, and tactile sensations. The water is heated to skin temperature and is filled with 1000 pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate), making it denser than even the Dead Sea. You will find yourself floating effortlessly and losing track of where your body ends and where your body begins. As you lie in a float tank, about 90% of neuromuscular activity is decreased. Cortisol levels drop significantly, blood pressure lowers and a deep sense of relaxation starts to take over your body. Whether you are trying to get pregnant, pregnant or recently had your little one delivered, floating will help lower stress by unwinding your mind and body as it goes through this very transformative time. Floating during pregnancy also helps promote excellent sleep patterns, alleviates spine and back pain, reduces swelling & inflammation, helps your baby get into position around the 36th week of pregnancy and gives you the chance to experience a deeper bond and connection with your child.
Vitality Float Spa offers 60 and 90-minute float sessions. A pool noodle is offered during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, so you can lie on your stomach or side for comfort while you are floating. The more often you float during pregnancy the more benefits you will notice.
Aesthetics and Spa partner with ABB
(A Self-Care DREAM) Owner of Luna Aesthetics and Spa/Master Esthetician and Educator, Chelsea Martin has been an Esthetician since 2008. Over the years she has found that simply having a conversation about the skin and how it works, brings the best results. The skin is our largest organ and connected to every part of our body and she believes it should be treated that way. Chelsea has worked in every realm of skincare, from medical to plant-based and everywhere in between. In 2016, she started teaching Esthetics and started her own independent practice. In 2018, she opened Luna Aesthetics and Spa to create an environment that women could feel taken care of and safe while still providing completely customized and results-driven skincare. Working with women before, during, and after their pregnancies has become her passion. There are so many products out there and its important to know what is truly safe yet still effective to use during this time. Watching the skin change on the surface as the body changes internally is an exciting journey and she is grateful and excited to be a part of it with her clients.
The Tribe Co, Task Master
I’m Ashley, CEO of The Tribe Co, and my personal mission is to make your life easier.
It’s why I founded my company.
Most organizations that promise “help” offer solutions that inevitably add MORE to your schedule. Resulting in you toiling from dawn to past-dusk trying to fit it all in. I believe in better processes and services that support everyone. From Type-A professionals and entrepreneurial go-getters to ambitious moms who want to create better lives for their families. I realized that there was a need to stop ‘helping’ and to take action – doing the things that need to get done.
Working in the sales industry as a project manager and national account manager, it has always been my passion to establish a relationship with my clients. I thrive in creating a supportive experience rooted in process, service and positivity.
Oh, and something else you should know about me.
I want to change the narrative around women having it all. We can – but we can’t do it all – it takes an army. Every successful CEO (male or female) is surrounded by people that support them and their business efforts. Why does that have to be different for us as women in our households and personal lives? We are thriving in our jobs, society, etc. but something is still missing… you. Our self-worth needs self-care too.
As a society, we spend so much time, effort and money to appear happy and like we have everything under control. But internally we are churning, questioning… are we really happy? Fulfilled? We compare ourselves to others and allow social norms to dictate our lives… pulling us into guilt and shame. I want to help people actually LIVE a life that emulates the life we portray to others – one that is real and authentic to you.
Your work and self-worth shouldn’t be measured by your outward appearance. It should be about living the life you crave – and getting the right help – allowing you to achieve what you desire most. More time, more freedom and more control over managing your day to day life. Embracing the women that we truly are will allow life to be easier and more natural.
But, this doesn’t come without help and tough decisions. It is ok to obtain help and enjoy it… you shouldn’t feel guilty or think less of yourself for getting it. Help isn’t a luxury – but there is nothing wrong with it feeling like one!
The Tribe Co, Task Master
I’m Ashley, CEO of The Tribe Co, and my personal mission is to make your life easier.
It’s why I founded my company.
Most organizations that promise “help” offer solutions that inevitably add MORE to your schedule. Resulting in you toiling from dawn to past-dusk trying to fit it all in. I believe in better processes and services that support everyone. From Type-A professionals and entrepreneurial go-getters to ambitious moms who want to create better lives for their families. I realized that there was a need to stop ‘helping’ and to take action – doing the things that need to get done.
Working in the sales industry as a project manager and national account manager, it has always been my passion to establish a relationship with my clients. I thrive in creating a supportive experience rooted in process, service and positivity.
Oh, and something else you should know about me.
I want to change the narrative around women having it all. We can – but we can’t do it all – it takes an army. Every successful CEO (male or female) is surrounded by people that support them and their business efforts. Why does that have to be different for us as women in our households and personal lives? We are thriving in our jobs, society, etc. but something is still missing… you. Our self-worth needs self-care too.
As a society, we spend so much time, effort and money to appear happy and like we have everything under control. But internally we are churning, questioning… are we really happy? Fulfilled? We compare ourselves to others and allow social norms to dictate our lives… pulling us into guilt and shame. I want to help people actually LIVE a life that emulates the life we portray to others – one that is real and authentic to you.
Your work and self-worth shouldn’t be measured by your outward appearance. It should be about living the life you crave – and getting the right help – allowing you to achieve what you desire most. More time, more freedom and more control over managing your day to day life. Embracing the women that we truly are will allow life to be easier and more natural.
But, this doesn’t come without help and tough decisions. It is ok to obtain help and enjoy it… you shouldn’t feel guilty or think less of yourself for getting it. Help isn’t a luxury – but there is nothing wrong with it feeling like one!
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist for A Brighter Birth.
Dr. Kailee Karst is the physical therapist for A Brighter Birth, specializing in whole body care and pelvic health. Kailee found her passion for the field of physical therapy in clinical practice, while working with patients and helping them understand the subtleties of human movement and how to navigate through their pain in order to improve quality of life. Kailee has also been teaching yoga for over eight years now, and enjoys teaching classes and workshops on yoga, mindfulness and meditation. She combines aspects of these Eastern philosophies into her clinical practice and care.
Originally from Batavia, New York, Dr. Cara knew at a very young age that she was going to become a Chiropractor. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the State University at Fredonia in Fredonia, New York. After the completion of her undergraduate studies, she continued on to fulfill her lifelong dream and graduated Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which is the founding college of chiropractic, with her Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree.
With her passion being for children and prenatal care, she is Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. This technique is used to alleviate intrauterine constraint to help with decreasing pelvic discomfort during pregnancy and also allows for a safer and more comfortable labor and delivery. She is also skilled in many other different chiropractic techniques, such as, Toggle-recoil, full spine Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop, Activator, and Sacral-Occipital Technique, allowing her to give the best possible care to each individual patient.
As a physician, Dr. Cara strives to help the body to heal itself through giving specific and proper adjustments to the spine, freeing the nervous system of any interference and allowing the body to be in its most optimal state. She is honored to have the ability to share her knowledge and passion on a holistic approach to health and wellness with her patients. Dr. Cara Corbelli looks forward to talking with you about how you and your family can benefit from chiropractic care.
Originally from Batavia, New York, Dr. Cara knew at a very young age that she was going to become a Chiropractor. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the State University at Fredonia in Fredonia, New York. After the completion of her undergraduate studies, she continued on to fulfill her lifelong dream and graduated Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which is the founding college of chiropractic, with her Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree.
With her passion being for children and prenatal care, she is Webster Technique certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. This technique is used to alleviate intrauterine constraint to help with decreasing pelvic discomfort during pregnancy and also allows for a safer and more comfortable labor and delivery. She is also skilled in many other different chiropractic techniques, such as, Toggle-recoil, full spine Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop, Activator, and Sacral-Occipital Technique, allowing her to give the best possible care to each individual patient.
As a physician, Dr. Cara strives to help the body to heal itself through giving specific and proper adjustments to the spine, freeing the nervous system of any interference and allowing the body to be in its most optimal state. She is honored to have the ability to share her knowledge and passion on a holistic approach to health and wellness with her patients. Dr. Cara Corbelli looks forward to talking with you about how you and your family can benefit from chiropractic care.
Energy Healer + Herbalist
Nitika Achalam of True Grit Yoga & Botanica is the resident Energy Healer and Herbalist at A Brighter Birth. Nitika is a Holistic Wellness Educator certified in Herbalism, Usui Reiki, Holy Fire Reiki, Crystal Energy Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga. Nitika studied Anthropology at Virginia Commonwealth University with a focus on how ancient cultures and societies used plant medicine and alternative remedies to prevent and treat disease. Nitika is passionate about applying 2 decades of education and practice to support general physical and energetic wellness for the entire family, from babies to elders. We suggest adding Reiki and Herbal consults to any medical treatment you may be currently undergoing or staying ahead of the curve with preventative care.
Address your wellness with a One on One appointment right away. Session may include but are not limited to:
I have spent the last 20 years helping people find their way to happier, more meaningful and connected lives.
Having been through my fair share of difficult life circumstances, internal turmoil, as well as incredibly rich and beautiful life experiences, I have always sought out answers to the big life questions. Drawn to philosophy, exploring the edges of life, and the wish to understand the nature of suffering, I began a many-year immersion into the inner work of both yoga & meditation. After teaching yoga and meditation for 18+ years, becoming trained and certified as a life coach unfolded as a necessary next step in my mission to help people find themselves, let go of who they think they should be and create, instead, the lives that feel most true to them.
My process is a unique blend of coaching tools and strategies developed by Martha Beck, the “original Life Coach,” my own decades-long meditation practice, and my background in education and human development.
I refer to myself as a “generalist” because I work with all types of people in, often, many areas of their lives. I meet individuals where they are, identify who or where they wish to be as a result of our work together, and in a never-one-size-fits-all approach, help to facilitate their process of getting there. We work on the inner world just as much as the outer world.
My work with clients is centered around helping them to deeply connect with who they are and what they want most in life. The actions and course they take from there always results in helping them achieve what they most want – in career, relationships, lifestyle, and/or family.
I have spent the last 20 years helping people find their way to happier, more meaningful and connected lives.
Having been through my fair share of difficult life circumstances, internal turmoil, as well as incredibly rich and beautiful life experiences, I have always sought out answers to the big life questions. Drawn to philosophy, exploring the edges of life, and the wish to understand the nature of suffering, I began a many-year immersion into the inner work of both yoga & meditation. After teaching yoga and meditation for 18+ years, becoming trained and certified as a life coach unfolded as a necessary next step in my mission to help people find themselves, let go of who they think they should be and create, instead, the lives that feel most true to them.
My process is a unique blend of coaching tools and strategies developed by Martha Beck, the “original Life Coach,” my own decades-long meditation practice, and my background in education and human development.
I refer to myself as a “generalist” because I work with all types of people in, often, many areas of their lives. I meet individuals where they are, identify who or where they wish to be as a result of our work together, and in a never-one-size-fits-all approach, help to facilitate their process of getting there. We work on the inner world just as much as the outer world.
My work with clients is centered around helping them to deeply connect with who they are and what they want most in life. The actions and course they take from there always results in helping them achieve what they most want – in career, relationships, lifestyle, and/or family.
Acupuncturist
A Brighter Birth is thrilled to have Jelena as the acupuncture resource for the Collective. Jelena studied acupuncture and herb theory at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in NYC. While in school, she had extensive training in both eastern and western medicine that covered subjects like pediatrics, orthopedics, dermatology, oncology, geriatrics, urology and gynecology. She studied under some of the best practitioners in and out of school where knowledge in Japanese acupuncture, shiatsu, tui na, and sports medicine was enhanced.
Areas of specialty include orthopedics, anxiety, stress, digestive disorders, insomnia, migraine headaches, menstrual disorders, low immune system, genitourinary disorders, asthma and night sweating. In her practice she incorporates trigger point release therapy, tui na, applied kinesiology and muscle testing, nutritional and lifestyle counseling and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
Placenta Encapsulation
Elise Benoit is a ToLABOR trained Birth Doula and Cappa trained Postpartum Doula. After the birth of her son 4 years ago, she experienced severe postpartum depression even after an empowering birth. Through her work as a birth doula, she continued to see her clients have beautiful births, but still struggle with energy and emotions during postpartum. She offers placenta encapsulation as a holistic option to balance hormones, replenish iron, increase prolactin for milk production, and boost energy levels during the fourth trimester. Elise originally trained through IPPA, but is currently in the certification process with APPA, a more rigorous training. Elise holds certification in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control for Placenta Encapsulators which meets OSHA’s standards. Elise also offers tinctures and watercolor placenta prints.
Placenta Encapsulation
Elise Benoit is a ToLABOR trained Birth Doula and Cappa trained Postpartum Doula. After the birth of her son 4 years ago, she experienced severe postpartum depression even after an empowering birth. Through her work as a birth doula, she continued to see her clients have beautiful births, but still struggle with energy and emotions during postpartum. She offers placenta encapsulation as a holistic option to balance hormones, replenish iron, increase prolactin for milk production, and boost energy levels during the fourth trimester. Elise originally trained through IPPA, but is currently in the certification process with APPA, a more rigorous training. Elise holds certification in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control for Placenta Encapsulators which meets OSHA’s standards. Elise also offers tinctures and watercolor placenta prints.
Postpartum Doula
Stephanie is a DONA trained Postpartum Doula. Originally a Jersey girl, she and her family have called Richmond home for 3 years. Stephanie is also a licensed attorney and felt called to birth work after attending a conference on breastfeeding, nutrition, and postpartum support. The support she gave her clients and coworkers as an attorney has easily translated into the support she provides for new and growing families.
“I’m a natural cheerleader. I love to see others succeed and I genuinely want people to win at parenting and to be confident in their abilities. I’m thrilled that I am able to help families over the threshold into their new lives. I chose the name HoneyBee Postpartum Support because honey bees labor for the good of the queen and the hive all the while making each flower they encounter their own version of beautiful. That’s my goal as a postpartum doula; to support individuals as they become parents for the good of their family and our community as a whole.”
The Car Seat Clinic
Rachel is a pediatric registered nurse by trade where she practices her passion of caring for children and their families. It wasn’t until she had her own children when she came to understand the confusion around proper use of one of the biggest safety products we invest in for our children – car seats. After discovering there was a lack of professional resources to turn to in the Richmond area, Rachel decided to become the expert she needed and became a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Car Seat Clinic was founded to help parents attain peace of mind from the very first ride in the car as a newborn, all the way through their growth and development to using the adult vehicle seat belt.”
The Car Seat Clinic
Rachel is a pediatric registered nurse by trade where she practices her passion of caring for children and their families. It wasn’t until she had her own children when she came to understand the confusion around proper use of one of the biggest safety products we invest in for our children – car seats. After discovering there was a lack of professional resources to turn to in the Richmond area, Rachel decided to become the expert she needed and became a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Car Seat Clinic was founded to help parents attain peace of mind from the very first ride in the car as a newborn, all the way through their growth and development to using the adult vehicle seat belt.”
Nutrition Therapist + Culinary Educator
Cooking and eating often feels complicated, but Kayli believes that with the right tools, feeding yourself can be a powerful self-care practice. As a Registered Dietitian, Kayli works with women who are tired of struggling with food and their bodies and are ready to find clarity, peace, and enjoyment with food and nutrition. She uses intuitive eating and mindfulness techniques to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom and her training in natural foods cooking to help you build confidence in the kitchen. Kayli has extensive experience in plant-forward nutrition and lifestyle medicine to support women in all stages of life including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, weight concerns, and fueling physical activity. Her holistic and empowering approach to nutrition will leave you feeling healthy, happy, and grounded.
In acknowledgment of the profound disparity among reproductive healthcare for BIPOC and in an effort to prioritize racial equity in birth, A Brighter Birth Birth Doulas will be donating a portion of each of their birth client fees to RVA local Black birth organizations such as: The Doula Project, Birth In Color, Urban Baby Beginnings and Everyday Birth. We will also add to this list as more resources become available.
1 Day Workshop: $150/couple
1/16 1-5pm
2/13 1-5pm
4 week series: $265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 1/7 – 1/28 6-9pm
Sunday 4 week series
begins 1/10 – 1/31 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
Wednesday 1/ 20 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop: $150/couple
2/13 1-5pm
3/13 1-5pm
4 week series: $265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 2/4 – 2/25 6-9pm
begins 3/4 – 3/25 6-9pm
Sunday 4 week series
begins 3/7 – 3/28 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
Wednesday 3/17 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop: $150/couple
4/10 1-5pm
5/8 1-5pm
4 week series: $265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 4/8 – 4/22 6-9pm
begins 5/6 – 5/27 6-9pm
Sunday 4 week series
begins 4/4 – 4/18 2-5pm
begins 5/9 – 5/30 2-5om
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
Wednesday 5/19 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop: $150/couple
6/12 1-5pm
7/10 1-5pm
4 week series:$265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 6/3 – 6/24 6-9pm
Thursday 3 week series
begins 7/15 – 7/29 6-9pm
Sunday 4 week series
begins 6/6 – 6/27 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
Wednesday 7/21 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop:$150/couple
8/14 1-5pm
9/11 1-5pm
4 week series:$265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 8/5 – 8/26 6-9pm
begins 9/9 – 9/30 6-9pm
Sunday 4 week series
begins 8/8 – 8/29 2-5pm
3 week series:
begins 9/12 – 9/26 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
9/15 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop:$150/couple
9/11 1-5pm
10/9 1-5pm
4 week series:$265/couple
Thursday 4 week series
begins 9/9 – 9/30 6-9pm
begins 10/7 – 10/28 6-9pm
Sunday 3 week series
begins 9/12 – 9/26 2-5pm
begins 10/10 – 10/24 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
9/15 6-9pm
1 Day Workshop:$150/couple
11/13 1-5pm
12/11 1-5pm
3/4 week series:$265/couple
Sunday 3 week series
begins 11/7 – 11/21 2-5pm
Breastfeeding Course:
$125/couple
11/17 6-9pm
Copyright 2020. A Brighter Birth.