Kristi Ridd-Young recently retired after a 17-year career as Midwives College of Utah president. MCU is the largest MEAC-accredited, distance education midwifery school offering a bachelor's or master's degree in midwifery. As the founder of the Utah Doula Association, one of the oldest and largest doula groups, she continues to influence education and networking opportunities for doulas and childbirth educators. Kristi has been practicing as a doula for 36 years, a birth doula trainer for 30 years, and has trained over 2,350 doulas. She has been involved in developing doula and midwifery education in Kuwait and Egypt. Retirement did not last long. Kristi is currently the Sr. Vice-President of AZOVA Health. She is developing a program for health plans to provide membership benefits for birth and postpartum doula support, childbirth education, and lactation support. She volunteers with MCU as the Interim Board President and part-time as their Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communication.
Though she has been mentored by many extraordinary maternal and child health leaders, Kristi credits her six children, seven step-children, and 18 grandchildren for the real-life lessons that influence her philosophies as an educator and a doula. Yoga was her thing before it was in. A voracious reader, Kristi's parents used to catch her reading with a flashlight under the covers, and after her husband has fallen asleep, she can sometimes be found sneaking in a few pages by the light of her cell phone (shhh, don't tell!). Kristi and her husband David usually average 3000 miles a year on Harley adventures and love traveling.
Hi! I’m Monica Wilkinson. I have been a birth doula since 2019 and certified as a childbirth educator with GentleBirth in 2020. When I discovered birth work, there was a distinct feeling of coming home. It feels as natural and essential to my soul as my own motherhood. I have a full, rich, and often crazy life! I am the mother of 6 amazing kids, wife to my adventurous cowboy husband of 25 years, CEO of our small ranch in Mapleton (with a zillion animals), and the biggest cheerleader to my beloved clients who genuinely hold a place in my hart forever. I love learning new things and rarely back down from a good challenge. Most of the time I would prefer to make something than buy it (up to and including new furniture, home decor, websites, and laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom remodels). I have been on a personal journey of healing and growth the past 10 years. It has been both rewarding and humbling. While it continues to be a practice, I have found that meeting myself and others in a place of compassion, generosity and love is where I find the most peace. The UDA is such a valuable organization providing community and resources for doulas and Utah families alike. As a member of the executive board, I would not be afraid to roll up my sleeves and work hard. I like seeing things be done well and pride myself on being a team player, deeply loyal, hard working, and someone who strives to see the needs of others and offer help where I can. It’s hard for me to capture the love I have for all of you, my clients, and the impact this birth community has had on my life. I would consider it an honor to serve the amazing doulas and birthing families of Utah.
Betty DeLass is a pelvic floor health and wellness guru (vagina magician!) who is on a mission to change the face of pelvic floor health! “We at Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness are specialized pelvic floor physical therapists. By being part of the UDA we have built lasting friendships and relationships with other birth workers. We have also been able to post and market our services as well as recognize other businesses that are part of the UDA community. This has allowed us as a collective to be able to help clients/patients get the the right provider at the right time for the right care”.
Robynne Carter is a birth and postpartum doula who has served the community for over fifteen years. “The Utah Doula Association has been my go-to for the past 15 years. I am surrounded by supportive, intelligent, compassionate and endearing doulas and community partners. The UDA is a place where we find “our people”. There are so many unique individuals and services offered here. I love the conferences, retreats, mentoring meetings and advertising on our website. This is a wonderful community, where I have met lifetime friends, colleagues, and resources”.
Joining the UDA has been a fantastic opportunity for Breezy Babies. It’s connected us with amazing families in need of lactation support and helped us build valuable partnerships with other healthcare professionals. We’re truly grateful to the UDA for creating such a supportive community where both personal and business relationships can thrive.