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.
I'm Carly Chapple, wife and mom to three. I've been a birth + postpartum doula for five years in the Salt Lake area. I am passionate about birth options, lactation, and empowering birthing people to use their voice. This past year I also served as the Mentoring Committee Chair. There is such value in community, and I find that particularly applies to the doula community. I look forward to creating new ties and strengthening the current ties we have with each other, allowing for essential support among all of us and therefore better support for our clients.
Katie began her doula journey in 2017 and has never looked back! She has attended over 130 births, read so many books, and attended basically every training she can get her hands on. Some of Katie’s passion topics are: trauma informed care, self-reclamation work, somatic practices, and breath work. Katie holds a monthly free birth support group in Orem together with two other amazing doulas. In 2022, Katie expanded her business into an agency which has challenged her in so many yummy ways and she is so grateful to have a team to grow with.
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.
Hi there! I have been passionate about birth since my first experience giving birth over ten years ago. After having my four babies, I couldn’t deny the call of being a doula any longer. When I started my path to become a doula, it felt like coming home. I love walking with families as they journey through pregnancy and birth. Witnessing and supporting them as they step into their power never gets old. I also love being a part of the birth community, connecting with and learning from those around me. I believe we all need each other, especially as women. When I’m not at a birth, I enjoy hiking, time in nature, reading, playing games with my kids, and meaningful conversations.
Hello, my name is Stacey Green. I have been married for sixteen years and have three kids (14,11, and 8). I love the outdoors and spending time with friends and family. I have been a birth and postpartum doula for five years and absolutely love it! I love the community of doulas we have in Utah. In addition to owning Green Doula Services (add external link to Green Doula Services) I just opened The Utah Birth Place in Provo. I really wanted to have a birth center that was more than just somewhere to give birth. The Utah Birth Place will be more of a community center for pregnancy and postpartum women with resources and services to help women through this phase of life.
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.
