During my birth career, I’ve worked with a diverse group of families as unique as my name (pronounced Zi-Leena).

I've helped families start their adventure into parenthood since my little one arrived in 2007.

When I was first pregnant the only thing that worried me more than birth was an epidural or a cesarean. In an effort to delay the epidural I was certain I would need, I started gathering information and support and to my surprise and delight, I ended up having a natural birth (side note-all parents’ desires for birth are respected and supported by me, not only natural birth, & I want parents to have tools for all birth possibilities).

I was forever changed by my experience and to this day I feel passionate about helping new families.

I want you to have access to the full range of positive birth possibilities, and to know what to do when things don’t go as we would like.

Over the years, I’ve been so fortunate to see family after family have positive births of all kinds through learning practicing and support.

After my second empowering birth experience, I started saying yes to one birth career opportunity after another. From attending births as a doula to leading a non-profit fundraiser by directing a Birth Play (uterus monologues anyone?), I've worn many hats.

Whether leading parenting groups and classes at Sacred Heart Hospital or helping exhausted parents through breastfeeding struggles, my passion has always been to support families.

I’m also passionate about art and have made numerous creations from garden sculptures, ceramics, like an octopus planter, watercolor paintings and even a full mural in my backyard. The mural is my most recent addition to the sanctuary I’ve created where I grow as many dahlias as I can manage each season ( like the one above).

Of all my passions, working closely with new families is, by far, the best part of my work!

From pregnancy to the magical first moments and beyond, I find so much joy in educating and supporting parents and their tiny new additions.

If I can ease your birth day, I’m happy, but when I see a new family shift into operating as a great team in birth and gaining loads of confidence right off the bat, I really get excited!

I would be delighted to help your growing family get off to the best start.