We carefully select local providers that we trust to care for the families we work with.

If you are working with one of the Doulas from Golden Gate, please make sure to mention that you are a Golden Gate client when booking. Some providers offer promos to GGDA clients!

running!

Meet the village that keeps Golden Gate Doulas               

Contact GGDA

operations@goldengatedoula.com


Jennifer Darwin is the Owner/Director of GGDA and The Village Postnatal Retreat Center. She recognized that many families where becoming overwhelmed trying to find their "Village" to support them through pregnancy and into parenthood. She wanted to be able to provide professional birth workers, doulas and providers that empowered people through this journey.  

Whitney Branco is the GGDA Operations Manager, she is our "match maker" and runs the business side of the company. She will put you in touch with a doula who has available around your due date and answer any questions about the services we offer at GGDA.

GGDA Dream Team

Contact Tomi

Tomi is proud to be working with the families of Golden Gate offering Placenta Encapsulation and tinctures to our families!  




Tomi is positively passionate about placentas. Since 2010 she has been offering all things placenta related including sacred burial ceremony, tinctures, art prints, and her own unique recipe which is a balance for preserving the precious nutrients and hormones, but also cooking for safety. 

Tomi was trained by members of an online forum called ,“The New Placenta Group,” some of whom went on to form The Association for Placenta Preparation Arts. 

She also carries a blood borne pathogens certificate. She would love to connect with you on how to best serve your individual needs regarding your baby’s sacred organ.

Placenta Arts Preparation Specialist

Tomi Hougen 

Contact amelia

Mom group info

Amelia is proud to host the New Parents/New Babies Group for the families of GGDA.







Amelia Kriss is a Drama Therapist and Certified Coach in private practice in the Bay Area, California, where she lives with her husband and two powerhouse daughters. She's excited to be facilitating the New Parents/New Babies Group at GGDA, Amelia is also deeply committed to Birth Story Medicine work--helping birthing parents integrate, and move forward from, unresolved issues connected to the experience of giving birth. She believes that supporting parents through birthing as a rite of passage is an important (and too often missing) piece of creating healthier & happier families.

CPCC, RDT, & CDWF

amelia kriss

Contact alicia

Alicia trains the GGDA Birth Doulas and teaches workshops privately and at the Golden Gate Doula Associates Center.



Alicia was born and raised in Mexico City and now calls Marin home. She is a happy wife and mother of three amazing boys. The births of her boys using HypnoBirthing were among the most wonderful and empowering experiences in her life. This motivated her to become a HypnoBirthing, The Marie Mongan Method Childbirth Educator, and to share this amazing program with expecting families since 2013.

Alicia's passion is to support pregnant couples during their pregnancy and birth so they can experience these magical, transformational processes in a gentle, calm, conscious, and empowering way. Since 2019, she also has been serving as a volunteer Birth Doula in the Marin Community Clinic supporting moms in conditions of vulnerability.

Recently, she finished her certification as a Prenatal Bonding (BA) Facilitator. This program is a one-on-one constant accompaniment that promotes a deep prenatal parents-baby bond, supports the maternal transformation process, and satisfies the unborn Baby's primary need to be accepted and loved, to be given security and protection, and above all to be securely attached to enable, what she calls,  "trans-generational harmony".

Certified Hypnobirthing Child Birth Educator, Birth Doula, & Prenatal Bonding facilitator

alicia contreras

Contact eva

Let’s talk about newborn stem cells and what VitalCells can offer families that no other family
bank can offer. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!
Special discount may be available for GGDA clients







Click here for Best Questions to ask a cord blood bank







Eva Breder has been a stem cell educator with over 17 years of experience in legacy cord blood banks. She recently joined VitalCells, a next-generation stem cell bank, to provide families like yours with access to cutting-edge stem cell technology.

Stem cells play a crucial role in regenerative medicine, offering natural healing and repair capabilities. VitalCells goes beyond traditional cord blood banks by isolating and growing Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC's) for maximum effectiveness when needed.

Many other banks have extensive processes to retrieve cells that ONLY release samples for specific limited uses or through specific paid clinical trials. Thankfully through VitalCells’ national network of top regenerative medicine clinics or through your own trusted medical practitioner, your child has the right to use their personal cells how their medical practitioner sees fit.

You only have one chance to save this resource. It is her mission to educate as many expectant families as possible, so they can make an informed decision. Don't miss this opportunity to secure your child's future health with VitalCells. 

newborn stemcell educator

eva breder

Contact Robert

Robert can connect you with CBR’s dedicated team of friendly Newborn Stem Cell Educators and Genetic experts to answer any and all of your questions. Special price savings to GGDA clients and other financial assistance available. 







Robert Jamison is our local representative from CBR (Cord Blood Registry), the world’s largest private newborn stem cell preservation company. With over 20 years in the healthcare sector, the last eight in Women’s Health with CooperSurgical, Robert is dedicated to assisting us in providing you with the latest information and science surrounding newborn Stem Cell collection and preservation.

The supporting science and the benefits of cryogenically preserving your newborn’s cord blood and tissue is truly remarkable. As research continues to advance at breakneck speed, your baby’s cord blood is a personal key in helping to treat not only serious blood disorders such as Sickle Cell, Leukemias, Immune Deficiency and Metabolic disorders but potentially unforeseen maladies such as Alzheimer's, Cerebral Palsy, Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, as well as aiding in the treatment of Burns and Wound Healing. There are currently over 500 clinical trials initiated to study newborn stem cells in regenerative medicine. Stem Cell collection and preservation is a worthwhile subject to learn more about and we are here to support those efforts so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your growing family.


 

SF Bay Area Account Manager CBR

Robert Jamison

contact ocean

Ocean trains the GGDA Doulas, provides in-home visits and at the Golden Gate Doula Associates Center.

Ocean Berg has been a perinatal nurse for over 20 years. She has a Masters Degree in Nursing and is certified as a Lactation Consultant through the International Board of Lactation Consultants and is a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist. Ocean has worked as a nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum at Zuckerberg San Francisco General; as a breastfeeding, childbirth and newborn care educator with California Pacific Medical Center; and as a birth doula.
 
She has two wonderful daughters whom she breastfed for 2.5 years each. She enjoys gardening, snowboarding, biking and cooking healthy meals.

Ocean is passionate about supporting families in their breastfeeding journey and looks forward to working with clients to reach their lactation goals.

RN, Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Ocean Berg

Contact Estelle

Estelle teaches breastfeeding at the Golden Gate Doula Associates center.




Estelle is a perinatal nurse and Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Her chief mission is to help moms and babies on their breastfeeding journey. Every family has a different story and a different set of challenges. Estelle offers individualized care tailored to your needs and goals. 

Estelle is a mother of two and lives with her partner in the San Francisco Bay Area. She grew up and went to school in France and graduated from nursing school in 2003. She worked in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for several years in France before moving to the USA. Estelle has been a nurse at the San Francisco General Hospital Birth Center (Labor & Delivery and Postpartum) since 2017. In 2014, she gave birth to her son and developed a passion for breastfeeding. She spent a few years helping new parents and studying lactation until becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2021. 

As a mother, she breastfed both her children and was blessed to meet lactation professionals who helped her persevere and make it a reality. Also, transitioning back to work came with its challenges. Her personal experience, professional background, and training, made her realize her passion for helping families in their breastfeeding journey.


RN,BSN, IBCLC

Estelle Fraisse

Contact Serena

The KAZ Project

Serena is proud to be working with the families of Golden Gate offering:
*Latch Clinic 4th Thursdays of each month from 11am-12:30pm

Serena is a Mother, a Certified Nurse Midwife, A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She became a midwife in 2009, earning her degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Since becoming a midwife she has worked at Sage Femme Birth Center, St. Luke’s Hospital (now CPMC Mission Bernal), The Homeless Prenatal Program and The San Francisco Birth Center. She is the founder and primary midwife of The KAZ Project, a Midwifery Corporation. Through the KAZ Project she offers in home postpartum, lactation and well-person care. The KAZ Project also offers workshops and classes for new and expectant families to help reduce the isolation and singular focus that comes from being a parent. As a midwife and mother of three she understands that not everything can be learned from a book. This is why she created the KAZ Project as a way to empower parents to find their own path while being uplifted by a supportive and unique community. When Serena is not working with families she enjoys arts and crafts with her daughters, sewing, hiking and sailing on the bay with her husband. 


CNM, IBCLC, RN, WHNP

Serena Saeed-Winn 

contact dr. den

Dr. Den has an office located in Noe Valley where she sees Golden Gate Doula Families. 


Dr. Den is a California licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, having received her Master’s of Science and then her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2018. She has completed extensive coursework in the areas of women’s health and pediatrics.  

She is comfortable with and skilled at treating and supporting people with a wide variety of health concerns, including: psycho-emotional, digestive, women’s health, immune enhancement, acute and chronic pain and the general promotion of physical and emotional health.

Licensed Acupuncturist
Herbalist, Doctor of Chinese Medicine

dr. den bremond

Contact Treasure

Treasure provides acupuncture to prenatal & postnatal clients at Tao to Wellness and the Golden Gate Doula Associates center.




Treasure De La Cruz is a California State Licensed Acupuncturist and Nationally Licensed Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. At Tao to Wellness, Treasure acts as one of their fertility and pain management specialists. After having studied Nutrition at Virginia, being a yoga teacher for 10 years, combined with a career as a certified massage therapist for 10 years, and then becoming a trained doula, Treasure De La Cruz finally landed in the world of Chinese medicine. Her 18 years as a healer gives her a deep understanding of the body.

Especially as a mom and a trained doula, Treasure loves supporting people on their way to parenthood; whether trying to conceive naturally or working with IUI and IVF protocols. She is filled with knowledge on how to support parents to-be, from the preparation for conception, to during pregnancy, and to preparing for birth. Treasure understands the importance of family and as a health care provider, it is an honor to witness & support women through this miraculous journey into motherhood. From a pain management/structural standpoint, she is a master at pain relief and helping people with body awareness, ergonomics and offering stretches and exercises when appropriate to support their treatment and lifestyle. From fertility to pain management and everything in between, Treasure is an expert.

LAc & CMT

Treasure De La Cruz

Contact tia

Tia hosts monthly 'Vag Clinics' at Golden Gate Doula Associates Center. 



Dr. Anietie Ukpe-Wallace, PT, DPT, also known as Tia, is an orthopedic and pelvic health physical therapist who specializes in providing a continuum of care and support from pregnancy loss to postpartum all while emphasizing the importance of self-care. Tia has had a life-long fascination with the human body and its inner workings which ultimately led her to path that she is on today.

Beginning with a formal introduction to movement in college, she has continued that journey ever since. As a yoga teacher of 8 years around the Bay Area, her practice morphed from one of structure and ego to one of humility and independent thinking. After her own chronic struggles surrounding her pelvic floor and multiple miscarriages she has grown a love for learning and understanding this part of the body that is rarely talked about and sometimes even misunderstood. She is currently a Doctor of Physical Therapy in Oakland, CA where she offers both telehealth and concierge/in-home therapy services.

In addition, she is works as a women’s health coach, host of her former podcast, The Masterful Art of Self-Care and an amateur pole and Lyra artist. She is a wife, mother to her 7 year old daughter and a cat mom.

 Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Dr. Anietie ukpe-wallace

contact dr. charisse

Dr. Charisse has an office located in Golden Gate Doula Center and hosts monthly "Vag Clinic" for our clients. 



Charisse specializes in treating the pelvic floor and chronic pain.

In 2004, she obtained her B.S. in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Psychology from UC Davis. She continued on to the Azusa Pacific University and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2009. After obtaining her doctorate, she began to focus her attention to yoga.

Charisse obtained her yoga certification RYT-200 in 2015. With this training, she was introduced to the physiological benefits of the quiet, restful, supported practice of restorative yoga.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

Dr. Charisse Balance 

Contact a pt at origin

Origin is proud to support the families of the GGDA. They host informational workshops about pelvic floor health virtually and at the Golden Gate Doula Associates Center.


Origin is a leading provider of pelvic floor and whole-body physical therapy with a specialized focus on pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and sexual health. Origin offers virtual and in-person PT sessions, covered by insurance and supported by proprietary exercise programs, educational content, and community experiences.

 PT, MSPT, WCS 

Origin Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Contact danielle

Danielle teaches chiropractic prenatal & postnatal classes at Golden Gate Doula Associates Center and offers her services to our SF clients.




Dr. Danielle Geiger first was introduced to chiropractic at the young age of 11 when a chiropractor found she was developing scoliosis. The progression of scoliosis was able to be stopped and she had a passion and interest for the profession ever since.

Throughout her career as a chiropractor, Dr. Danielle developed a lifestyle chiropractic health and wellness belief system. She helps patients reclaim their lives through nutrition, movement and spinal health.

She has additional certifications in pregnancy and pediatrics and is Webster certified. One of her passions is to empower pregnant women throughout their pregnancies and beyond.

Dr. Danielle graduated from Life Chiropractic College in Georgia. She practices full spine and extremity adjustments using low force techniques. She is looking forward to helping individuals achieve optimal health! In her spare time, Dr. Danielle likes to stay active through working out, running and hiking with her dog.

Dr. Danielle is originally from a small town in northern Wisconsin called Minocqua. She recently moved to the Bay area from Louisville, KY. She is excited to explore all the hiking trails and beautiful views that California has to offer. Her most recent accomplishment is running a 10K.

Doctor of Chiropractics

Dr. danielle geiger

Contact Kate

Kate is proud to be working with the families of Golden Gate offering her house call services to our clients! Get your first free consultation below.






Dr. Kate Wong is a Housecall chiropractor who specializes in preconception, prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum. She offers concierge chiropractic care that provides chiropractic care customized for parents and children that works with a busy schedule.

Dr. Wong is Webster Technique Certified, a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment with the goal to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation or sacroiliac joint dysfunction very common in pregnant moms. This technique helps mothers have a comfortable pregnancy by providing proper alignment in the pelvis and spine best for their pregnancy needs, especially mothers who may suffer with discomfort such as pelvic pain, sciatica, vertigo, low back pain, etc. Best of all, she comes straight to your home!

She extends her services to newborns, toddlers and up to optimize child development brain function that may need customized care that the conventional methods don't provide. Dr. Wong emphasizes the importance of postpartum care focusing on helping your body recover back to alignment, especially after the birthing process.

Doctor of Chiropactics

Dr. Kate wong 

Contact Anne

Anne trains the GGDA Postpartum Doulas and teaches workshops at the Golden Gate Doula Associates center.




Anne is a mom of two sweet boys and a lover of family, food, and sleep!

In coaching her own baby boy, Anne was amazed at how quickly her son learned to sleep on his own and how well rested he became. Formerly sleepless nights had turned into healthy sleep for her family, and ultimately, she was left with a newfound confidence in motherhood.

That is what motivated Anne and she has been helping sleepy families locally and around the globe since 2017.

Anne believes that motherhood is not meant to be survived, but to be spent thriving. She takes a compassionate, educated, thorough and parent-supportive approach with families. She is a passionate mama with a love for children and she is committed to helping parents. When it comes to sleep, Anne’s motto is “Do not suffer in silence”, you and your baby deserve to sleep, and Anne is here to help!

Certified infant & toddler Sleep Consultant

Anne Del Valle 

Contact Lorena

Lorena offers massage services to GGDA prenatal and postnatal clients at her Noe Valley location.


Twenty years ago, Lorena began her massage therapy practice. She has worked at many reputable spas in San Francisco, New York City and Palo Alto. Most recently, she was working at Nob Hill Spa.

In the beginning of her career she specialized primary in Deep Tissue massages. Once she became pregnant she found herself needing prenatal massages and discovered incredible relief from her prenatal massage therapist. It was priceless and she couldn't be more thankful to her services.

After having her baby, she also experienced the physical demands of caring for her baby and her empathy grew with each passing day. Parenting is such an amazing experience and yet can take a toll on our bodies. Massage therapy has proven to help manage these physical challenges. 

Lorena will provide you with a highly skilled massage along with lots of empathy and the desire to provide you with great experience. She welcomes any questions you may have.

Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Esthetician

Lorena Sanchez

Contact Heather

Heather is proud to be working with the families of Golden Gate. offering unique Belly Facials to our families!  






Heather is a graduated and licensed Esthetician from San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology. She has always had a deep love for skincare and helping others feel beautiful in the skin that they are in.

She is always on the hunt for tips and tricks to further her knowledge and education, previously she worked at a high end spa in the heart of San Francisco but is now focusing on helping out expecting and postpartum mothers to get their skin in a healthy and beautiful state.

Her passion and empathetic nature can be easily felt throughout the services she provides, making sure each client leaves feeling relaxed and satisfied with their experience.

Licensed Esthetician

Heather Darwin 

Meet & Greet

Schedule a 30 minute MEET & GREET to see if GetzWell is a match for you and your family.
GGDA or Village Postnatal Retreat Members get 25% off their Year 1 Annual Membership fee for the Basic Membership Plan. 


GetzWell was founded in 2008 with the goal of providing a very different patient experience. At GetzWell, you never feel rushed or like a number. Their providers listen carefully and take time to partner with you. While most pediatricians in the United States see as many as 25 or 30 patients per day, GetzWell’s well-child visits last an hour to get to know your child and your family and understand the root causes of any potential issues. GetzWell members can email or call a provider 24/7. Unlike other practices, they don’t outsource this service to phone banks staffed by anonymous nurses. This helps patients avoid impersonal visits to urgent care centers and emergency rooms which can be unnecessary, invasive and scary for little ones and their parents. GetzWell’s goal is to return pediatrics to its root values whereby patient care is driven by thoughtful providers and intelligent decision making in partnership with parents. GetzWell's approach combines the best of conventional and holistic medicine, addressing not only the body but also emotional, social, environmental, and developmental aspects of health and illness.

personalized pediatrics

getzwell

Contact nannies plus

GGDA often receives questions about Nanny Services after they have completed their Postpartum Doula support. Nannies Plus will apply $350 off their  Placement Fee when you mention GGDA!







Joy is the owner and founder of Nannies Plus. She also serves as a Director on the Board of the International Nanny Association.

Nannies Plus is a boutique domestic staffing agency matching families with experienced, vetted and caring nannies, family assistants, personal assistants, housekeepers and senior companions who’ll be a seamless fit for their family team. 

A natural connector with over 30 years of experience as a professional nanny and agency owner, Joy knows what thriving family teams look like. Her mission is to honor and balance the needs of the families and candidates she works with while elevating the domestic staffing industry. 

owner & founder nannies plus

joy colino

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