The Instructors
Who We Are
Rupa Patel
Proprietor of OneHonestDoula
I'm Rupa and I'm a Birth Doula as well as a Nurse Practitioner for 20+ years. Advocating, educating and guiding women through pregnancy and childbirth is what I do and I'm good at it!
Women can do anything they set their minds too. We are empowered,strong and our bodies are designed to handle anything. With pregnancy and childbirth so many emotions come to light...joy, excitement, nervousness, fear of pain, lack of preparation and information etc. What I bring to your birth journey as your doula is my ability to be of consistent emotional and physical support going towards birthing. As well as education, resources and guidance throughout your pregnancy. I'm adept at remaining calm and focused as well as knowledgeable of medications and interventions. That I owe to my background in Nursing.
I'm multilingual, fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Spanish, Arabic and Albanian. I consider myself to be non- judgemental with respect for all cultures, religions and traditions that carry forward through generations. For myself, I grew up as the only child of hard working and loving immigrant Indian parents. All I've ever been taught is that women can achieve anything they want. I was fortunate to have been raised to value tradition. As well as move through life with open mindedness, acceptance and respect for everyone. I believe that set me up for a life of diversity, adventure, learning and strength. My family is a source of constant support in whatever I choose to take on. I am beyond grateful for them.
In my free time..I enjoy reading, working out, meditation, globe trotting, meeting people and learning about cultures. Some of my best interactions have been with people who just come up to me and start a conversation!
On the flip side, I love a good cheat meal with family and friends.
I look forward to connecting with you. Thank you for including me into your birth journey
Rashida Dujue
Director of Operations
My name is Rashida Dujue, mother to four beautiful children, grandmother to two, and gestational carrier for my one of my dear friends. I became passionate about helping families when I realized how little guidance was available for new parents throughout their pregnancy journey, birth, and postnatal period. I had very different birthing experiences (vaginal with/without epidural, long labor after inductions, cesarean birth) so I understand the importance of making sure that every woman has a positive and empowering birth experience.
My philosophy is that you and your baby are the most important. My goal is to support you and your birth partner throughout the birth. I am here to help you identify your preferences and to advocate for you to reinforce your decisions to increase the enjoyment of the birth of the baby for both parents. I look forward to partnering with your family to guide you along this journey as you transition into parenthood.
Christy Abrams
Christy Abrams is a Registered Nurse with 14 years of bedside experience in Labor and Delivery. Christy has been teaching Childbirth Education and Baby Care for the past nine years and the Spinning Babies Parent Classes since June of 2022. Currently, Christy is a lactation consultant in the hospital serving postpartum families. Education is truly her passion as she sees the direct impact education has on the birth experience. Her goal for classes is to be informative, fun, and filled with real scenarios she has experienced at the bedside. Christy holds certifications in Obstetrics, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Childbirth Education, Perinatal Mental Health, is an IBCLC, and a Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator.
Dr. Tulsi Shah
Dr. Tulsi Shah, is a proud mom, wife, experienced Physical Therapist, and Owner of Pelvic Reset Physical Therapy and Wellness, Inc. She received her Master's in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) and Master's in Public Health (MPH) in 2013 and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Rutgers University in 2016.
While working on her capstone project for her DPT, she identified a gap in women's health care—extending from before pregnancy through the postpartum period and beyond. This fascination sparked her interest in the pelvic floor, leading her to pursue continuing education courses post-graduation. In 2021, she embarked on the journey to attain an Advanced Certification in Pelvic Health (APHC) and Pregnancy and Postpartum Certification (PCES). Learning from top physical therapists in the pelvic health community, she was captivated by how therapists connect with the whole person, viewing the human body as a unified entity rather than merely treating isolated regions.
Dr. Shah believes in mastering the basics, and moving away from traditional PT practices while providing exceptional quality and care. To her, you're not a number but a person. She values the opportunity for connection and education. Her utmost commitment is to help you grasp not only the "what", "how", "when", and "where" of different diagnoses and exercises but also understand the "WHY" behind what we do.
Dr. Shah prioritizes your well-being with top-notch quality of care. You'll receive dedicated 1:1 hands-on treatment, that is individualized for you all within the comfort of your home. We use the latest research-backed methods, taking a holistic recovery. She truly can help you "RESET, REVIVE, and RECLAIM" your life during your pregnancy and postpartum!
In her spare time, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with her family, crafting DIY projects/coloring with her kids, and exercising and showcasing her commitment to a balanced and fulfilled life.
Asma K. Dehradunwala
Some experiences have a profound effect on the psyche and end up changing the trajectory of our lives.
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I had one such experience 36,000 feet up in the air.
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My seven year old started feeling uneasy and fainted. There were no physicians on board and as the pilot was preparing for an emergency landing, I was approached by a gentleman who offered to help. He said something about REIKI and placed his hands on my daughters head. Minutes later, my daughter was sitting upright and the flight continued to our destination.
This marked the beginning of my quest to discover the art of energy healing.
In my two decades of living in different countries and working in multicultural and socioeconomically diverse environments, I realized that my biggest strength lay in the conversations I was having with the people around me.
I noticed that when we tune in to the needs of people with true compassion and attention, we can help steer their focus to whats happening inside of them. Then with reflective questioning, we can help them align their internal self with their external self.
By incorporating Reiki, Meditation, Strengths practice and healthy nutrition into my Coaching sessions, I help my clients open up communication between their mind, body, heart and soul.
All you are required to bring is the desire and willingness to heal!
Lizzy Moati
My name is Lizzy, I'm a prenatal, birth, and postpartum doula. I have 4 kids, I have been working with women for the last 13 years in many of my endeavors. I'm also a personal trainer and a yoga instructor.
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I can relate to most of their experiences and feelings. Based in my diverse personal experiences and different cultural backgrounds as I lived in different countries and speak several languages. I believe that I can have a good impact on people’s lives.
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I can combine all my areas of knowledge and expertise including the fitness into an amazing opportunity to help women in the time they need a companion, a Voice and someone that can advocate for them when they can't. It will be my pleasure to be your companion and support you in any way I can.
Nikki Stanio
Nikki Stanio NDTR, CLC, LCCE, CDI, NPTI-CPT, FMS, CHHC, from Life Circle Wellness, is a nutritionist that specializes in women's health – “From fertility through menopause and everything in between.” She uses evidence based information and a holistic approach to health and wellness to help people live their most vibrant lives at any age and stage of life. She is also a Full Spectrum Doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor, holistic health coach and a Personal trainer with certifications in functional movement, Pelvic floor and core health, perinatal, postpartum, menopause and sports specific training. Nikki has struggled with her own health and autoimmune issues, birth trauma and injuries over the years and uses those experiences to create an empathetic judgement free space for the people she works with.
Fallon Russel
Fallon Russell, NBC-HWC, is a certified mental health coach and MamaGlow trained doula. She specializes in supporting women as they make the incredible transition to motherhood and everything that comes after. Fallon’s ultimate goal is to provide the space and support that is often lacking in women’s mental health postpartum. She does this through creating judgement-free space where each woman is free to come as she is. Every mother deserves to feel heard, validated, and held as they navigate the birth experience and beyond
Rhea Malone
Rhea Malone is a proud, Newark resident and mother of 4. She wanted to serve the community and loved working with children since she was quite young, which led her to become an Early Childhood Educator. Rhea later became a doula and a community health worker, which are her roles. She calls it “Heart Work”, with her down to earth personality, Rhea is eager to serve families of every village.
Roma Agarwal
Marketing Assistant/Birth Doula in Training
Roma Agarwal is a pre-medical undergraduate student with years of first-hand experience in the medical field. Roma graduated from Biotechnology High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, and currently is attending Syracuse University with plans to attend Upstate Medical University after. Roma spends her time immersing herself in the medical field, with years of work experience as an EMS cadet at an first aid ambulance squad, serving as a medical aid in local free clinics, and shadowing in various fields such as Plastic Surgery and Internal Medicine.
With a specific interest in women's health, Roma has conducted and published research on the intersection of healthcare systems and culture on Postpartum depression. She finds it incredibly important to support women not only during the birth process, but through the Postpartum period as well. Over the years, Roma has developed a passion in understanding the complex holistic factors that influence a healthy birthing process. She is passionate in supporting birthing women through this process, and prioritizes creating an empathetic, comfortable space where birthing womens' concerns are heard. Roma has plans to attend medical school, and hopes to apply the valuable lessons and experiences to shape her goals and work as a future OB/GYN.
Kendall Smith-McCombs
Kendall is a certified prenatal, birth and postpartum Doula. She is certified with the American Red Cross in Adult, Child and infant CPR, and is a vegan/plant based health and wellness coach. She has had advanced doula training with the Partnership for Maternal Child Health of Northern New Jersey and HealthConnect One. Kendall has supported family births at home, in the hospital, unmedicated and medicated childbirth. She has also supported VBAC ( vaginal birth after cesarean) having twins, high risk birth as well as cesarean. As a mother of three amazing children, her belief is that every woman deserves to have a safe and empowering birthing experience without fear or self doubt.
Virginia Davis
As a seasoned Doula with 25 years of experience and certified this year, I specialize in providing compassionate support throughout the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I am dedicated to empowering mothers, advocating for your desired birth experience, and ensuring you are well-prepared and educated every step of the way.
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With a background in professional childcare for 28 years and in-home care for cancer patients, I bring a wealth of knowledge to offer personalized care, including grief/loss support and guidance for birth mothers placing their baby for adoption. CPR/AED/First Aid certified. I am committed to nurturing a positive and informed birthing experience for every family I serve.
Sarah Gallagher
Meet Sarah, a certified doula through Matrona Midwives, whose unwavering passion lies in supporting and empowering families throughout their pregnancy journeys. With a background in doula care, Sarah is currently pursuing a nursing degree and ultimately aims to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Her ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for expectant parents and their newborns. Sarah's warm and nurturing nature allows her to connect with families, offering emotional support and guidance as they embark on this life-changing adventure. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth or opting for an epidural, Sarah is dedicated to providing the information and resources necessary for you to make informed decisions. With a focus on individualized care, Sarah ensures that each family feels seen, heard, and respected. Her gentle and reassuring presence creates a calm environment where parents can feel safe, secure, and empowered as they navigate the beautiful journey of labor and delivery. Trust in Sarah's expertise, and know that she will be there to help you welcome your little one into the world with confidence, love, and joy.