About Blossom Birth

Why a Blossom class?

  • Small classes enable individual attention -- Blossom classes usually have 4-7 couples (compare to 10-30 couples in typical classes).
  • Independence means you get full information -- Experienced instructors offer you everything they know; they are not limited by institutional policies or product sponsors.
  • Judgment-free approach supports your choices-- At Blossom we know there's no "one right way" to do anything. We encourage you to respect the journey of birth and parenting, honor your own preferences, and be ready for whatever may unfold.
  • Our cozy commuity center creates connections -- Come to relax, read, feed your baby, learn about care providers, or just chat with other parents.
  • Nonprofit building community among parents and birth experts -- We've been there! Our parent volunteers and small part-time staff are dedicated to helping other families make a great start.


Blossom's Mission

Blossom is a non-profit education and resource center that provides parents with a holistic view of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Our staff and educators create an inclusive and nurturing community that encourages wellness, confidence, and connected families. Our classes are the ideal size for personalized instruction, taught by educators who are diversity-minded and nonjudgmental, and who offer evidence-based information. Blossom provides resources and opportunities for maternity care professionals to train, continue education, network with each other, offer their services, and build community. Blossom collaborates with other non-profits and community organizations to address the important issues pertaining to infant and maternal health. We believe that parents who are supported and informed raise healthy, secure children - making our community strong now and into the future.

See Blossom's Donors List.

Blossom Staff and Board of Directors

Board of Directors
Holly Van Houten- Chair
Mendy Thijssen- Vice Chair
Jennifer Doolin - Treasurer
Teresa Wall-Cyb - Secretary
Crystal Botham
Heather Hopkins
Anna Hurty
Kanda Ishihara
Hannah Goldie Mestel
Rotem Pearlson
Laurie Schmiesing
Destia Skinner, ND, CST
Elisa Song, MD
Lucinda White
Wendy Wright
Mora Oommen (Executive Director)

Advisory Council
Anna Hurty - Founding Director
Cameron Adkison
Elizabeth Green
Pam Fox Rollin
Raquel Burgos, MD
Rosanna Davis, LM, CPM

 

Staff
Mora Oommen - Executive Director
Jeanna Lurie - Program Manager, Web Mistress
Michelle DeJesus - Registration Coordinator
Rachel Cooley - Community Outreach Coordinator
Jennifer Doolin- Accounting Coordinator

All staff work part-time.

Instructors
Audrey Kalman - Breastfeeding
Cindy Howard - Breastfeeding
Eva Roodman - New Parent Groups Facilitator
Jeanna Lurie - Prenatal Yoga, Couples Prenatal Yoga, and Toddler Yoga
Julie Dubrouillet- Prenatal Yoga, Couples Prenatal Yoga and Mom & Baby Yoga
Lori Ismail - Childbirth Preparation and Bradley Method
Michelle Paul-Vogel - Baby Care and Breastfeeding
Mendy Thijssen - Prenatal Yoga, Adjusting to Parenthod, and Birthing From Within
Neri Choma - Childbirth Preparation and Practicing for an Active Birth Workshop
Heather Ward- Childbirth Preparation, Childbirth Refresher, Baby Care, and Twins
Reenie McCaffery - Infant Massage
Bill White - Infant Sign Language
Elisabeth Manning - BabySpirit Mediation Facilitator
Vanessa Pisias- Hypnobirthing and Childbirth Prep Intensive
Lorena Martinez Michel - Prenatal Yoga
Katrina Leni - Prenatal Yoga
HeatherGail Lovejoy - Happiest Baby on the Block
Becca Ackerman-Bennett - Slings: the Art of Babywearing
Ollie Moore - BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby Dads Group Facilitator

Loved your class at Blossom? Want to help families looking for childbirth information and support? You can help right now!
 

Last updated: 7/12/10 JL