About Blossom Birth

Why a Blossom class?

  • Small classes enable individual attention -- Blossom classes usually have 3-7 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, 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
Kelli Bravo - Chair
Heather Hopkins - Vice Chair
Yavonne Lu-Chen - Tresurer
Teresa Wall-Cyb - Secretary
Daniele Levy
Elisa Song, MD
Hilary Stamper
Holly Van Houten
Katharina Kurwig
Mendy Thijssen
Miki Kokka
Sabrina Easterling

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

Staff
Shantell Kopelman - Executive Director
Jeanna Lurie - Program Manager
Michelle Ninde - Office Coordinator
Mendy Thijssen - Community Coordinator
Charity Terry-Lorenzo - Registration Coordinator
Rana Tinawi - Accounting Coordinator
Victoria Malolina - Accounting Intern
Lauren Pacuit - Community Relations Volunteer

All staff work part-time.

Instructors
Audrey Kalman - Breastfeeding Instructor
Bo Kasteic - Baby Boot Camp Fitness Instructor
Chris Pritchard - Baby Care Instructor
Cindy Howard - Breastfeeding Instructor
Celine Negrete - Childbirth Educator
Eva Chang - Sign Language Instructor
Eva Roodman - New Parent Groups Facilitator
Faye Moore - Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Jeanna Lurie - Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Jennifer Wolfe - Hypnosis Instructor
Julianne Rice - Mom/Baby Yoga Instructor
Kitti Pecka - Music Instructor
Lori Ismail - Childbirth Educator
Melissa Dean - Meet the Doulas Night Facilitator
Michelle Paul-Vogel - Baby Care and Breastfeeding Instructor
Mendy Thijssen - Prenatal Yoga and Childbirth Preparation Instructor
Neri Choma - Childbirth Preparation and Practicing for an Active Birth Instructor
Rachel Kelly - Childbirth Preparation and Childbirth Refresher Instructor
Reenie McCaffery - Infant Massage Instructor
Sara Russell - Baby Care Instructor
Treesa McLean - Surviving the First Six Weeks Instructor

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

Last updated: 3/19/08 PR