Meet MAAME, Inc. Doula Team

Brooke is a devoted wife, daughter, sister, friend, and above all, a proud mother of four remarkable children. Her upbringing as an “Army Brat” exposed her to a rich tapestry of experiences that continue to influence her life and outlook. From an early age, Brooke felt a profound connection to mothers and their newborns, recognizing the unique bond that exists between them.

Inspired by the extraordinary resilience and strength of women, Brooke discovered her true calling in birth work. She founded “Essentially Yours Doula Services”, with a clear mission: to advocate for expectant mothers, provide both physical and emotional support, and serve as a steadfast cheerleader throughout the birthing process. As a professional doula, she believes that childbirth is not just a medical event but an empowering experience that can transform lives. Brooke is deeply honored to accompany mothers on their journey to motherhood, helping them embrace their inherent power and navigate the challenges and joys of bringing new life into the world. Through her work, she strives to create an environment where every woman feels supported, respected, and empowered.

Cassey Mapp-Ahmed, MPH, CHC, CHES, CSSYB, CD, originates from the stunning mountains of Asheville, NC. With over a decade of experience as a doula, she proudly owns Village Sis Doula, LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing maternal health by providing empowering birth experiences through both quality in-person and virtual support. Her organization offers a comprehensive array of customized services aimed at optimal assistance, including childbirth education, postpartum care, fertility doula services, holistic wellness, lactation support, bereavement support, doula mentorship, and public speaking on reproductive health. Cassey’s reputation is founded on her ability to create empowering birth experiences and cultivate community connections that encourage ongoing health advocacy and improved wellness.

Her commitment to advancing maternal health, championing reproductive justice, and fostering community wellness has driven her to dedicate two decades to Public Health Research. She has completed a variety of certifications and training programs, such as Birth Advocacy Childbirth Education, Doula International Postpartum Doula, Birth Arts International Full Spectrum Doula, PAIL Bereavement Doula, Dona International Birth Doula, and Mammissi Fertility Doula, among others. As a certified full-spectrum doula, she is devoted to expanding her knowledge and experience to offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support, along with education, to those in labor, ensuring a truly empowering birthing journey.

She is a proud mother to a 2-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. Together, they find joy in the tranquility of the garden, cooking, and participating in enjoyable community events. Her desire to establish Village Sis Doula, LLC stems from her own experiences with five years of fertility challenges, motherhood, and an understanding of the complexities surrounding minority health disparities. She has recognized the importance of community support and education in advocating for personal health and wellness throughout various life stages, particularly during pregnancy. Her journey has inspired the motto, “IT TRULY TAKES A VILLAGE.”

Denawa Deniece is a full spectrum doula and holistic guide specializing in herbalism, placenta encapsulation, pre/postnatal yoga, holistic postpartum care and is the owner of Qcity Doula and Double Dose Wellness located in Charlotte NC. She services the greater Mecklenburg area and Wake County and is passionate about helping women along their reproductive and wellness journeys. Throughout her career she has supported dozens of women in various capacities by providing them with education and support, while empowering them to trust their innate strengths as women. Her biggest advice to new parents is to be open to the process of unlearning + relearning as you evolve into parenting. Values, traditions and what you know to be true can and will change during motherhood and that is ok. Surrounding yourself with community is key because although no parenting situation is cookie cutter, having a support system of community is a great way to not feel alone.

Her favorite quote:

“When you take care of yourself, you’re a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better.” –Solange

Khalilah is a dedicated healthcare professional residing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, her career took a transformative turn following the birth of her daughter in 2017. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for breastfeeding advocacy, leading her to become a Certified Lactation Counselor. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive support for women during childbirth, Khalilah further expanded her expertise by training as a doula, enabling her to offer assistance to women in her community both in person and virtually.

As the proud owner of K & K Lactation and Moore, Khalilah is committed to empowering women throughout the labor process. Her mission is to equip expectant mothers with the knowledge and support they need to navigate childbirth confidently and informed. Khalilah’s dedication to her work reflects her belief that every woman deserves to experience birth with the utmost support and understanding.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Khalilah enjoys a variety of activities that enrich her life. She finds joy in reading, traveling, and cherishing moments spent with family and friends. Through her advocacy and support, Khalilah continues to make a meaningful impact in her community, championing the well-being of mothers and their children.

Michelle Carmichael is a dedicated Community-Based Doula with five years of experience in providing invaluable support to families during some of life’s most significant transitions. As a mother of three herself, Michelle understands firsthand the importance of guidance and empowerment during critical life stages. Her personal experiences have deepened her commitment to educating and advocating for families, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions about their care.

Driven by her passion for maternal and family health, Michelle strives to be a compassionate presence in the lives of those she serves. She believes in the power of knowledge and essential tools to help families navigate their unique journeys with confidence and clarity. Through her work, Michelle fosters an environment of support and understanding, guiding families through transformative experiences with grace. Her unwavering dedication to her community and the families she serves reflects her belief that everyone deserves access to the resources and information they need to thrive.

Nakia Clark’s journey is a testament to resilience and growth. Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she became a young mother at nineteen to her son, Kj, who inspired her through life’s challenges. As a hairstylist, Nakia built meaningful relationships with women that enriched her life.

A pivotal moment came in 2017 with the loss of her brother, which shifted her focus to the importance of time and relationships. This tragedy ignited her passion for community work, leading her to advocate for special needs adults and pursue a career as a doula, empowering families during significant life events.

Nakia’s story reflects her unwavering compassion and determination as she continues to uplift her community and inspire others.

I am Qua Sharpe born and raised in High Point, North Carolina. I am a clinical therapist and the owner of Birthing A Better You, providing birth and postpartum services. I am extremely passionate about mental, maternal and infant health. I enjoy working with families to ensure they feel fully and adequately prepared for childbirth, labor and postpartum by providing physical, emotional and educational support. As your doula, my goals are to provide a safe, unbiased, nonjudgmental space for you and to provide current evidence-based information so that you have the knowledge to make informed choices over your body, baby and birth.

I am Sha’irah, an Interdisciplinary Doula of over 12 years. I support families through all stages of their Childbearing years from preconception to infancy. I specialize in holistic wellness with a focus on nutrition, mental health, newborn care, and more. I have a unique understanding of a medical and holistic approach due to my experience in the medical field for over a decade. With that experience I provide education and support through my teaching of “wise autonomy”, offering guidance in well-informed, evidence-based, pregnancy and birth, while also teaching the laws and rights in each of the respective paradigms. As a young wife and mother of fourteen, I also understand the systematic disparities in healthcare and education, through personal and professional experiences. To make changes in our communities, we must first ensure that individuals are provided with trusted care, education, and support. I am honored to be of service and witness such a sacred time in growing families.

Shatrell Mack is a dedicated Birth Worker with a profound commitment to supporting mothers throughout their birthing journeys. With the experience of assisting over 30 births, Shatrell has established herself as a compassionate and knowledgeable resource for expectant families. Her role as a Full Spectrum Doula allows her to provide invaluable support not only during labor but also with breastfeeding and postpartum care.

Currently pursuing her studies at South University to become a Midwife, Shatrell is driven by a mission to change the statistics surrounding birthing women. She collaborates with other passionate doulas, working together to empower mothers and enhance their birthing experiences.

Shatrell’s business, Yuhnique Organics & Doula Services LLC, embodies her dedication to holistic and personalized care. In addition to her private practice, she actively volunteers with the Cone Health Volunteer Doula Program, further demonstrating her commitment to the community and her desire to make a positive impact in the world of maternal health.

With a heart full of gratitude, Shatrell expresses her appreciation to those she supports, reaffirming her role as a guide and ally on their unique birthing journeys.

Shayla Rhem CD/PCD(IBFA), FSD (DTI), CBE (BADT), is owner of EASE Doula Collaborative, a full spectrum doula, childbirth educator, doula trainer, and reproductive justice activist. Starting her career in 2017, just 2 years after her youngest was born, she saw doula work to educate birthing people of their expectations during birth and the postpartum period. After learning more about birth work and the black maternal health statistics, it organically led her into reproductive justice.

As an activist, she seeks to continue to learn all she can about its intersections and to fight for BIPOC’s who choose to advocate for their own reproductive journeys. Shayla is also CPR (Infant, Child, and Adult) certified and completed a Spinning Babies workshop. Services Offered – Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Education, Spinning Babies Education, Birth, Postpartum, and Full Spectrum Doula Training.

My name is Tenisha Tyler, and I go by the name Milli Femme, short for Millennial Woman. I believe all women should have safe and positive birth experiences. When I notice someone on their pregnancy journey, I immediately ask “How are we feeling?” Most of the time the response includes an exhausted, “I’m fine.” For which I ask again, “How are we feeling?” And then I get the truth, for which I understand. Because, as a mother of a large family, I have been there… 5 times. I feel the immediate need to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to empower women in their journey. However, in my most recent experience, I faced medical challenges. Had a birth worker supported me, the stress and complications wouldn’t have been as severe. My position would have been heard if more than one voice rang out with me… standing beside me. Now I have a choice: I could let my experience haunt me, or I can be that person I needed, for someone else. I’m choosing the latter.

Tiara Morris is a dedicated full-spectrum doula and placenta encapsulation specialist based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With a commitment to serving families in the Triad and surrounding areas, Tiara has earned a reputation for providing compassionate and knowledgeable support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum journey.

Holding multiple certifications, including those as a birth and postpartum doula, advanced breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator, Tiara believes that knowledge is power. This philosophy drives a passion for empowering families by equipping them with the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

As a devoted wife and mother, Tiara understands the importance of support during such transformative life stages. Complementing her doula training, she is certified in bloodborne pathogens, CPR, BSL, first aid, and AED for adults, infants, and children, ensuring that she is prepared for any situation that may arise.

With a deep-seated passion for all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and lactation, Tiara looks forward to the opportunity to support, empower, and serve families on their unique journeys. Her commitment to fostering a nurturing environment allows families to thrive during one of the most significant times of their lives.