about brittany



Brittany's path led her through many experiences before focusing her work on the
need for respect and humility in the amazing power, instinct, and normalcy of birth.
 
Completing high school after her junior year with distinguished honors and a focus
in visual art and writing , Brittany went on to study Literature at Temple
University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and
certificates in both writing and honors.  She maintains membership with Phi Beta
Kappa, a national academic honor society.

Throughout college, Brittany worked for Trio Upward Bound, a national
organization that prepares inner city high school students for college.  In her role
as tutor and counselor, she gained experience in dealing with several different ages
from ninth through twelfth grade, understanding of differences in learning pace
and ability, and comfort in leading group discussions and projects.

Brittany went on to substitute teach for pre-school through eighth grade at
Frankford Friends School, strengthening her abilities in areas including the
facilitation of group activities, the development of all aspects of the person -
physical, academic, spiritual, emotional, and social, and the mentoring of children of
all different ages and backgrounds.  She continues to substitute for Frankford
Friends as her family and Blossoming Bellies' schedules allow.

In addition to her education career, Brittany has completed a mentorship training
program which focuses on peaceful solutions to conflict through listening,
reflection, and understanding and the development of counseling skills.  She has
attended the Birth Works three day workshop where she gained skills and
techniques helpful in facilitating childbirth classes and providing labor assistance.  
She has also attended a DONA-approved doula training workshop.  In an effort to
make maternity care options available to all pregnant women, Brittany is helping to
put together the 2008 Philadelphia Guide to a Healthy Birth with Choices in
Childbirth.  The Guide is scheduled to be released in June of 2008. Brittany has
also written several feature articles for the food service publication "Frozen
Desserts" and has had several submissions published in the Birth Works quarterly
newsletter, including a review of the three day workshop she attended.

Brittany is a Birth WorksTM certified childbirth educator and is completing her labor
assistant certification with ALACE.   Brittany is also a certified breastfeeding
counselor with Nursing Mothers Alliance.  In addition, she maintains adult, child,
and infant CPR certification.  Brittany continuously furthers her knowledge through
regular attendance at conferences, workshops, and lectures, in addition to her
home studies.

Brittany feels that her experience as a mother and partner to her husband has
been a positive and inspiring influence in her life.  She has grown tremendously in
all aspects of her being including her awareness of the impact one can make in the
world and amongst close family and friends, her patience in the face of obstacles
and frustration, and her ability to stand up, through action and discussion, for the
morals in which she believes.  Her desire to use her skills as a person and
conscientious being are what drive her in her career as a birth educator and doula.  

Providing women and families with information, alternatives, a listening ear, and
love and support through an intense and powerful period in life in a way that is
respectful of the needs and abilities of each individual is at the core of Brittany's
goals.  In helping mothers and fathers to recognize their strength as humans, role
models, and advocates for the needs and wishes of themselves and their children,
Brittany is helping to make a difference in the world.  In order to make change, one
must be aware of alternatives and hold the confidence and willingness to follow
one's heart and intuition.  This is what Brittany hopes to provide to this new
socially, familial, and life-conscious generation of families.