The Nova Scotia Doula Association began in 2007 with a group of women who desired to grow awareness of the Doula profession and provide educational opportunities to doulas wishing to further their knowledge and skills.
Our mission: The Nova Scotia Doula Association (NSDA) cultivates the growth of individual Doulas and the collective profession, thereby increasing the quality of prenatal, birth and postpartum support given to the pregnant person and their families in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia is home to many Doulas who operate across the province of Nova Scotia, some serve as volunteers providing services to families in need. Our members and associates are committed to expanding and raising awareness of the Doula profession throughout our province and Atlantic Canada.
Our Board of Directors
Shandelle Ferguson
Chair
Shandelle Ferguson is originally from Newfoundland but now calls Nova Scotia her home. With a passion for changing birth culture in Atlantic Canada, you can find her chatting with other doulas, reaching out to birth professionals and helping new parents in their journey into parenthood. Shandelle is a Full time Birth and Postpartum Doula with Blossom and Birth Doula Services. She is also the Student and Alumni Coordinator with Doula School Canada and International.
A mother to three, you can find her drinking coffee, or wine, and spending time with her family.
Shandelle can be reached at chair@novascotiadoulas.org
Karen Reid
Treasurer
Karen is our wonderful and talented Treasurer and beings to her role an impressive 15 years of experience as an Analyst and Accountant. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Dal and completed the academic portion of the Certified Management Accountant Program in 2015. Karen keeps our books balanced and our mouths drooling with her yummy yet healthy recipe contributions to our newsletters. Please contact Karen with any payment questions at payments@novascotiadoulas.org.
Liz Burns
Community Outreach Director
Liz (she her) is a mother of two, a childbirth educator, and a birth and postpartum doula. She is currently working on her Masters in Counselling at Acadia University. She grew up in England and moved to Toronto in 2011 before settling in Halifax in 2013. With a background in psychology and previous work in addictions, HR, and mindfulness, she has a unique toolkit that she brings to her work as a doula, and as a board member. Liz is the owner of Driftwood Doula Care, and also volunteers with the IWK Volunteer Doula Program. Liz is passionate about creating systemic change and advocating for better birth practices and outcomes for Nova Scotian families.
Alyssa Porter
Social Events and Marketing Director
Alyssa, is a mama to two busy boys. Alyssa has always had a passion for supporting others, and is thrilled to be stepping into the role of Social Media Director for the Nova Scotia Doula Association! She would like to help amplify the incredible work of doulas across the province—because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that birth workers deserve way more spotlight (and probably snacks). She is excited to bring community connection, meaningful content, and just the right sprinkle of humour to our online presence. Here’s to boosting engagement, celebrating our amazing members, and making sure our posts are as supportive as a well-timed hip squeeze.
Bridget Graham
Member at Large
Bridget (she/her) is a labour and birth, postpartum, abortion, and death doula with Nova Vitae Doula. She is also a mother, Gaelic speaker, gardener, and fundraiser with Dalhousie University. While originally from Ontario, she has lived in Nova Scotia since 2011. Bridget loves supporting individuals and families, and has been doing so for almost ten years.
Laura Marino
Secretary
Laura Marino is a birth and postpartum doula who supports families through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. She believes deeply in informed choice, respectful care, and compassionate support for both families and care providers. Laura is proud to serve as a Board Member with the NS Doula Association, where she is passionate about strengthening the doula community, fostering collaboration, and advocating for accessible, family-centred care across Nova Scotia. She is honoured to support the work of the association and the doulas it represents.
Cristal Boudreau
Director of Membership
Cristal-Dawn is a full-spectrum doula, born and raised in Nova Scotia, who supports individuals and families through every stage of their fertility journey with a holistic, evidence-based approach. She brings over three years of not-for-profit leadership experience, including fundraising, event planning, and relationship-building with community partners. With her experience as a business owner, Cristal-Dawn offers strong organizational skills, creative vision, and the ability to bring impactful initiatives to life in a cost-effective way. Deeply passionate about the role doulas play during vulnerable and transformative moments, she is honoured to serve on the Board of Directors of the NSDA and contribute to the growth and strength of the doula community. Cristal-Dawn enjoys reading, being in nature and playing squash.