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
Jenny Jarrett
Chair
Jenny has always had a passion for birth and perinatal wellness. As a registered massage therapist for sixteen years, she wanted to further support people throughout their pregnancies and became a Birth Doula. She has had the privilege of helping families in this role for many years since completing her training with Doula Training Canada. She is also certified in her Level 1 & 2 of Pelvic Health Massage Therapy. She is a mother to two beautiful girls who fill her days with a little bit of crazy and a lot of laughter. Her family loves going on adventures around Atlantic Canada and love to camp, explore beaches, hike trails, and the never ending pursuit for the best ice cream! As Chair of the NSDA Jenny is excited to further advocate and educate the public and healthcare professionals about the important role that Doulas play when it comes to perinatal wellness, as well as support more families to be able to access doula support.
Jenny 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 Media 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.
Tyana Randell
Director of Education
Tyana is a doula, educator, and passionate advocate for families across Nova Scotia. She is the founder of Your Perinatal Pal and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work as a mom of three, including twins. This personal journey has deeply shaped her approach to perinatal care and sparked her specialization in supporting families expecting and raising multiples.
As a birth and postpartum doula, Tyana is known for her warm, grounded presence and her commitment to evidence-informed, family-centred support. She believes deeply in empowering parents with knowledge, confidence, and compassionate care, meeting families where they are and honouring their unique goals and experiences.
Tyana currently serves as President of POMBA (Parents of Multiple Births Association), where she advocates for improved education, resources, and support for families of multiples. Her passion for this work extends into her role as Director of Education with the Nova Scotia Doula Association, where she is dedicated to strengthening doula education, fostering inclusive learning environments, and supporting doulas in building confidence and clinical insight.
Prior to entering the perinatal field, Tyana spent over a decade in the insurance industry, holding leadership roles that strengthened her skills in mentorship, team development, communication, and organizational leadership. She brings this strong foundation into her work today, blending professional leadership with heart-led, community-focused education.
Tyana’s approach to education is collaborative, approachable, and rooted in real-world experience. She is passionate about supporting doulas at every stage of their journey and helping build a strong, connected perinatal support network for families throughout Nova Scotia.
Shandelle Ferguson
Vice 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.
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.
Hayley Ryerson
Director of Membership
As a full-spectrum doula and active member of the birthwork community in Halifax, I am pleased to be supporting the value of membership within our association. I intend to support the boar and membership for the value of having a supportive professional network across Nova Scotia for doulas. My training includes the Maternal Support Practitioner Program with Bebo Mia Inc., and Advanced Doula Training with Wombs of the World. These diverse and integrative educational experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of inclusive, person-centered care across the reproductive spectrum and the importance of the role of doulas for birthing people. They have also reinforced my belief that professional community, shared knowledge, and collective advocacy are essential to the sustainability of doula work. For more information on my work as a doula, visit https://ryersonhayley.wixsite.com/sage-sister-birth-do.
Cristal-Dawn Boudreau
Director of Events and Fundraising
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.
Laura Marino
Member at Large
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.