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
Jennifer Doolin - Treasurer
Teresa Wall-Cyb - Secretary
Elisa Song, MD
Holly Van Houten
Kathryn Hopkins
Lauren Pacuit
Mendy Thijssen
Miki Kokka
Mora Oommen (Executive Director)
Yavonne Lu-Chen

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

Staff
Mora Oommen - Executive Director
Jeanna Lurie - Program Manager
Michelle DeJesus - Registration Coordinator
Rachel Cooley - Office Coordinator
Jennifer Doolin- Accounting Coordinator

All staff work part-time.

Instructors
Audrey Kalman - Breastfeeding
Cindy Howard - Breastfeeding
Celine Negrete - Childbirth Preparation
Eva Roodman - New Parent Groups Facilitator
Jeanna Lurie - Prenatal Yoga
Julianne Rice - Mom/Baby Yoga
Kitti Pecka - Music
Lori Ismail - Childbirth Preparation and Bradley Method
Michelle Paul-Vogel - Baby Care and Breastfeeding
Mendy Thijssen - Prenatal Yoga and Birthing From Within
Neri Choma - Childbirth Preparation and Practicing for an Active Birth
Rachel Kelly - Childbirth Preparation and Childbirth Refresher
Reenie McCaffery - Infant Massage
Sara Russell - Baby Care
Bill White - Infant Signing
Elisabeth Manning - BabySpirit Mediation Facilitator
Kristine Twite - Hypnobirthing
Jackie Long - Family Yoga
Lorena Martinez Michel - Prenatal Yoga
HeatherGail Lovejoy - Happiest Baby on the Block
Janet Dombro - Twins
Becca Ackerman-Bennett - Slings: the Art of Babywearing

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

Last updated: 3/14/09 JL