About The Wisconsin Doulas Association
OUR MISSION
We connect, advocate, and provide resources for Doulas with a unified approach to birth work, while fostering professional networks.
Our Vision
Working together to make doulas essential members of the care team through sustainable and standardized practices
Meet our team
Emily Jacboson
Executive Director
Emily Jacobson is the founder and owner of Green Bay Doulas and the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Doulas Association. A statewide recognized leader in maternal health, Emily holds certifications as a labor doula, postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, VBAC-certified doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, breastfeeding educator, shaken baby syndrome prevention trainer, and infant sleep consultant. Her comprehensive expertise allows her to support families through every stage of the parenting journey with compassion and professionalism.
Beyond her work with families, Emily is deeply involved in community development. She serves as Board Chair for NeighborWorks Green Bay and the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and sits on the Brown County Board of Supervisors. She is also the creator of impactful community initiatives, including Diaper Green Bay and the Green Bay Parenting Expo.
Emily’s leadership and service have earned her numerous honors, including the 2023 Greater Green Bay Chamber Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Edgewood College Promise Alumni Award, and most recently, recognition as one of Insight Magazine’s 40 Under 40. She is known for blending entrepreneurial innovation with public service to create lasting, positive change for families and communities across Wisconsin.
Michelle sanford
Executive administrator
Michelle Sanford is a mom of three, educator, certified doula, and expert-level chaos coordinator. Based in the Greater Fox Valley/Green Bay area, she’s been supporting families since 2016 as a Certified Labor Doula, Postpartum & Infant Care Specialist, and Postpartum Placenta Specialist. Her journey into birth work began after having her third child at 38—when a new passion (and a gentle push from Emily Jacobson of Green Bay Doulas) led her into the world of birth and parenting support.
Before diving into diapers and birth plans, Michelle spent over two decades in education—teaching middle schoolers and later helping adults earn their GED or HSED. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a math minor from UW-Green Bay and a Master’s in educational technology from Marian University. She likes to joke that whether she’s guiding someone through algebra or active labor, her job is basically the same: provide support, stay calm, and hand out snacks when needed.
Michelle is also deeply rooted in her community, volunteering for events like Touchdowns for Hope and Diaper Green Bay. When she’s not helping others, she’s hiking, camping, or sneaking in audiobook time. One of her favorite adventures was a 34-day road trip out West with her husband, daughter, and two dogs—exploring nine states and four national parks, all with a travel trailer and a whole lot of trail mix. Her next adventure? Stay tuned.
“If we learn from the experience, there is no failure, only delayed victory.” —Carrie Chapman Catt
Rosalynn "Roz" Perkins
Roz is a faith-based Certified Birth, Postpartum, Community Doula, certified lactation specialist, wife, and mother of six, dedicated to serving families with Christ-centered care. As the founder of Radical Waves Doula Services LLC she provides compassionate birth and postpartum support, lactation guidance, and newborn babywearing education. With a heart for ministry, she integrates prayer, encouragement, and evidence-based care to empower mothers on their journey into parenthood. Through her work, she uplifts families, creating a nurturing and faith-filled experience for every mother, father and family she serves.
Contact: se.regional.coordinator@widoulas.org
joni chmiel
For over 29 years, my life's work has revolved around nurturing families and empowering parents. As a mother, seasoned Postpartum Doula, and Infant Care Specialist, I bring a wealth of personal and professional experience to every client. My own journey through motherhood, where I relied heavily on the support of fellow mothers, underscored the critical need for community and compassionate guidance. This personal understanding fuels my dedication to providing empathetic, tailored care through Doula Co. MKE. We offer comprehensive support, including emotional and mental health resources, newborn care education, and vital self-care strategies during the postpartum period. My unwavering belief is that no parent should navigate this transformative time alone. Beyond individual client care, I am deeply committed to strengthening the Milwaukee doula community, fostering mentorship, and breaking down barriers to ensure every birth worker can thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive environment for families in Milwaukee.
ashley schmitz
Hello! I’m Ashley Schmitz, a mom to 2 boys and a wife to a supportive husband. Our life in Central WI keeps us busy with farming along with our “day jobs.” Growing up, I worked on a hog farm helping sows deliver piglets which grew my passion for labor and delivery. My experience as a 1st time mom having a c-section at 33 weeks, I knew I had to change my outcome for my 2nd pregnancy and talk to others about their perspective on motherhood in rural WI. With that, I was able to have my dream VBAC and this was when I knew my calling in life was a doula. In June, 2024, I started You are the World Doula Services and have been providing birth support since then. I am passionate about all things birth and babies and love supporting women as they transition into and through motherhood.
Contact: w.regional.coordinator@widoulas.org
robin dietel
Hello, my name is Robin Dietel. I am a mother of four adult children and a Mema to four beautiful granddaughters. I have been a nurse for over 36 years, 28 of those being in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, NBN Nursery, Lactation and Childbirth Education. My passion to provide education and support to expectant parents allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a certified doula. In March of 2021 I started Mema D’s Doula Services, LLC providing both labor and postpartum doula services to the Central Wisconsin area. I continue my "day job " as a casual status Lactation Consultant with the Marshfield Health Care System in Marshfield, and pursue my "passion" of providing birth and postpartum support in between. On a personal level, I enjoy travel, reading and reality TV! My goal as a Regional Coordinator is to bring doulas together with support and education in order to best serve parents in the Central Wisconsin area.
Contact: n.regional.coordinator@widoulas.org
Board of Directors
Diane Gaywont- Board Chair
Liz Krumwiede – Treasurer
Michelle Sanford – Secretary
Abby Farragh
Samantha Emro
Salema Peterson
Grants and Sponsorships
2020- Rotary of Green Bay
2020- Canary Fund
2020- Schreiber Foods
2022- Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay
2023/2024- Wisconsin DHS/ MCH Grant