Meet The Team

Nearly 12 years ago, Lisa was pregnant with her first child and noted feeling clueless about how that child would make his way out. But then, fortunately, she took Bradley Method childbirth classes, switched from a hospital obstetrician to a home birth midwife, hired a doula, and had a fantastic birth–despite it taking 51 hours! It could not have gone better than it did– but it would not have worked that way had Lisa, and the people she was surrounded by, not had faith in her body and trust in the birthing process.  

This experience sent Lisa on the journey of a lifetime. She became a Bradley Method ® instructor and has taught classes to hundreds of couples over the years, helping them gain the knowledge and skills needed to have a great birth experience. Later, Lisa became a birth doula and then a DONA-Approved Birth Doula Trainer, training hundreds of doulas and teaching them the tricks of the trade. She has been pursuing midwifery and working with Gentle Birth Care since the practice began and loved every minute of it.

Vanessa was born at home, and grew up in a community where home birth was the norm. Her passion for birth stems as far back as she can remember, and she became a DONA trained doula at the age of 16. After attending births in all settings (hospitals, birth centers, and home), Vanessa realized how truly special homebirth midwifery is, and started her journey to become a Certified Professional Midwife in 2018. She is a firm believer in the holistic approach to evidenced-based care that midwifery offers. Vanessa also works as an Emergency Medical Technician and finds it incredibly rewarding to be involved in the wide range of care provided.

Vanessa joined the Gentle Birth Care team in May of 2021 and is honored to care for, and hold space for each client she meets. She recognizes the vulnerability and sacredness of every birth, and values making sure every client and birthing person feels safe, heard, and respected.

Janina’s journey into this life’s work began at a very early age with her personal experience as a teen mom and not having the support she should have. She knew that through her experience she was chosen to provide support, education, empowerment for families. Her skill set during labor allows her to connect deeply with families and allows families to feel relaxed and calm throughout their labors, births and postpartum. Janina has a very calming demeanor that allows families to feel safe and secure.

She has always seen childbirth to be an incredible miracle and has been around babies and families her entire life. The natural power a birthing person possess to be able to build a life inside them and then help it enter the world is remarkable.

Janina and her husband are the proud parents of 9 children the most recent being “Irish triplets,” now 15 years old. She has a soft spot for families of multiples, her ability and expertise will allow families to bond with new baby while she supports in whatever capacity is needed providing breastfeeding support, cooking, cleaning, running errands. She absolutely knows what families need to feel supported, safe and secure and will jump right in to meet their needs even before they know they have them!

Janina uses her compassion, empathy, and strong nurturing spirit to make families feel supported and confident during this amazing transition. She is a lifelong learner currently in her second-year studies as a Midwifery student.

In her free time she plays drums, gardens, and loves to eat and travel.

Tynece has been an active birth worker and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist since 2018, servicing Chicago and the surrounding areas. She is currently a midwifery student on the path to becoming a licensed Certified Professional Midwife (CPM).