About Desert & Sea Doula
Hi, I’m Francesca!
I grew up in the high desert hills of Reno, Nevada, but as a wanderer at heart, spent many years traveling and living abroad until I landed in New York City. I worked in NYC for 7 years and am now based in Reno again as of March 2022. I am continually inspired by the landscapes of the desert and the sea!
I first discovered the power of mind-body medicine through Yoga after spine surgery as a teen, which influenced my search for effective care in my own struggle with reproductive health issues. This search brought me to the study of ancient healing modalities as well as nutrition, herbal medicine and energy work. I earned a master’s degree in Integrative Health Studies, with a focus on women’s/reproductive health, at the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2015 (my master’s thesis was about infertility and spirituality). Doula work came as natural complement to my master's program as I had been supporting children and families since I was a child, nannying my way through high school and college. I initially signed up for a doula training as a way to learn more about birth culture and supporting pregnancy, but after attending my first birth knew that it was a perfect blend of all of my interests and skills.
Studying and sharing fertility and pregnancy wellbeing is my passion! My goal is to offer a calm, unbiased presence and to facilitate positive reproductive experiences by connecting people to practical, evidence-based information as well as their own inner wisdom. I look forward to meeting you!
Philosophy &
Values
Conception and birth are deeply human experiences and need to be treated with care and respect.
Your instincts and intuition matter just as much as evidence based information.
Holding space for conception and birth is recognizing and normalizing that life and death are part of the same cycle.
I believe in a sense of humor, and I believe in you!
I support everyone’s right to safe and accessible reproductive care. It is my honor to support any type of family structure, queer families, single parents, and people of color. Payment plans and sliding scale sessions available.
Sunflower, Reno, Nevada
photo credit: Amanda Crommett
Goldenrod, Newport, Rhode Island
Education & Training
Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Dr. Sarah Duvall, in progress
Childbirth Educator Training, Doula Trainings International, September - December 2020
DreamBirth Imagery for Professionals, School of Images, March 2020- present
Certified Lactation Counselor Training, Healthy Children Project, February 2020
Hypnobirth Support Techniques for Birth Professionals, Hypnobirthing NY, 2019
Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Mentorship, Prenatal Yoga Center, 2018
85-hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, Prenatal Yoga Center, 2016
Birth and Postpartum Doula Training, Cornerstone Doula Trainings, 2015
Integrative Wellness Coaching Certification, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2015
Transformative Imagery Certification, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2015
MA Integrative Health Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2015
BA International Affairs & Spanish, University of Nevada, Reno, 2009
Reno, Nevada
Best part of my job!
Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Schedule a Free Meet & Greet
Questions about my work? Let’s chat!