Meet the Sanctuary Team

The Women Who Hold the Sanctuary

At The Parenthood Project OC, care isn’t offered in isolation—it’s co-created within a trusted, collaborative team.

Every doula and practitioner you’ll meet here is nervous system-informed, attachment-centered, and aligned in values. We train together, communicate regularly, and hold shared standards of care—so no matter who walks into your home, you’ll feel continuity, safety, and deep presence.

This is not a one-size-fits-all model. This is a sanctuary held by many hands, with one heartbeat.

Meet Our Practitioners

Jen Ballew

Founder, Perinatal Practitioner, Creator of The Threshold Program

Jen is a birth and postpartum practitioner with a decade of experience supporting families through the full arc of becoming—from early pregnancy to the sacred swirl of postpartum. She’s known for her grounded presence, deep listening, and ability to hold both the emotional and practical layers of care.

Jen’s early career was in homeland security and intelligence, where she led operational teams and established a regional field program in Southern California—an experience that shaped her deep commitment to clarity, leadership, and systems of care that actually work.

Jen created The Threshold Program and the Sanctuary Model to restore reverence to birth and postpartum—offering structured, holistic care that nourishes the body, bond, and nervous system.

She leads Sanctuary teams, facilitates The Threshold Program, offers in person and remote consultations, Reweaving Sessions, Placenta Encapsulation and limited in person doula support.

Valerie Lynn

Valerie Lynn is one of the leading New Motherhood Recovery Experts in the United States.

Valerie, known as The Mommy Planner, has been a major force in introducing and modernizing traditional after birth recovery practices, more specifically the Malay traditions, and treatments to women globally. Through her own 15-month experience of postpartum anxiety and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) after the birth of her son in 2007, Valerie turned to traditional feminine healthcare to re-balance her post-baby hormones and heal herself naturally through herbs, feminine-focused massage, and an enriching diet.

Valerie benefited, first-hand, from Eastern medical practices first had while living in Asia for over 16 years and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 12 years. She researched, wrote, and published her first book, The Mommy Plan, in Malaysia by way of the Malaysian Ministry of Health, Traditional Complementary Medicine department.

Supports: Consultations, Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Reweaving Sessions, Placenta Encapsulation

Emily Ward

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Education, my teaching journey has been a rich tapestry of experiences across the U.S. and internationally, highlighting my profound commitment to nurturing and inspiring young minds. As a C.A.A.P.A certified Postpartum Doula and birth professional, I am devoted to supporting mothers, children, and families through their transformative journeys, providing compassionate and expert care during these pivotal moments. Beyond my professional credentials, I am a passionate dancer and somatic movement guide, deeply invested in helping individuals stay attuned to their innermost selves. My work integrates the power of movement and mindfulness, fostering holistic well-being and alignment with one’s deepest knowings. My mission is to serve and empower our community, ensuring that every mother, child, and family thrives. Through dedicated service, empathy, and a holistic approach, I strive to create a nurturing environment where our community can flourish, embodying resilience, joy, and interconnectedness.

Supports: Consultations, Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Placenta Encapsulation

Jeanette Pirucki

Jeanette Pirucki is a birth and postpartum doula and has completed certification in both full spectrum doula care and traditional postpartum practices. I hold a Bachelors of Science in Healthy Lifestyles Coaching & Exercise science, which focuses on all pillars of holistic wellness, holding non-judgmental safe space, understanding medical research, working as a collaborative member of a care team, and helping people leverage their strengths/resources to attain goals of their own desire. I decided to take those skills into birthwork in 2021. I love to help couples and families invite ease, joy, and celebration into the journey of expanding their families!

I am a mother to two boys (one is now technically a man), a bonus mom to three young women, and a “Nana” to three small boys. I am in every stage of motherhood all at once! My first love is musical theater; so whoever said people bursting into song was not realistic in “real life” clearly has never spent a day in my home. When I have time to myself, I love to hike, dance, sing, and cook!

Supports: Consultations, Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Birth Support, Placenta Encapsulation

Sameeha Ali

Sameeha is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula and Lactation Educator. She is dedicated to empowering expectant parents through their unique birth and postpartum journey. Her passion for birthwork stems from a deep desire to help and understand others. With a degree in Psychology from Spelman College and comprehensive training from the National Black Doula Association, Woman’s Choice Perinatal Services, Best Doula, and the B.L.A.C.K Course, she brings a wide range of expertise to this field. She specializes in personalized and holistic support, tailoring her services to meet your unique needs. This includes prenatal, labor, and postpartum support, placenta encapsulation, belly binding, postpartum bodywork, herbal support, and more. In her free time, Sameeha likes to seek out new adventures, binge a show and try something new.

Supports: Consultations, Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Reweaving Sessions, Birth Support, Placenta Encapsulation

Katie Zaug

Katie has worked professionally with infants and children for nearly a decade and considers it her passion and calling in life. She has worked in child care facilities, as an in-home nanny for long term clients, and has a bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Her journey has now taken her to the role of Doula, where she is DONA trained, and constantly striving to continue learning and growing. She loves sharing knowledge and helping parents become more confident in their own parenting skills. She is a dedicated worker and takes pride in a job well done. In her free time she loves to read, garden, and spend time with her husband, dog, and cats.

Supports: Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Reweaving Sessions, Birth Support

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’d love to learn more about your family’s needs and vision for care. If one of our doulas resonated with you, feel free to mention their name in your inquiry—we’ll do our best to match you with the right support.

Book your Discovery Call

“I received too much postpartum support.”

-said no mama ever!

Let’s see if we are a good fit to work together!

Schedule your Free Discovery Call today!