Care That’s Personal. A Team You Can Trust.

Whether you choose one doula or work with our collaborative team, you’ll receive care rooted in shared values, deep presence, and attunement to your whole self.

Personalized Support, Shared Standards,

Deep Care

At The Parenthood Project OC, we believe you should never have to choose between personal connection and professional support. That’s why we’ve built a team of doulas and practitioners who are as aligned in values as they are unique in gifts.

Each person on this page is trained in our shared framework: nervous system-informed, attachment-centered, and rooted in holistic, culturally respectful care. Whether you’re seeking birth support, postpartum guidance, or full-spectrum care, you’re invited to choose the doula who feels right for you—or be supported by a trusted team who walks with you every step of the way.

This is not a one-size-fits-all model. This is care that meets you where you are—and honors who you are.

The Hands That Hold the Circle

Jen Ballew

Founder, Doula, Creator of The Threshold Program

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

Her journey into this work was deeply personal. After experiencing both a traumatic birth and a redemptive VBAC, Jen’s own healing journey became the foundation for her work—supporting others while helping reshape the systems that too often fail new parents. Her work is rooted in that ongoing process: reclaiming trust, restoring agency, and creating pathways for others to feel safe, powerful, and held.

Before doula work, Jen led operational teams in homeland security and intelligence—a background that informs her leadership, her integrity, and her belief in building systems of care that actually work.

She’s the creator of The Threshold Program and the Sanctuary Model, which offer structured, holistic support that nourishes the body, bond, and nervous system. Through her practice, she facilitates groups and circles, supports clients 1:1 through consultations, Reweaving Sessions, Placenta Encapsulation, and offers limited in-person doula support.

Outside of birth work, Jen is a mother of two and a lover of local adventures. You can often find her hiking OC trails, savoring foodie dates with her kids, strolling through Disney, or showing up in the streets and online spaces to fight for reproductive justice and collective liberation.

Supports: The Sanctuary Experience; The Nurture Nest; Placenta Encapsulation; Consultations & Sessions; The Threshold facilitation; and Birth 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

Tasha Nelson

Tasha is a Certified Newborn Care Specialist and Full-Spectrum Doula with over 15 years of experience supporting families through life’s most sacred and vulnerable seasons.

As a Christian mother of three, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience—having walked through pregnancy, adoption, and surrogacy herself. Her presence is steady, compassionate, and rooted in deep respect for each family’s unique path.

Tasha believes that birth and postpartum are spiritual, emotional, and physical milestones—not just medical events. Her mission is to ensure families feel seen, supported, and confident in the early days of parenthood, no matter how their journey unfolds.

In addition to her hands-on care, Tasha is a trauma-informed life coach who works with women navigating birth trauma, adoption complexities, and life’s tender transitions. You don’t have to do this alone.

Originally from Colorado, Tasha has built her practice through word-of-mouth, long-standing relationships, and a deep commitment to community. She is also a writer and blogger, sharing heartfelt reflections on motherhood, healing, and faith.

Whether you’re preparing for birth or growing your family, Tasha is here to walk alongside you with grace, wisdom, and grounded support.
Your story matters—and she would be honored to be part of it.

Supports: Sanctuary Experience, Nurture Nest, Consultations & Sessions

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

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

Lindzy Butterfield

Lindzy has been dedicated to birth work and postpartum care since shortly after the birth of her first child. She is certified for birth education/mentoring, birth support, and postpartum care through Birthing From Within and Cornerstone Birth. Her true passion is to make quality perinatal and maternal healthcare accessible to anyone and everyone. She is located in South Orange County and serves that area. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dogs, time at the pool with her children, and pursuing a multitude of crafts. She loves playing the piano and singing. She is active in the community and passionate about social justice causes.

Supports: Consultations, Nurture Nest, Birth Support

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!