Name: Michelle Cruz
Title: Doula
Prepare to be captivated by Michelle, a dynamic force in the reproductive space since 2019 and a passionate birth doula. As the President of the Central Texas Doula Association, she leads with an unwavering commitment to supporting families throughout the transformative journey of pregnancy and birth. Michelle has become a beacon of empowerment and upliftment, advocating for the most vulnerable, particularly Fat & BIPOC individuals, as she has personally experienced the impact of medical bias and racism. Her passion, coupled with her infectious bubbly personality, leaves a lasting impression on everyone she encounters. In her eclectic home, science intertwines with a community of unique individuals, the majority of whom are neurodivergent. Balancing her role as a devoted mother of three, Michelle navigates the complexities of family life while blazing trails in her field.
Education is Michelle’s driving force, igniting her work with an unwavering dedication to bringing joy and enlightenment to adult learners. Having served as a core instructor for a prominent doula education organization and now as the President of the Central Texas Doula Association, she continues to impact her local community. Her unwavering belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow to their fullest potential fuels her ongoing drive. Beyond her professional pursuits, Michelle finds solace in the pulsating beats of loud EDM music, cherishes playful moments with her children, and occasionally delights her audience by live-streaming cozy games on Twitch. Anchored in the vibrant city of Austin, Michelle proudly calls it home as she makes an indelible mark on the world of reproductive advocacy, particularly for Black Mamas.
Name: Ebony Williams
Title: Doula
Ebony is a mother, an author, trained childbirth Doula (DONA), and community herbalist, who specializes in placenta encapsulation and holistic wellness. She is currently undergoing certification to become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS).
Born and raised in Long Beach California, Ebony recently relocated to the Austin area to continue her support and advocacy for black maternal health in Texas. Ebony is passionate about the health and equity of Black & African descendants across all intersects. She approaches birth work with ancestral reverence, at forefront. Her work is deeply rooted in the divine wisdom, legacy, and practices, laid by our foremothers. She believes that ancestral/culturally congruent care is critical to countering systemic racism in birth settings. Ebony hopes to be a part of the change in revitalizing birth support and breaking down barriers that negatively impact the birth and care of black birthing persons and their families.
Outside of birth work, Ebony finds fulfillment spending time with her partner, son and two dogs. She also practices herbalism and loves educating and creating herbal wellness preparations for her community. She enjoys foraging plants, gardening, yoga, trying new foods and other forms of healing modalities.
Name: Klarque Denman
Title: Doula
Klarque is a Doula (DONA), a childbirth educator, and Certified Lactation Counselor. She is also currently a midwifery student and extremely passionate about her work and advocacy for Black women in the healthcare system. Klarque has previously worked with young mothers and coordinated a doula program for a non-profit in Iowa. She has also provided care in Austin to a myriad of mothers from different backgrounds and cultures. Klarque is hoping to positively impact mothers and their birthing experiences, as well as to be a catalyst for change against racial disparities in the healthcare system.
In her free time, Klarque loves to do yoga, experiment in the kitchen with vegan foods, read, spend time with her daughter, experience the joys of traveling, and make divine candles. She is always excited to attend a birth and grow in her knowledge surrounding maternal care, as well as postpartum.
Name: Taylor Huntley
Title: Herbalist, Postpartum Doula, Educator
Organization: Black Texas Birthwork; Mama Mangos Care
Three words to describe her…intentional fire starter. Taylor Huntley is a multi-hyphenate creative with a passion for community care. She is a full-spectrum doula with a focus on postpartum support, a spiritualist who practices ancestral reverence and the herbalist behind Mama Mangos Care- a body inclusive herbal wellness brand crafting organic tinctures, teas, and blends to support your daily holistic self-care routine.
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