Jessica Leonard - Tucson

My career as a Licensed Master Social Worker began 13 yrs ago. My first few years were spent working with adults with serious mental illnesses but for the last 10 yrs I’ve worked in the medical healthcare system. One of the reasons why I love being a social worker is that it offers me the opportunity to advocate for those who are underserved and who are not being heard. 

When I became a mom in 2016 I had no idea what a doula was. While I was privileged to have the help of my husband, father and step-mother, it was still a challenging time as none of us had experience with birth, postpartum or newborns. After having gone through this experience I thought "How wonderful would it have been if I had someone with me who already knew what this was like and who would offer support and guidance?" A few years later I learned about the role of a doula and I immediately felt a charge of excitement and passion. This was exactly what I wanted to do!

I am now a candidate for certification as a birth doula and have immensely enjoyed the volunteer opportunities I've had. Becoming a parent is one of the most intense, vulnerable, exhilarating and exhausting times of our lives. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to join this experience with birthing people and their partners.