Allison Rollans
She has a vast resource of knowledge which she uses to support her team and the families she serves, including in-depth training.
Allison is the owner of High Country Doulas and she loves supporting moms and families as a Childbirth Educator, Postpartum & Labor doula, a certified VBAC Specialist, an Infant Feeding Specialist, Prenatal Health Coach & Postpartum Placenta Specialist. For over 25 years she has trained with organizations such as ProDoula, DONA, Postpartum Support International, La Leche League & The Matrona.
Allison has a vast resource of knowledge which she uses to support HCD team and the families she serves, including in-depth training on perinatal mood disorders–such as postpartum anxiety & depression. Her most accomplished element she claims is her family; happily married with 3 almost grown children whom she loves tremendously. She knows that a couple's transition into parenthood can be happier and healthier with doula care. Offering her knowledge, experience and continuous support to women and their partners is what she loves to do.
Chelsey Taylor
I have 15 years dedicated to supporting maternal and newborn care to families living in Northeast TN and beyond through both peer to peer support groups and professional services. I’m a childbirth educator, labor and postpartum doula, student midwife, and postpartum placenta specialist. Through her wonderful care, Chelsey reduces stress in her clients, helping them transition through all the stages of motherhood…
I'm Chelsey Taylor, the beloved daughter of the Most High King. I’m a devoted wife and proud mama of four children from teens to toddler.
I have 15 years dedicated to supporting maternal and newborn care to families living in Northeast TN through both peer to peer support groups and professional services. I’m a childbirth educator, labor and postpartum doula, student midwife, and postpartum placenta specialist.
I was trained through ProDoula and joined the High Country Doulas team in 2017. Since 2021, I’ve been apprenticing with local Certified Professional Midwives to learn the traditional practice of midwifery in our community. I hold certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), CPR, and first aid. I also have skills in Spinning Babies techniques, birth emergencies, belly binding, perinatal mood support, and lactation.
I view this birth work as my God-given ministry and higher calling. Nothing else I can ever imagine doing than walking alongside families as they welcome their new babies.
Stacey Tsigos
After supporting a mother during the birth of her two children and through her postpartum journey, she discovered her natural ability to provide a calming presence and soothe newborns.…
From CO to CA to NYC to Tennessee to CO… Stacey’s work with children began when she became a nanny. After supporting a mother during the birth of her two children and through her postpartum journey, she discovered her natural ability to provide a calming presence and soothe newborns.
After years of nannying and supporting mothers with their new children, Stacey transitioned into becoming a preschool teacher. As a preschool teacher she continued to provide support and guidance for parents at a different level and stage of life. Her ability to support parents through stressful times was heightened while working full-time, in-person, as a teacher through the COVID-19 pandemic.
She has decided to make Colordo her permanent home and is turning her full attention to providing support to families as High Country Doulas’ Office Assistant. She was drawn to the mountains because of her love for hiking and exploring the outdoors. She hopes to submerge herself in her new environment and learn all she can about country living.
Stacey is a DONA trained Postpartum Doula and is a ProDoula trained and certified Labor Doula. She is American Red Cross certified in both adult and infant CPR. She is happy to support nearby families in all ways.
Mattie Gudger King
Birthwork first sparked her interest when she was a support person for a childhood friend whose experience taught me a lot of good, and bad things. Mattie enjoys educating and empowering mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond, because the more we all know - the better we can all do.
Mattie has a fun and spunky daughter named Rio who has helped open her eyes to how amazing and life changing motherhood is. Birthwork first sparked her interest when she was a support person for a childhood friend whose experience taught me a lot of good, and bad things.
Mattie enjoys educating and empowering mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond, because the more we all know - the better we can all do. She is American Red Cross certified in both infant and adult CPR, and a ProDoula International trained and certified Labor Doula and Postpartum and Infant Care Doula.
She loves holding a safe and comfortable space for birthing individuals and their partners as they embark on a truly magical adventure into parenthood.
Michaela Cruickshanks
Michaela feels like her life has been moving toward birthwork since she was young. Connecting with, educating, and empowering people to find their voice and their truest path is what fulfills her. She’s been told many times that she is a calm presence and someone who can simplify difficult concepts to help others understand and learn.
Michaela’s life has been moving towards birthwork since she was young. She would pull her mom’s medical textbooks off the shelf, sit in the floor, and read all about the reproductive system for hours. She feels truly fulfilled when she is connecting with, educating, and empowering people to find their voice. Her friends and clients say that she is a calm presence and someone who brings simplicity to learning.
She is a Fertility Awareness Educator trained with FEMM Health and ProDoula Certified in these modalities.
Labor Doula
Postpartum & Infant Care Doula
Child Birth Educator
Infant Feeding Educator
Postpartum Placenta Specialist
Michaela is forever seeking to know more about supporting people through menstrual cycles, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and infant feeding, no matter their background or desires.
She is always trying to simplify her life and find ease. She loves to spend time outside with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. She’s definitely a nerd who loves a spreadsheet, a historical women’s fiction novel, or anything to do with the Lord of the Rings.
Ciara Larkins
As a mother of three, she believes every birth experience is a special moment in time, in which, each minute counts. She values that every birth story includes support and awareness.
With a heart to serve children and families, Ciara has prioritized education and experience to provide ultimate support. She has a bachelors degree from East Tennessee State University, certified as a Labor Doula, certified Postpartum and Infant Care Doula, and certified in CPR and First Aid for Adults, Children, and Babies.
As a mother of three, she believes every birth experience is a special moment in time, in which, each minute counts. She values that every birth story includes support and awareness.
It is a high honor to Ciara, to have the opportunity to be able to care for each family as their Labor Doula.
In her daily life she enjoys going on outdoor adventures (being outside) with her family, going to her oldest son’s sporting events, yoga, and being actively involved with her church and child’s school.
Nellie Hensley-Ahrens
Nellie’s passion for pregnancy, labor, and family began when she was a little girl. She has always loved nuturing new life through gardening, caring for animals, and supporting families. Birth work is her calling and she couldn’t imagine life without it. Nellie is ProDoula certified as a Labor and Postpartum Doula. She is also C.P.R. trained through The American Heart Association.
Nellie’s passion for pregnancy, labor, and family began when she was a little girl. She has always loved nuturing new life through gardening, caring for animals, and supporting families. Birth work is her calling and she couldn’t imagine life without it.
Nellie first experienced motherhood with her daughter 17 years ago and her experience influenced her instinct to support other couples through their birthing journey. From the time she became a mother, she has worked as a doula and has had three more children, giving her even more knowledge and insight on the transformative experience of pregnancy, labor, and parenthood.
Nellie has worked as a teacher for the past 12 years, mostly in early childhood education, where she has had the opportunity to advocate and support families with their parenting and educational needs. She has decided to pursue her calling as a birth helper and concentrate on birth work as she transitions to potentially going back to school to pursue an education in midwifery.
Nellie is ProDoula certified as a Labor and Postpartum Doula. She is also C.P.R. trained through The American Heart Association. Nellie intends to continue educating herself through training opportunities and looks forward to serving familes in the Tri-cities area. Her goal is to empower women and their partners to trust their instincts and have the best possible experience in welcoming their new life!
Parker Chakales
Parker is passionate about supporting and empowering women (and their partners) through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Along with working as a doula, she is a Pilates instructor with special interest and extensive training in pre and postnatal Pilates. She loves using movement and exercise to help women ease pregnancy discomfort, reconnect with their body after birth, and feel empowered in their own skin at any stage of life. She strives to meet families where they are, with a particular focus on promoting perinatal mental health. She offers judgement-free support and encouragement for clients based on their unique family circumstance, preferences, birth plan, and parenting choices.
Parker is passionate about supporting and empowering women (and their partners) through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Along with working as a doula, she is a Pilates instructor with special interest and extensive training in pre and postnatal Pilates. She loves using movement and exercise to help women ease pregnancy discomfort, reconnect with their body after birth, and feel empowered in their own skin at any stage of life.
As a mother, Parker empathizes with couples transitioning into parenthood or growing their family. She strives to meet families where they are, with a particular focus on promoting perinatal mental health. She offers judgement-free support and encouragement for clients based on their unique family circumstance, preferences, birth plan, and parenting choices.
Along with working as a Labor and Postpartum doula, an Infant Feeding Educator, a Pilates instructor and Pilates Owner, Parker loves hiking, canoeing, and cross country skiing. She can frequently be found at Tweetsie Railroad with her two young boys.
Kaitlyn Olive Casper
She offers a calm and supportive presence with a keen ability to listen with a non-judgmental ear. With a strong foundation in emotional support and comfort measures, Kaitlyn takes a woman centered approach in her care to meet the individual needs of each family across various birth settings.
Kaitlyn is passionate and dedicated to birth work. She completed her doula trainings through ProDoula International & The Matrona, a program that is known for its holistic approach to childbirth. She offers a calm and supportive presence with a keen ability to listen with a non-judgmental ear. As a mother of two, Kaitlyn brings a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the transformative and sometimes challenging nature of pregnancy, childbirth and raising children. Her own experiences as a mother have shaped her ability to offer empathetic, supportive care that resonates with the families she serves.
With a strong foundation in emotional support and comfort measures, Kaitlyn takes a woman centered approach in her care to meet the individual needs of each family across various birth settings. Her approach focuses on providing a calm, nurturing environment that aids women to identify and utilize their own empowerment and encourage trust in their bodies and instincts. Kaitlyn believes in the power of informed decision-making. It is of great importance for families to feel respected, supported, and confident throughout their birth journey.
Kaitlyn continues to expand her knowledge in birth work as she works diligently towards offering placenta encapsulation and dreams of supporting women through midwifery in the future. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, and tending to the garden and animals.
Andrea Hale
I have a love to educate expectant parents on what their options and rights are as well as helping them to feel empowered and in control of their children's birth while having a positive and nurturing experience…
Andrea is a wife and mother in a blended family, with two biological children and two bonus children. She lives a grounded, intentional life that includes caring for her small farm and embracing natural healing, self-empowerment, and holistic living—values that deeply influence the way she supports growing families.
Andrea has worked as a Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor, and Childbirth Educator for over ten years. She is a trained Hypnobirthing educator and loves helping parents prepare for a gentler, more empowered birth experience. She has also completed trainings with Spinning Babies, supporting optimal positioning and comfort throughout labor.
The mountains have always been her happy place, and she is grateful to call them home while continuing to pursue her passion for supporting expectant and new parents.
Andrea has assisted in over 250 births, including homebirths, water births, birth center births, hospital deliveries, and cesarean births. She is passionate about educating expectant parents on their options and rights, helping them feel confident, empowered, and in control of their birth experience. She is equally dedicated to supporting partners, helping them feel confident and actively involved throughout the birth process.
Her goal is to walk alongside families every step of the way, ensuring that each birth story is not only informed and supported, but deeply meaningful and memorable.
Yo hablo español.
Gwendolyn Williams
Her goals are to serve families in a way that will make them know that they can do this, help them to make informed decisions by sharing evidence based information about their concerns, assist them to adjust to life with a newborn and to have the best postpartum experience possible.
Gwendolyn understands the challenges and the needs that so many families face today, navigating life with a desire to have a family and expectation that seems realistic until the rubber meet the road. She has over 20 years of postpartum doula experience. Now that she knows her service has a name (postpartum doula), she decided to make it official, to get certified in what she loves doing and that is serving families.
Her goals are to serve families in a way that will make them know that they can do this, help them to make informed decisions by sharing evidence based information about their concerns, assist them to adjust to life with a newborn and to have the best postpartum experience possible. She is so excited to embark on this servitude from a professional level. Her strengths are listening, paying attention to details, finding solutions to “problems”, and the love and compassion for family.
When Gwendolyn is not working, you can find her in her garden with her fur baby (Paris) by her side, in her flower beds digging in the dirt, at church, or FaceTiming with her grandchildren.
Henna Wallace
Henna finds herself drawn to working with parents during their postpartum, as a doula and postpartum placenta specialist. Her soft nature lead parents to feel calm and fully supported. Listening is one of her great skills.
As a mother of a sweet boy, Henna loves to explore the natural world including plants and herbs. She is certified herbalist through Asheville School of Herbalism. She also is in school for massage therapy.
Trained through DONA and ProDoula International, Henna finds herself drawn to working with parents during their pregnancy and postpartum, as a doula and postpartum placenta specialist. Her soft nature leads parents to feel calm and fully supported. Listening is one of her great skills.
She wants parents to know it’s okay to feel vulnerable, unsure and challenged. Her experience and mother-centered care will help you to feel more confident and steady as you peel away the layers of the new you.
April Everhart
April believes that women have been created for this great task of childbirth, and she is committed to continuing to serve women and families as they embark upon this incredible, transformative journey to becoming a parent.
It was through April’s own childbirth experiences and the support that she received during those times that her desire to become a doula was birthed.
While she has been serving and walking alongside women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for the past eleven years, it wasn’t until 2019 when she decided to receive training and birth doula certification through DONA International.
April believes that women have been created for this great task of childbirth, and she is committed to continuing to serve women and families as they embark upon this incredible, transformative journey to becoming a parent. Through her years of pastoral counseling with couples and new families, she is accustomed to helping navigate the waters during major life transitions, especially during the child-bearing years. Her goal is to encourage and prepare you to make the most informed, evidence-based decisions regarding care and choices in childbirth.
April is a wife, mom of four children, and homeschooling mama. Her and her family love homesteading, serving in their local church and community, and can be found hiking or exploring the great outdoors in their free time
Gracie Ferguson
Gracie is a both a biological and foster mom to three little boys. She has always loved children, but after having her own boys and welcoming many others into her home through the foster care system, she became very passionate about assisting others in the incredibly beautiful experience that is bringing life into this world.
Gracie is a both a biological and foster mom to three little boys. She has always loved children, but after having her own boys and welcoming many others into her home through the foster care system, she became very passionate about assisting others in the incredibly beautiful experience that is bringing life into this world. Gracie is a trained Birth and Postpartum Doula through DONA International. She also has a BA in Psychology.
She wants to be with you in the midst of your excitement and joy, as well as your fear and hesitation, and if there is difficult/painful/or hard aspects to your story, she walks with you through that as well.
Jessica Phillips
Jessica is a mother to a sweet, little rambunctious boy. She has been supporting parents as a breastfeeding specialist for the last 3 years and have added certifications as a labor doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation specialist to provide clients with a full spectrum of support.
Jessica is a mother to a sweet, little rambunctious boy. She has been supporting parents as a certified breastfeeding specialist for the last 4 years and have added certifications as a labor doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation specialist to provide clients with a full spectrum of support. She has trained through ProDoula International, The Midwifery Institute, and Lactation Education Resources
Jessica believes in empowering birth and parenting choices for everyone. She is graduating from ETSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Allied Health. She loves learning and trying new things and is excited to meet and support new parents as a High Country Doula.
Shivonne Tessa Quintero
Shivonne is so excited and honored to bring all of her wonderful qualities to be with you on your birthing journey.
Shivonne is known for her soothing, grounding, genuine presence, as well as her playful expressiveness.
She’s had a daily mindfulness practice for nearly 20 years, been practicing yoga for 20+ and is also deeply involved with ecstatic dance and contact improv. In general, she’s totally taken with and dedicated to experiencing the subtleties of the moment through mindful, embodied curiosity and presence. She’s passionate about, and in constant practice with, embracing everything that shows up.
She is so excited and honored to bring any and all of these qualities to be with you on your birthing journey.
Amanda Mulholland
She loves to help parents know what to expect and to ensure they have continuous support and access to resources throughout their journey.
Amanda loves to spend time with parents helping to normalize this wild crazy experience that can feel just a little more calm with the guidance of a former Labor and Delivery nurse, now Childbirth Educator, Labor & Postpartum and Infant Care Doula.
When she’s not taking care of her 2 active boys, she can be found supporting parents virtually or through delivering much needed items to their doorstep.
She loves to help parents know what to expect and to ensure they have continuous support and access to resources throughout their journey.
Lis McCachren
Lis began supporting families to hold sacred this great transition through doula work, placenta encapsulation, and prenatal yoga. Lis lends a willing hand, non-judgemental ear, and open heart to all families post-birth. She is passionate about pre and postnatal mental health, and continuously studying this field to best serve women in the childbearing years.
Lis McCachren is a mother, writer, birth keeper, and yoga teacher. Her yoga training includes optimal alignment, pre and postnatal practices, philosophy, and ways to bring the ancient practice of yoga into modern everyday life. She is adept at helping students find a practice that fits them: their body, their desires, their lifestyle. Off the mat, she finds yoga to be a tangible tool for parenthood, reminding her each day to breathe deep, live with intention and open to the endless possibilities of life.
A seasoned birth doula, postpartum doula and placenta specialist, Lis is on a quest to support women in feeling safe and celebrated in the transition to motherhood.
Follow her as she finds beauty and makes meaning @heartcenteredmamas
Lis has completed Postpartum Doula trainings through DONA and ProDoula International, as well as ProDoula Placenta Specialist training. She holds a BS in Psychology and is an avid Yoga Teacher and practitioner, trained through Neighborhood Yoga in 2008. The practice of yoga shapes the way Lis engages with life each day; it challenges her to live deeply, authentically, reckoning expectations with reality. It is a practice of trust and a guide to uncovering both our fears and our “best selves”. Lis is a mama to 3 school age children and is fully on the journey of learning and growing with them. She is up to date on Blood Borne Pathogen and CPR certifications.
Lis believes in reaching out for what we need, that a little gratitude goes a long way, and that we are all infinitely capable & deserving of support.
Ysabel Gilmore Farmer
Ysabel is a certified ProDoula Labor Doula, Sound and Music certification, experience leading music therapy sessions, and is completing a degree in Expressive Arts and Mental Health. She is passionate about women’s empowerment, mental health, energy work, and the arts.
Ysabel is a certified ProDoula Labor Doula, Sound and Music certification, experience leading music therapy sessions, and is completing a degree in Expressive Arts and Mental Health.
She is passionate about women’s empowerment, mental health, energy work, and the arts.
In her free time, Ysabel cultivates beauty and vitality through new projects, creative rituals, writing poetry, music, art, and cooking. She also loves skincare, nature, animals, and relaxing on the couch with a good movie.
In the future, Ysabel would like to create her own wellness studio, do group work, have an Interdisciplinary Art Show, continue women’s empowerment, and change the world for the better.
She sees that birth can be puzzling, terrifying, and fascinating. It can be brutal and beautiful, but she is here for it, all of it.
Randi Lynn Denton
Hailing from Abingdon, VA Randi Lynn Denton is excited to be part of the High Country Doula team and helping families across the region settle into expanding their families. Certified in Labor and Postpartum care, she can also bring a holistic approach to your experience having been certified in other numerous, natural-healing fields.
Hailing from Abingdon, VA Randi Lynn Denton is excited to be part of the High Country Doulas team and helping families across the region settle into expanding their families. Being a mother herself has been such a rewarding experience in her personal journey that she felt called to pay it forward to others who are just starting out as well.
Certified in Labor and Postpartum care, she can also bring a holistic approach to your experience having been certified in other numerous, natural-healing fields. When not involved in “all things baby” Randi enjoys spending time on her farm with her long-time partner and dogs, cooking, singing, and a never-ending list of new hobbies or crafts to try.
