Our Leadership Team

Embarking on her journey into birth work nine years ago, Erin Raftery's inspiration was ignited by the birth of her son through a c-section. This experience fueled her dedication to the cause. Subsequently, she celebrated the arrival of two beautiful home births in the state of Mississippi.

Erin's lifestyle involves full-time RVing, with her travels providing her with a rich tapestry of experiences. However, her heart remains rooted in Mississippi, where she extends her support to families through her valued doula work whenever she's at home.

Introducing Tanya Smith-Johnson, MS, CPM, a dedicated Certified Professional Midwife and a passionate advocate for Reproductive Justice. Notably, she has assumed the esteemed role of President at the National College of Midwifery. Tanya's commitment to her field is also evident through her leadership as the Board President of MEAC (Midwifery Education Accreditation Council) and as the Executive Director of the Birth Future Foundation.

Within the realm of midwifery, Tanya plays a crucial role as the Director of Outreach, Advocacy, and Education for The Big Push for Midwives. Her diverse experiences include her service as a veteran in the United States Naval Hospital Corps, as well as her role as the spouse of an active-duty Civil Engineering Corp Officer.

Educationally accomplished, Tanya holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Medical Science from Hampton University. Residing in Biloxi, Mississippi, she shares her life with her husband of 23 years and six children, whom she homeschools with dedication and care.

Rachel is dedicated to being a strong advocate for Mississippi mothers in their birthing journeys. Her own transformative homebirth encounter in 2019 illuminated the significance of licensing midwives in the state and improving birth outcomes for families. Alongside her husband, Ryan, Rachel resides in Madison, Mississippi, where they are raising their two earth-side children, Elliott and Miller. Additionally, they hold a cherished place in their hearts for their heavenly baby, Martin. Rachel's enthusiasm for discussing all facets of birth shines brightly as she juggles the roles of a stay-at-home and work-from-home mom.

D.J. Baker(they/them) is a trans-nonbinary advocate and birth and gender doula. They have been a birth doula since 2019 and have advocated for trans and queer individuals and families through their work under Sir Doula, Better Birth Mississippi, and other organizations.

Education is at the heart of their work. It has shown up in the areas of food justice, birth justice, and trans equity. Outside of justice, advocacy, and education, D.J. loves fermentation, food gardening, foraging, playing music on vinyl, and kayaking.

Meet Savanna Boyd, a proud native of Brandon, MS. Holding a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Public Health Administration, Savanna is a dedicated Registered Nurse. Her expertise also extends as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a certified birth doula.

Savanna's areas of special interests encompass Spinning Babies Technique, Evidence Based Birth, and Hypnobirthing. Her professional journey includes valuable stints in the Well Baby Nursery, NICU, and Outpatient Newborn Clinic within local hospitals.

Central to her mission is the empowerment of all women in their decision-making processes. She ardently advocates for accessible midwifery care, striving to ensure that women have the opportunity to choose knowledgeable providers who prioritize evidence-based practices.

Kashuna is a DONA certified birth doula, NPR certified, birth attendant, and Program Manager. She is an advocate of all things birth-related and a childbirth educator with 7 years of experience. Kashuna holds a Bachelors degree in Health Care Administration.

Kashuna and her son, Malachi, reside in the greater Jackson area.

Raquel Boyd Scott is a Jackson, MS native, and wears multiple hats as a devoted wife and mother of three. Her deep-rooted passion lies in the realm of childbirth, and she has cultivated a fulfilling career as a labor and delivery nurse, a certified lactation counselor, and a certified doula.

With six years of experience in the field of birth work, her central goal is clear: to actively contribute to the drive for legalizing direct entry midwifery. This endeavor is aimed at establishing midwifery as an unquestionably safe choice for all individuals experiencing birth in Mississippi.

Her purpose and driving force stem from personal experiences, as she herself has undergone home births for two out of her three children. This unique perspective, combined with her background as a labor and delivery nurse, underscores her commitment to ensuring the implementation of best practices and fostering strong relationships between midwives and local hospitals. These efforts are crucial for seamless and secure transfers in cases where hospital care becomes necessary.

While supporting her sister during labor and delivery in 2012, Amanda knew for certain that God was calling her to the ministry of Birth Work. In early 2014, she began serving families professionally during the childbearing year as a DONA Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator.

In July of 2017, Amanda began the process of becoming a Certified Professional Midwife with the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). From 2018-2022, she  worked as a Student Midwife in a clinical apprenticeship with Jennifer Green, CPM of Organic HomeBirth in Colorado Springs. After completing the Midwife To Be academic program, fulfilling all of the Clinical Requirements, and passing the NARM exam, she earned the designation of Certified Professional Midwife in May of 2022. Amanda opened Hattiesburg Midwifery in July 2022, and she and her team have been serving families in South Mississippi since then.

Amanda is passionate about making competent, professional, wholistic Midwifery Care accessible to more families and improving birth outcomes in her home state of Mississippi.

Dr. Erin Jacobs has been a Webster-certified chiropractor for over 18 years in Greenwood, Mississippi.  She has dedicated herself to the care and education of families in the Delta regarding holistic and natural care.  Better Birth Mississippi speaks to her mission for alternative, patient-driven care of women and their families. 

HeHe is the Founder of Tranquility by HeHe Maternity Concierge, the creator of The Birth Lounge membership. With a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and over 10 years in the Family Life Education field, HeHe helps people prepare for childbirth with research-backed education and data-driven support to have a confident birth experience while feeling informed and in control of labor (without fear or coercion). She is passionate about helping patients understand their rights around consent and autonomy in birth.

HeHe hosts The Birth Lounge Podcast which features leading experts in pregnancy, women's health, and newborn development so parents can understand how to have an informed and confident birth!