Gaela Fisher LPN, CLD(CAPPA)
I was married at 15, had my first child at 16, and 3 more by the time I was 25. I became a grandmother at 33!
After becoming a single mom, I was able to get my GED. I got a high enough score to qualify for a scholarship and I went to college and majored in Psychology and Sociology. I later enlisted in the U.S. Army where I recieved trainng as a Combat Medic and later as a Neurodiagnostic Technician. In the Missouri National Guard, I received my training as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
In the past, I have taken in 7 homeless teenagers, homeschooled them and took them to church. I tried to instill in them that the two things no one can ever take away from you are your education and your Salvation.
Jan 2003, I bought an old farm in Centerview, MO to allow me to continue with animal rescue. I have rescued horses, pigs, goats, peacocks, miniature deer, cats, dogs and possums! I had to give up the animal rescue to allow myself time to return to work and to become a Doula. I didn't really stop with the rescue...I just started rescuing people instead! As of 2010, I have had 37 people who have come to live at the farm (not counting the repeat house guests). I have had 3 babies born while living here.
I am married to a wonderful man who is the love of my life and we have moved to the city. We will continue to maintain the farm and keep it available for young people who are trying to start over in their lives.
Meet the Backup Doula Cami Nettekoven CD(DONA), RN
I'm grateful to have been a stay-at-home mom for the first 12 years of my children's lives. I have a lovingly supportive husband, 6 truly amazing children, 2 big dogs and 2 cats. Our home is filled with love, laughter, hopes, dreams, excitement and of course ….hoots, hollers, screams. I never imagined I’d have a house so full. My family is my joy and I delight in them.
I am a trained and certified doula through DONA International. I am a Registered Nurse and work in the NICU in a local hospital. I am also trained by the Kansas City Missouri Health Department as a Breastfeeding Counselor with Nutritional Services. I have many years of personal breastfeeding experience and am familiar with common difficulties and how to work through them. I am able to sympathize and encourage families encountering difficult circumstances.
My privilege as a doula is to help families understand the nature of the birth process and to empower them with the tools to make pregnancy, childbirth , and their life beyond an experience of fulfillment and joy. I find it important to remind women that birth is a natural process and to take a holistic approach, natural birth can be normal and is indeed possible.