Meet Our Doulas

Melissa (Missy)Davis

Founder, Hands of Melody, LLC/ Senior Doula

Servicing Washington D.C, MD, Southern PA, and Northern VA

I am committed to healthy families and healthy babies. This is my 37th year serving women who need birth support.

I am certified by DONA International as a senior Doula, providing prenatal, delivery, and post-partum care, specializing in trauma survivors and high-risk pregnancies.

I completed my training with DONA in 2018 but began training and working in this field in 1987. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, for two years (1994 - 1995). My comfort measures include aromatherapy, massage, and words of affirmation.

I am Spinning Babies trained (a technique for optimizing the position of the infant for the easing of childbirth) and have training in rebozo and birth ball movement. I am also trained to support survivors of life traumas and sexual abuse. My experience includes VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section), multiples, cesarean sections, among others.

I am also a wife and mother of eight, a former birth to K-5 childhood education teacher of 26 years, and a published author. In continuing my education, I completed coursework in Early Childhood Development from birth to 5 years and working with children with exceptionalities.

As an Author: Surviving sexual abuse as a child is one of the most difficult undertakings a woman can endure. My faith pulled me through the darkest days, yet every year thousands of women, many of them just children, endure abuse, sometimes at the hands of the people they trust the most.

Hands of Melody was created to provide a full-service ministry for women who need the help and understanding of someone who has walked in their shoes. My book, "Life of a Church Girl," has helped countless abuse survivors open up about their experiences and begin the journey to healing. To learn more about my book, click here.

As a Doula: I continue the healing journey by providing emotional and physical support to mothers-to-be, some who have no one else for support, and some who are victims of trauma and/or abuse. I am certified by DONA International as a senior Doula, providing prenatal, delivery, and post-partum care, specializing in trauma survivors and high-risk pregnancies.

My goal is to reach as many women in need as I can, extending my hands and heart to those in their most fragile state. My heart goes out to these women, and they become my family as I walk with them out of the darkness.

Makeba Barnes

Labor and Postpartum Doula

Servicing Washington D.C and Maryland

Hi, I am a wife and mother of two young adult sons, and we live in Prince George’s County Maryland. I have had a life-long passion to serve teen girls and women and believe my role as a labor and postpartum Doula is my purpose-driven mission in life. My journey as a Doula began more than 20 years ago as the designated birth coach & support person to a few of my best girlfriends. More recently, I studied to become a Certified Labor, Epidoula and Postpartum Doula with Maternity Wise International

I believe in the strength and resilience of a woman’s body to give birth and works to empower my clients to choose the birthing experience they wish to have. My tool bag of support includes breathing techniques, labor and birth positions, massaging, aromatherapy, and word affirmations. My support to pregnant and birthing women is inclusive of their partners and other family members. My approach to educate, uplift and serve my clients is hands-on and personalized to meet their physical and emotional needs.

For the past 30 years, I have been a K-12 educator, professional development trainer, consultant and admission counselor. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Howard University and a Master of Science degree in School Administration and Supervision from The Johns Hopkins University.

Family comes first in my life, so I enjoy spending time with my husband, sons & extended family. I love the summer months and will never pass up on a day at the beach or pool.

Akemi Tsuru

Volunteer Birth Doula

Servicing Washington D.C and Maryland

Hello, I am a Birth Doula currently based in Baltimore City, of Mexican and Japanese descent, I'm aware of how culture can help you see the world in many different ways, that's why I love to connect with my clients to find out how to adapt my experience for each family depending on their specific needs. I love to serve multicultural and migrant families in this unique journey.

Having two natural births turned my world around and taught me how important the role of a support person is throughout pregnancy and birth especially when you're not in your own country! and that made me want to switch career paths so I could serve other birthing people and help them reach their best possible experience.

DONA International (certified), Spinning Babies (trained), Childbirth Educator Lamaze (trained), Rebozo and Mexican belly binding (trained), TENS unit (certified).

En Español: Doula de parto, atiendo principalmente en la Ciudad de Baltimore. Soy de origen mexicano y japonés, lo cual me ha enseñado que la cultura te puede influenciar de muchas formas diferentes en cómo ves el mundo, es por eso que trato de conocer a mis pacientes para poder adaptar mi experiencia a las necesidades específicas de cada familia. Disfruto mucho de ayudar a familias migrantes y multiculturales en este momento tan especial.

Haber tenido dos partos naturales me cambió la mente y me hizo valorar la importancia que tiene el apoyo de una doula durante el embarazo y parto, especialmente cuando te toca dar a luz en otro país que no es el tuyo! Es por eso que decidí cambiar de carrera y dedicarme a acompañar a mujeres para ayudarles a tener la mejor experiencia posible en estos momentos tan importantes.

Soy doula de parto certificada por DONA Internacional, tengo entrenamiento en la técnica Spinning Babies, doy clases de preparación al parto por Lamaze, conozco técnicas de rebozo y sé fajar estilo mexicano (en el postparto), tengo certificación en el uso del TENS durante el trabajo de parto.  

Dakai Smith

Sibling Doula

Servicing Prince George’s & Baltimore County Maryland

Dakai has been babysitting for 5+ years and has primarily care children ages birth and beyond including casting for multiples. Clients refer to her as dependable, caring, and trustworthy.  She was raised in a home where children were cared for which is how she trained to get knowledge and understanding of children. Dakai is CPR trained and has the unique ability to remain very calm in any situation and it's very mild mannered. Dakai is a college student currently seeking education in two fields simultaneously. She is available to care for your children in her home or yours ( depending on location). Please contact us for more booking information.  

Dawn Smith

Senior Doula/CLC/Sibling Doula

Servicing Washington D.C, Maryland and Northern VA

I am a DONA certified Doula and support women and their families in the DC/MD/VA area. I'm also a certified Lactation Consultant and a very experienced former breastfeeding mom. My experience includes home births, VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean), teen moms, and cesarean sections.

As a woman goes through labor they encounter a range of emotions, anatomy changes and transforms into motherhood within hours and sometimes days. My job as a Doula is to enhance, embrace and bring the calm to your birthing space. As a Doula, I am amazed every time I witness a woman find that inner strength, confidence and willpower that she didn’t know she had, while giving birth. 

I am a mother of two biological children but have many children that I treat as my own when they are in my presence.  My gift is to serve, and as a Doula and I feel honored to be able to contribute my expertise to women and families during this very special time. 

Hypnobirth (trained), Certified Lactation Consultant, Supporting Neonatal Resuscitation trained, Spinning babies (trained), Childbirth Educator (trained).

Celina Sargusingh

Postpartum Doula/Birth Doula

Servicing Washington D.C and Maryland

Throughout my previous experience of owning a family child care home and working in healthcare, I've provided over 25 years of compassionate service to many beautifully diverse human beings at every stage of life. Since 2019, in my role as a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, and Childbirth Educator, I've had the honor of working with individuals and families throughout the birth and postpartum stages.

You can depend on me to provide guidance, education, advocacy, compassion, and encouragement. I am a funny, energetic, yet calming force, ready to hold space for your very unique needs and walk with you every step of the way.

My training and certifications include DONA International Birth Doula, Spinning Babies Techniques & Methods, Newborn Care Specialist trained by The Newborn Care Training Academy, and I am also a Lamaze Childbirth Educator.

Rebekah Fuller

Postpartum Doula/Birth Doula

Servicing Washington D.C and Maryland

With over a decade of experience in child and family development, I am passionate about providing impeccable holistic support for families, empowering them throughout all stages of the parenthood journey.

I have received my Doula labor, delivery, and lactation training through DONA International, and I hold CPR certification from the American Red Cross.

I serve the DC metro and surrounding areas.

Dee Dee Roan

Birth Doula CD/MaternityWise/CLC/CPD/CBE

Servicing Washington D.C and Maryland

I am a wife, a mother to twins, a singleton, and a fur baby Milo, residing in Prince George's County, Maryland. With 22 years of experience of support to my family and friends, I received my Doula and Epi Doula Certification from Maternity Wise International based in New York. Transitioning from my role as a special education teacher with Calvert County Public School in June 2022, I am now dedicated to supporting families as a doula and childbirth educator. My passion lies in empowering families and ensuring they are well-informed about their birth journey and personal choices. Beyond work, you can find me enjoying quality time with my loved ones, exploring new destinations, and riding on my Peloton.