To make the United States the best place in the world to give birth.

Driven by her passion for equitable maternal care, Melissa leads Mahmee’s groundbreaking approach to pregnancy and postpartum support. With a legal and business background, she’s dedicated her career to bridging gaps in the healthcare system—ensuring every parent has a trusted team behind them. Born into a family of maternal health expertise, Melissa grew up watching her mother—renowned Labor & Delivery Nurse and Lactation Consultant, Linda Hanna—care for countless new parents and babies. Together, they founded Mahmee to unite that deep clinical insight with bold, tech-driven solutions, ensuring no family has to navigate pregnancy or postpartum alone.

Linda is the Co-Founder & Director of Care at Mahmee, with over four decades of clinical expertise. She pioneered world-class maternity and lactation programs at Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Saint John’s–Providence Medical Center, establishing herself as one of Southern California’s premier lactation consultants. A Queens, New York nativbe, Linda earned her BS in Nursing from SUNY Stony Brook and has practiced as a registered nurse since 1978. She remains energized by the continuous learning & growth that pregnancy and lactation care offer. Linda's greatest joy is watching her daughter become a mother herself.

A registered nurse for almost four decades, Denise has practiced in diverse settings—from high-risk labor and delivery to emergency departments at Level I trauma centers. This broad background has shaped her unique skill set in managing complex care while nurturing a culture of empathy and human kindness. Passionate about health equity, she’s dedicated to leading virtual care strategies that blend clinical expertise with compassion. Outside of nursing, Denise channels her creative side as a singer who’s been performing with cover bands for 20 years.

Angela is a Certified Labor Doula and Lactation Counselor whose own experience with a supportive doula transformed her birth journey. For over 13 years, she’s made it her mission to help birthing families feel educated, safe, and deeply honored. With a focus on holding space for the vulnerability and emotions that come with birth, Angela empowers parents to embrace their own strength. When she’s not at a birth or consulting with families, she’s traveling with her collegiate-soccer-coach husband and their three children.

Jenn serves as Mahmee’s Senior Lactation Consultant and Lactation Team Manager. She’s dedicated more than 20 years to teaching parenting education, and over the last several years has specialized in breast/chestfeeding support. A graduate of the Lactation Consultant Program at UC San Diego, Jennifer excels at guiding families through mental health challenges, sibling dynamics, and co-parenting or single-parenting scenarios. She believes every baby deserves a parent who feels truly supported and nourished—an ethos that informs her personalized approach for anxious or overwhelmed new mothers. Jennifer brings creativity and warmth to all she does.

Susan Lopez, MPH, IBCLC, has 14 years of experience supporting diverse families across Los Angeles, including through programs like WIC and Welcome Baby. Driven by a passion for public health, she believes human milk feeding is key to improving maternal and infant outcomes. Susan brings a strong background in motivational interviewing and community education, ensuring new parents feel informed and confident. Off the clock, she’s a proud dog lover who dotes on her mini pinscher, Spencer.

Nyeema’s work centers on educating and empowering parents through every phase of the childbirth journey, from preconception to postpartum. With 17 years in the field, she takes a comprehensive approach to maternal health—encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Known for fostering positive experiences, she views her role as both a support system and advocate for families. A nature lover and fitness enthusiast, she brings warmth and empathy to all things baby-related.

Arden has dedicated more than 14 years to supporting parents and babies through evidence-based lactation care. Her practice combines practical solutions, empathetic listening, and an unshakable sense of optimism to guide families through the highs and lows of feeding. Arden’s philosophy is inspired by her mother’s advice to “Do what you love, and make your corner of the world a better place,” which she embodies by always seeking the “rainbows” after any storm. Her goal is simple: ensure every family feels truly confident, nurtured, and ready to thrive during one of life’s most transformative journeys.

Cindy is a certified doula and massage therapist with over two and a half decades of experience supporting families through birth. She has attended births at nearly every hospital in Los Angeles, as well as birth centers and home births, working with patients of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and the LGBTQ community. With an early background in social work, Cindy believes doulas have the power to positively impact the world by helping families start off in a loving, beautiful, and peaceful way. When she's not at a birth, you'll find her near water, where the sound of waves or a waterfall brings her the deepest peace.

LaTasha is an obstetrics and gynecology nurse with more than two decades of specialized expertise—ranging from labor and delivery to postpartum care, triage, newborn nursery, and antepartum treatment. She has spent much of her career serving marginalized communities and is determined to combat Black maternal and infant mortality through patient advocacy and education. At Mahmee, LaTasha delivers virtual nursing care and childbirth education for the entire family, believing that when parents are well supported, communities thrive. A creative at heart, she finds joy and peace in her renewed passion for crochet.

Jovanka has spent over a decade working in clinical and community-based settings, from primary care clinics to holistic wellness centers. She focuses on bridging traditional medicine with natural solutions like nutrition, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. Inspired by her own journey overcoming hormonal imbalances, Jovanka now empowers women facing fertility challenges, hormonal shifts, and postpartum recovery. Her mission is to simplify complex health concepts so that every mother can build a strong foundation of wellness for herself and her family. Away from her practice, she’s a devoted salsa dancer and a true animal lover

Ashley brings more than 15 years of social services experience to her work supporting new parents. During her time in various family-based mental health organizations, she saw firsthand the critical need for more early, supportive services—particularly around perinatal mental health—and has been dedicated to bridging that gap ever since. Motivated by her own personal journey, she helps families navigate the emotional and practical demands of early parenthood. Ashley believes in blending empathy with evidence-based strategies to foster healthy, confident beginnings. Off the clock, she’s happiest soaking up the sunshine in the pool all summer long.

Lisa brings over two decades of experience spanning pediatrics, NICU, and postpartum home visits. Her passion for lactation support took root after struggling to feed her first child in 2013, when caring consultants made all the difference in her success—and sanity. Recognizing how vulnerable the perinatal period can be for parents, Lisa feels honored to provide the strong support families need. A native New Yorker and proud Mets fan, she’s guided by Maya Angelou’s words: “People will never forget how you made them feel.”

Jaylani has a strong background in fostering compassionate patient experiences for women, and strives to ensure no parent navigates pregnancy or postpartum alone. With firsthand insight into the challenges underserved communities face within the healthcare system, she is deeply motivated to transform how patients are treated. Her experience spans health insurance sales and working for a health tech startup focused on creating safe, compassionate care for women. Additionally, her creative background has allowed her to use dance as a powerful tool to bring people together and create meaningful connections which she carries into her day-to-day life.

Mila brings over nine years of HR experience—streamlining recruitment processes, bolstering employee engagement, and navigating complex employee relations. She’s passionate about fostering diversity, inclusion, and workplace satisfaction, aligning HR strategies with broader business goals. At Mahmee, she finds personal fulfillment in addressing women’s health disparities and supporting employees who are making a real impact every day. A proud mom to a 1.5-year-old daughter, Mila knows firsthand the value of Mahmee’s lactation support and loves exploring the outdoors with her family.

EP is a full-spectrum doula and researcher with over 10 years of experience committed to ensuring every person has the holistic support they need for their birth journey. She draws on her clinical, research, and advocacy background to provide person-centered care, integrating somatic practices like yoga and breathwork to empower families through each unique experience. Believing that how we are born has a major impact on lifelong health outcomes, EP is passionate about cultivating perinatal spaces where fear is replaced with empowerment. Her deep respect for this work is inspired by the resilient matriarchs in her own family.

Danielle brings a unique blend of experience as a doula, behavioral therapist, and newborn hearing screener to the team. With a deep commitment to equity and acceptance in the birth world, she specializes in supporting families who have experienced pregnancy loss. Her approach combines evidence-based care with genuine compassion, creating judgment-free spaces where every family feels heard and supported. Danielle's diverse background allows her to connect with patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that no one feels alone on their journey.

Monique is a CLD, CPD, CE, and CLE with 14 years in perinatal and community health. She blends hands-on doula care with practical care coordination, linking families to the programs, clinicians, and resources they deserve. From birth planning to the first latch and the fourth-trimester reset, she meets parents where they are and keeps the circle of support moving. Guided by a mission to “reactivate the village,” she affirms that all birth is natural—medicated or unmedicated—and every parent deserves steady, judgment-free care. A homeschooling mother of a teenage daughter, she brings warmth, structure, and cultural humility to every visit,

Meghan has spent over 25 years in healthcare, including more than a decade focused on lactation. Her journey began after seeking help with feeding her second child, an experience that sparked her passion for empowering families. Having witnessed both transformative successes and devastating outcomes, Meghan believes high-quality care can truly shape a family’s future. When she’s not providing guidance, you might find her exploring the outdoors, experimenting with henna art, or playing bass guitar.

Janay is a dedicated doula and childbirth educator with over 13 years of experience supporting diverse families across Denver, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Her journey began in 2012 when she supported two family members through birth within 24 hours, sparking a calling that led her to become a professional doula and now a nursing student pursuing midwifery. Janay specializes in trauma-informed care and has extensive experience with high-risk pregnancies, VBACs, and culturally diverse families. Her holistic approach integrates evidence-based education with compassionate support, empowering families through every stage of their perinatal journey.

Corena is a birth worker with almost 10 years of experience spanning doula care, lactation support, childbirth education, and midwifery training. Passionate about the miracle of birth since she was young, she specializes in supporting high-risk populations, surrogacy journeys, and families expecting multiples. Driven by a mission to improve outcomes and support the natural birthing process, Corena brings both expertise and heart to every family she serves. A proud mother of five, she approaches birth work with the same joy and dedication she brings to her own family.

Kristen Cuddyer is a Certified Medical Assistant and Certified Lactation Educator with three decades in pediatrics, including specialized work in orthopedics and 10 years of home phototherapy support. Her passion lies in empowering new parents to feel confident caring for their babies—especially when navigating concerns like newborn jaundice. Dedicated to health equity, she believes every mother and child deserves quality healthcare access. Outside of her professional life, Kristen is a mother of three, a road trip enthusiast, and a devoted scrapbooker who unwinds with a good audiobook.

Hannah brings a fresh perspective to maternal health through her background in healthcare and human resources. Starting as a university admissions counselor, she transitioned into talent acquisition and HR, where she developed a deep understanding of workplace dynamics and employee wellness. Currently pursuing her MBA to enhance her HR capabilities, Hannah is driven by her personal experience with healthcare challenges to work at organizations that prioritize women's health. Her unique blend of healthcare knowledge and people-focused skills makes her a valuable advocate for improving maternal health outcomes.

Vanessa is a Care Coordinator with 12 years of experience. She pairs the calm presence she built as a postpartum doula and lactation educator in hospital and home settings with the systems savvy gained coordinating intakes in adult mental-health residential programs. At Mahmee, Vanessa listens closely, explains next steps in plain language, and connects families to the right provider, appointment, and community resources. As a woman of color who has advocated for herself, she champions parents so care feels safe, organized, and respectful. Outside work, she recharges with workout classes, hikes, runs, and new food spots.

Adela is a birth and postpartum doula who integrates traditional practices with holistic care to support families through pregnancy and beyond. Her own postpartum struggles led her to this work, fueling her belief in the power of community to uplift pregnant and postpartum people. With almost eight years of experience, she is passionate about creating access to quality maternal care and honoring pregnancy as a sacred time for families and communities alike. Outside of her doula work, Adela loves musicals, learning about California native plants, gardening, and spending time with her two young children.

M is a public health researcher and full-spectrum birthworker who brings a unique perspective to maternal health by focusing on climate change and environmental impacts on pregnancy. As an herbalist, gardener, and perinatal yoga instructor, they integrate ancestral knowledge with evidence-based care to address the concerning trend of worsening maternal outcomes despite technological advances. With six years of doula experience and a lifetime of postpartum care experience as the oldest of eight siblings, M advocates for parent-led birth with a holistic approach that honors both clinical excellence and traditional wisdom.

Angel is a doula, community activist, and educator with a background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With five years as a certified doula and over 20 years supporting friends and family through birth, she brings deep experience to her advocacy work. Currently teaching maternal health at a local university where she was named 2025 Instructor of the Year, Angel is driven to help every birthing person have the best birth possible with someone in the room who truly supports them. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys true crime shows, wine tasting, traveling, and quality time with family.

Esther is a community health worker turned doula who discovered her calling in birthwork through her studies in Black Studies, where she learned about doulas' powerful impact on closing healthcare disparities. Her background in nutrition, diabetes, mental health, and reproductive health, combined with her work as a yoga instructor and breathwork practitioner, informs her holistic approach to birth support. Esther is passionate about making doula care accessible to everyone and creates culturally competent, grounding support that honors birth as a sacred experience. Her evidence-based approach is rooted in social justice and community empowerment.

Daphany is a Medical Assistant with almost six years of healthcare experience working with diverse patient populations, including families, children, and adults from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her understanding of clinical workflows and patient support helps her bridge the gap between providers and clients, ensuring families receive the best possible care. Driven by a deep passion for maternal and infant health, Daphany ensures every parent feels supported and empowered. Off the clock, she finds peace gazing at the moon, journaling, and making spontaneous memories with friends and family.

Lulit began her career in a cytogenetics lab, analyzing chromosomes and uncovering genetic insights for expecting parents. But her firsthand experiences as a stay-at-home mother to three children—including the ups and downs of infant feeding and postpartum recovery—sparked a deeper passion for maternal health. Now, with five years of lactation consulting under her belt, Lulit strives to align each family’s unique goals and circumstances with evidence-based strategies. She views breastfeeding as more than nourishment; it’s a source of bonding, comfort, and well-being for both baby and parent.

Jade is a passionate doula who has dedicated her career to supporting women of color and families of all economic backgrounds through nonprofit work in Los Angeles. Her journey into reproductive health advocacy began in college when she canvassed for Planned Parenthood, sparking a deep commitment to women's healthcare access. As the oldest of six siblings from a small West Virginia town, Jade brings both personal experience and professional expertise to the team. She focuses on nutrition and movement in her doula work, combining her love for yoga, reiki, and outdoor activities with her natural inclination toward holistic healing to support families throughout their pregnancy journey.

Bree is a doula with five years of experience supporting families in hospital and home birth settings, with a focus on BIPOC communities. Her practice blends emotional support, advocacy, and body-based comfort measures with herbal and energy-based practices rooted in holistic care. Driven by the belief that how someone is treated during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum shapes their sense of safety, Bree works to create a ripple effect that strengthens families. A crystal collector always on the hunt for the next gem, she carries the philosophy: 'Todo cura, todo sana, todo lleva medicina adentro.'

D’Veon brings more than two decades of experience in operational management, financial planning, and sales to Mahmee. Drawing on a background that includes 10 years in banking—where he helped businesses optimize cash flow and credit management—D’Veon develops the systems and processes that connect both clinical and non-clinical teams. Through strategic operations and finance initiatives, he ensures every department works in harmony to deliver exceptional care for patients. Off the clock, D’Veon enjoys immersing himself in sci-fi and fantasy novels, whether through reading or audiobooks.

Nikki is an IBCLC whose own difficult breastfeeding journey sparked her passion for helping other families navigate feeding challenges. With four years of experience spanning private practice, home visits, and her own lactation practice launched in 2025, she brings specialized expertise in oral ties assessment and infant oral development. At heart a helper, Nikki takes pride in being an unwavering support person for mothers, whether new or seasoned, during one of life's most emotional and transformative times. When she's not supporting families, she's planning adventures with her own family, with Japan next on the dream destination list.

Clarissa is a full-spectrum doula deeply committed to personalized, compassionate support throughout every stage of the reproductive journey. She integrates aromatherapy, essential oils, calming music, and massage into her practice, creating peaceful environments that support clients physically, emotionally, and mentally. Having witnessed mistreatment and equity disparities in underserved communities firsthand, Clarissa is driven to be both an ally and advocate, and helping women have fulfilling birth experiences has become her life's work. Off the clock, she enjoys making natural soap, traveling, seeing live music, and attending art exhibits.

Nicole is a bilingual full-spectrum doula and clinical herbalist with three years of experience supporting families through fertility, birth, postpartum, and abortion care. With roots in clinical psychology and herbalism, she bridges emotional, physical, spiritual, and cultural support, with training in bodywork, lactation support, placenta services, and trauma-informed care. Driven by a deep belief that birthing people and infants deserve compassionate and culturally responsive care, she nurtures safety, connection, and wellness during this foundational period. Rooted in her Central American lineage, she is a land tender, dancer, and children's book author who finds joy in creativity.

Antoinette brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and perinatal care competency to her work as a holistic birth and postpartum doula. Since 2019 she has supported BIPOC birthing individuals, rooted in her West Indian heritage and weaving cultural care and reproductive justice into each touchpoint. Driven by the lack of culturally congruent care she witnessed for people of color and within the Medicaid system, she is committed to empowering birthing families with resources and care. A mother of two creative kids, she loves holistic health and volunteers in maternal and reproductive health spaces.

Ryan is the Director of Product & Marketing at Mahmee, where he draws on over a decade of product management experience to expand access to maternal healthcare. He unifies tech, brand, and clinical teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance care for expectant and new parents. Prior to Mahmee, Ryan helped scale Dave.com, implementing analytics to drive company-wide insights and launching new revenue-generating products. He’s also taught corporate leaders in agile methodologies and co-founded an eco-friendly travel platform.