Scruffy City Doula
Birth Doulas
Emily Shanks
Birth Doula
My name is Emily Shanks (she/her) and I´m a Knoxville, Tennessee native and mother of two. I first became interested in all things birth during my college years. I graduated from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky with two degrees, one in Child and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Development, and the other in Women and Gender Studies.
I am a certified Birth Doula through Birth Arts International and have been a doula for 7 years. I believe all birthing people should know their choices and be in charge of their birthing experience. Education is key, the more options you are aware of, the more choices you have. I am passionate about helping families understand their options for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences; as well as educating families about these processes.
When I'm not doula-ing, you'll find me planting in my ever-growing flower garden and tending to my large group of unique pets.
Cost- $2,000
865-235-5288
Kait Lesher
Birth Doula
Hi, I'm Kait Lesher (she/her). I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN, Go Vols! My wife and I have a teenage daughter and we are currently working to expand our family. I am the director of a local nonprofit cat rescue where I primarily foster neonates. I am certified through DONA International and I have been working full-time as a birth doula for 3 years.
I believe that birth is a transformative experience and the decisions made surrounding birth are extremely personal. I encourage my clients to approach our partnership with authenticity and vulnerability. I provide a safe space for my clients to voice their fears, their concerns, and their questions. My role is to empower, educate, and support my clients so that they feel confident and safe in the birthing space. I am proud to support families from all walks of life and I have advanced training in trauma-informed care through the When Survivors Give Birth program.
If I’m not raising kittens, supporting birthing people, or watching my daughter play the flute in the marching band, you’ll catch me with a book! Ask me about Throne of Glass, it’s my favorite!
Cost- $2,000
865-244-7568
Ashley Cooper
Birth Doula
Hi! I'm Ashley Cooper, I completed my doula training with Indie Birth Doula Academy, and I've been a practicing birth doula for 2 years. I'm also a prenatal yoga instructor at Yoga Central and can provided added support for my clients through my training and experience.
I am passionate about holistic healing and utilizing the same sacred practices as our ancestors to promote health and wellness. I believe there is much wisdom in our own bodies and knowledge that comes from our intuition as well. I desire to help families feel empowered by providing resources and education to help make informed decisions. I hope to help families create the experience they want as they bring new life into the world.
I love spending time with my rescue dog, Batman, and friends and family. I enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on, practicing yoga, and watching documentaries.
Cost- $2,000
865-282-6454
