This spring, I lost my best friend, Irene. After a long and courageous journey with cancer, she made the brave decision last fall to stop treatment and simply livewith whatever time she had left. She did just that — living fully, intentionally, and surrounded by love until her passing just a few weeks ago.

Irene wasn’t just my best friend — she was my inspiration. I met her when I was 19, and our lives have been interwoven ever since. She was by my side during one of the most intense moments of my life — when I went into early premature labor with my first baby, a birth that eventually led to a cesarean. Long before anyone really talked about “doulas,” Irene was my doula. She was present, supportive, steady — everything a doula should be.

At Nurture, we believe that every member of our team brings something beautifully unique to the care we offer—and Jenna is no exception. Jenna Schroeder is a woman of many gifts—but the common thread is always support, connection, and empowerment. With over 13 years of experience teaching yoga, she is certified in YogaFit and specializes in Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga. Her classes offer more than movement; they are spaces where women can reconnect with their changing bodies and find both strength and softness.

At Nurture, we believe that every member of our team brings something beautifully unique to the care we offer—and Leah is no exception. As a Birth and Postpartum Doula and our welcoming Guest Specialist, Leah’s presence is as grounding as it is uplifting. Her journey into birth work started with a moment of deep connection, and it’s only grown from there.

As we begin this new year, we’re setting the intention of “connection”—to ourselves, our families, our communities, and the work we do. Connection is at the heart of everything we stand for at Nurture, and it’s a theme we hope to manifest in every aspect of our lives this year. Whether through supporting families, building relationships within our doula team, or strengthening bonds with those we serve, connection is what drives us forward.

In the spirit of connection, we are thrilled to feature one of our own who embodies this intention so beautifully: Anna Nix. Her dedication to creating meaningful connections with families, as well as with her colleagues, is a perfect example of how we can weave this powerful intention into everything we do.