meet the team

The Nurture team is here for YOU

Our team is committed to providing their best for you and your family. From ultrasound technicians to doulas, the Nurture team has your back.

Nurture Founders
Doulas
Ultrasound and Gender

Nurture Founders

  • A woman with dark hair sitting on a rattan chair, wearing a colorful floral dress, smiling at the camera. In the background, there is a white wall, green plants, and a decorative basket.

    Erica Manto Paulson, CLD, CCE, CCHt, CMA, BFA

    Founding Owner & CEO

    As the founder of Nurture, Erica brings not only her leadership but also nearly two decades of hands-on experience as a doula, trainer, and childbirth educator. Since 2006, she has personally supported over 1,000 families, curating each birth experience with intention, compassion, and the kind of individualized care that honors both the science and the soul of birth.

    In addition to her work as a Certified Doula, Erica is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Prenatal Bonding (BA) Specialist, blending evidence-based knowledge with somatic awareness and emotional attunement. This integrative approach allows her to support clients in ways that go beyond traditional doula care—helping families feel deeply seen, supported, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

    Her extensive involvement in maternal health advocacy includes serving on the Ohio Doula Advisory Board, TriHealth Doula Advisory Group, the Cincinnati Area Doula Society, Buckeye Birth Coalition, Dayton International Cesarean Awareness Network, and Dayton Area Labor Support. These roles reflect her commitment not only to her clients, but to the broader birth community.

    Erica is also a published poet and author, earning the esteemed title of Ohio Poet of the Year in 2022 for her acclaimed book of poetry, "Hunger," available at the Cincinnati Library and online.

  • A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and a short beard, wearing a white dress shirt, sitting on a rattan chair with a blue cushion in a bright, neutral room.

    Scott Paulson, BS, MBA

    Owner & CFO

    With an impressive career spanning 25 years in engineering and business development, Scott’s entrepreneurial journey began with the establishment of his first business venture in the automotive and aerospace tooling industry. As an engineering consultant, Scott continues to blend technical proficiency with a passion for community development in his commitment to superior customer satisfaction.

    A graduate of the University of Dayton, Scott's multifaceted profile extends beyond the business realm. He is a licensed pilot and an elected official, currently serving as Trustee President in Washington Township since his election to the Board of Trustees in November 2009. Scott's civic engagement further includes previous service on the Washington Township Zoning Commission, reflecting his commitment to shaping and enhancing the community.

    Beyond his professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, Scott actively contributes to the community as a board member of the County Land Bank Board of Directors. His dedication to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in fundraising activities with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Scott's dynamic leadership, technical acumen, and commitment to community make him a valuable asset both behind the scenes and in nurturing the well-being of families at Nurture.

Meet the Birth Doulas

  • As the founder of Nurture, Erica brings not only her leadership but also nearly two decades of hands-on experience as a doula, trainer, and childbirth educator. Since 2006, she has personally supported over 1,000 families, curating each birth experience with intention, compassion, and the kind of individualized care that honors both the science and the soul of birth.

    In addition to her work as a Certified Doula, Erica is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Prenatal Bonding (BA) Specialist, blending evidence-based knowledge with somatic awareness and emotional attunement. This integrative approach allows her to support clients in ways that go beyond traditional doula care—helping families feel deeply seen, supported, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

    For families seeking the highest level of personalized support, Erica offers an unparalleled doula experience shaped by her years of expertise, leadership, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of birth.

Certified birth doula

  • Madisyn is a certified doula and our Birth Doula Practice Manager at Nurture who is dedicated to supporting and guiding her clients in an amazing birth experience.

    She offers calm, hands-on support through every stage of labor and shows up fully for every kind of birth — unmedicated, epidural, induction, or cesarean — meeting families exactly where they are.

    Madisyn is a wife and mom of 4 who discovered her passion for birth work through her own journey into motherhood. She is also a practicing Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 10 years of experience in various clinical settings.

    Madisyn loves to incorporate her clinical background and knowledge of human anatomy to better support clients throughout their pregnancy and birth journeys. She originally received her birth doula training through DONA and is a certified Birth With Ease Doula.

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  • Nicole Miller is a Certified Birth Doula whose passion for childbirth support began after her own empowering birth experience with Erica by her side as her doula!

    Nicole’s focus is on helping mothers feel supported, confident, informed, and empowered and is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to women throughout their birthing journey.

    Nicole brings a personal touch to every client she works with and her compassionate approach ensures that her clients feel connected and confident as they prepare for birth and postpartum.

  • Anna’s passion for birth began long before her formal training. As one of twelve children, she grew up surrounded by pregnancy, labor, and newborn life. From a young age, she supported not only her own mother, but also her two older sisters through both home and hospital births. These early experiences gave her a deep respect for the strength of women and the sacredness of the birth space.

    Her family’s birth stories include everything from an unexpected quick birth to the profoundly life-altering delivery of her full-term brother, who passed shortly after birth due to a severe chromosomal condition. Walking through both joy and loss has shaped Anna’s compassionate, steady presence and her understanding that every birth story deserves to be honored with care.

    Anna began her training with CAPA and completed her certification through ProDoula. In addition to birth work, Anna is a piano and voice teacher at a local music studio and also teaches private art lessons.

    Anna approaches every client with calm strength, reverence for the process, and a deep belief that families deserve informed, supported, and empowered birth experiences.

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Meet the Postpartum Doulas

  • Brittni is our Postpartum Doula Practice manager at Nurture and she also serves as facilitator for our "Nurtured Postpartum" moms group, fostering a supportive community for mothers during the postpartum period.

    Drawing on her degree in Early Childhood Education and background as a former professional nanny and preschool educator, Brittni seamlessly combines her passion for evidence-based information with a commitment to mother-centered care. Her multifaceted expertise enriches her approach to supporting families through the transformative journey of becoming a mom.

    Brittni brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. A mother of three, including a set of twins, Brittni is deeply passionate about enhancing access to education and childbirth options.

    Brittni resides in Terrace Park with her family, where she continues to make a positive impact on the community she serves.

  • Leah is a nurturing postpartum doula who offers thoughtful, steady support during the tender early weeks after birth. She believes the postpartum period deserves as much care and attention as pregnancy and birth, and she is passionate about helping families feel held, capable, and supported as they transition into life with a new baby.

    Leah’s approach is calm, intuitive, and deeply respectful. She supports families through newborn care, emotional processing, rest and recovery, gentle household support, and practical guidance—always centering the needs and values of the family she is serving. She understands that no two postpartum journeys look the same and meets each family with flexibility, patience, and compassion.

    Known for her quiet presence and attentive listening, Leah helps create a sense of ease and reassurance during a time that can feel both beautiful and overwhelming. Her goal is for parents to feel less alone, more confident, and deeply supported as they grow into this new season.

    Leah is a Carrot Approved provider at Nurture and she is also certified as a doula by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing.

  • Kahlin is a compassionate postpartum doula who believes deeply in the power of practical support and gentle care during the early weeks of parenthood. She understands that the postpartum period is a time of profound transition—physically, emotionally, and relationally—and she is committed to helping families feel supported, nourished, and confident as they find their rhythm.

    Kahlin brings a calm, grounding energy into the home, offering support that may include newborn care, emotional check-ins, light household support, meal preparation, and creating space for rest and recovery. She values listening without judgment and meeting each family exactly where they are, honoring their unique needs, values, and experiences.

    With a natural attentiveness and a heart for service, Kahlin helps parents feel less alone during a season that can often feel overwhelming. Her approach is rooted in respect, warmth, and the belief that no one is meant to do this work alone.

A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, sitting in front of a rattan chair with a white wall and a green plant in the background.

  • Morgan has been a doula since 2019 and holds certification in both Birth and Postpartum as a doula. Over time, she has expanded her expertise to encompass childbirth education and a specialization in placenta encapsulation and infant feeding. Her commitment to this work is palpable, driven by a deep passion for supporting individuals and families through the transformative journey of childbirth and expanding their families.

    Currently residing in Cincinnati with her two daughters, Morgan brings not only professional expertise but also a genuine understanding of the various aspects involved in the profound and intimate experience of birth and family growth.

    Morgan is a Carrot Approved provider at Nurture and she is also certified as a doula by the State of Ohio Board of Nursing.

Meet the Wellness Team

A woman with glasses and braids wearing a black T-shirt with a name tag that says "Nina" and black pants, standing indoors with hands on her hips and smiling.

  • Nina is a Licensed Massage Therapist at Nurture. Her technical prowess in therapeutic and relaxation massage allows her to tailor treatments specifically for women, with a special emphasis on prenatal and postpartum care. Nina’s approach is informed by a deep understanding of the physical and emotional transitions women experience during these stages.

    Nina ensures that each massage provides both immediate relief and lasting benefits, solidifying her reputation as a cornerstone of wellness at Nurture.

A smiling woman in teal medical scrubs, sitting on a rattan chair, with a blurred indoor background.

  • Kristi Darding specializes in women’s wellness massage, prenatal, craniosacral therapy (CST) and Reiki, offering tailored therapeutic solutions to support women and infants. Her extensive experience includes focused work on chronic structural, neurological, and connective tissue dysfunctions. Kristi's approach integrates holistic bodywork to enhance maternal and infant wellness, ensuring each session is aligned with the unique needs of her clients. Her commitment to excellence in women’s health is evident in her dedicated practice and the positive outcomes experienced by her clients.

A smiling woman with gray curly hair and glasses, wearing a black scrub top, sitting on a rattan chair in a room with a light-colored wall and a large plant in the background.

  • Julie is a seasoned professional with a unique blend of expertise. Graduating with a BA in Psychology and BS in Biology in 1995, she furthered her education by earning a masters degree in Medical Anthropology in 2000.

    Julie's journey in the perinataf ield began with impactful research at the Women's Health Research Center at the University of Cincinnati, focusing on postpartum and postmenopausal studies. Her career path extended to P&G, where she contributed to postmenopausal osteoporosis R&D and served as a project manager at an Institutional Review Board (IRB).

    In 2006, Julie achieved certification through DONA, marking her dedication to supporting individuals through the birthing process. A true pioneer in the field, Julie co-created CADS (Cincinnati Area Doula Society) in 2009, a non-profit doula organization, demonstrating her commitment to the doula and birth community at large.

    Julie's rich background in medical anthropology, research, and doula work showcases her multifaceted commitment to maternal health and well-being.

A smiling woman with curly red hair wearing black scrubs and a teardrop-shaped pendant necklace, sitting in front of a rattan chair with green plants in the background.

  • Elizabeth, a dedicated and highly qualified professional, earned her BS in Nursing from NKU in 2009. With a solid foundation in nursing, she garnered invaluable experience during her 5-year tenure at Cincinnati Children's in the Pediatric ICU. For the 4+ years following that work, Elizabeth has continued to make a significant impact in healthcare at The Christ Hospital, specializing in the Special Care Nursery and Postpartum units before joining the Nurture team.

    Her passion for all aspects of pregnancy, birth, babies, and postpartum care is evident in her commitment to providing exceptional support. Elizabeth is enthusiastic about being a part of your unique and special journey, drawing on her extensive expertise to ensure that you receive the highest standard of care during this transformative period of your life.

A woman with a ponytail practicing yoga in a seated meditation pose on a yoga mat in a room with large windows, with a view of city buildings and street outside.

  • Jaclyn Ross is a 200-HR RYT Yoga Teacher, an 85-hour Shanti Mom Prenatal Yoga Teacher and a Certified Health Education Specialist.

    In her classes, you can expect alignment-focused poses with breath and meditation work that is appropriate for all levels.