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
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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.
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Scott Paulson, BS, MBA
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
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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.
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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.
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Ellie is a Birth Doula Apprentice currently pursuing certification while gaining hands-on experience supporting growing families through pregnancy, labor, and birth. A 2023 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, she brings a strong foundation in empathy, active listening, and individualized support to her work with expectant parents.
Ellie’s passion for birth work began at a young age through her fascination with childbirth and her love of caring for infants and children. Discovering the role of a doula inspired her to combine her interest in psychology with her desire to support women and families during one of life’s most transformative experiences. She is passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and confident as they navigate their unique birth journeys.
When she’s not studying or attending births, Ellie enjoys traveling, staying active, spending time with friends and family, and making memories with her boyfriend and their dog.
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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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Cierra is a Certified Birth Doula who provides compassionate, evidence-based support to families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. She is committed to creating a calm, reassuring presence and believes every family deserves to feel informed, respected, and supported throughout their unique birth experience.
Her passion for birth work began after welcoming her son in 2023. Following an unexpected cesarean birth and navigating her own postpartum recovery, Cierra gained a deep appreciation for the value of continuous support, education, and advocacy during one of life’s most transformative experiences.
Before becoming a doula, Cierra spent five years working as a Patient Care Assistant, caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and a local postpartum unit. Her clinical experience, combined with her personal journey into motherhood, allows her to support families with both confidence and compassion.
Cierra’s goal is to help every family feel empowered to make informed decisions, trust their instincts, and approach birth with confidence—knowing they have a dedicated advocate by their side every step of the way.
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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 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 Postpartum Doulas
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Taylor is a daytime and overnight postpartum doula specialist at Nurture. Taylor is a certified doula through ProDoula with over seven years of experience as a dedicated infant nanny and more than two years supporting families as a postpartum doula. She is passionate about providing thoughtful, attentive care and is excited to now be serving families full-time as a Postpartum Doula.
Taylor specializes in overnight newborn care, with a focus on establishing healthy sleep foundations from the very beginning. She brings a calm, confident presence into the home, supporting both babies and parents through the early postpartum period. During the day, she continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing education and training to best serve the families she works with.
Outside of her work, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog and exploring creative hobbies such as embroidery, sewing, and crochet.
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Harper is a Certified Postpartum Doula, Licensed Social Worker, and experienced caregiver dedicated to supporting families during the fourth trimester. Specializing in daytime postpartum care, Harper provides compassionate, individualized support that helps parents recover, gain confidence, and adjust to life with a new baby.
Drawing on her background in social work and years of experience as a nanny, Harper offers a thoughtful blend of practical newborn guidance, emotional support, and hands-on assistance tailored to each family’s unique needs.
Known for her warm, optimistic, and grounded approach, Harper believes every family deserves to feel supported as they transition into parenthood. She considers it a true privilege to walk alongside parents during this transformative season and is passionate about helping them feel rested, empowered, and confident in their new roles.
When she’s not supporting families, Harper enjoys spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, and embracing opportunities to connect with nature.
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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.
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Brittni is an Ayurveda Certified Postpartum Doula and Early Childhood Educator with a passion for helping families feel supported, connected, and confident during the transition into parenthood. Brittni plays an integral role at Nurture by leading our postpartum and new parent education classes and facilitating our beloved Nurtured Play Groups.
Drawing from both Ayurvedic postpartum principles and her background in early childhood education, Brittni creates welcoming spaces where parents can learn, connect, and grow alongside their babies. Her teaching emphasizes practical support, responsive caregiving, and nurturing the well-being of the entire family during the early years.
Known for her warm, approachable, and encouraging style, Brittni is passionate about helping parents build confidence while fostering meaningful relationships with their babies and with one another. Through education, community, and play, she strives to make every family feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Meet the Wellness Team
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Nina is a Licensed Massage Therapist at Nurture. Her technical process 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.