Santa Cruz Doula Salon

The Santa Cruz Doula Salon was co-founded by doulas, Carmen Fraser and Jo Koumouitzes in 2012. Together they created a safe space for doulas to gather each month, build community, and elevate the profession. Carmen relocated in early 2015, and Jo continued to keep the Doula Salon thriving and flourishing with the support of some amazing doula angels. (You know who you are!)  However, it is with a heavy heart, that Jo can no longer maintain her leadership role in the Salon. This August of 2016 will be the Salon’s final meeting in its current form.

A Call for New Leadership

Today I looked back into the records and saw our first Santa Cruz Doula Salon meeting was held in November of 2012.  Together, Carmen Fraser and I worked diligently to create a safe space for doulas to gather each month, build community, and elevate the profession. We wanted new doulas to feel welcomed into the community. We sought to share and gain wisdom from one another. We brought in speakers of many topics, had many rich discussions, and ate lots of wonderful food.

Over the recent months, it is clear I can no longer sustain my commitment to the Salon. Therefore, I want to step down and offer up my role. Ideally, this would happen as soon as possible. I want to announce a call for new leadership and make any organizational changes that may be needed.  My hope is that the Santa Cruz Doula Salon will remain a deeply rooted tradition in our community.  Many of you have supported me with Salon responsibilities since Carmen had to relocate and while my life took some unexpected turns. I could not have kept things going without you. (And, without Heather Gail, we would not have had our original yahoo group!) For this, you all have my deepest gratitude.

I firmly believe that this is the most amazing group of doulas I have ever known—and want to encourage everyone to hold close the Salon’s goals for all doulas to connect, learn and network.

Let’s keep our momentum going strong,

Jo