Meet our team
Supporting growing families is our passion.
Our team of expert coaches offers support to guide growing families through pregnancy and the first years of parenthood. We’re driven by the idea that every family deserves compassionate, professional, and caring support during this transformative and challenging time in life.
We're passionate about supporting families through this stage because we know firsthand just how overwhelming and challenging it can be. We also know how invaluable it is to have nonjudgmental, empathetic support from someone who you can trust. Our passion, experience, and expertise helps us deliver personalized support that elevates families from feeling overwhelmed and underprepared to feeling confident and capable. We truly love what we do, and we're here for you.
About Us
About Us
Every family has its own unique combination of needs, goals, and values.
That unique combination combined with your circumstances is going to have a major impact on the choices you’re making. Additionally, we all have different learning styles, require different levels of emotional support, and define success in our own way. This is why we believe in customized, non-judgmental support for each individual family we work with.
Next
There's no one "right way" to grow families, give birth, or raise babies.
The right decision is the one that’s best for your family. What we care about most is helping you avoid common questions like, "Why didn't anyone tell me there was another way?" That's why we equip our families with science-backed information and all of your options, so you can feel confident in the decisions you’re making as a parent.
Next
Knowledge is power…especially when it's backed by science.
Science-backed information is empowering. When you understand your options and the data behind them, it becomes a lot easier to advocate for your family, discuss benefits and risks, and adapt to changing situations if needed.
Next
Our COre Values
Our Core Values
1. Every family has its own unique combination of needs, goals, and values.
2. There's no one "right way" to grow families, give birth, or raise babies.
3. Knowledge is power...especially when it's backed by science.
Learn More
Every family has its own unique combination of needs, goals, and values.
That unique combination combined with your circumstances is going to have a major impact on the choices you’re making. Additionally, we all have different learning styles, require different levels of emotional support, and define success in our own way. This is why we believe in customized, non-judgmental support for each individual family we work with.
Next
There's no one "right way" to grow families, give birth, or raise babies.
The right decision is the one that’s best for your family. What we care about most is helping you avoid common questions like, "Why didn't anyone tell me there was another way?" That's why we equip our families with science-backed information and all of your options, so you can feel confident in the decisions you’re making as a parent.
Next
Knowledge is power…especially when it's backed by science.
Science-backed information is empowering. When you understand your options and the data behind them, it becomes a lot easier to advocate for your family, discuss benefits and risks, and adapt to changing situations if needed.
Next
Our COre Values
Meet our Team
Richelle Clayton
Founder, CEO, Doula, and Coach
After graduating from the University of Colorado, Richelle worked in high-tech management consulting working as a Change Management Consultant. She was attending graduate school at the Academy of Art University, doing freelance consulting work, working in retail management, and preparing for a major career pivot when she found out she was pregnant with her first kiddo.
While learning to navigate her new role and identity as a parent, she discovered her passion for supporting growing families through this oftentimes unpredictable and challenging period of life. That newfound passion is what led her down the path to learn a wide variety of skills and create From Pregnant to Parent. In 2019, she set out with a vision to create a modern-day parenting village and hasn’t looked back!
Things that have helped Richelle through her own parenting journey include asking for help, opportunities to miss my kids, leaning into personal growth, and striving for enrichment (not balance). When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kiddos around their home in Marin County (San Francisco Bay Area). You might find them at the farmer’s market, near the water, exploring new playgrounds, or hanging on the couch watching tv.
Certifications and Trainings
- Childbirth Education Certification | International Doula Institute | Spring 2020
- Birth Doula Certification | International Doula Institute | Summer 2020
- Postpartum Doula Certification | International Doula Institute | Fall 2020
- Certified Breastfeeding Counselor | International Doula Institute | Fall 2020
- Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care | Postpartum Support Int. | Oct 2020
- Full Spectrum Doula Training | Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings | Fall 2020
- Newborn Sleep Certification | Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting | Spring 2021
- Baby and Toddler Sleep Consulting Certification Program | The Cradle Coach Academy | Spring 2021
- Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Certification | ProDoula | Spring 2021
- Labor Doula Certification | ProDoula | Summer 2021
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Certification | Center for Parental Leave Leadership | Fall 2022
Specialties
- Parental Leave Transition - Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Childbirth Prep: Birth Preferences and Labor Coping Strategy Sessions
- Newborn Care Prep and Coaching
- Lactation Prep and Basic Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Infant and Toddler Sleep Issues
- Understanding Normal Infant and Toddler Sleep
- Building Your Baby Registry and Preparing Your Home
- Building Your Village of Support
After graduating from the University of Colorado, Richelle worked in high-tech management consulting working as a Change Management Consultant. She was attending graduate school at the Academy of Art University, doing freelance consulting work, working in retail management, and preparing for a major career pivot when she found out she was pregnant with her first kiddo.
While learning to navigate her new role and identity as a parent, she discovered her passion for supporting growing families through this oftentimes unpredictable and challenging period of life. That newfound passion is what led her down the path to learn a wide variety of skills and create From Pregnant to Parent. In 2019, she set out with a vision to create a modern-day parenting village and hasn’t looked back!
Things that have helped Richelle through her own parenting journey include asking for help, opportunities to miss my kids, leaning into personal growth, and striving for enrichment (not balance). When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kiddos around their home in Marin County (San Francisco Bay Area). You might find them at the farmer’s market, near the water, exploring new playgrounds, or hanging on the couch watching tv.
Certifications/Trainings and Specialties
- Birth Story Reflection Training for Birth Professionals | Emily Souder | Nov. '22
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Cert. | CPLL | Spring '22
- Labor Doula Cert. | PD | Aug. '21
- Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Cert. | PD | Mar '21
- Baby and Toddler Sleep Consulting Cert.| TCCA | Spring '21
- Newborn Sleep Cert. | IPSP | Spring '21
- Full Spectrum Doula Training | BADT | Fall '20
- Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care | PSI | Oct '20
- Breastfeeding Counselor Cert. | IDI | Fall '20
- Postpartum Doula Cert. | IDI | Fall '20
- Birth Doula Cert. | IDI | Summer '20
- Childbirth Education | IDI | Spring '20
Specialties
- Parental Leave Transition: Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Childbirth Prep: Birth Preferences and Labor Coping Strategy Sessions
- Newborn Care Prep and Coaching
- Lactation Prep and Basic Troubleshooting
- Infant & Toddler Sleep Issues
- Understanding Normal Infant & Toddler Sleep
- Building Your Baby Registry
- Preparing Your Home for Baby
- Building Your Village of Support
Founder, CEO, Doula, and Coach
Richelle Clayton
MeeT the Team
Christina Klein
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist + RETAIN Parental Leave Coach + Certified Fair Play Facilitator
Christina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private therapy practice in Marin County (San Francisco Bay Area). Christina specializes in maternal mental health and supporting individuals through their perinatal and parenting journey. In addition to private practice, Christina has worked in a variety of settings including reproductive health centers, mental health agencies and schools.
As a mother of two young boys, Christina knows firsthand the joys and demands that parenthood brings. While Christina has held a long-standing interest and focus in reproductive and maternal mental health, it was through her own experience in becoming a mother that awakened a newfound dedication and calling for helping others in
Certifications and Trainings
- Certified Fair Play Facilitator Training | Fair Play Method | Fall 2022
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Certification | Center for Parental Leave Leadership | Fall 2022
- Maternal Mental Health Intensive: Perinatal Loss and Grief | Seleni Institute | Fall 2021
- Professional Intensive Training with Hand in Hand Parenting | Fall 2021
- Postpartum Support International & 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Training | Spring 2021
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Proficiency Course: Master the Core Components & Skills of ACT Across Diagnoses | PESI | 2022
- Perinatal Mood Disorders Certificate | Postpartum Support International | Summer 2020
- ACT for Women’s Mental Health | Nurturing Mamas Network | Spring 2022
- Institute of Noetic Sciences: Mindful Motherhood Facilitator Training
- Certification Training on Anxiety Treatment for Children and Adolescents | Summer 2018
- The Body Positive Facilitator Training | Spring 2017
Specialties
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Maternal Mental Health
- Stress and burnout
- Mindfulness
- Parental Leave Transition - Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Partnering through Parenthood
- Building Your Village of Support
- Perinatal Resources and Referrals
their parenting journey. Christina has received specialized training in maternal mental health including the Postpartum Support International & 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Training.
Things that have helped Christina on her own parenting journey include connection with other mommas, lattes, nature, being outdoors, dark chocolate, and mindfulness. When she isn’t in the office, you can find Christina chasing after her two active boys, spending time with her partner, reading, and watching reality TV (most notably Bravo).
Christina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private therapy practice in Marin County (San Francisco Bay Area). Christina specializes in maternal mental health and supporting individuals through their perinatal and parenting journey. In addition to private practice, Christina has worked in a variety of settings including reproductive health centers, mental health agencies and schools.
As a mother of two young boys, Christina knows firsthand the joys and demands that parenthood brings. While Christina has held a long-standing interest and focus in reproductive and maternal mental health, it was through her own experience in becoming a mother that awakened a newfound dedication and calling for helping others in their parenting journey. Christina has received specialized training in maternal mental health including the Postpartum Support International & 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Training.
Things that have helped Christina on her own parenting journey include connection with other mommas, lattes, nature, being outdoors, dark chocolate and mindfulness. When she isn’t in the office, you can find Christina chasing her two active boys, spending time with her partner, reading, and watching reality TV (most notably Bravo).
Certifications/Trainings and Specialties
- Certified Fair Play Facilitator Training | Fair Play Method | Fall '22
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Certification | Center for Parental Leave Leadership | Fall '22
- Maternal Mental Health Intensive: Perinatal Loss and Grief | Seleni Institute | Fall '21
- Professional Intensive Training with Hand in Hand Parenting | Fall '21
- Postpartum Support International & 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Training | Spring '21
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Proficiency Course: Master the Core Components & Skills of ACT Across Diagnoses | PESI | 2022
- Perinatal Mood Disorders Certificate | Postpartum Support International | Summer '20
- ACT for Women’s Mental Health | Nurturing Mamas Network | Spring '22
- Institute of Noetic Sciences: Mindful Motherhood Facilitator Training
- Certification Training on Anxiety Treatment for Children and Adolescents | Summer '18
- The Body Positive Facilitator Training | Spring '17
Specialties
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Maternal Mental Health
- Stress and burnout
- Mindfulness
- Parental Leave Transition - Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Partnering through Parenthood
- Building Your Village of Support
- Perinatal Resources and Referrals
LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST + RETAIN PARENTAL LEAVE COACH + CERTIFIED FAIR PLAY FACILITATOR
CHRISTINA KLEIN
Emily Phelps
Birth and Postpartum Doula + RETAIN Parental Leave Coach
Emily works as a birth and postpartum doula and perinatal educator in Bloomington, Indiana. In 2019, she started The Matrescence Project, a cohort-based new parent group, grounded in adult learning theory. The project was founded on the firm belief that peer support is an invaluable resource during the transition to early parenthood.
Outside of birth work and coaching, Emily works within corporate Human Resources and Leadership Development. She is a dynamic presenter, an engaging educator/trainer, and collaborative strategist with over 10 years of experience in the field. Before having kids, she lived in Ireland and worked abroad, managing European marketing and training initiatives for a medical device manufacturer.
Certifications and Trainings
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Certification | Center for Parental Leave Leadership | Fall 2022
- Certified Instructor | Dancing for Birth | Fall 2021
- Childbirth Educator Training | Lamaze International | Summer 2021
- Workshop Training | Spinning Babies | Spring 2021
- Certified Strengths Coach, Clifton Strengths | Gallup | Spring 2020
- TED Speaker | TedX Bloomington | Spring 2020
- Crucial Conversations Certified Trainer | Crucial Learning | Winter 2020
- Birth Doula Training | DONA International | Winter 2020
- Certified Postpartum Doula | DONA International | 2018
Specialties
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Parental Leave Transition - Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Physical, Mental, and Emotional Preparation for Labor
- Non-Birthing Partner Support
Emily and her husband welcomed their first child in 2017 via IVF after years of living with infertility. As a lifelong perfectionist with a deeply Virgo commitment to order and control, becoming a mother cracked Emily’s world wide open, in the best and hardest ways. A debilitating struggle with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD defined her transition into parenthood and inspired her shift to parent-focused work.
Things that have helped Emily through her own parenting journey include: prioritizing time with friends (especially without children present), journaling, choosing silliness, and setting the bar low for joy. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, gardening, and is an active member of her local Unitarian Universalist church.
Certifications/Trainings and Specialties
Emily works as a birth and postpartum doula and perinatal educator in Bloomington, Indiana. In 2019, she started The Matrescence Project, a cohort-based new parent group, grounded in adult learning theory. The project was founded on the firm belief that peer support is an invaluable resource during the transition to early parenthood.
Outside of birth work and coaching, Emily works within corporate Human Resources and Leadership Development. She is a dynamic presenter, an engaging educator/trainer, and collaborative strategist with over 10 years of experience in the field. Before having kids, she lived in Ireland and worked abroad, managing European marketing and training initiatives for a medical device manufacturer.
Emily and her husband welcomed their first child in 2017 via IVF after years of living with infertility. As a lifelong perfectionist with a deeply Virgo commitment to order and control, becoming a mother cracked Emily’s world wide open, in the best and hardest ways. A debilitating struggle with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD defined her transition into parenthood and inspired her shift to parent-focused work.
Things that have helped Emily through her own parenting journey include: prioritizing time with friends (especially without children present), journaling, choosing silliness, and setting the bar low for joy. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, gardening, and is an active member of her local Unitarian Universalist church.
- RETAIN Parental Leave Coaching Cert. | Center for Parental Leave Leadership | Fall '22
- Certified Instructor | Dancing for Birth | Fall '21
- Childbirth Educator Training | Lamaze International | Summer '21
- Workshop Training | Spinning Babies | Spring '21
- Certified Strengths Coach, Clifton Strengths | Gallup | Spring '20
- TED Speaker | TedX Bloomington | Spring '20
- Crucial Conversations Certified Trainer | Crucial Learning | Winter '20
- Birth Doula Training | DONA International | Winter '20
- Certified Postpartum Doula | DONA International | '18
Specialties
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Parental Leave Transition - Navigating Role and Identity Shifts
- Physical, Mental, and Emotional Preparation for Labor
- Non-Birthing Partner Support
BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM DOULA + RETAIN PARENTAL LEAVE COACH
EMILY PHELPS
Talk to a Coach
Talk to a Coach today and take the yikes out of becoming a parent.
✓ Feel prepared for the journey ahead
✓ Reduce feelings of overwhelm
✓ Embrace your shifting identities
✓ Set yourself up for a successful parental transition
✓ Maximize sleep in the early years
✓ Feel empowered to make informed choices for your family
From Pregnant to Parent wants to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in your role as a parent.
Get support to help your family thrive
