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

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

    Owner & Founder

    Erica, a CAPPA certified labor doula and esteemed member of the CAPPA faculty as a doula trainer, boasts a comprehensive array of certifications and credentials in the realm of childbirth support.

    As a dedicated professional, Erica is affiliated with prominent organizations such as CAPPA, Birth Arts International, and the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health. Beyond her impressive contributions to the field, Erica is 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.

    Throughout her extensive career spanning since 2006, Erica has served over 1000 families as a doula and childbirth educator. Her commitment to community involvement is evident through her board positions with the Ohio Doula Advisory Board, the Cincinnati Area Doula Society, Buckeye Birth Coalition, the Dayton International Cesarean Awareness Network chapter, and the Dayton Area Labor Support, showcasing her ongoing dedication to advancing maternal and infant health initiatives. Erica's multifaceted expertise and leadership make her a respected figure within the birth community.

  • Scott Paulson, BS, MBA

    Owner

    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 Wellness Team

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

    Passionate about promoting self-care as essential, not optional, BJ advocates for the philosophy that "self-care isn’t selfish." Her dedication to this principle is evident in every session, with clients consistently praising her services as the "best massage ever." Whether the goal is pain management or simply a pampering experience, BJ ensures that each massage provides both immediate relief and lasting benefits, solidifying her reputation as a cornerstone of wellness at Nurture.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Anna Snyder, a Mount St. Joseph University BSN graduate, joins Nurture with a rich background as a birthing assistant and client advocate. Her early love for babies, nurtured through experiences at various care centers, now finds expression in her role as an ultrasound technician. Anna finds joy in life's simple pleasures, including nature hikes, retro fashion, and quiet moments with her Bible and her husband’s vintage cars.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Meet the Birth Doulas

  • Erica, a CAPPA certified labor doula and certified childbirth educator, and esteemed member of the CAPPA faculty as a doula trainer, holds a comprehensive array of certifications and credentials in the realm of childbirth support.

    As a dedicated professional, Erica is affiliated with prominent organizations such as CAPPA, DONA, Birth Arts International, and the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health. She began her work as a doula 17 years ago, and has taught childbirth education and hypnobirthing at The Christ Hospital, Bethesda North Hospital, and currently at Nurture.

    In addition to her impressive contributions to the field, Erica is 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.

    Throughout her extensive career spanning since 2006, Erica has served over 1000 families as a doula and childbirth educator.

    Her commitment to community involvement is evident through her board positions with the Ohio Doula Advisory Board, the Cincinnati Area Doula Society, Buckeye Birth Coalition, the Dayton International Cesarean Awareness Network chapter, and the Dayton Area Labor Support, showcasing her ongoing dedication to advancing maternal and infant health initiatives.

    Erica's multifaceted expertise and leadership make her a respected figure within the birth community.

  • Morgan Miller is a certified labor doula through ProDoula and ToLABOR, beginning her birth work in 2019. She has since expanded her expertise to include postpartum care, childbirth education, and infant feeding support. Morgan’s personal experience of welcoming her youngest daughter at home deepened her empathy and understanding of the birthing journey. Residing in Cincinnati with her two daughters, Morgan combines her professional knowledge with her own experience to offer compassionate support to families throughout pregnancy and birth.

  • Leah Heiden is a certified doula whose passion for supporting birthing mothers began after witnessing her sister’s natural birth. Her experience deepened while working with women through their pregnancy and birth journeys. As Nurture’s Guest Specialist and doula, Leah is dedicated to offering compassionate care to every mother. Raised in New Richmond, OH, Leah’s strong faith shapes her belief in the miracle of life, and she feels honored to walk alongside women during birth.

  • Nicole Miller is a CAPPA certified doula whose passion for childbirth support began after her own empowering experience with Erica by her side. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to women throughout their birthing journey. Nicole’s focus is on helping mothers feel supported, confident, and empowered, ensuring they have a positive experience. With her certification and experience, Nicole brings both professionalism and a personal touch to every family she supports.

    In her role as our Client Connections Specialist, Nicole is the first point of contact for families joining Nurture. She ensures that every client feels welcomed, heard, and understood from the very beginning. Nicole helps guide families through their options, matching them with the right doula to meet their specific needs and ensuring a smooth and supportive experience. Her compassionate approach ensures that clients feel connected to their birth team and confident as they prepare for birth and postpartum.

  • Brittni O’Connor is a dedicated doula trained through CAPPA and certified with Childbirth International, with a passion for improving access to education and childbirth options. A mother of three, including twins, she leads the “Nurtured Postpartum” moms group, fostering community support. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and experience as a nanny and preschool educator, Brittni combines evidence-based information with a commitment to mother-centered care. She resides in Terrace Park with her family.

  • Anna Nix has been working as a doula since 2017 and has extensive experience supporting women during pregnancy and birth. Drawing from her own seven(!) diverse birth experiences, she passionately empowers women to embrace their natural birthing abilities. Known for her calming and reassuring presence, Anna fosters an environment of peace and confidence during labor.

    In her role as Doula Connections Facilitator, Anna plays a pivotal part in bringing our team of doulas together. She actively seeks out advanced educational and CEU opportunities, ensuring our team stays up-to-date with the latest in birth work, while also fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration within the Nurture family. Anna helps us stay connected, aligned, and continuously growing as professionals, all while nurturing the supportive atmosphere that makes Nurture so special.

    Outside of her doula work, Anna homeschools her seven children and enjoys cultivating a homestead, baking sourdough bread, and exploring nature with her family.

  • Jenna Rost is an early childhood developmental specialist and a devoted mother to two boys. Her passion for becoming a doula stemmed from her own empowering birthing experience, which inspired her to help other mothers feel confident and supported throughout their own journeys.

    Jenna is a certified birth and postpartum doula, dedicated to ensuring that all mothers have a positive, empowering experience as they bring new life into the world. She brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to her doula work.

Meet the Postpartum Doulas

  • Gabby is a compassionate postpartum doula dedicated to ensuring new moms feel supported, loved, and heard during their postpartum journey.

    She provides personalized care, helping mothers feel connected during this vulnerable time.

    Her drive to serve mothers comes from her own experiences as a mom of three, where she often found herself lacking the support she needed. This personal insight fuels her commitment to make sure no mom ever feels lonely or unseen.

    Gabby is honored to walk alongside mothers and their babies, providing the care and reassurance they deserve during this precious and transformative time.

  • Leah has a fervor for supporting mothers in both the birth and postpartum space. This passion took root when she witnessed her sister's natural childbirth journey and deepened through working with women during their transformative journey of pregnancy and motherhood.

    As the Guest Specialist at Nurture and as a certified doula, Leah is dedicated to ensuring that every experience is met with the utmost support and care.

    Leah is genuinely honored to be a companion to pregnant and laboring women, navigating the profound and miraculous experience of birth.

    As the youngest among five siblings, Leah was born and raised along the scenic riverbanks of New Richmond, OH.  Her belief in God and her faith influences her reverence for each life as a precious miracle.

  • Morgan holds certifications as a labor doula from both ProDoula and ToLABOR, embarking on her doula journey in 2019. Over time, she has expanded her expertise to encompass postpartum and infant care, childbirth education, and 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.

    Notably, Morgan's dedication extends beyond her professional credentials, as she recently experienced the joy of welcoming her youngest daughter into the world at home. This personal experience enhances her understanding and empathy, making her even more attuned to the unique needs and emotions associated with the beautiful process of birth.

    Currently residing in Cincinnati with her husband and 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.

  • Brittni, a dedicated doula with training from both CAPPA and Childbirth International, 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 serves as a group leader 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 childbirth.

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