Meet Our Team
Founder +Owner
elizabeth bachner
I am originally from the East Coast where I went to Tufts University and received my undergraduate degree in Child Psychology. I went back to school to become a National and California Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac. & NAACOM Dipl. Ac.) and National Licensed Herbalist (NAACOM Dipl. Herbs). In May 2003, I received “The Calling” to be a midwife. While training to become a midwife, I also gained additional therapeutic skills to support trauma and anxieties as a graduate of Ray Castellino’s Pre and Perinatal Psychology Foundation Training. I am that person who educated herself and learned that a birth outside of a hospital is different than a birth inside a hospital. I am that person who knows that not only is birth a normal, physiological process in the body; but it can also be a powerful, transformative experience. I am excited to be offering another choice for family support to the Los Angeles community.
Admin director
nicole lee
I was born and raised here in sunny Southern California, and now I am raising my own two little ones here. I am a two-time GraceFull Mama, giving birth to both my boys at home in water. I graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology, and as I began to pursue a career path, some doors closed and some doors opened. It was health insurance that welcomed me with open arms. I became a licensed broker of California and worked for a brokerage firm to help employers and their benefit packages. A couple years later, Elizabeth gave me a call to help her with her birth center and the rest is history! Because of my background, I have an unusual gift of understanding insurance AND the world of out-of-hospital births. I am passionate for people to have the birth they want and to have insurance pay for it. I strive to be an advocate for everyone’s voice to be heard.
Birth Center director
amy tinney
I have been a medical professional working in the field of obstetrics and gynecology since 1990. Working as a midwife and registered nurse, I have enjoyed caring for women and the sacredness of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. My main focus is to empower them to have the experience they desire for their children in a safe and gentle environment of their choosing, including a variety of hospitals and medical institutions. As a midwife, I have developed a way of really being present with women and helping them in a very unique and powerful way that promotes their ability to care for themselves and their families. I feel that my commitment to empowering the future generation of healthcare providers to include empathy and compassion for the birth process will enable our society to move forward and keep the human touch present in birth and life.
Our Midwives
Michelle rey
Licensed Midwife, CPM, MA
My training is in Naturopathic Medicine and Midwifery. My passion is providing families with safe, compassionate, nurturing care that focuses on Informed Consent and supporting family decisions based on education
HEBA HAMOUDA
Certified Nurse Midwife, CNM, WHNP-BC, MSN
I am a Certified Nurse Midwife with 20 years Labor & Delivery experience in an acute care setting. I love midwifery because of the relationships and bonding I am able to to create with the beautiful families during their amazing journey into parenthood. I am also a mother of 3 and enjoy spending time with my family.
ATOOSA BENJI
Licensed Midwife, CPM, CLE
I am a Licensed Midwife and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I attained my BS degree from the University of California at Los Angeles and my BSM from the Midwives College of Utah. I am a Licensed Midwife through the Medical Board of California and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through the North America Registry of Midwives. Midwifery is one of the most difficult, but most powerful and rewarding professions in the world. I am grateful for every client I teach, every belly I touch, every family I support, every doula I train, and every slippery baby I have the privilege of welcoming into the world.
KATE MITCHELL
Certified Nurse Midwife, CNM, WHNP-BC, IBCLC
I am a part-time GraceFull midwife. My favorite aspects of being a GraceFull midwife are our wonderful clients and supporting patient autonomy. I love to discuss nutrition in pregnancy, pain relief methods in labor, and establishing breastfeeding. I attended nurse-midwifery school at UC San Francisco and studied lactation at UC San Diego. I am currently a candidate for Doctorate of Nursing Practice at UCLA, where I focus on applying midwifery model principles to the care of medically complex pregnancies. In addition to being a GraceFull midwife, I also attend deliveries in the hospital setting at LAC+USC Medical Center. I look forward to caring for you at LA’s best birth center!
Our Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. bryant Esquejo
Naturopathic Doctor
www.drbryantesquejo.com
I am trained as a primary care doctor, with a special focus on gut health, hormonal issues, natural skin care, and autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Michelle Gerber
Naturopathic Doctor
www.michellegerbernd.com
I am a primary care doctor, with pediatrics and women’s health as specialities. I work particularly well with achieving lasting lifestyle changes and including naturopathic principals in my practice.
Megan Madorin
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist
I am a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and somatic specialist, seeing infants and adults privately for nervous system support, breastfeeding issues and trauma resolution. I love helping new families with the transition from pre- to postpartum life, and ensuring that parents and infants alike feel supported in the process.
Our Staff
Tayelor ROBERSON
Medical Assistant
I am a recent undergraduate alumni from San Diego State University, who majored in interdisciplinary studies with disciplines in Africana Studies, Biology and Chemistry. My goal is to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
Daisha Pagsanhan
Administrative Assistant
I am a state licensed, nationally Certified Phlebotomist and an Certified Athletic Training Aide. I enjoy helping others recover and better their lifestyle from everyday living to competitive sports. On my journey to becoming a Physician Assistant, I am practicing to create a safe environment for patients not only to treat physically but mentally and emotionally as a whole.
GRACEFULL BIRTHING INC
2815 West Sunset Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90026
2 blocks west of Silverlake Blvd
#105 - Birthing Center
#205 - Classroom & Practitioners
E: hello@gracefull.com
P: 323.486.7134
F: 323.544.6206
LOS ANGELES AREAS SERVED: Atwater Village, Baldwin Hills, Beverly Hills, Beverlywood, Brentwood, Crenshaw, Chinatown, Culver City, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Echo Park, El Segundo, Glassell Park, Inglewood, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Mount Washington, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Hancock Park, Hermosa Beach, Koreatown, Larchmont, Lincoln Heights, MacArthur Park, Marvista, Manhattan Beach, Marina Del-Rey, Mid-Wilshire, Montecito Heights, North Hollywood, Palms, Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, Silverlake, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Van Nuys, Venice, Westchester, West Hollywood, Westwood
OTHER SERVICE AREAS: South Pasadena, Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Woodland Hills, Glendale, Burbank, Encino, Reseda, Topanga, Malibu
