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(Pronounced Dæ-ruh; “a as in apple”)
I have a strong child development background from my two decades of working in early childhood education and family settings. I graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in 2008 with a BA in English Literature and a minor in Education. I have an early childhood teaching certification from City College of San Francisco; and, am a certified Postpartum Doula via DONA International. I am also a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) via The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). I worked as an early childhood educator for eight years. Prior to becoming a doula, I was a service coordinator for Early Intervention, a federal program supporting children aged birth through three who qualify for special needs services. The “birth through five” world is one that I have spent most of my career working in. Now, I am shifting that focus to the very beginning of life and supporting families during this precious time.
I am a south Florida native who has moved around the country a bit. My husband and I have lived in San Francisco, Denver, Santa Fe and now we have settled in the Catskills region of New York. I’m excited to be on the East Coast again to be closer to family and explore a new place! I love being outdoors to hike, ski, camp, and soak in hot springs. When I’m not on an outdoor adventure with my pup, Rio, you can find me at home with a good book. I look forward to serving families in Upstate NY and beyond!
We prioritize building trust through compassionate care and open communication. By respecting each family’s unique needs and choices, we provide reliable support that helps families thrive during life’s most important transitions
We empower parents to trust their instincts and feel confident in their ability to care for their child, providing support and encouragement every step of the way.
We equip parents with knowledge and practical tools to navigate the early stages of parenthood, offering evidence-based guidance tailored to their needs.
We take an inclusive and flexible approach to care, respecting each family’s unique values and needs, and adapting our support to fit their parenting style.
We focus on providing personalized care that addresses each family’s specific needs, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.
We offer heartfelt, understanding care, creating a safe and nurturing environment for families to thrive in their new roles
New Beginnings with Dara LLC provides certified postpartum doula and lactation support services to empower new families in the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions.
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