Pioneer Valley Doula Collaborative, by the numbers
130 Families
There are critical gaps in care for under-resourced pregnant families. Sometimes, the outcomes are tragic. It shouldn’t be this way. We’re here to help families have a great start. 3 years
Our work started from a state grant program, but the funding ran out. But we saw the need, and we had to keep this work going… That’s why we started this non-profit. 
15 Doulas
We create livelihoods by providing a no-cost referral system to our doulas. We train doulas to provide evidence-based, inclusive care. We sustain each other through burnout and second-hand trauma. We do this work because we've seen how gaps in maternal care can be harmful for families.
The rate of severe maternal morbidity in Massachusetts more than doubled in the last decade.
Black women experienced maternal morbidity more than twice the rate of white women in recent years in Massachusetts.
Pregnant and postpartum people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, survivors of violence, and those living in poverty are systematically underserved by our maternal health system.
We believe every family deserves doula care
Our doulas work with families before, during, and after birth, including loss and termination. We provide 1-on-1 education, lactation support, and emotional and physical care.
Our team goes above and beyond standard doula care with resource navigation, care coordination, and community connections.
Receiving support can be the difference between a family that thrives and a family in crisis. We have supported families navigating domestic violence, substance use disorders, incarceration, housing instability, and immigration enforcement fear.
We support our caregivers, so they can show up for families when they need it most
Birth doulas experience high burnout rates, financial instability, irregular hours, and secondary traumatic stress.
We provide training, mentorship, and coordination support for complex challenges. We make sure no doula has to navigate difficult situations alone.
We are a fee-free collaborative for doulas.
We need your support!
Your contributions help us deliver fee-free community-based care for every family.
We’re their trusted partners through pregnancy, labor & delivery, postpartum, and early childhood.
Help us sustain this vital work in our Western and Central Massachusetts community.
Meet the Team
Jennifer Walts
Co-DirectorJen spent a decade as a high school educator in under-resourced communities before her own experience of childbirth drew her into birth work.
She is a certified, practicing doula and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Perinatal Mental Health — bringing a rare combination of classroom, clinical, and community experience to her leadership of PVDC.
Viki Simone
Co-DirectorViki is a certified full spectrum doula. She holds a bachelor's degree in Film Production and Creative Writing, a background that shaped her early career at the intersection of art and social activism, including documentary work addressing environmental racism.
Viki's path shifted while completing prerequisite coursework for medical school, when she found herself drawn instead to community health and public health accessibility. That pivot led her to doula work and medical advocacy.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings an inclusive, identity-affirming approach to her care.
Board of Directors
Grace Kim, Ph.D.
Board Chair
Grace is an independent consultant specializing in strategy, operations, and systems. With a PhD in Earth Science, she has spent her career implementing government programs and building mission-critical systems. Her work has included improving healthcare operations for local providers, which shapes how she thinks about strengthening organizations like the Pioneer Valley Doula Collaborative.Grace is also a mom and birth equity advocate. Having experienced the difference between a birth with a doula and one without, she believes deeply in the power of birth support. She is dedicated to helping PVDC continue to being impactful in the community, supporting under-resourced families through their pregnancy and postpartum experiences.
Courtney Ranson-Kersey
Secretary
Courtney serves as Secretary of the Pioneer Valley Doula Collaborative and is a dedicated advocate for Black maternal healthcare, birth equity, and community wellness. She currently works in Human Resources at Western New England University, where she supports employee relations, student employment, and organizational operations.Courtney earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College and is continuing her educational journey through graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University. Through both her professional experience and personal passion for community advocacy, she remains committed to supporting equitable access to maternal healthcare resources and education.Outside of her professional and community work, Courtney enjoys running, going to the gym, and spending quality time with her family.
Crystal Norwood, Ed.S.
Board Liaison
Crystal is the Associate Dean of Students for Equity and Engagement at Amherst College, where she leads initiatives that advance belonging, equity, and community for students. She holds degrees from Pace University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she also served as a Lecturer in Social Justice Education, teaching intergroup dialogue courses. In addition to her work in higher education, Crystal is a practicing doula. Her work across both spaces is rooted in a commitment to dialogue as a relational practice that fosters connection, learning, and transformation.