Meet the Doulas Care staff

Lisa Kane Low has been a nurse-midwife since 1986 working in a variety of roles including clinical practice, administration, and education. She received her BSN from the University of Michigan, an MS in midwifery from the University of Illinois, and a PhD in nursing focused on women’s health from the School of Nursing, along with a graduate certificate in women’s studies from the University of Michigan School of Nursing. Lisa served as a program development specialist and grant writer for the Center’s Doulas Care Program since December 2001 and as of January 2008, she became the Executive Director of Doulas Care in a volunteer capacity. Lisa also works at the University of Michigan as an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing and the Women’s Studies Department. She teaches women’s health courses and conducts research related to care practices during labor and birth. In addition, she is in clinical practice with the University of Michigan Nurse-Midwifery service. Her research interests and publications focus on support and care practices during labor, and adolescent pregnancy and childbearing.

Marylee Scherdt serves as the Program Director for the Doulas Care. Marylee is the caring voice on the phone assisting women who call to find a doula. She also serves as a mentor for the volunteers helping them to access resources and problem-solve any challenges they may be experiencing. Marylee has a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has had the privilege of working with new families since 1999. During that time she has worked as a certified postpartum doula, served as a Doulas Care volunteer, volunteered as a facilitator for a Postpartum Depression support group, and is a former member of the Board of Directors at the Center. As the mother of three children, Marylee has been actively parenting for over 24 years.

jamie_opt.jpgJamie Wazenkewitz is the Client Services Coordinator for Doulas Care. She is a dual masters student at the University of Michigan studying Social Work and Public Health, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Whitman College. She has experience in early childhood parent education and was an autism verbal/social skills therapist for several years. She has a son, Dylan, and loves supporting families in their childbearing and parenting years.

joliba-foot-massage_opt.jpgJoliba Honzaki serves as the Latina Outreach Coordinator for the Doulas Care Program and has also worked as a volunteer doula with the program.

nelda-picture_opt.jpgNelda Murphy, MSW, serves as a Social Work Consultant to the program in addition to being a volunteer doula herself. She provides consultation to the Volunteer Coordinator to help support new families dealing with postpartum issues and other challenges. Nelda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and Education from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has 16 years of experience working in the community, providing therapy, doing research, and finding resources to help families in need of supportive services. Nelda is also a mom of 9 years and a School Social Worker who is passionate about helping families during the childbearing year.

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