Welcome!
Fort Collins, CO
hello@nocodoulacollective.com
Meet Our Team
Supportive doula care for everyone at every stage.
HOME / MEET OUR TEAM
Our Core Values
Our team members are talented, passionate, and bring a wide range of skills to support a full range of evidenced based maternal and family needs. We will take the time to get to know you and learn your values as we guide and support you.
Relationships and trust are the foundation of our success.
It was a no-brainer for us to join forces when we realized merging our businesses would enable us to provide our clients with even more services from conception through the 4th trimester. But also because we could offer a supportive and collaborative environment for doulas in our community - a home not just for new and expecting parents but also a home for those who serve them.
We are looking forward to each of you joining us on this adventure! Katie and I are excited to bring the NoCo Doula Collective to life!
- Julianne Curtis, Co-founder, NoCo Doula Collective
Meet Our Team
Julianne Curtis (she/her)
CLD, CCCE, CNPE, CLC, SBD, CAPPA Faculty & Labor Doula Trainer
Hey, I’m Julianne (she/her)! I don’t mean to brag but you’ll want me by your side for the birth of your baby (and navigating all the stuff beyond). Seriously. You can ask the people who voted me as one of the 9 Best Doula’s of Fort Collins for seven years running.
(Not-so) humble brags aside, you should know I’m not your typical doula. I’ve had an unusually long run (almost 30 years) of comforting and soothing families during, pregnancy, birth and through parenting. Yep, I really did start going to births as a teenager. My first birth being my own. And I’ve been a doula full time for 9 years. Plus, as a seasoned mama myself I know humor is an important part of parenting. Laughter keeps you from losing your shit as a new or seasoned parent, so rest assured I’m here to laugh with you, not at you.
Who am I? If I could have picked my parents, I would have been the love child of Brene’ Brown and Tina Fey. (with a sprinkle of RBG to the mix too) Someday, you’ll be watching the three of us doing a Netflix Special together.
All jokes aside, I work with families from all cultures and backgrounds. I’m here to accept you and support you. Just as you are. Whether you’re a first-time parent, single parent, same-sex couple, survivor of trauma, or suffered pregnancy loss I got you. Whether you’re having your baby at a hospital with a epidural, unmedicated, cesarean, or pain-managed labor, I got you. If you’re grieving a miscarriage, stillbirth, cautiously celebrating a rainbow baby, or had a long road to get pregnant,
I got you. The journey of parenthood is diverse. It’s winding. No matter what it is, I’m here for you. I’ll be your guide without judgment (that’s not my style). It not only takes a village, but it takes the RIGHT village. I have had the true honor of becoming apart of so many villages. And if you like my humor, calm nature, depth of life and professional experience you might enjoy having me join your village too.
I’m a stork dork to the core.
Katie Piccolo (she/her)
CLD, Hypno-Doula, Hypnobabies Instructor
My name is Katie Piccolo and I have a passion for all things pregnancy, birth and babies! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to serve in the Northern Colorado and surrounding areas. I have been working as a doula for the last nine years and I am proud to announce that I was voted best Doula in the Reader' Choice Best of NOCO
for 2023!
I have a degree in Social Work and worked in the field for over fifteen years. In January of 2015, I decided to pursue my true passion of supporting families in their birthing journey. I am a proud CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) Certified Labor Doula and a Certified Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor. I am currently teaching Hypnobabies both through the Women's Clinic of Northern Colorado and privately. I am Spinning Babies trained, as well.
I love keeping up on the most recent evidence-based information regarding pregnancy and birth. I am constantly learning and passing on this knowledge to all the families I serve. I also enjoy being a member of the Northern Colorado Doula Association, it is important to me to collaborate and network with other birth professionals in our area.
I support all types of families on their journey in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I understand this is YOUR birth experience and you can rest assured I am always going to support you and your choices. Whether you are planning a home or hospital birth, I will be there to help guide you through the process so you can focus on the exciting and joyful birth of your baby with confidence. I truly believe it is always an honor to support a family during this very special time!
When I am not attending births, I am busy raising three amazing daughters. I have an absolutely wonderful and supportive husband who played a huge role in encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming a doula. I have a phenomenal village that I would be lost without who help to make the unpredictable schedule of a doula doable!
April Freier (she/her)
Certified Doula, HBCE, CH, HBFE, Master Trainer HypnoBirthing International
My name is April Freier (she/her)…and I am addicted to birth. Seriously. Despite all my best intentions, I just can’t get enough of this stuff! I thought I was going to retire 18 months ago, but it turns out, I just took a sabbatical. Who would have guessed?I have been a birth worker since 2003 (I’ll let you do that math!), and along the way, I’ve acquired a handful of credentials. I am a birth doula and HypnoBirthing childbirth educator. I teach breastfeeding classes and I am moments away from earning my certification as a lactation consultant. I have completed advanced training as a hypnotist and I specialize in birthing hypnosis. I teach classes about how to use deep relaxation and hypnosis techniques for fertility challenges, childbirth preparation, and the postpartum period. I am a faculty trainer with HypnoBirthing International and I am privileged to mentor new educators as they dive into this incredible work. Basically, if mindfulness and positive intention is your gig, I’ve got you covered from pre-conception to preschool. And maybe even beyond that!
I am also a mama. I answer to Mom and Mumsie and sometimes, Bruh. My (adult-ish) children are growing into two of the most amazing people on the planet. I am a wife. One of the fortunate few to have married my best friend. Twenty-five years later, I’d still say yes. We have two young dogs and I like them more than my husband does. But that’s okay, because they like me more too!Basically, I have the best job in the world! I get to hold space for new families as they find their footing. I get to educate the heck out of parents to make sure they can make informed decisions that are right for
them.
I get to watch regular people turn into moms and dads and I get to meet brand new humans! I get to be the one who is there to make this adventure called life feel a little less intimidating and a lot more celebrated. I get to make sure you are heard, and held, and supported.
This is the work that chose me, and the work I love. Retirement can wait a bit longer!
Chloe McCarthy (she/her)
Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Chloe (she/her)! I am a mom of two, a wife and postpartum doula supporting families in Northern Colorado. I have two children in Elementary School who keep life fun and active with lots of time enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors.
After experiencing my own birth, postpartum journey and working for a health education company, I found a passion and need for postpartum support. As your doula I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to make the best decisions for your family. It is my joy to be there so you can get some sleep, make your family a meal or meal prep, assist with siblings, answer questions, and provide knowledge for your family to thrive.
I support all the diverse family structures and understand the importance of giving you the confidence to write your own postpartum story. I look forward to meeting your family in this next beautiful stage of your life!
Nikki McDaniel (she/her)
Postpartum Doula
I am Nikki McDaniel, a wife, mom, and postpartum doula in Northern Colorado. When I am not supporting a family, I am spending time with mine. I have two beautiful kiddos, an amazing highschool sweetheart of a husband, and our sweet fur pup.
I come from two cultures that value family (spanish/filipino) and I really bring that into my work. I nurture not just the birthing person, but the family as a whole. I found my passion for this work since the birth of my first child. I became enamored by pregnancy, birth, and life after a baby. I started my doula journey after struggling with lack of support and information postpartum, and knowing that no one should feel that way. I decided that I would be there to support those families looking for a bigger, stronger village.
I love giving families knowledge and confidence to strive in their journey’s and make that postpartum period one to enjoy. I will be there to answer questions, let you sleep, cook you a meal, play with your other children, and make space for you. I am not just your doula now, but I will always be your doula.
Savanna Brede (she/her)
Labor and Postpartum Doula
I am Savanna. I am a birth doula and a postpartum doula. I am very passionate about helping people and families at all chapters of life. I am very compassionate for the birth and the postpartum period, it is so important to be properly cared for.
As your doula, I will provide outstanding care, and help new parents to be more confident in their relationships with their baby. I also love bringing my cooking and
creativity into my practice. In my free time, I love learning and trying new recipes, I am an adamant baker and I bake for events and weddings. I love being outside hiking and throwing my hammock up. I love spending time with my family and friends and going to coffee shops, parks, and new restaurants in Northern Colorado.
I am an advocate of women’s health and rights. I am an ally within the LBGBTQ+ community. I believe in informed consent in the areas of sex education, medical procedures, and pregnancy and birth. I will incorporate evidence and research-based education during pregnancy and birth. I will incorporate a loving, safe, and informed birthing experience.
Hannah Desatoff (she/her)
Postpartum and Labor Doula
I'm Hannah. My passion for birthwork began when I had the honor of attending the birth of my second nephew.
I was enamored with the powerful process of birth and I knew I had to be a part of this world. I have a servant’s heart, so that, coupled with my desire to support people in the world of birth, led me to postpartum work.
As your birth or postpartum doula, I will be there to listen to you, hold space for you, and provide a peaceful, non-judgmental, grounding presence in your home. I look forward to supporting you on your postpartum journey!
Kyria Brown (she/her)
Labor Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor
Hello, my name is Kyria Brown (she/her). I have had a passion for helping families for as long as I can remember but after having my own babies it turned into a calling. I am a Birth Doula and CLC, my kiddos are 12, 9, and 4 and keep my husband and I very busy! Our oldest was one of those fairy tale easy babies so when our second came along with medical issues and a NICU stay I learned a lot about myself and exclusive pumping. But the fun just got better when we went to Europe to transfer our 3rd baby via embryo donation/adoption ❄️. Being a mom has taught me more about life, love, and patience then I ever imagined and I have loved every second (even the hard ones).
Some fun things I enjoy are good food (we are currently working on opening a restaurant), hot yoga, reading, plants, and traveling with my family. I have also spent many years working as a daycare teacher before having my kiddos and recently as an infant teacher at a local daycare with some amazing families and their babies 🥰. I am so thankful to be able to support others in their journey to grow their families!
Labor & Birth
Postpartum
Education
Lactation
Bereavement
What Working With Us Is Like...
Here's what others have to say.
"Julianne really is your doula for life. She's a great support and advocate during pregnancy, birth, and after."
- Rebecca
"Throughout the entire journey into parenthood Katie always encouraged my husband and I to follow our instincts, and I think that is what makes her unique."
- Riley
"We had an idea of our ideal birth, but she gave us ideas and thoughts that allowed us to make an even more informed decision.
- Nicole
Our Media
Top Tips for Picking a Pediatrician
Top Tips for Picking a Pediatrician
As a new parent there are lots of important decisions to make when it comes to the health and well-being of your new baby. Choosing the perfect pediatrician is one such decision. As your trusted Fort Collins doula, I want to help you make the right decision for you, your family, and your baby. Rather than choosing off of a list of in-network HMO providers, web searches, or even referrals from friends and family, it’s important to choose a healthcare provider that aligns with you and the type of newborn and postpartum experience that you desire. Not only do you need to feel comfortable and at peace with this person, but you’ll more than likely be sitting in their waiting room for around 30% (give or take) of your life from your child’s birth to age 18, so it’s a much better experience all around when you feel seen, heard, and validated.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your pediatrician is the perfect fit for you.
First of all, it’s important to know what you want out of a health care provider. What experience do you ultimately want and what philosophies do you adhere to? Only from this point of knowledge can you choose a pediatrician that aligns with you and your wishes.
Make sure you understand how they approach certain situations such as newborn weight loss, breastfeeding, nutrition, newborn sleep, immunizations and vaccines, or any other topics that you may feel strongly about or are open to learning more about. A conversation about these topics will give you insight into the philosophy of the pediatrician.
What are the dynamics of the office? Are there multiple doctors that rotate calls? Is it easy to get through to your doctor or is there red tape? Do they return phone calls? Do all the doctors in the practice have similar philosophies? If the doctor is independent, who do they use for backup for vacations or illness?
Ensure that the practice is current when it comes to training and education regarding especially around infant sleep and feeding. They should be providing up-to-date evidenced based resources to you and your family.
Do you feel good about how after hours/weekends are handled? Do they have someone on-call to speak too or text with? Do they provide virtual or 24×7 options for care? It never fails, kids tend to get sick outside of normal business hours. Many providers now offer subscription services that include home visits, text/call support for 24 hours a day.
Once you choose a pediatrician, pay attention to how you feel when you’re in an appointment, how you feel when you leave the appointment, and how the staff makes you feel. If you ever feel off, unheard, or just downright shitty or anxious at any point when interacting with your pediatrician, it’s not a good match. You should your appointments feeling like an amazing capable parent, not a failure or a parent that isn’t taken seriously.
And remember, it’s always ok to switch if you’re not getting what you need. Because if you’re not getting what you need, your baby isn’t getting what they need.
I encourage you to be thorough in this process of choosing a pediatrician. Be as thorough in your research as you would be when buying a new car or house. This is an important decision not to be made lightly.
In addition to pediatricians there is a local wealth of amazing newborn, postpartum, and breastfeeding resources available in our community and as an experiencedFort Collins birth doula in our community I have meaningful relationships with many of them. You can check out my resource guide or ask me anytime for my recommendations and I’ll be happy to help! If you need any help or have any questions, I’m always here for you.
Click here to contact me with any questions or to set up a time to chat.
