Jeanette formed BKBC with two other doulas, Mary Madera and Claudia Gerbracht, in 2019; since then, Mary left town to become an IBCLC and Claudia went to midwifery school. Now, Jeanette works primarily in partnership with another doula, Brittany Revo, and the two share deep interests in birth, babies, plants, and reproductive justice. As doulas, they have attended hundreds of births and supported countless families through the fourth trimester. Both are firm believers in reproductive justice and the value of positive, practical, and evidence-based information in birth, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Marina and Chatequa joined BKBC in 2022 and 2023, respectively: they frequently partner together and both carry into their doula work deep knowledge of children and families as longtime early childhood educators and parent coaches.

Jeanette Samyn

Jeanette (she/they) became interested in pregnancy in graduate school, when she starting writing on the various intimacies that we cultivate in and outside of our bodies. But it wasn’t until years later, when she was pregnant with her second child and teaching courses on medicine, gender, and embodiment, that she decided to become a doula and trained through Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn.

Now, Jeanette draws from years experience as a parent, teacher, and researcher to to empower clients to give birth and enter postpartum however feels right—and safe—for them, without judgment. Guiding clients through the overwhelming amount of information available to them during the birthing year and beyond, Jeanette creates space for them to feel knowledgeable and cared for in community with others.

Jeanette holds an MSW from Smith College of Social Work, a PhD in English literature from Indiana University, and a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. She is reiki attuned and trained in havening and trauma-informed care. She also works as a therapist specializing in reproductive health: to contact Jeanette about her therapy practice, email her at jsamynpsychotherapy@gmail.com.

BRITTANY REVO

Brittany (she/her) is a certified birth and postpartum doula, breast/bodyfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator. She is experienced with all birthing locations- home, hospital, and birth center, and believes that an empowered birth is born from access to knowledge and community support before, during and after birthing. She is CPR certified, and practiced in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and a variety of hands-on coping techniques.  Brittany’s approach to birthwork is inclusive and anti-racist, and she identifies as a queer woman.

Brittany was an elementary school teacher and childcare provider for many years while living in California, earning her Masters in Teaching Reading from the University of San Francisco before moving to New York and finding her way to birth work. She is a novice herbalist, a mother, and loves blending spiritual approaches with evidence-based information in the birth space. She believes in a person’s ability to give birth powerfully, in a safe and supported space, and on one’s own terms.

Marina Reggiani-Smith

Marina (she/they) began training as a full-spectrum doula with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings in 2021 after more than a decade in early education and childcare. A queer parent herself, Marina is passionate about supporting all kids and all families. 

Marina's work as a full-spectrum doula and parent coach is informed by a deep knowledge of child development, many experiences with tiny humans in and out of the classroom, and years of supporting parents through learning and social-emotional challenges. Marina empowers parents-to-be and parents with evidence-based resources, hands-on comfort methods, breath work, and compassionate emotional support. She believes strongly in the power of the phrase "yes, and."  Yes, you are an expert on your unique self and your body/child/family and also we all need support and community! 

Marina grew up in California and has been living in NYC since attending Barnard College.  Marina and her partner now live in Brooklyn with their two cats and their “baby” who is now an amazing Kindergartner. Marina loves learning, listening and writing, wind in her hair, and looking at or going into the ocean.

Chatequa campbell

Chatequa (she/her) is a birth and postpartum doula. Chatequa’s work like Marina and Brittany is shaped and informed by her deep knowledge and love for early childhood education and human development. 

Before entering the birthworker field, Chatequa was an Early Childhood Special Educator where she taught for 13 years. It was there that her love for all things young children, babies, and supporting families flourished. It brought her great joy to watch her students and their families evolve throughout the course of the school year and subsequent years to follow. One of her core beliefs is that children are the GREATEST GIFTS to the planet; they fill us with joy & wonder. 

Chatequa’s style as your doula is one of compassion, leading with her heart, and being an active listener. It is of the utmost importance to her that you feel seen, safe, nurtured, and empowered to be your most authentic self. She infuses love, joy, calm, and a “you’ve got this'' attitude into all that she does. Chatequa champions the families she supports by ensuring they are well informed with evidenced based resources and uplifting them emotionally and mentally. Chatequa utilizes comforting touch/massage, acupressure, breathwork, movement, and essential oils in her work with clients. 

Chatequa is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. She identifies as queer–embracing and celebrating difference is important to her. She is a lover of travel, nature, long walks, and relishing in the simple pleasures and joys of life. Many people describe her aura as sunshine yellow.