Blog2025-02-16T16:58:58-08:00

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© Copyright 2025 | About Families Inc. | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 27-5411622 | All Rights Reserved | Developed by Pointed Services.

Amy Cuen

Title Goes Here

Joanna became a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2012 and is a professional birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. Joanna is also the local coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Joanna has been a doula trainer since 2012 and is currently training birth doulas to become certified About Families Birth Doulas using the Purely Yours Doula Curriculum . Most importantly, Joanna is a dedicated mother to 4 guys who she is over the moon in love with!

Bio Coming Soon!

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Debbie Midcalf

MAED

Debbie is a Positive Discipline Classroom Educator and Certified Parent Coach. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for thirty years and is currently employed as an adjunct instructor at College of the Desert and Brandman University. She coaches parents and educators on the principles of Positive Discipline strategies so that they can find joy and calm in the midst of chaos. Debbie believes that every child should be afforded the opportunity to a joyful early learning environment in which they feel secure, loved, and valued.

Ellen (Faith) Chinnock

BS Zoology, Certified Life Coach and Positive Discipline Parent Educator

Ellen (Faith) Chinnock, Center for Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer, Certified Life Coach, Somatic Consensus Trainer, and Positive Discipline Parent Educator

Elizabeth Dreyer

Elizabeth is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a deep commitment to supporting families through the transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Holding both an AA and BA in Psychology, Elizabeth brings a solid foundation of understanding human behavior and emotional well-being to her work. She is PMH-C and CLE-Trained, with a growing expertise as a student of Lactation University. Since 2019, she has served as a doula, specializing in postpartum care, and has been a group facilitator for About Families since 2020, where she creates a supportive environment for families to connect and grow. In addition to her direct client work, Elizabeth serves as the administrative assistant for About Families, where she helps ensure smooth operations and effective communication. Her unique blend of education, training, and hands-on experience allows her to provide holistic, client-centered care, helping families navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood with confidence and compassion.

Emily Downing

Emily is a Coachella Valley native with a strong background in both health and family support. Holding a BS in Microbiology and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), she combines her scientific expertise with her passion for supporting families through childbirth and early parenting. Emily is a trained birth doula and CLE, and currently continues her studies at Lactation University. As an educator for About Families, she works to empower and educate families on birth, breastfeeding and infant care. A dedicated wife and mother of two, she’s committed to supporting families in her community with knowledge, empathy, and experience.

Jude Johnson

Jude supervises the administrative business operations of CV Strategies. He oversees client billing, supervises accounting practices, and serves as a liaison with external stakeholders. Jude manages and monitors internal performance with precision to keep CV Strategies a smoothly running and dependable firm.

Christy Jo Hendricks

IBCLC, Consultant, Educator, and Author

Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, is an international speaker, published author, public health educator, childbirth educator, birth doula and inventor.

Matthew Gonda

CPA, CGMA

CPA, CGMA, CEO at Gonda+Co. He has worked with the About Families since its inception and has a passion for the Organization’s mission to educate families at critical points through early childhood. His professional work is focused on small and medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations, especially by providing assistance with transitions in growth phases, managing complex tax issues, and supplying outsourced CFO services. He is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father to three.

Krysten Gonda

Krysten Gonda grew up in Michigan before moving to Southern California with her husband in 2007. After a brief stint in Nashville, TN they both decided that the Coachella Valley was home. She teaches high school in the Eastern Coachella Valley, and is Riverside County Teacher of the Year for 2021. Krysten discovered her love and passion for supporting families after the birth of her first child. She has three children whom she adores. She loves exploring the world and participating in new experiences with her family.

Joanna Boles Whitlow

Doula, Lactation Educator

Joanna became a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2012 and is a professional birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. Joanna is also the local coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Joanna has been a doula trainer since 2012 and is currently training birth doulas to become certified About Families Birth Doulas using the Purely Yours Doula Curriculum . Most importantly, Joanna is a dedicated mother to 4 guys who she is over the moon in love with!

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