THE SHORE GRACE DIFFERENCE
Formally named Mothering Mother Postpartum Doula Services ,Shore Grace was founded to support women during those trying weeks after delivery, and to meet the growing need of postpartum support in our Eastern Shore Community. We realized that what our community lacked was full-service, wraparound support for the family during this transitional time. Women and families not only need support during Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum, but also love and grace to walk them through every phase of this new time in their lives.
So many things may arise while welcoming a new baby into the home and we want to be able to serve our clients no matter what new thing they are facing. Rather it’s the supportive hand of a doula, the listening ear of a counselor, or the discovery of self-healing from a coach, we want to be able to meet families where they are in the journey.
It is our goal to be at the hands and feet of all women. To empower them. To push them beyond what they think they are capable of. To nurture them, and to provide them and their families with non-judgmental collaborative services so that they can crush any goal that they set for themselves. Every family that has the Shore Grace Experience will walk away feeling Confident and Comfortable in their new parenting roles, and ready for success with their family dynamics.
"Give light and people will find the way."
- ELLA BAKER
IN THIS SECTION:
MEET MEISHA
MEET THE SHORE GRACE FAMILY
OUR LOVE NOTES
My name is Meisha Shockley and I’m eager to meet you. Having a baby is the most rewarding and yet the most terrifying transition a woman can go through. I’m a momma to three beautiful girls, each with their own unique birth stories. However, it wasn’t until the birth of my third daughter did I start to follow my heart and fully dive into this doula journey. I’ve spent most my life supporting women and families and never knew I could make this into a career. I spent countless days volunteering at a local pregnancy center guiding the mothers there and each day that went by, I longed for more time to spend with them. After college, I took on a full-time case management job where I served the mental health community. There, I was drawn to parents experiencing postpartum anxiety and or depression. I found myself requesting to work with clients who were mothers and struggling with their transition into motherhood.
At 24 weeks pregnant with my second daughter I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and was admitted to the hospital where at 27, weeks I would deliver a 1lb 6.9oz miracle baby. I was forced to quit my job so that I could support my baby in her healing. After 70 long days in the NICU we came home and while I was extremely blessed to be able to stay at home with her and my oldest daughter, something in me yearned for more. Just 4 short months after arriving home we found ourselves expecting our third baby girl. Once home with baby number three, I started researching what I could do to help women in my community while still being available to my three girls and I came across the ProDoula website. I had finally found a name for the passion I’ve had since I was a child. A Doula.
I feel that I especially have a responsibility to Black Women. Our Maternal Mental Health is often ignored and misunderstood. Being your doula does not mean that you will be immune to this outcome. Being your doula does not guarantee you a perfect birth or postpartum. But being your doula does mean I have an opportunity to break generational habits, heal ancestral wounds, and raise a new generation of healthy black mothers.
I'm so happy you are here...
FAVORITE QOUTE
WHEN I'M NOT LOVIN' ON MOMMAS AND BABIES YOU CAN FIND ME IN...
“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.”
- Michelle Obama
Any store Christmas shopping
Cheesecake Factory
My husband's arms
New cities feeding my wanderlust
Target
love and grace
places you may have seen us
/5
Meisha is one of the best out there! She has so much knowledge and is very personable! She is so passionate about what she does for her families. Her new zumbini class is also so much fun for both the parent and the child!
-Melissa Hutchins
1
My husband and I just went to the newborn & postpartum care class and it was great!!!! Both of us felt better after leaving and will definetly be keeping in touch and looking into doula services!!! Meisha and her husband were great and made us feel very comfortable so it was easy to participate and ask any questions!
-Brittany Sgambato
2
Last night we hosted a private workshop in our home and it was so awesome!! Meisha and Adrian were so full of information and REAL LIFE parenting and infant care. Nothing was sugar coated and she tailored her curriculum to the needs of our group. The in home setting was so comfortable and our group was so engaged. If you are expecting and haven't attended her workshop, I HIGHLY recommend going or even hosting one for you and some friends. Thank you so much Meisha & Adrian.
-Krystle Hitch
3
My husband and I took Meisha's Infant Care Workshop this weekend, and we both agreed it was well worth both our time and money (in fact, I think this class is INEXPENSIVE for what you get out of it). As first time parents, there are many unknowns, and we left feeling much more prepared to bring home our little one than when we arrived. Meisha is kind and engaging, and my husband said "that class was fun!", feeling thrilled with himself at mastering the subtle art of swaddling! Highly recommend!
-Michelle Stafford Coleman
4
Meisha is a very knowledgeable and caring doula. You can feel comfortable knowing she can handle any situation that arises. The care and support she will offer your family will be invaluable.
-Danielle Powell
5
Let's Chat! We'd love to hear all about how we can serve your family.
i'm ready for a free consultation
MEET OUR TEAM
KIND, SUPPORTIVE, EXPERIENCED
Becky
Santana
Brooke
Chrissy
Claire
lacation specialist & postpartum doula
zumbini instructor
postpartum Doula
counselor
AFRO VIBEZ INSTRUCTOR
Paula
counselor
Tasha
Active parenting instructor
Ardas
Tori
Haley
yoga instructor
zumbini instructor
Admin Assistant
Kaitlyn
support group facilitator
Zebrina
Shakkyra
Counselor
birth & postpartum doula
Brielle
DOULA & YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Do you have the heart to serve women and their families? Are you looking to be apart of a group of empowered women making a positive impact on how families are cared for on the eastern shore?
Then I want to hear from you!
Tell us about your qualifications. Include where you are located and your experience working with women and their families. Prospective doulas must be willing to complete in person training. Please send resume and cover letter to info@shoregracefamily.org
WHAT WE OFFER
DOULA
COUNSELING
HEALTH
The support of a doula can help you have a more positive birth and postpartum experience. It is our goal to provide our clients with physical, emotional, and informational support that leads them to a more empowered transition into parenthood.
We provide your family with support from a professional counselor to promote self-healing. Our compassionate team is experienced in providing support in areas including Maternal Mental Health, Grief & Trauma, and Marriage and Family.
We want to help families on the Eastern Shore feel nurtured and strengthen. We serve families through Placenta Encapsulation, Health Coaching , and Energy Healing (Reiki) to provide them with the holistic support they desire.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
- Becky
I am a single mom of two kids who is just trying to get through the trenches of motherhood
with a smile on my face and a chocolate bar in my hand. My passions include reading dirty romance novels and being able to go to the bathroom without a toddler staring into my eyes… Right after I had my first child I knew several people who also had babies around the same time that felt pressured by their families, the lactation consultants, and even random people just walking down the street about the feeding choice they made for their family. Sadly, a
lot of those that chose to breastfeed
in the beginning gave up due to the mounting opinions and pressure from others. I knew just by talking to these women that I could make a difference; I could lessen that burden upon them. I could give them someone who will tell them the facts and let them make the choice that works for them. I could give them non-judgmental support for the decisions that work for their family, and that’s exactly what I did. I went to school to learn about human lactation, I completed over 550 hours at an internship program, all to be able to help women and their families make the best decision. During my internship I also learned about doula work, I felt so drawn to this path that I dived in head first and haven’t looked back. What I have learned as a doula came very naturally to me, it felt like it was something I have always been doing. While this is a newer endeavor professionally for me the passion for helping women and their families has only grown with each family I work with.
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ProDoula Postpartum and Infant Care Doula
Lactation Education Resources Certified Breastfeeding Specialist 2017
Wor-Wic Community College Associate of Arts Degree 2009-2012
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist June 18, 2017
BLS Certification July 12, 2017
CPR Certification March 16, 2017
HIPPA Trained Certification June 14, 2017
Occupational Safety & Security Certification April 21, 2017
FORMALITIES:
becky
-Santana
Hi there! I am Santana Machado.
I'm a 30 year old stay at home mom, forever student. I started working as a Mother's home helper at 12, volunteering at Holly Center in high school, and became a nanny for families with disabilities and/or special education requirements. Working with children and young adults has blessed me with a chance to continue doing what I love and being around people that help me to continue learning. Working so closely with mothers and their families has been a goal I have pursued the majority of my life. Being able to work so closely with mothers has given me endless references on how to be the best mother and partner I can be. I hope to continue to assist women and their families to the best of my abilities, promising to continue learning so I can help in all levels of growth; from babies to adults.
Outside of work I enjoy baking sweet treats and assorted desserts for friends and family. My favorite is to bake desserts for the children I nanny for, gifting them a sweet to celebrate with their family. I also enjoy crafting with my daughter; making different decorations for each holidays and seasons to decorate our house and to gift to family. I try to keep my nose in at least 3 different books at a time to keep my mind busy, usually on a new topic I want to learn about, a cookbook, or a science fiction novel. My favorite past time to to find small stores and browse the book section when I should be home doing laundry.
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Certified Zumbini Instructor
Special Needs Childcare Provider
FORMALITIES:
SANTANA
- Claire
I am Claurene Sincere, and I am a dance choreographer.
My ambition has always been to become a dancer and a dance instructor, spreading my Passion for dancing and to spread the joy of expressing oneself Through Dance and choreography.
I have been dancing since I was about 7 years old, even though it's always been in my bedroom, my imagination was great. Seeing myself teaching a crowd or performing in front of many, was always a vision and I was more than ready to bring it to life.
I've always had a goal to have my own space to teach a class and to expand from there.
I believe I have a different Style of dancing that is very Unfamiliar or exotic within the area. One of my favorite styles is Afrobeat, which is a new popular genre Poppin in this generation.
In my class I will be educating a little about Afrobeat and also teaching different popular moves along with my own choreography.
My objective is to teach several different styles of dancing and not just Afrobeat itself. To create a cultural "artistic" vibe, kinda atmosphere For dancers to experience something different within the area and to always walk out happy wanting to come back for more.
With these different styles of genres it's definitely helped me expand my flexibility in different areas in choreography, and I just can't wait to have others experience this with me.
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Afro Vibez Instructor
Dancer & Choreographer
FORMALITIES:
CLAIRE
- Haley
When I am not at work or spending time with family, you can usually find me at a coffeehouse with mug in hand. To say I am addicted to coffee is an understatement. When I am not drinking coffee, I am usually thrifting hidden gems or working on my calligraphy skills. I believe that being creative is one of the best ways to express yourself and cultivates a sense of unique freedom. Helping people has always been a passion of mine. I always knew I wanted to be in a career that was not just a job but an outlet for me to love, help, and encourage others. Young children & motherhood have always been a passion of mine since I was little. From playing house with my baby dolls to nannying in college, I love being around sweet little ones. I believe that motherhood is one of the most underrated jobs out there. Children are a true blessing from the Lord and being able to care for them is an incredible honor. Coming from a home where my mom stayed at home with me and my sister, I can see now looking back how much of a sacrifice it is to be mother. I believe that being a parent is one of the greatest gifts anyone can be given, and I am so honored to be a part of an organization that cherishes that precious gift. I am so excited to get to know you, your little ones and your family!
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” James 4:6
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•Bachelor of Science in Business
(Minor in Christian Ministry
)
FORMALITIES:
Haley
- Chrissy
Maternal Mental Health has always been near and dear to my heart at an early age. My youngest
brother was born with microcephaly, which is a condition where the head circumference is smaller than normal. First hand I witnessed my mother attend appointment after appointment with limited support. The stress was present with no outlet to turn to. I am a mother of two children ages 10 and 4. Each pregnancy was different and I also struggled with postpartum depression. Knowing what the symptoms were and being able to seek resources I was able to get through the difficult times in my pregnancy, but it was not easy. There are so many changes that happen as families grow and develop with the passing years, and I’m here to help with these transitions.
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Licensed Certified Social Worker Clinical (LCSW-C)
BA in Social Work with a minor in Psychology.
Over 8 years of experience in a variety of setting with diverse clients, including long term and brief
interventions.
FORMALITIES:
chrissy
- Brooke
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I have my CNA license and worked at PRMC for a little over a year on an orthopedic/urology floor. After becoming a mom to two beautiful boys Dawson and Jensen I became a stay at home mom. I learned becoming a parent is the most rewarding and beautiful experience. But also can be challenging, and overwhelming at times. Often us new moms and family members need nonjudgmental support and just simply to talk to someone who may have experienced the same feelings. Feeling as if you’re not alone can already make someone feel better about a situation.
After my second baby boy was born I experienced postpartum anxiety. I felt that I was failing as a mom for feeling the way that I did. But I soon realized getting the help I needed to make myself better was being the best mom I could be and fully be there for my boys. After that experience I stumbled upon the services that doulas offer and thought to myself this is what I’m meant to do. Some women need support in different ways. Whether that is a little help around the house, talk, or just have someone to sit with them. And I would love to be that person to do these things for women. From my personal experience having emotional and physical support is SO very important. I would feel so privileged to support you and your family welcome home your sweet baby!
Certified Nurses Assistant
Registered Doula
FORMALITIES:
Brooke
-Tori
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When I look back on my life, I think that my passion for Early Childhood was birthed in my early teen years. I had no younger siblings and minimal babysitting experience, but I loved being around the innocence and joy that only a child can bring. I gave birth to my son at age 20 and spent those first few years caring for him and my two nieces daily. An experience that was both incredibly exhausting and insanely rewarding. It was then that I began to realize just how passionate I was about the early years – a passion that has never stopped growing (almost like my passion for Target and Whole Foods). If you ever talk to me, I can go on for hours about the importance of early childhood development and the impact that a child’s environment has on the rest of their life.
As a once young and single mother myself, I can empathize and relate with the struggles of balancing motherhood, work, school, relationships, and everything in between. I’ve always strived to be an encourager of women both near and far to me because we all have more in common than we actually realize. Being able to support the needs of families’ isn’t something that I just enjoy vocationally, but it’s also something deeply personal to me. We’ve all been encouraged by another woman in some way or another and I think it’s important to be that encouragement and support to someone else as many times as you can.
General Studies, A.A.
Wor Wic Community College, w/ Honors
Early Childhood Education, B.A.
Liberty University, Magna Cum Laude
Pre-K4 Teacher
WCPS
Adult and Pediatric CPR/First-Aid Certified
FORMALITIES:
Tori
- Kaitlyn
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As a child, the dream was always to be a mom. As the years passed each model of motherhood changed but the image of my ideal family didnt. All these models included Mom, Dad and baby. My life did not unravel to be as I had always imagined. My journey thus far has led me to a family size of two, me and my little boy. You know that saying with the life and the lemons, thats exactly it. To take my life experience and grab ahold of my truth has been completely libertaring in how I choose to see my parenting journey. Im here to stregthen my journey and support other women with their own. As single moms we face so much alone. And to simplify, It'd be better that we didnt. We can intentionally choose not to. Im here to; celebrate all flavors of lemonade, faculitate a community specifically for the single mommas.
Family Support Sepcialist with Healthy Families 2017
Bachelor's in Science with Eastern Connecticut State University 2014
Studied Early Childhood Education at Gateway Community College 2010
FORMALITIES:
Kaitlyn
- Paula
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What drives my passion to work with women and families is that I truly believe women are the
backbone and the support of their families and communities. I began my career as a nursing assistant
working with women, a long time ago. I often found the work limiting and wasn’t able to spend enough time with clients to learn more of the help needed. At this same time I was growing my own family and decided to stay at home with my children while returning to school. My heart was calling me to learn another way to help others. I one day happened into the Social Work Department at Salisbury University. While there, it was if my answers were resolved. I gained a calling to become a Social Worker and learn to help advocate for women and women with families. Through my education and trainings, I have learned how to assist, advocate, and empower women. Since this time I have worked with women who have been marginalized by government and/or institutions. I have assisted women empower themselves to succeed and move towards self-sufficiency. It has been very rewarding to assist in the change process, and I truly feel blessed. I began my career in social work because I felt limited in how I could help others. Now as I continue to learn, I truly am moved to assist others and resolve limitations. I came to recognize I quote that speaks to me personally, “A strong woman learns to stand on her own. A stronger woman learns to help others stand”. I think this quote speaks to my passion and drive to assist women and families.
Case Manager working with women and mothers who are at risk for homelessness.
Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University
LGSW in the Fall of 2018
CNA/GNA and private duty nurse
FORMALITIES:
paula
- Zebrina
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What drives my passion to work with women and families is that I truly believe women are the backbone and the support of their families and communities. I began my career as a nursing assistant
Graduated from University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2005) with a Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology.
Graduated from Salisbury University (2005) with a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work.
Graduated from Delaware State University (2013) with a Masters in Social Work.
Licensed Certified Social Worker Clinical (LCSW-C)
FORMALITIES:
Zebrina
- Shakkyra
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Have you ever sparked a conversation with an individual about childbirth and the person is eager to talk to you about her birth story, her experience, other’s different experiences, and the aspects of childbirth that you didn’t even think of? You were probably, listening, wondering “All I said was my labor was rough and I got educated on what’s the best birthing position to deliver a baby is.”, haha. Well I am that eager to share, eager to teach, eager to tell all person. I don’t mean to overwhelm but, I am absolutely in awe of the power of a woman! The power of a family to come together during such a beautiful thing as childbirth! The power of a soothing, peaceful, “how mama wants it and how mama needs it” labor and delivery!
One thing I will never forget is my birth story of my two sons Mekhi and Carmelo. Each very different but, yet still same: I just wanted support. Physically and emotionally. That emotional need for a support system didn’t change after birth was over but, led well into my postpartum stages. My boys’ father and I separated, and I left the hospital after birth alone. I suffered from postpartum depression and I cried a lot. I never felt more by myself. As my beautiful babies’ growth, and the love of my oldest son, dragged me out of my baby blues; I noticed a stir in my gut begin to grow about what my purpose could be to woman like me. It dissipated and came back when I was able to support my best friend birth my godson, Kendrick, into the world. Is was the most beautiful thing I could ever be a part of even when I had to tell her every day for several weeks that everything was going to be alright. Then I knew… my role was to stand by woman, woman who are in a place I used to be in, and simply support them and let them know if they didn’t have anyone… they had me.
I am a young, single mother of two, working hard by day, and aspiring to be a birthing assistant/birth worker by night. The steps to that road start right here. I can’t wait to get to know you, share my stories, listen to your needs, and be there for you just as you need me to be.
Labor Doula Certification – February 2020
FORMALITIES:
Shakkyra
- Brielle
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Late night kitchen dance parties, loud and sweaty spin classes, the sweet flow of breath centered yoga; it’s after such activities that I can pause and really hear what my heart has to say. When I sit and rediscover that steady beating, I breathe into the space in front of my spine, behind my heart, focusing on that location and asking for guidance. By learning to find inner stillness, my classes and doula work provide a safe place to be yourself and find your sayta - or truth - through mindful movement, breathwork, and education.
I became interested in birthwork in 2010, when my sister had twins and have been interested ever since. I have studied and worked in public health both nationally and internationally focusing on maternal and infant health and methods of increasing resiliency in caretakers and children, and am working towards one day becoming a nurse-midwife. I am interested in how mindfulness, science, and movement can come together to help support birthing people during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal periods. I am particularly passionate about supporting families during the postnatal period, through helping to encourage positive attachment, healthy routines, grace, and balance.
When I am not working or in school, I like to spend my free time with my boyfriend and my 13 year old chihuahua-dachshund mix, tend to my plant babies, make bread, visit wineries, find cozy places to read, take exercise classes, or hunt down and refinish furniture. Often, I can be found lost in creating something or just laying in the sun practicing being present when my schedule permits.
