Team
Renee Taylor, R.Ac., Birth Doula
(Fluent in English and French)
Renee Taylor is a registrant with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia as well as a member of the Doula Services Association. Having been immersed in the research, practice, and exploration of alternative therapies, Renee found her life’s calling in the study of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She has always had a special interest in women’s health, which blossomed further during her pregnancy and after the birth of her daughter.
Renee is deeply fascinated by the incredible power women have in creating and birthing new life. It is a great joy for Renee to witness the incredible transformations her clients go through during their pregnancies and is deeply honored each and every time she shares in the miracle of childbirth. Renee has completed post-graduate studies in Acupuncture for Pregnancy and Childbirth as well as Auricular therapy. She has a special interest in assisting women during labour. It is with deep commitment, presence and enthusiasm that Renee looks forward to accompanying you on your journey.
Estefania Orta, B.Sc., R.Ac., Birth Doula
(Fluent in English and Spanish)
Stefi is originally from Venezuela she moved to Vancouver in 2001 and studied Microbiology-Immunology at UBC before discovering her love for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In 2006, she completed her diplomas in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the International College of TCM in Vancouver. She has traveled to England, Germany and Switzerland where she has done extensive post-graduate studies in Acupuncture for pregnancy and gynecological disorders. Her focus is Women’s health; in particular Infertility, Pregnancy, and post-partum conditions.
Becoming a Doula awakened a passion for birth and a huge admiration for the power and wisdom of birthing women. She thoroughly enjoys meeting couples and families and sharing the transformative experience of birth with them, it is an honour for her to be a part of such an intimate experience. She combines modern medical research with a holistic approach to enhance the relationship between the body and mind while always respecting the body’s innate wisdom and strengthening its natural ability to achieve balance and health.
Shannon Larson Dr. TCM, BFA, Birth Doula
Shannon studied at the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Vancouver where she completed a 5 year doctorate program and is a Registered Doctor of Chinese Medicine. Her studies include clinical practice in Taiwan at the China Medical University and Hospital.
While Shannon’s interest in Chinese Medicine is wide ranging, her passion lies in women’s health which has led her to pursue training in workshops by some of the world’s leaders in Chinese Medicine for fertility and obstetrics including Sharon Weizenbaum, Bob Flaws, Debra Betts and Jane Lyttleton. As a birth doula, Shannon is inspired by the strength and innate wisdom of the female body as she brings a new life into this world. “It is during this transformative time I feel truly honoured to be present and offer support.”
“I love the alternative approach to treating health that chinese medicine offers. It treats the body as a whole. It sees the relationship between the health of the mind and the rest of the body rather than treating them as disconnected from one another. When we come to understand how diet, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing are the pillars of health, it is then that we are able to transform. The goal of Chinese Medicine is not to create a dependency on acupuncture or herbal therapy but rather help the body come back into balance. I am continually amazed at the body’s own power to heal.”
Elizabeth Anne Chu, RMT., Birth Doula
Elizabeth (Liz) Anne Chu, RMT is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy. She has been building a practice fueled by her passion for restorative massage and its provision of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She later became a Doula and is passionate about Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Massage! Her focus is on pregnancy massage as well as postpartum care, she is available to teach baby massage to new parents.
Elizabeth strongly believes that massage therapy is complementary to all levels of healing.