TEAM
Perinatal Equity Experts
Beloved Birth Collective is Black-founded and midwifery-led, built by people who understand what’s at stake and have the multi-disciplinary expertise needed to catalyze transformation.
Beloved Birth Collective Staff
Jyesha Wren, CNM, MS
Founding Director, Beloved Birth Collective & Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Beloved Birth Collective & Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Midwifery
Years in Field: 10
Jyesha Wren, CNM, is a midwife, mother, perinatal health strategist, researcher, and author innovating solutions for health equity, birth justice, and liberation. She is a practicing midwife at Alameda Health System in Oakland California, and the Founding Director of both Beloved Birth Collective and the Beloved Birth Black Centering group perinatal care program. She studied Sociology at University of California, Santa Cruz, then got a Master’s degree in Midwifery at University of California, San Francisco. She then went on to birth her son at home with BIPOC community midwives, before starting her practice as a midwife. Outside of work, Jyesha is a lover of nature and the dances of the African diaspora.
Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Jyesha identifies as a mixed race Black woman, with white midwestern and Black southern roots. She was born at home into the hands of a midwife in New Orleans Louisiana, and then transplanted to Humboldt County in Northern California to grow up as hippy kid in the redwood trees.
Agere Teshale, MPH
Program & Engagement Coordinator, Beloved Birth Collective
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Beloved Birth Collective
Area of Expertise: Public Health
Years in Field: 8
Agere Teshale is a reproductive justice practitioner and public health researcher with an MPH from UC Berkeley in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. For over eight years, she's worked alongside Black birthing families across LA and the Bay. As Program Engagement Coordinator at Beloved, she brings facilitation, storytelling, and research together, moving through it all guided by revolutionary love.
Agere’s Why
“My calling into the birth equity space started, long before I had words for it. I found Black Women for Wellness finishing my bachelor's degree and walked into a reproductive justice conference that changed everything. Hearing people name the systems working against us, and choose joy anyway, lit a fire that hasn't gone out. Beloved carries that same rigor and love, and I want to help carry that fire forward.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Agere is Ethiopian, born and raised in South Central LA.
Jazné Bembry
Operations & Project Manager, Beloved Birth Collective (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Beloved Birth Collective
Area of Expertise: Business Operations Management
Years in Field: 10+
Jazné is a project manager and operations professional who brings structure, care, and follow-through to Beloved Birth Collective's work. She helps turn ideas into action by coordinating projects, keeping teams aligned, and building the behind-the-scenes systems that support Beloved's work with families and communities.
Jazné’s Why
“As an aspiring Black mother, Beloved gives me hope for what pregnancy and birth can and should feel like. I believe Black families deserve to feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout their birth experience, and I love being able to use what I'm good at behind the scenes to help make that work possible.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Jazné is from Hampton, Virginia, with roots that stretch across the East Coast. She spent years moving back and forth between different places, so her sense of home has always been shaped by a mix of family, place, and the communities that raised her.
Candii Allen
Illustrator, Beloved Birth Collective (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Beloved Birth Collective
Area of Expertise: Patient Education Content
Years in Field: 17
Candii is an illustrator and visual storyteller with 17 years of experience creating thoughtful, engaging artwork. At Beloved, she brings a warm, human-centered approach to medical illustration and patient education, translating complex information into visuals that feel clear and approachable. She is passionate about creating imagery that helps people feel represented, informed, and cared for.
Candii’s Why
“With a passion for Black women, I was drawn to a space where I could express a wide range of beauty while simultaneously creating change. Beloved has given me the opportunity to marry my passion for people and art in such a meaningful way.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Candii is a native Floridian hailing from the historic county of Gadsden on her mother's side. Her father's family line is Afro Dutch and Romani, immigrating from Germany.
Beloved Birth Network
The Beloved Birth Network is a dream team of community-rooted perinatal experts. Some helped found Beloved Birth Black Centering, others joined along the way, and all of them sustain it, bringing it to life every day across Alameda County Health, Alameda Health System, and our broader community. Beloved Birth Collective nurtures this network and keeps us collaborating on care innovation, childbirth education, and birth equity movement building.
Our dream team includes
Midwives, doctors, public health professionals, doulas, lactation specialists, functional nutritionists, fitness trainers, and more!
Danielle Davis, MPA
Deputy Director, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
Area of Expertise: Public Health
Years in Field: 10
Danielle is an Oakland native and brings expertise in program implementation, community partnerships, and perinatal health equity. With a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Black mothers and families, she brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to her work. Danielle is passionate about building systems of care that are culturally responsive, relationship-centered, and rooted in dignity, equity, and the belief that every family deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported.
Danielle’s Why
“I was drawn to birth equity through my own experiences navigating pregnancy and birth, which exposed me to challenges within the perinatal care system and strengthened my commitment to creating better experiences for Black mothers and families. I was drawn to Beloved specifically because of its commitment to celebrating Black birth, centering Black families, and creating a space where community, culture, connection, and respectful care are at the heart of the birth experience.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Danielle is a proud Black woman and Oakland, California native, deeply rooted in the culture, history, and resilience of the Black community. Her connection to Oakland and the broader African American community shapes her commitment to honoring the wisdom, strength, and traditions of Black families and carrying that legacy forward through her work.
Katiana Carey-Simms, CNM
Midwife, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Midwifery
Years in Field: 11
Katiana was born and raised in Berkeley/Oakland and was called to midwifery in her late 20s, starting her path as a doula, homebirth/birth center midwife and now works in hospitals and clinics around the bay. She has a background in education, social justice, and enjoys the arts. In her free time she's parenting her baby boy, relaxing at a farmers market, or walking the lake with a loved one.
Katiana’s Why
“Black families are so deeply deserving of dignity and transformative care. With such a harrowing history in obstetrics, I feel it is my responsibility to bring joy, compassion, information, and deep love to our people throughout the unfolding of ourselves and our families.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Katiana is a Black, mixed, Bay Area native woman. Her father's folks are from Georgia, via the Atlantic slave trade and Indigenous peoples as well. Her mother's family is from the east coast via European colonialism. They are humble artists, activists, hood-hippies, and healers.
Ursula Griffiths-Randolph, MD, MPH
Pediatrician, Beloved Babies (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Public Health, Pediatrics
Years in Field: 5
Dr. Ursula is a general pediatrician in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a background in maternal and child health and is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Black children and families in the United States and abroad.
Dr. Ursula’s Why
"I have been passionate about Black birth equity for many years, and I have been lucky to find a large and equally passionate community here in California! The work I get to do with Beloved is powerful—I have the privilege of meeting so many families and being one of the voices parents hear while preparing to welcome a new life. I am proud to serve Black babies and families, providing the care and attention they deserve."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Dr. Ursula was born in Washington, D.C., raised in the D(M)V, and her parents are from Ghana.
Teila C.,
CPT
Fitness Instructor, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Community-based entrepreneur, Get Fit By Teila
Area of Expertise: Movement & Exercise
Years in Field: 10
Teila's passion is helping women stay connected to their bodies through pregnancy, prepare their bodies for birth, and use movement as a tool for healing and rebuilding strength postpartum. She believes intentional movement can support physical wellness, confidence, mental well-being, and a deeper connection to the body throughout motherhood. At Beloved Birth, she creates accessible movement experiences that support both Mom and baby.
Teila’s Why
"I was drawn to Beloved because of its commitment to bridging the racial disparities Black and Brown mothers face during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I believe every mother deserves culturally affirming care that supports her as a whole person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm passionate about bringing movement into that support as a tool for connection, confidence, healing, and wellness for both Mom and baby."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Teila was born and raised in the Bay Area. Her family roots are in Philadelphia and Texas, with ancestral roots throughout West and Central Africa.
Monique Houston
Care Coordinator, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
Area of Expertise: Public Health
Years in Field: 15+
Monique brings an "Auntie Approach" to Beloved. She has 20 years of experience supporting families in Alameda County. Born and raised in East Oakland, she cares deeply about her community. Monique's care is warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental. She wants every family to feel seen, heard, and cared for. She believes families should lead their own care. Monique is there to listen, share resources, and walk beside each family with compassion and genuine care.
Monique’s Why
"I was drawn to birth equity because I want to make a positive difference in the health and well-being of Black mothers and babies in my community. I want to be a trusted resource for families who need support, guidance, and understanding. I know the impact of receiving support when you need it, and I want to offer that same care that I received to others. Beloved is a place where I can turn my passion into meaningful work and help families feel supported, respected, and heard."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Monique is a proud Oakland native, with family rooted here for three generations. Monique’s family migrated from the South, with ancestral ties to New Orleans, Oklahoma, and Texas, shaping the culture, values, and resilience Monique carries today.
Briana Wilborn, CNM
Midwife, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/They)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Midwifery
Years in Field: 13
Briana is a nurse midwife with 13 years of experience in birth work as a doula and training as a community midwife. She is passionate about supporting families to make empowering choices in their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Briana’s Why
"Birth equity is so important because it is the foundation of our community. In this vulnerable time, all birthing people deserve to feel seen and respected so they can heal and thrive. Beloved does this work by centering connection among Black parents and with their care team which allows us to be truly partners in their birthing choices. When birthing people are empowered they are better able to love and care for their children and their communities."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Briana is a Black American. Their family is originally from Virginia and other areas of the South and migrated to Upstate New York. Briana’s mother adventured further afield to Northern California and Briana grew up in Sacramento.
Amber Bell, CNM, IBCLC
Midwife, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Midwifery, Lactation
Years in Field: 7
Amber is a mother of two amazing daughters, both born at home in Oakland. She loves reading, traveling, quilting, and discussing all things midwifery related. Her super power is active listening.
Amber’s Why
"One of the greatest joys in my life is being a midwife for my community. Reproductive justice is what drew me to midwifery and Beloved. Beloved is a space where we are dreaming up a model of reproductive health care that is revolutionary."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Amber’s mother's family is from Jamaica and her father's family is from Mississippi. She was born and raised in California, originally from SoCal. She has lived in Oakland for the past 14 years.
Maya Combs, MSN, RN, CNM
Midwife, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda Health System
Area of Expertise: Midwifery
Years in Field: 2
Maya is a birth worker, bellycaster and Midwife who aims to uplift and empower BIPOC birthing folks and their families.
Maya’s Why
“I was drawn to birth equality from the outrage of learning about the maternal health crisis impacting BIPOC communities. I was drawn to Beloved out of inspiration to actualize the dream of empowering BIPOC folks throughout their peripartum journeys"Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Maya is from the Peninsula and grew up in Menlo Park/East Palo Alto. Her people are from St.Louis, Missouri and Pawnee, Oaklahoma.
Tsadae Neway, CMT, FNLP, SpBAP, CBE
Senior Perinatal Practitioner & Functional Wellness Coach (She, Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Beloved Birth Collective
Area of Expertise: Perinatal Massage Therapist, Midwifery, Lactation, Functional Nutrition, Doula, Movement & Exercise
Years in Field: 30
Tsadae Neway has spent over 30 years helping women and birthing people reclaim health and wholeness through every season of life—menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Her work blends functional nutrition, trauma-informed bodywork, and birthkeeping, always addressing root causes, not just symptoms. A Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, Childbirth Educator, and home-birth mother of three, she brings decades of hands-on care to Beloved Birth's mission.
Tsadae’s Why
"How much money one has shouldn't determine the quality of their birthing experience. Every child deserves a chance to thrive. The medical industrial complex has caused real harm to BIPOC, especially Black bodies. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I've watched this trauma play out for years—so much so, I vowed to birth my own babies at home. Training as a home-birth midwife showed me what's possible. Working with Beloved Birth lets me give that education and empowerment forward. Black Birth Matters."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Born on unceded Ohlone land to an Ethiopian immigrant father and a second-generation Russian-Polish American mother, at a time when anti-miscegenation laws were just beginning to fall, Tsadae grew up having to explain her existence. What is she? She is here to share that all life is special and deserves to shine.
Jamaica Crearer, MSW
Care Coordinator, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
Area of Expertise: Public Health
Years in Field: 5
Jamaica has five years of experience with diverse populations. Her expertise includes understanding people within the context of their communities and lived experiences, building meaningful relationships, and providing compassionate person-centered support. At Beloved, she brings genuine compassion for caring for others, helping individuals build connections, find joy, and feel empowered to make decisions that are meaningful to them.
Jamaica’s Why
"My genuine passion for caring for and supporting people drew me to Beloved. Being from the community, I'm passionate about working with my people, creating supportive spaces, and helping individuals feel, seen, heard, and empowered."Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Jamaica is from Richmond with ancestral roots in Jamaica. Her Jamaican heritage is an important part of her cultural identity and connection to community.
Martha Tesfalul, MD, OB/GYN, MFM
Beloved Birth Black Centering Physician Lead, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Attending (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): UCSF MFM, AHS Beloved Physician Lead
Area of Expertise: Obstetrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Years in Field: 5
Martha Tesfalul serves as a Physician Lead and MFM specialist, bringing clinical expertise, compassionate leadership, and a deep commitment to improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. She combines her experience in high-risk obstetrics with a collaborative, patient-centered approach to support clinicians, patients, and care teams. At Beloved, Martha brings clinical insight and physician leadership to help advance innovative, equitable, and high-quality maternal care.
Martha’s Why
“I was drawn to birth equity through maternal-fetal medicine and a belief that every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. My journey has taught me to honor the knowledge and wisdom of midwifery, traditional practices, and other models of care alongside medical expertise. Beloved's mission resonates with my commitment to collaboration, dignity, autonomy, and equitable birth experiences.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Martha is Eritrean American, with deep ancestral roots in Eritrea and a cultural identity shaped by the strength, resilience, and traditions of her Eritrean heritage. She carries that heritage with pride and sees it as an important part of how she approaches community, care, and connection.
Tae Blunt, CNA
Care Coordinator, Beloved Birth Black Centering (She/Her)
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Institutional Affiliation(s): Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
Area of Expertise: Public Health, Advocacy, Relationship Building, Lived Experience
Years in Field: 16+
Tae is a proud Oakland, California native whose experiences shaped her into someone who leads with heart, resilience, and compassion. As a single mother, she learned to make ends meet with little, stretch what she had, and keep showing up for her child. Those experiences taught her the importance of having a village. Today, she supports Black birthing people by encouraging, loving on, and advocating for them. As their “personal cheerleader,” she reminds them they are worthy, and never alone.
Tae’s Why
“What drew me to birth equity is my experience as a mother and the challenges I faced navigating systems with little support, often having to figure things out on my own. Early in my pregnancy, I experienced how limited health insurance could impact the quality of care I received. These experiences showed me the importance of advocacy and community. Beloved stood out to me because of its commitment to Black birthing people and the power of Black women supporting one another.”Cultural Identity & Ancestral Roots
Tae identifies as Black and proudly represents “The Town,” specifically East Oakland, where she was born and raised.
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