Doula Profile: Melissa

Meet CommUnity Doula: Melissa – Doula & Herbalist

Born and raised in Scarborough, Melissa is a proud daughter of Panamanian heritage and the first in her family to be born outside of Panama. Her passion for birthwork began early—drawn to the depth of the birthing experience even as a child, she instinctively supported loved ones long before discovering the role of a doula.

Her journey into herbalism blossomed from a desire to find alternatives to a healthcare system that often failed her. She began crafting her own natural products in her teens, which eventually led her to herbal medicine school. Melissa views herbalism as a divine gift—God’s medicine to help us heal and care for our bodies.

Joining the CommUnity Doulas Team felt like a natural alignment of heart and mission. Melissa was drawn to the collective's commitment to supporting Black families, recognizing the systemic gaps that exist and feeling empowered to help bridge them with care and intention.

Melissa’s favorite part of being a doula is supporting smooth, gentle transitions for babies entering the world, and ensuring mamas and families feel held throughout. When she’s not supporting births, you can find her soaking in a warm bath (her go-to self-care ritual), sewing, making jewelry, or dancing like nobody’s watching. .

With warmth, wisdom, and rootedness in her culture and faith, Melissa is honored to serve the community with love and care.

And we’re so thrilled to have you on board!