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The group was founded and is coordinated by Jan Mallak


Our Current Doulas


Nancy Aaron

Joyce Alcorn

Teresa Bailey, CD

Kathy Chiaramonte, CD

Jami Conn

Karen Crow

Danielle Gorman

Linda Hemmes

Ellen Huffmyer, CD,CPD

Kim Huss, CD

Sara Krisfalusi, CD

Heather Mallak

Rene Marasco

Cortnie Meehan

Monique Powell

Karen Sharif, CD

Salise Tressler, CD

Pat Wolfgang, CPD

+ Call Jan to coordinate Doulas based on Availability and Services 724-327-6063

Jan S. Mallak, 2LAS, ICCE-CD, CD-PCD(DONA), CPD(CAPPA)

Jan has over 29 years of experience in childbirth education, labor support, breastfeeding and related fields. She is a certified childbirth educator through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and has certification as a birth doula through both ICEA and DONA (Doulas of North America) and is a DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer. Jan is also a certified postpartum doula through both DONA and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and served as an initial faculty member for the ICEA Birth Doula Certification Program. She has been published many times, is a consultant and has presented topics locally, nationally and internationally at professional conventions & workshops. Jan is lovingly supported by her husband of 37 years, Frank, and their grown children Frank, Jr., Heather and her husband, Dror and their son Zeev.

Some important facts about our doulas


3 of our doulas are Certified Childbirth Educators

2 of our doulas are La Leche League Leaders

2 of our doulas are Registered Nurses

1 of our doulas is a Certified Massage Therapist

1 of our doulas is a Chiropractor

3 of our doulas were the first Certified Postpartum Doulas in W PA

Their ages span close to 4 decades


They are all trained by Jan Mallak, an approved doula trainer

They all continue their education by attending annual in-services and conferences

They all maintain their professional memberships

They all abide by their code of ethics and standards of practice


They are all married (to wonderfully supportive husbands!)

All doulas have given birth and have breastfed

The number of children they have collectively is 40

4 of our doulas are grandmothers with a total of 13 grandchildren for the group

Their combined years of experience in the baby business is over 150 years!

These are introductions to a few of our Doulas

Teresa Bailey

Website: teresadoula.com

I have been working as a doula since 1999, and with “Heart & Hands” doulas for 8 years. I do both birth and postpartum doula work. As a La Leche League leader, I have a lot of experience helping new mothers start their breastfeeding relationships. I also teach breastfeeding classes. I am a member of the Allegheny County Breastfeeding Committee.

After all this experience, the miracle of birth still amazes me. My greatest joy is in knowing I can help the mom and her partner enjoy their birth more and have a positive memory of their experience.

Kathy Chiaramonte

I am 45 years old, married 25 years and have 2 daughters, ages 21 and 15. I gave birth to both of my children with no interventions or pain meds and believe that helps in my ability to empathize with the women I work for.

I'm active in my church as a youth ministry coordinator and a small group facilitator.

I've been a doula for over 2 years and love every part of it. I do birth and post-partum work and find both very satisfying. I became a doula initially because Jan called and asked if I would be interested in trying it after observing me while attending a friend's birth (she was their doula).
I believe I was meant to do this job and that God placed me in the right place to allow that to happen.

Ellen Huffmyer

I have been a doula for twelve years, with "Heart & Hands".  I have four children of my own, ages 13,10, 7 and 1.  I became a doula because of my first son, and have loved it ever since. It gives me the opportunity to serve people and still be a "stay at home mom" which I feel is very important. I do both birth and postpartum jobs, and love them both.

Karen Sharif

I believe that birth is a normal, natural, process that can be aided by emotional, physical, and informational support.  Whether a birth is medicated or non-medicated, the birth of a child is without question a sacred event and the experience will be more empowering and positive when a woman makes decisions in an informed manner and with the support of those around her. 

I am a mom of three and I am a DONA certified doula.  I am especially passionate about VBAC, breastfeeding, and postpartum mood disorders.  I joined "Heart & Hands" in September 2007

Cortnie Meehan

My name is Cortnie and I am 27 years old. My hubby Iman and I are blessed with two kids... our son, Malik, who is 4 years old and our daughter, Maliah, who is 8 months old.
I had a deep desire to birth naturally, however, due to fetal distress, our first born was a true emergency cesearen. It was during that pregnancy that my dream/education of becoming physican assistant switched gears and my goal now is to become a midiwfe.

I came upon "Heart & Hands" and Jan one day, only to attend her birth doula workshop the following week. It was there that I am absolutely certain I am where I am suppose to be and that all things happen for a reason. Being a doula is my passion and my calling. I am so blessed that this is the path I am lead on and I feel honored that I can help women (& partners!!) achieve something so beautiful as a satisfying birth experience and a transition into a new life. To you, yours, and your baby(ies)... I wish you all good health and a blessed journey!