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About Sierra Doula Academy
formerly Sierra Childbirth Institute
SDA
30+ Years of Educating Birth Professionals
Sierra Doula Academy
Where Modern Science meets Instinctual Wisdom
About Sierra Doula Academy
Sierra Doula Academy is dedicated to preparing compassionate, confident, and knowledgeable birth professionals through evidence-based education, experiential learning, and meaningful mentorship. We believe that while doulas develop practical skills through training, it is their calm, compassionate presence that leaves a lasting impact on the families they serve.
Founded by longtime birth professional Janine Maitri, Sierra Doula Academy reflects more than four decades of dedication to childbirth education, doula training, and family support. Since beginning her work as a childbirth educator and birth assistant in 1982, Janine has helped train thousands of birth doulas while remaining deeply committed to transforming the childbirth experience through education, compassionate support, and a deep respect for the instinctive wisdom of birth.
The Academy began as Sierra Childbirth Institute, established in 2002, and takes its name from the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, where Janine relocated after many years serving families and professionals in the California Bay Area. It also carries forward the legacy of Peninsula Birth Connection, the education and resource center Janine founded in Palo Alto in 1994, which continues today as Blossom Birth & Family Services.
In 2019, Janine established a dedicated training center in Sacramento, California, creating a welcoming space where aspiring and experienced birth professionals could learn, connect, and grow together. While the physical training center closed in 2026, Sierra Doula Academy continues to serve students through live and online workshops, personal mentoring, community partnerships, and online continuing education.
Today, Sierra Doula Academy is supported by a dedicated team of experienced birth professionals who share a common commitment to excellence, compassion, and lifelong learning. Together, we strive to create an educational experience that not only prepares doulas with practical skills, but also nurtures the confidence, presence, and professionalism they need to build meaningful, sustainable careers serving families.
Reach out to Sierra Doula Academy
Do you have questions about becoming a birth professional? Are you looking for a doula or childbirth educator? Send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you.
Meet Our Team!
Behind every Sierra Doula Academy workshop is a dedicated team of experienced birth professionals who are passionate about supporting both families and the doulas who serve them. Together, we bring decades of experience in birth and postpartum care, childbirth education, lactation support, business development, and mentorship.
Whether teaching in the classroom, supporting students behind the scenes, or guiding doulas as they build meaningful careers, our shared commitment is to create a warm, welcoming, and highly interactive learning experience. Our doula training workshops and many of our continuing education classes are approved by DONA International for doula certification and continuing education credits.
Click on our names for full bios.
Janine Maitri
Founding Director at SDA | DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer
Janine Maitri
Founding Director at SDA | DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer
- Phone:tel:(916)999-0210
- Email:janine@sierradoulaacademy.com
Brooklyn Cullum
Office Manager
Tonya Bridges
Co-Doula Trainer & Mentor
Sierra Doula Academy is Different
Evidence Based Doula Training
DONA Approved Doula Workshop
Our in-person and online doula workshops meet all the requirements to become a DONA certified Doula.
In-Person & Online Doula Training
Varying options to meet the needs of busy schedules! 3 days, 4 days, or 10 week online programs.
Holistic & Evidence Based
We combine modern sciences with ancient wisdom to offer a uniquely holistic experience.
Doula Mentoring & Coaching
Mentoring and support for birth and postpartum doulas at any stage of their journey.
