Meet the Team
Our team is made up of a group of dynamic, diverse, positive and passionate women. We love what we do and it's our joy to work together to enhance your experience with Doula Support Solutions and as a doula in whatever space you work in.
Deborah Nolan
Co Founder Doula Support Solutions Program and Operations Manager
Deb began her journey into the Doula world of support in 2018, starting with the Australian Doula College. As a mother of two young children at the time, a 3-year-old and a 7 month old, Deb recognised the crucial need for postpartum care and support that every mother and baby deserves. Her own experience as a new mother highlighted the vulnerability many families face during this period, sparking her passion for providing specialized doula services and advocacy.
After over four years working as a contractor, Deb transitioned into a management role of the Groundwork Program, where her firsthand experience as a mother became an invaluable asset. Her ability to connect with families and understand their unique needs paved the way for her current position as the driving force behind operations in the Doula Support Solutions Program.
With a strong commitment to operational excellence, Deb thrives in team management, rostering, and recruitment, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of all projects within the program. She also plays a key role in building and maintaining strong partnerships with external Child Protection agencies, which helps strengthen collaborations, expand the program’s reach, and ensure a lasting, positive impact on vulnerable families.
Outside of work, Deb resides on the beautiful South Coast of Wollongong, where she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their three children, two dogs, a new kitten and a flock of birds. A lover of plants, Deb can often be found nurturing her garden during her downtime, finding peace and joy in nature.
Renee Adair
Co-Founder Doula Support Solutions Program
With a background in natural therapies, Renee first began working with women and babies and in 1998 and after the home births of her two biological children, began studying and working as a Doula and Childbirth and Early Parenting Educator.
Renee then transferred her skills to an Australian Red Cross young women’s health program/refuge in Sydney’s East, setting up both the outreach and childbirth and early parenting education programs for that child protection service.
In 2007 Renee founded the Australian Doula College, Doula Heart Network, the College’s charity arm and then later formalised and founded the Groundwork program.
Working In collaboration, in 2013 Renee helped produce the first research on Doulas in Australia which was published in the Journal of Perinatal Education. She is a regular contributor to radio programmes, conferences and seminars and a range of publications, websites, and podcasts.
Renee has worked to change the way we think about Doula support by launching an End-of-Life Doula Training in 2021 with a view for the wider community to see Doula support through a broader lens, supporting all major life transitions, not just in the birthing space.
In 2019, Renee proudly partnered with CDU’s Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights to co-facilitate Accredited Doula training for Indigenous women in the remote First Nations community of Galiwin’ku.
Renee now sits on the official Galiwin’ku steering committee to restore Birthing on Country and manages the projects Djakamirr coordinator role on the ground in Galiwin'ku.
Renee has sat on the Consumer Advisory Board of the Australian College of Midwives, trained thousands of Doulas and supported hundreds of women, their partners and families through pregnancy, birth, early parenting and end of life, over the course of her career.
A fierce advocate for human rights, Renee is the proud mother of three adult children and four grandkids. She blends her life’s work with downtime in her garden or on the beach and time hanging out with family, friends, and her fur babies.
Stevie Norris
Doula Services and Student Support
My name is Stevie and I was born and raised in the Illawarra. I currently reside in the lovely Northern Suburbs of Wollongong with my two children & cocker spaniel Sunny. As a certified ADC doula and quilified placenta encapsulator, I am deeply passionate about supporting women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
With a rich background in hospitality management, I have had the privilege of traveling across Australia for various challenging and rewarding roles, including memorable stints in Ulluru and Manly Beach. Throughout my 15-year career in the hospitality industry, I have had the pleasure of organising and managing high-energy nightclub events, collaborating with renowned chefs, and connecting with people over drinks in country pubs. This experience helps me in my doula and ground work program work as I'm able to think on my feet, are attentive to details and read people & rooms.
Now that I’m in a new slower phase at in my life, I am working to support our clients and students. I have the pleasure of working alongside incredible and compassionate women and leaders. It brings me immense joy and hope for the future to be part of a team that is dedicated to helping all doulas realise their dreams and to work with the families we serve.
During my free time, I enjoy going to the beach to unwind and walk my dog, discovering new restaurants, planning vacations for my bucket list, spending time with friends, and baking with my children.
Joanah Lagazo (Anna)
Administration Support
Anna has always been rooted in the vibrant culture and rich history of her home country.
Growing up in the Philippines, her childhood was shaped by the warmth of family, a strongsense of community, and the natural beauty of her surroundings carrying with her the valuesand lessons learned from her upbringing.
Anna is a dedicated mother of two, she finds joy in embracing the role of a full-time mum, finding fulfilment in raising and nurturing her children together with her husband. Her focus on family life and creating a loving home environment is central to her daily routine.
In addition to her role as a mother, she has also ventured into the world of virtual assistance. She was given the opportunity to work with Doula Support Solutions and Womb To Tomb Foundation, where she has contributed her skills and dedication in a remote capacity. Her work as a virtual assistant has not only allowed her to pursue professional growth but also provided her with the flexibility to balance her family responsibilities and career aspirations.
