“Our experience with Heron was beyond wonderful! When our Doula was tied up with another birth, Heron filled in and was at our side holding space and advocating for us throughout our very long 54hr v-bac at the hospital. I immediately felt comfortable in their presence and it turned out Heron had done some babysitting for our midwife, so the connection was instantaneous. They brought a sense of calm reassurance, willing to laugh and cry with us through a very long birth. Heron, offered many helpful suggestions to help us along when things seemed to stall out. Their thoughtfulness, patience, and attentiveness kept us going. Heron even took my clothes home to wash and bring back to me clean, so I could feel human again. Their pain management skill set and bodywork was heavenly when the going got rough. Heron reminded me with gentleness to hold my ground with preferences and decisions we made throughout the birth process. I had my sights set on a redemptive VBAC and Heron helped make this possible. I cannot picture what it would have been like without them. I highly recommend Heron as a doula for birth and beyond. We are beyond grateful.” - Rebecca, 2022

“Simply put, Heron is a wonderful, loving person and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a support person at any stage of your parenthood journey (prenatal, postpartum, etc). We met her a few hours after I was admitted to the hospital as my doula unfortunately couldn't make it, so Heron was the substitute she found. My husband and I are very thankful that we've met Heron as she was such a supportive, calming presence to have in the birth room; she helped us try out new things when my labor wouldn't progress, and advocated for us when we were tired and overwhelmed by all the different options the nurses were providing. I'll never forget when my nurse midwife (who was also wonderful) was concerned about my labor not progressing and was eager to start me on pitocin or an epidural. Heron could tell I was wavering and didn't want to do either yet, and she stepped in and suggested that we wait and try a few things before deciding. She was thoughtful about how she provided support postpartum and checked in frequently to see how we were doing and if we needed anything. Even almost a year after, she will occasionally check in to see how we're doing, and it's clear her compassion is completely genuine. In addition, I've been impressed by her professionalism - she has always been prompt, organized, and great at following up. Thank you, Heron!” — Mariko, 2021

“Heron is one of those magical people who can make anyone instantly feel at ease, calm, and cared for. Their presence is like a warm hug, overflowing with truly tender care. They have a genuine goal of helping families thrive.

Heron was the first postpartum doula we met, and the only one we met. If you're looking for someone who can hold you and your family with expert love and wisdom, look no further. I have 2 pandemic babies, and my toddler is especially reluctant with new people. It only took him a few times before he knew Heron as a wonderful safe friend who would delight in his goodness every time. He just glows whenever Heron is around.  They are the best example of a doula who is passionate about thriving communities, where families are put at the center. They are relatable and kind every time, no matter what flurry of a mood I am in while recovering from postpartum depression. I can't recommend Heron enough!” — Jasmine, 2022

Words from Dance Community

“I’ve spent the last several days trying to figure out how to put this review into words, and I think I’ve realized why it’s so difficult. It’s because my experience with Heron is one that is deeply felt, squealed over and inspired by. I’m still going to try for words.

So I worked with Heron doing movement related stuff on an unusual project. It was experimental in nature. The idea was that Heron would teach a movement class, using specific accessible teaching principles that I wanted to test out. When I met with them to go over the strategies, they seemed to arrive with a very well rounded knowledge base of the material. So much so, that I wondered if I actually had any new information for them. Despite their existing knowledge and my insecurity over the material, they showed up fully and completely with a beginners mind. They were humble, curious, vulnerable and attentive. Just a few minutes into our meeting, my insecurity started to fade and I felt seen and valued for what I had to offer.

As the project neared its completion, we swapped roles, with Heron teaching and me learning. They taught a class on Joyful and Affirming movement. They took us through exercises designed to remind us of times in childhood when we moved for joy. Within minutes, I found myself gleefully spinning in circles and sliding on the floor. I was unselfconscious and free. I felt safe and supported in going to these places, and felt equally safe and supported to stop participating if I needed to. Heron created a container for us to reconnect to the pleasure of living in a body. It felt profound and extremely important. It reminded me of why I dance and the importance of pursuing joy with the conviction and commitment of my younger self.

To sum up, working with Heron was an absolute pleasure. They show up with deep authenticity and kindness. They practice what they preach (and somehow without being at all preachy). Every one of our many communications was clear and easy. I would work with Heron again in a second and I recommend their offerings without hesitation.”

— Nicole, 2022

“Heron’s movement classes transformed my postpartum year with my second child. Movement has always been a cure in my life, yet finding a way that was enjoyable, accessible and empowering since having children has been a struggle. Stumbling into Heron’s space (over Zoom) allowed me to ‘fill my cup‘ several days a week. And I can actually feel my brain fibers being lubed-up during undulations.

After sinking in myself, I had the opportunity to include my children more intentionally in the family dance class. They had always been around when I was moving and grooving, and now they got a chance to be a little more front and center. Each week my older child would come ready with his stuffed owl for the “la lechuza” song and we would end feeling revved up and a little lighter on our feet for the day ahead.

Hope you are fortunate enough to be able to attend one of Heron’s movement offerings. We are privileged to have an instructor like Heron in our community - don’t miss out!” — Olivia, 2021, Mama + Public Health Nurse + Mover & Shaker

“I used to feel self-conscious about my body and didn't want to dance in ways that would move my belly, hips, etc. But after a few classes that feeling totally went away and it was just fun!” — Chris, 2021

“Taking dance and movement classes with Heron has been an enriching and authentic experience, not often found a typical exercise class. Heron emits the feelings of acceptance kindness, and love while inviting you to embrace yourself for who you are, at this present moment, toward the discovery of your own inherent confidence and grace.”

— Dancer, 2021

“I absolutely love Heron's dance classes! They are fun, positive, and completely accepting of all of us just as we are. My body feels stronger, and I have more love and acceptance toward my body too. ” — Dancer, 2021