BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH TEAM

Iya Ifafunke Osunfunke, Priestess & Educator

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 An initiated priestess in the West African Orisa tradition from Nigeria.  A born educator with a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Psychology.  Iya Ifafunke has traveled to various countries to connect to people from different cultures. Her experiences have assisted her greatly in her life’s purpose to help others within the community.

Teresa Cabrera, Health & Wellness Specialist

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Teresa Cabrera is a Tawantinsuyo, Indigenous Colombiana, Doula/Comadre, Birth Assistant at Blossom Birth Center, Lactation Peer Counselor, Nutritionist, Womb Nurturer, Herbalist, Community and Plant-based Food Advocate, Volunteers prenatal and postpartum education and support at Maggie’s Place, a Village Mother with MODABA and a Comadre/Auntie with Cihuapactli Collective.

Danita Jackson, MA, MS

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Danita is the President of Arizona Birth Network, a nonprofit focused on providing birthing families with education, advocacy, and support while navigating their birthing journey. Arizona Birth Network hosts in-person and virtual meetings to connect families with resources, providers, and other families sharing similar experiences. Learn more about our work by visiting arizonabirthnetwork.org.

Dr. Hanifah Muhammad, NMD

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Dr. Hanifah T. Muhammad is a naturopathic family physician, acupuncturist, health educator, birth worker and community advocate working in the Phoenix, AZ and surrounding areas. Her work is centered around empowering individuals, families and communities to restore health, vitality and prosperity. She also works with communities of color, locally and internationally, to change systems of oppression, discrimination and social injustice, including food insecurity, homelessness, and reproductive justice, to restore freedom, justice, equality, and overall community wellness. Dr. Muhammad is a mom, wife-widow, poet, dancer, artist, and singer, who comes with a wealth of lived and learned experiences that she offers up to her families and communities to encourage, inspire and help them heal and balance what needs attention and care. 

Chanel Shows, Birth Sister

Chanel (she/her) is a Queer, Black and Japanese Birth Sister, Certified Blactation Educator, Behavioral Health student, and aspiring IBCLC and midwife. She is passionate about supporting families throughout their reproductive journeys through loving conversation, warming foods and teas. She is the founder of Kazue Birth Sister, which offers doula support and care to families throughout the Phoenix area. Outside of her work, Chanel enjoys fermentation projects, baking breads, gardening and spending time with her chosen family and babies!