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Verna McCrillis

Services | Doula, Sleep Learning Mentor, & Child Development Coach

  • Contact us for Doula Service prices

  • Prices Vary for Sleep Learning & Child Development Coaching

I am a mom and grandma who loves babies, children and family! I am passionate about helping parents nurture their children with joy instead of fear, starting even before birth.

Getting to know Verna…

For over 45 years, I have mentored thousands of families to give their children responsibility for what they are capable of doing in each stage of growth. When starting at the beginning, the first step is helping our babies sleep on their own and moving into a routine that fits our family life.

As a doula, I love watching the miracle of a new life coming into the world, but I also know this is just the beginning.

As a Guide through the Journey -

During the nine months of preparing for birth, I help the parents think beyond that magical moment of meeting their child for the first time by asking questions like:

  • What kind of a parent do you want to be? What do you admire about other families?

  • What do you imagine your life with your child to be like at 3 months? At 3 years?

If parents indicate that they would like some parent-led structure or routine, I encourage parents to “begin in the way they mean to go.” When you work with us, you will gain access to our resource site which contains information about how to develop a rhythm that fits your family. If you want some personal guidance, I invite you to set up an appointment today!

As a doula -

Over the last 25 years, I have been privileged to have attended over 60 births which included the majority of my 19 grandchildren. My heart is to empower dads who want to have an active part in the birth with encouragement, wisdom, and an extra set of hands. My birth doula certification is with Childbirth International which prepared me to serve anywhere in the world. I have also trained with Spinning Babies and am always learning something new from each birth. I share that wisdom as I train and coach new Joyful Nurturing doulas.

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Carlye Hooge

Services | Doula & Sleep Learning Mentor

  • Contact us for Doula Service prices

  • Prices Vary for Sleep Learning

Getting to know Carlye…

As a mom of three myself, I understand how challenging parenting can be when mom and baby are both exhausted.  Before having children, I saw too many of my friends walking around like slim versions of themselves and desperately didn’t want to feel that way myself.  That’s when I found Verna!  Verna came alongside me by walking through a tried and true method of sleep learning. Truthfully, I was hesitant at first, but after prayerful consideration, my husband and I decided that it was the right decision for our family unit.  I followed her advice completely and had all three of my children sleeping through the night by around 6 weeks!  That’s when I decided to counsel friends and family myself. 

As a Sleep Consultant -

Today, books and advice can leave you feeling even more exhausted and confused - I didn’t want that for anyone.  Part of why I’ve chosen to work with families as they try to help their children learn to sleep is because I want everyone to be a thriving parent - Not a parent that is trying to survive.  Sleep is a key ingredient to all members of the family.

I addition to my role as a mother, I’m also a registered nurse in the state of Virginia.  My nursing background includes NICU, Pediatrics, Surgery, and Oncology.  When working with families, I pay special attention to family dynamics and ways to strengthen the family relationship during this critical time and joyous time.

I look forward to working with you and promise to get you and your baby sleeping as quickly as we can.  I want to partner with you in this journey so that you feel comfortable with the program. As a sleep consultant, I do have opinions and insights about what works best and plan to share those opinions with you… that’s what you have hired me to do - no more panic from scouring the web to only find multiple conflicting opinions… We’ve seen our methodology work time and again for all types of kids. However, if you disagree, I am always open to other options and can help navigate those decisions with you.

I’m looking forward to helping you parent by joy and not by fear!

As a Doula -

I am in the process of getting my birth doula certificate with Childbirth International. Along with bringing my expertise as a nurse, my own birth experiences give me a well-rounded foundation for being a doula. I had two emergency C- sections and an all-natural double V-back with my third. As a Navy wife, I have helped prepare many others for birth and I am committed to listen carefully and help my clients find what fits their family’s needs best.

What People Are Saying

“As a first-time mom, I didn’t know where to begin with sleep learning and knew I needed support. My doula, Verna, listened well and was available for every question and concern I had. She guided me through those tough beginnings and frequent changes. I learned that good sleep is a gift we give our children, and it is for us too. My one-year-old son continues to be a good sleeper and I contribute this to what I learned from Verna, what a blessing she has been in our lives!”

—Julie P.