Doula and Admin Coordinator, Kerra Quarles
Originally from Boynton Beach, I’ve lived in Miami since 2000 when I started college to study photography. My little brother was born when I was in high school, and I watched my mom give birth to him. Even though she had a hospital birth with a lot of interventions, I was wowed by it. She was empowered and strong, and I was amazed at what she did.
After I earned my bachelor’s degree in fine art photography, I got a job at a retail portrait studio, where I was a manager for 15 years. During that time, I met a friend who was having an out-of-hospital birth — a water birth. She told me I should watch the documentary, “The Business of Being Born.” I learned what a doula was, and I saw the difference between the births in the film and my mother’s birth. The out-of-hospital births were calm and had a different feel.
That’s when I began researching how I could become a doula. All of the classes were online, but I like in-person learning. In 2016, I came across The Gathering Place, which was offering a doula certification program at the time. They also had scholarship opportunities, so I applied, wrote an essay, and was accepted. That made the classes super affordable.
My photography job kept me busy, but I was able to keep in touch with The Gathering Place and do some doula work. When the pandemic hit, Tamara and Michelle reached out to me and asked how I was doing. I told them I had been furloughed, and they said they had an opening at Magnolia for an administrative coordinator. We had a meeting, and they told me what the job entailed. It was great timing and a perfect fit!
In my position, I process electronic and in-house paperwork, greet clients and take their temperature, give tours when clients come for their first appointment, assist with prescriptions for breast pumps and vitamin K, and help clients make appointments. I love working in the birth world, doing administrative work, and meeting future parents. It’s a joy to come to work every day.
I’ve also been able to serve as a doula in recent months. At Magnolia, we encourage all of our clients to have a doula. As a Black doula and staff member, I think it’s important that our clients see people who look like them when they walk in. When they see other Black faces, they’re more comfortable and trusting of the environment. I’m really happy to serve at Magnolia.
In my free time, I like to be outside, biking or going to the beach. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, especially my baby nephew.
At Magnolia, we want to help you achieve your out-of-hospital birth while keeping you and your baby safe. To learn more about prenatal care and birth services at Magnolia, fill out our form to set up a free consultation!
