Sophia Starks-Bailey (she/they)

Since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be of service to others. Uncertain about how exactly, I set out to find an area of work that felt fulfilling and supportive. I graduated from university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services. During school I worked as a Resident Assistant helping new students acclimate to life away from home. I also spent time interning at a local child abuse assessment center. I left eagar and bright-eyed – ready to change the world!

What proceeded was a parade of jobs that left me underpaid, overworked, and burnt out. I spent time as a treatment counselor at a sub-acute youth residential treatment center. Then jumped to infant and toddler care, and finally settled as a Elementary Special Education Paraprofessional before I left the workforce to stay at home with my newborn daughter.

After going through labor, birth, and experiencing my postpartum period during the start of the pandemic, I was left feeling lonely and lacking the support system I thought would be there. I firmly believe that no one should go through their birth or postpartum period in isolation. We aren’t meant to do this alone, and I felt a need to figure out how I could support others during this profound and tender time.

I’ve noticed throughout life that I am the calm throughout the crisis. When ish hits the fan, I step up and support the ones I love. And I like it! And I’m good at it! So why not move in that direction and see how I can support others through this frame – and so, my doula journey began!

I love doula work. It feels like what I was meant to do all along. I feel so appreciative of my clients who welcome me into such an intimate and fragile place in their lives. I like helping and caring for others in practical, tangible ways, and I love seeing the sigh of relief from folks when I walk in the door.

About Sophia

  • I’m a single mom to a silly and spirited 4 year-old

  • I’m the eldest daughter and have three younger brothers

  • I love any and all bodies of water! Sitting in the sand near the ocean, a river, or lake is my happy place

  • I enjoy crafting and creating things with my hands – painting, embroidery, collage-ing. I would really love to take up stained glass work too!

  • I love singing and almost always have a tune stuck in my head

  • Getting creative in the kitchen is my jam! Recipes for baking are great, but I like the flexibility and freedom of cooking

  • I’m looking to get more into sewing and creating my own clothing

Sophia’s Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services from the University of Oregon

  • Certified Full Spectrum Doula (In Progress) - Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings

  • DONA Postpartum Doula Training - Mother Tree Birth

  • Abortion Doula Training - Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings

  • Adult, Child, & Infant BLS/CPR/AED Certification

  • 10 years of experience working with infants and children of all ages (0-17)

  • Fully Vaccinated

“Choosing to work with Sophia was the best decision we could have made! Sophia took incredible care of our entire family! As a new mom, it meant the world to me to have someone looking after my well-being and ensuring that my needs were met, in addition to the baby’s. Sophia’s support was instrumental to my postpartum recovery. I especially appreciated her emotional support — she is an amazing listener! Sophia helped me process my birth experience and feel at peace with all of the changes that come in the postpartum period.”
— Sara