Member Seminar December 2024

Dr. Kelsey Marr is a reproductive anthropologist and birth and postpartum doula who has worked with birthing people and communities across Canada and Sweden. Dr. Marr is passionate about challenging misinformation in perinatal spaces. Kelsey was formerly a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of British Columbia, and Mittuniversitetet, where she worked closely with students to build their research and learning capacities. As the founder of Collective Care, Kelsey empowers her students and clients to find, understand, and evaluate evidence-based information and peer-reviewed research by developing and honing their research skills.

I am a DONA-certified birth doula with a background in psychology and social work. I taught college-level psychology and sociology for seven years, and my research has been published in Cognitive Science. I am now starting a career pivot as a data professional. I have been professionally diagnosed with autism level 1.

Vic is a dedicated birthworker and abortion doula with extensive experience supporting individuals through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and abortion. With a deep commitment to size-inclusive, queer-affirming, and nonjudgmental care, Vic offers comprehensive perinatal care, no-cost abortion doula support, and actively participates in mutual aid and community organizing to ensure equitable access to care for marginalized communities.

Vic brings a personal understanding of the importance of compassionate, respectful care that honors each individual's identity, body, and journey. As a queer person, she is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces for all birthing people, especially those who have been historically marginalized or overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.

Motivated by the lack of representation and support for marginalized communities in the birthing world, Vic entered the field of birthwork to provide advocacy, education, and care that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their bodies and their birthing experiences. With a focus on lifelong learning and collaboration with people of various identities, Vic is committed to fostering an environment of dignity, choice, and joy for everyone navigating the perinatal journey.