KATHLEEN VANDE GIESSEN
Certified Nurse Midwife MSN, MBA
​NRP Certified Instructor

Kathleen Vande Giessen has been a Certified Nurse Midwife since 1994. She has expertise in providing healthcare and support to pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She received her Master’s in Nursing 1995, demonstrating a high level of education and specialization in the field of midwifery. With 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Kathleen gained a strong foundation in healthcare before specializing in midwifery. She worked as a staff midwife at Baylor College of Medicine for 4 years. Her work at Baylor College of Medicine indicates a dedication to providing midwifery care in a hospital setting. Kathy started a Midwifery service at a small community hospital and ran it for 6 years. Her experience in starting a midwifery service at a small community hospital demonstrates her leadership and commitment to expanding midwifery care to underserved areas. She started a free-standing Midwifery service at North Houston Birth Center in 2005. Establishing this facility demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to providing women with alternative birthing options. She is equally committed to serving the needs of all women with contraception, STD diagnosis and treatment, annual exams, and menopause issues.  
​She married Jack, in 1967 and have three children and 9 grandchildren.  After 40 years and several transfers around the country with his work, they settled permanently in Houston to focus on her career. 

JENNA KEEHNEN
Peek-A-Belly Founder · Licensed Midwife · NRP Certified

Jenna Keehnen is a multifaceted professional with a rich history of leadership across diverse industries. With an extensive career spanning various roles, Jenna's expertise shines through her versatile skill set and passion for innovation.  As the Director of Operations at the National Policy Group for four years, Jenna spearheaded impactful strategies, contributing significantly to the organization's success.  Her five-year tenure as the Executive Director at the United States Organizations for Bankruptcy Alternatives showcased her astute leadership and vision in navigating complex financial landscapes. Currently, Jenna channels her dedication and compassion as a Licensed Midwife at the North Houston Birth Center, where she provides nurturing care and support to expectant mothers, emphasizing a holistic approach to childbirth.  In parallel, she is the Owner and Founder of Peek-A-Belly, an esteemed 3D & 4D Ultrasound Studio, where her commitment to cutting-edge technology merges with her passion for delivering memorable experiences to families.  With a robust background in operations, executive leadership, and healthcare, Jenna continues to shape industries and touch lives through her unwavering commitment to excellence.

BRENDA SOLANO
Administrator · Practice Manager

Brenda Navarro is the administrator and practice manager of North Houston Birth Center and the new Birth Houston out-of-hospital birth center. With a remarkable 25 years of experience in the birth center industry, my commitment has been to provide compassionate and empowering care to families throughout their birthing journeys. Over the course of my career, I have gained expertise in various essential areas such as insurance contracting, credentialing, compliance, and staff and event coordination. Drawing from my background as a doula, medical assistant, and dental assistant, I have developed a deep understanding of the multifaceted aspects of patient care. This knowledge has enabled me to effectively train medical assistants, front office staff, lab technicians, and doulas, fostering a cohesive and supportive team environment. Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to work in diverse hospital systems, serving in patient intake and imaging departments. These experiences have enriched my understanding of healthcare operations and further solidified my commitment to providing exceptional care to our clients. In my role as an administrator, I have been involved in state facility inspections, ensuring that our birth center consistently meets and exceeds regulatory standards. The safety and well-being of our clients are paramount, and I am committed to maintaining a secure environment where families feel nurtured and supported. 

BRYIA LIGHTNER
​Neonatal Registered Nurse · Childbirth Educator

Bryia Lightner is a dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for neonatal care, boasting an impressive eight-year career in the field. Specializing primarily as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, Bryia has played a vital role in the well-being and development of countless newborns during their crucial early days. Bryia embarked on the journey of nursing after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2015. Armed with a solid educational foundation, Bryia entered the healthcare profession with a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.
​In addition to her nursing career, Bryia is the proud owner of Best Baby Organics, an all-natural skincare company dedicated to providing safe and nurturing products for infants and people with sensitive skin.  Drawing from her extensive experience in neonatal care, Bryia has channeled her expertise into creating products that prioritize the delicate needs of an infant’s skin. Outside of her professional accomplishments, Bryia is also a loving wife to Arvin, and parent to a three-year-old son Micah. Balancing the demands of a successful nursing career and entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of motherhood, she exemplifies resilience and determination. With a holistic approach to healthcare and a commitment to promoting well-being from infancy, Bryia continues to make a significant impact on the lives of both newborns and their families. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, education, and a compassionate heart in shaping the future of healthcare.

JOANNA ZEPEDA
​Birth Assistant · Doula Instructor · Childbirth Educator  · NRP Certified

Joanna Zepeda is an experienced and dedicated professional in the field of childbirth education and support. With a diverse background in dance, doula work, and experience at the North Houston Birth Center, Joanna has made a profound impact on the lives of many families. With a B.S.A in Dance and an associate in arts, Joanna brings a unique perspective to the world of childbirth education. Her passion for movement and dance, combined with her commitment to mentor individuals during the birthing process, has made her a significant asset to the Birth Center and the wider community. For the past 18 years, Joanna has served as a doula, providing attentive support to expectant individuals and their families. Her compassionate nature and ability to connect deeply with others have given her a reputation for being a trusted and reliable presence during the transformative experience of childbirth.
Since joining the Birth Center team in 2009, Joanna has held multiple roles, including birth assistant, doula, and childbirth educator and doula trainer. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in these areas have been instrumental in educating expectant parents about their options, helping them make informed decisions, and fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment. In addition to her role at the Birth Center, Joanna has also made significant contributions to the broader childbirth community in the city. She has been a Dancing for Birth instructor for over a decade, utilizing their background in dance to create a nurturing and caring environment for pregnant individuals. She is a certified Birthing From Within childbirth education mentor and a certified in Birth Story Medicine from Pam England.  Furthermore, Joanna is NRP certified, and has had training through DONA, Spinning Babies, Mamalates , Breech Beyond Borders, Birthing From Within and Penny Simkin’s When Survivor’s Give Birth Workshop. These certifications and trainings underscore her commitment to providing the highest level of care and both mothers and infants during the birthing process. Throughout her career, Joanna has continuously expanded her knowledge and expertise by working with various practices in the city. This exposure to different perspectives and approaches has enriched her ability to support a diverse range of individuals and families, ensuring that they receive personalized care and education tailored to their unique needs.
Joanna is dedicated to her work in supporting families and individuals, meeting them just where they are and offering education through the North Houston Birth Center.

PATRICE GATTERSON
Receptionist · Doula · Birth Assistant · NRP Certified

Patrice Gatterson is a dedicated counselor specializing in supporting teenagers, with experience spanning various roles in childcare and adolescent development. Patrice's commitment to guiding and nurturing young minds became evident during her tenure as a Christian Youth Counselor at Stoney Creek Ranch, where she spent two impactful summers providing mentorship and counseling to teenagers in their walk with Christ.
With a deep passion for early childhood development, Patrice served as a toddler teacher at Krayola Kidz Day Care for two years, honing her skills in creating nurturing environments conducive to growth and learning.
Patrice's enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences led her to work as a Party Lead at Sweet & Sassy, where she orchestrated events, ensuring children and families had enjoyable and memorable celebrations.
Driven by a desire to support mothers during childbirth and promote mental well-being, Patrice took on the roles of Front Office Receptionist and Doula at the North Houston Birth Center, gaining valuable insights into maternal health and emotional support.
Currently pursuing a Degree in Public Health with a focus on Behavioral and Mental Health at Prairie View A&M University, Patrice is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and skills in positively impacting mental health.

TIFFANIE HERNANDEZ
​Office Manager

Tiffanie Hernandez is a seasoned healthcare professional with an extensive background spanning over a decade, marked by her commitment to patient care and administrative expertise. With a diverse skill set and a passion for maternal health, Tiffanie has served as a Doula at North Houston Birth Center for four years, offering unwavering support to families during the beautiful journey of childbirth.
Her career journey also includes two years as a Medical Assistant at North Houston Birth Center, where she honed her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of comprehensive patient care. Tiffanie further expanded her expertise during her tenure as a Patient Access Representative at Memorial Hermann Atascocita Pediatrics for three years, ensuring seamless patient experiences and access to quality healthcare.
Her dedication to improving healthcare operations and patient services led her to the role of Patient Business Services Coordinator at Memorial Hermann Atascocita Pediatrics for two years. Here, Tiffanie showcased her exceptional organizational abilities and commitment to optimizing healthcare processes.
Currently serving as the Office Manager at North Houston Birth Center, Tiffanie continues to drive excellence in healthcare administration while providing leadership and support to her team. Her multifaceted experience across various healthcare domains underscores her versatility and proficiency in both patient care and administrative functions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Tiffanie experienced a personal milestone in 2022 by delivering her daughter, Maya, at North Houston Birth Center, a testament to her trust in the institution and the care provided under Kathy's care. She is deeply passionate about holistic wellness and advocates for a balanced lifestyle. She finds joy in outdoor adventures, embracing nature through hiking and finding peace through practices like yoga and meditation.
Tiffanie's unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence, coupled with her compassionate approach, cements her as a respected figure in the healthcare community.

PHYLLIS NERVIS 
​Health and Wellness Coach  · AromaTouch® Therapy · Doula · Birth Assistant · NRP Certified

Phyllis Nervis is a seasoned Health and Wellness Practitioner with a rich background in diverse fields, embodying over 6 years of dedicated service in the health and wellness industry. Currently serving as a Doula at the North Houston Birth Center for over a year, Phyllis has brought her expertise to support approximately 17 successful births. Additionally, her role as a Birth Educator at the same center has allowed her to impart valuable knowledge and guidance to expecting parents, fostering a supportive and informed environment for childbirth. Prior to her current roles, Phyllis excelled as an Essential Oil Educator at Bridgeway to Health for 4 years, sharing her expertise in natural remedies and holistic wellness practices. Phyllis's educational foundation includes 2.5 years of study at Prairie View A&M School of Nursing. Her career journey also boasts an impressive 42-year tenure as a Purser at United Airlines, where she honed her skills in customer service and enriched her understanding of diverse needs and care.
​In pursuit of holistic care methods, Phyllis holds a Certification in AromaTouch Therapy, showcasing her commitment to alternative healing modalities and comprehensive well-being approaches.

EDITH AGUILAR
Medical Assistant · ​Doula · Birth Assistant · NRP Certified 

Edith Aguilar is a compassionate professional who wears multiple hats in the realms of healthcare and early childhood education. Currently serving as a Front Office Receptionist, Medical Assistant, and Doula/Birth Assistant at the North Houston Birth Center for over two years, Edith brings forth invaluable expertise, having contributed to the care and support of approximately 100 births. Her role involves seamless coordination, medical assistance, and personalized care, ensuring each birthing experience is memorable and comforting.​ Edith is also a dedicated professional specializing in the intricate processes of birth certificate certification and the acknowledgment of paternity. With a tenure of two years at the North Houston Birth Center, Edith serves as a Birth Certifier, ensuring accuracy and legality in the documentation of births. Her meticulous attention to detail and expertise in this role has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity and precision of birth certificates. She plays a crucial role as an Acknowledgement of Paternity Certifier, facilitating the legal acknowledgment of paternity for families. Her commitment to upholding legal standards and offering supportive guidance to families during this pivotal process underscores her compassionate and professional approach.
In addition to her impactful work in the healthcare sector, Edith spent a decade and is currently a KidsLife Teacher at Lakewood Church, specializing in nurturing and educating children from newborns to the age of four. Her decade-long commitment reflects her passion for early childhood development and education, where she provided a nurturing and stimulating environment for young minds to flourish.
​Edith's dual expertise in healthcare and childcare underscores her remarkable ability to connect with individuals across various life stages, exemplifying a heartfelt dedication to their well-being and growth.

SHAY MINOR
Doula · Birth Assistant · NRP Certified

Shay Minor is a dedicated professional with a passion for nurturing new life and empowering families through various roles within the birth and newborn care community. With a wealth of experience spanning three years at the North Houston Birth Center, Shay has cultivated expertise as a Doula, Front Desk Receptionist, and Medical Assistant, fostering an environment of support and guidance during the precious journey of childbirth.
Currently serving as a Doula at the North Houston Birth Center and holding the role of an Overnight Postpartum Doula/Newborn Care Specialist at Concierge Doulas of Houston, Shay exemplifies unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of both mothers and newborns during this transformative period. In addition, Shay extends personalized care as a Private Newborn Caregiver for a private family, offering tailored support to ease the transition into parenthood.
Beyond these impactful roles, Shay is the visionary Owner and Founder of Willows Womb, a venture aimed at promoting health and wellness for skin and hair through meticulously crafted herbal products. This endeavor showcases Shay's holistic approach to wellness and dedication to providing natural solutions for individuals seeking optimal health.
Outside the realm of professional pursuits, Shay finds solace and joy in various activities. An advocate for the sanctity of family and relationships, Shay deeply values the bonds formed within personal circles. When not engaged in the enriching world of birth and newborn care, Shay enjoys nature walks, meditation, reading and shopping, finding balance and inspiration in these moments.
Shay's dedication extends beyond professional endeavors by making care packages for the less fortunate and participating in back to school and Christmas drives. Shay believes in the power of giving back and is committed to making a meaningful difference within the community.