About Us

Sofija joins In Joy Birth after a decade of working and living in Washington, D.C., where she trained and honed her skills as a birth and postpartum doula. After spending most of that time volunteering in the reproductive justice movement, she found a home in caring for families and new babies upon completing her training with Ancient Song Doula Services. She has training in postpartum care, placenta encapsulation, and basic lactation.

Sofija’s doula journey began at Winnie Palmer Hospital, where, at the age of 21, she witnessed the birth of her beautiful niece. While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, she also saw another side of birth—sometimes, moms don’t get the care they deserve. After seeing this pattern repeated with friends and family, Sofija decided to take action. She became a certified doula, and the rest is history.

As a full-spectrum doula, Sofija primarily works in birth and postpartum care, which she finds the most fun. She brings a light and cheerful presence to any birthing suite (when appropriate). Whether cracking jokes (usually at dad’s expense—mom is busy!) or giving world-class massages, she remains a focused, non-judgmental, and inclusive doula who provides unwavering support to her clients.

Sofija is constantly available throughout pregnancy to answer any questions—big or small. She will be your champion, best friend, cook, and backup, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.

Ariel Holton is a passionate yoga instructor and wellness guide, dedicated to helping others find balance, strength, and peace through movement, breath, and sound. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science from UCF, with a Minor in Studio Art and Photography. Though she has called Orlando home for the past decade, her upbringing took her across the world as the daughter of a U.S. Air Force serviceman, shaping her deep appreciation for diverse cultures and holistic healing practices.

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In 2022, Ariel earned her 200-hour yoga certification, specializing in restorative yoga and sound healing. She creates a serene, nurturing space where individuals can release stress and anxiety, reconnect with themselves, and embrace a sense of calm. Often referred to as a “lightworker,” she finds deep fulfillment in guiding others toward inner peace and resilience.

Ariel’s Dharma—her life’s mission—is to empower her community. She is devoted to supporting new and growing families, helping them feel grounded, strong, and capable as they navigate the profound transformations of parenthood. With a dependable and compassionate presence, she offers guidance that extends beyond movement—providing emotional and energetic support during life’s most beautiful and challenging moments.

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Let Ariel be the steady hand that catches you before you fall, the grounding force in the midst of life’s storms, and the support that makes your transition to parenthood as magical and peaceful as it was meant to be.

Vonda is a mother of six—three teenagers and three little ones—giving her a unique perspective on both the joys and challenges of parenting across different stages of life. Having had her older children at a young age, she experienced firsthand the impact of limited birth and postpartum education. This realization later fueled her passion for evidence-based learning and advocacy for informed, empowered childbirth experiences.

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With a heart for caregiving, Vonda previously owned and operated a home daycare, nurturing children in their earliest years. Her journey in birth work led her to serve as a birth assistant at Tree of Life, where she gained hands-on experience in supporting families through labor and delivery. She has also completed neonatal resuscitation training and holds CPR/Infant First Aid certification, ensuring the highest level of care for the families she serves.

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As a certified birth and postpartum doula, Vonda has spent the last four years supporting families through In Joy Birth, offering compassionate guidance, reassurance, and hands-on care. Whether walking alongside parents in pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum transition, she is dedicated to fostering confidence, strength, and a positive start for every growing family.

Amy, a mother of four, discovered her passion for birth work after the arrival of her youngest child. Witnessing firsthand the power of informed choices and compassionate support, she felt called to help other families navigate their own birthing journeys. Her path began with DONA training and quickly expanded to include the Bradley Method, VBAC support, breastfeeding support, placenta encapsulation, and postpartum care, all enriched by mentorship through In Joy Birth.

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For the past five years, Amy has been an integral part of the In Joy Birth team, offering unwavering support to families in the Seminole County area. As a Certified Doula (IJB) with DONA training, she specializes in birth, postpartum care, and placenta encapsulation, ensuring that every parent feels empowered, nurtured, and confident as they welcome their little one into the world.