Hi, I'm Tessa!
I’m Tessa (she/her), the owner of Thistle & Iris Birth Services! I’m a Nashville Unicorn, born and raised in Nashville, TN! I have a BFA in Theatre Directing and an MFA in Creative Writing, and I love to integrate creative rest and expression in my work with clients. I’m trained as a birth and postpartum doula and am actively pursuing certification as a childbirth educator. Click here to learn about the folks who trained me!
I love helping parents develop birth and postpartum support plans that work for their individual needs and values. To me, the best plans include a healthy balance of evidence-informed care and personally affirming practices and traditions. I’m here to help you achieve the birth and recovery period that you want to have, as much as is possible. I’m also particularly passionate about helping queer, trans, and plus size clients navigate the unique challenges they may face during gestation, birth, and postpartum.
I’ve had a variety of professional experiences that support my training. I’ve been a full time nanny and I’ve taught professionally at many levels, from infants and toddlers all the way to undergraduate college students. I love teaching, coaching, and mentoring, and my passion is providing all people with the tools and resources they need to succeed, no matter their age or the subject matter. I’m also great at “reading the room” and matching the energy and needs of my clients.
When I’m not working, you can find me hanging with my family, listening to podcasts, watching tv and movies, cooking and baking, and crafting. My husband Michael and I welcomed a puppy, Pippa, in 2022 and our daughter Murphy in 2023.
