Our Doulas
Jen Reifinger, founder and doula
Jen Reifinger brings two decades of teaching and parenting experience to her role as owner and founder of Lighthouse Doulas. She is raising four active children and building this business all while holding a full-time teaching job. It's a busy life, and it's made her a firm believer that it really does take a village to raise children.
As a career educator with both a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Michigan State University, Jen's philosophy toward teaching and learning has always been to meet children where they are and move them forward in a loving, logical, and safe sequence. Jen believes in building relationships, capturing hearts, and a growth mindset.
Her years in the classroom have endowed her with the rare ability to teach tricky new skills and content using a warm, peaceful approach.
As a mother of four whose family is actively engaged in the West Michigan community, Jen knows exactly how much of a beautiful blur those early newborn days can be. She's learned how incredibly important it is to establish strong foundations of healthy sleep habits and overall family wellness -- and she's experienced firsthand the profound positive effects that come from consistent, restorative rest. It's the secret source of renewable energy that allows her to bring her best self to her family, students, clients, and community.
As a doula, Jen brings love and light, gentle friendship, personalized guidance, guaranteed sleep results, and sweet relief to the families she serves.
Certified Elite through the Pro Doula Organization as a Labor Doula, Postpartum and Infant Care Doula as well as Infant Feeding Specialist, Jen also utilizes her training and certification as an Infant Sleep Consultant to offer multifaceted, research-based advice to all of her clients. It's Jen's greatest desire that families will fondly remember their "fourth trimester" as a time of joy, nurturing, and calm because of the guidance of Lighthouse Doulas.
Kelly Ross, Doula
Kelly Ross has had a passion for supporting women, families and children since her young days of babysitting. She earned an education degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Central Michigan University in 2006. After having her own children in 2012, working with Early On, and becoming an ally for maternal and infant health equities, it was clear to her that families needed more support before, during and after childbirth.
Kelly started her journey to become a postpartum doula with DONA International and continues to research evidence-based strategies to help support all members of the family. Her goal is to provide unbiased support, listen, educate and create independence among the family. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time at the cottage, taking her kids to their extra-curricular activities, and participating in her social justice-based book club.
Kaitlyn Merpi, Doula
Kaitlin Merpi and her husband have been married since 2014 and together have two young sons. She has worked at Lakeside Elementary teaching 4th and 1st grade since 2011.
As the oldest of five, taking care of babies has always been a passion of Kaitlin’s. But she really fell in love with all things birth after welcoming her first son. Being a DONA certified birth and ProDoula certified postpartum doula allows Kaitlin to combine two of her passions: teaching and supporting others.
Kaitlin has the gift of being able to support and empower women in whatever birth experience is right for them. As a postpartum doula, Kaitlin combines authenticity, experience, and knowledge to support her clients in ways that facilitate confidence and comfort.
Kate Klopping, Doula
Inspired by her lifelong passion for children and families, Kate has been an early elementary teacher since graduating from MSU in 2013 with a degree in special education and early childhood education. Kate continued her education and earned a masters degree in education from MSU.
After having her own children and becoming very intrigued during her pregnancies about pregnancy and birth, Kate knew there was something more she was meant to do. She became ProDoula certified in July of 2021, just a few months after the birth of her second child. Kate wants all families to feel empowered and have the support of someone during those special months of growing and birthing a child.
Kate has been married to her husband Brad since 2016 and together they have a cat, two dogs and two wonderful children. She enjoys yoga, spending time with family, being in nature, traveling and trying new restaurants.
Brinn Beltzer, Doula
Brinn has cultivated a lifelong passion for supporting families. After earning her bachelor's degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University in 2019, Brinn joined a family as a full time nanny. It was this experience that opened her eyes to the work she is called for. She gained ProDoula certification as a Postpartum and Infant Care doula in August 2022.
As a Postpartum Doula, Brinn places an emphasis on empowering families with her unbiased and non-judgmental support. She strives to cultivate an experience of peace, joy, and ultimately confidence as your family grows. She prides herself on the positive relationships she has built with the families she has served.
Brinn grew up in East Lansing making her a proud Spartan, she enjoys reading, traveling, photography, spending time with loved ones and experiencing all West Michigan has to offer.
Lauren Ford, Doula
Lauren started working as a doula in Fall of 2019 after teaching preschool for 3 years. She has a passion and gift for helping to promote confidence, peace and comfort for the entire family during the postpartum period. Lauren is certified elite in both Labor and Postpartum through ProDoula.
Lauren grew up in Grand Rapids and currently lives here with her husband, dog and their baby girl, who they welcomed in September 2022. Some of Lauren’s hobbies are baking and long road trips!
Approachable. Trusted. Empowering.
Our doulas light the way.
From the moment you discover you're expecting to the fourth trimester and beyond, our doulas can help. See how we can fit into your family.