BSEB-BIRTH SUPPORT, EDUCATION & BEYOND, INC.
BIRTH SUPPORT, EDUCATION & BEYOND, LLC
860-867-7541
MEET OUR TEAM
We are a group of multidisciplinary providers including: Labor Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Lactation Counselors, Parent Educators, Early Childhood Attachment & Family Development Educators, Community Health Workers, Certified Intimate Partner Violence Advocates, Perinatal Mental Health & Mental Health First Aid Certified and Infant Mental Health Endorsed. Experienced in supporting vulnerable families, providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed and identity-conscious care.
Traci McComiskey,
BSEB Inc. CEO
BSEB-Founder & Director
CT State Cert. Doula, C-LD/CE/PD, PMH-C, PE, IMH-E, MHFA, Domestic Violence Advocate
860-867-7541
traci.mccomiskey@bsebct.org
Jackie Carraway,
BSEB Inc, DOO
BSEB Perinatal Support Specialist, Adv. Doula, Lactation Counselor & Intensive Postpartum Service Provider
BS, eCID, CD, PE, LC, CCHW, MHFA, Domestic Violence Advocate
jackie.carraway@bsebct.org
Lynn Norton,
BSEB Perinatal Support Specialist, Doula, Childbirth Educator & Intensive Postpartum Support Provider
CD, CCCE, PE, CCHW, MHFA, Domestic Violence Advocate
lynn.norton@bsebct.org
Chris Wood,
BSEB Perinatal Support Specialist, Doula, Lactation Counselor & Intensive Postpartum Support Provider
CD, PE, CLC, CCHW, MHFA, Domestic Violence Advocate
chris.wood@bsebct.org
Beth Prose,
BSEB Perinatal Support Specialist, Doula, Intensive Postpartum Service Provider, CD, PE, CLC, M.Ed ECE, TESOL
beth.prose@bsebct.org
Elaine Flynn-York,
BSEB Clinical Advisor
LCSW, PMH-C,
elaine.flynn-york@bsebct.org
Jessica Fonicello,
BSEB Perinatal Support Specialist, Doula, Childbirth Educator & Intensive Postpartum Support Provider, CD, CCCE, PE, CCHW, CLC, MHFA, Domestic Violence Advocate
jessia.fonicello@bsebct.org
Our Board of Directors
Ashlee Parks,
BSEB BOD President
Ashley is a passionate advocate for youth and families, currently serving as a Prevention Coordinator and JRB Case Manager at AHM Youth and Family Services. Additionally, Ashlee plays a vital role at their Family Resource Center, where she facilitates playgroups, conducts developmental screenings, connects families with resources and provides parenting support and education.
With a strong commitment to community service, Ashlee has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to helping others. Over the last 13 years she has been deeply committed to supporting and advocating for children and families. As a mother of four herself and former doula in training, Ashlee is passionate about the BSEB Inc. mission, and is honored to sit as President of the Board of Directors.
Kimberley Drakes, CNM,
BSEB BOD Vice President
Bio coming soon
Marie Russell,
BSEB BOD Treasurer
Marie became a postpartum doula after the birth of her first grandchild, fulfilling her dream of providing support to new parents and families. Recognizing the huge role that postpartum mood disorders can play during this period, she received additional training from Postpartum Support International and went on to serve on the Board of their Connecticut Chapter. Marie is utilizing the knowledge from her previous 25 year career in medical practice management to assist the BSEB Inc. Board with their finances, serving as Treasurer. Now retired, Marie loves spending time with her family, walking on the Niantic Boardwalk, and reading. She continues to facilitate a free support group for new moms in her community.
Brian Gay,
BSEB BOD Secretary
Having family, friends and other loved ones who have been impacted personally by complicated pregnancies, Brian is committed to using his lens and skillset as a healthcare quality professional to support BSEB's mission to improve perinatal health outcomes for pregnant persons and their babies. As a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Brian works everyday in his role as Director of Quality Assurance at Whiting Forensic Hospital to improve quality of care and ensure patient safety within the state-operated, psychiatric inpatient setting. Having received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the Humanities from Providence College as an undergrad, Brian is currently pursuing his Executive Master's in Clinical Quality, Safety and Leadership (EMCQSL) from Georgetown University in order to further refine his skills and advance his career. In addition to his role as board secretary for BSEB, Brian also volunteers as VP of Operations for the Providence College National Alumni Council and is a member of the NRI Technical Work Group. Outside of his professional, academic and volunteer commitments, Brian enjoys running, hiking, mountain climbing, visiting family and friends, and spending quality time at home with his partner and their feline children.
Zachary Strasser, Esq.,
BSEB BOD Member
Bio coming soon
Beatrice Mathis, LCSW,
BSEB BOD Member
Clinical Program Director at Community Health Resources who overseas a Young Adult Program. I have worked for CHR for over 20 years and I have a great passion for providing mental health services to the non-profit sector. In my personal time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading books, taking walks, and watching my children develop.
Ashley Starr Frechette, MPH, BSEB BOD Member
Ashley is currently the Senior Director of Membership and Programs at the Springfield JCC. Ashley worked for many years at the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence as the Director of Health Professional Outreach. Through this role Ashley served on the CT Maternal Mortality Review Committee and oversaw several maternal health projects to prevent maternal mortality due to intimate partner violence.
Ashley has her Masters in Public Health from Northeastern University.