Our Team
Alissa Claxton – Birth Doula
Alissa began the process of becoming a birth doula in 2009 after the birth of her first daughter. She was able to find strength and peace through another experienced mother in the room and wanted to offer that same encouragement to other women. She loves assisting and educating families through pregnancy and childbirth as a birth doula. In the beginning of her journey, she realized that she did not want to go about it alone. The vision for Open Heart Doula came to fruition in 2010 and has been growing and thriving ever since. Alissa and her husband, Ben and their four children, Molly, Parker, Hannah and Lucy live in the Karns area.
Tamika Guillebeaux- Postpartum Doula
Tamika thrives in the supportive role of a Postpartum Doula. She realized just how important that support is when she had her first baby as a single mother over 10 years ago, and was inspired to serve others in the same way. Tamika began attending visits, training, and pursuing certification in 2014 and was blessed to join Open Heart Doula the same year. She loves nurturing, educating, and assisting families during that precious time when a new baby comes home. She believes it is one of the best times to empower and collaborate with new mamas and families to maximize confidence in their ability and is passionate about providing physical and emotional support to women. Tamika lives in Knoxville with her husband Louis and their four children, Micah, Trinity, Josiah and Timothy.
Jodi Thress- Childbirth Educator
Jodi became a childbirth educator and doula in 2012 and joined Open Heart Doula Services a year later. She is passionate about teaching parents what to expect with pregnancy, labor, and life with a newborn. She believes in evidence-based education and offers a 6-week course throughout the year for families. She loves the experience of helping pregnant women gain confidence and trust in themselves as they transition into parenthood. Jodi lives in North Knoxville with her husband, Isaac and their daughters, Lona and Vera.
Crystal Shields- Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula
When Crystal thinks back on the births of her four children, nothing but wonderful memories comes to her mind. She can say without a shadow of a doubt say that she had a beautiful birth experience that changed her life in an awe-inspiring way. And that is just what she wants to help women achieve: the best birth possible. Crystal has a passion for educating women on their options in childbirth, specifically, nutrition in pregnancy, natural childbirth, and breast feeding.
Crystal finds such joy in coming alongside pregnant women on their journey through childbirth and having the privilege to witness a sweet, new life come into the world. After working as a pediatric nurse for 9 years, Crystal decided to take on the role as a stay at home mom to her four children, Shepherd, Olivia, Scarlett, and Banner.
NOTE: Not taking any birth clients for 2023.
Amber Chamblee- Postpartum Doula
As a postpartum doula, Amber has been passionate about caring for new mothers and families for the last 7 years. She has a special place in her heart for supporting families in the evening and overnight hours of newborn parenting. Amber loves watching the bond between mothers, fathers. siblings and newborns flourish as the parents feel educated, supported, and cared for through this special transition in their lives. Amber, along with her husband Milt, call North Knoxville home where they raise their three boys; Cooper, Reid, and Everett.
