Rosanne is a certified nurse-midwife, (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), and board certified lactation consultant, (IBCLC). She has 38 years experience working with mothers and babies in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. Rosanne is the founder of the Santa Rosa Birth Center, (formerly the Womens Health and Birth Center), in Santa Rosa, CA. Rosanne directed one of the first centers in the USA to be designated “Baby Friendly” by the World Health Organization. Rosanne has served in leadership and teaching positions in numerous state and national organizations that serve to promote the excellent care of midwives, birth centers and lactation professionals. She currently works as a midwife, lactation consultant and business consultant for numerous centers.

Chris Helgren is the current Treasurer for Better Beginnings. He has been on the Board since the non-profit was formed in 2007.

Chris’ family is familiar with the concept behind Better Beginnings. Three of his four children, two surrogates and one of his grandsons were all delivered with the help of Rosanne. He appreciates the amazing power of the birthing experience and the importance of building a strong foundation at the beginning of a baby’s life. He and his family are an emergency foster home, primarily taking in infants needing special care.

Chris’ day job is working in the Fire & Emergency Services Department as the Emergency Manager for the County of Sonoma.

Mary Beth joined the board in 2017.  Currently retired, she helps support the programs and events sponsored by Better Beginnings through clerical and technical assistance.

Amy Popplewell is a doula in Sonoma County who is studying to become a midwife. Her background and current career is in marketing and public relations.

Amy is the Director of our Marketing Committee, which is a resource for our doulas, consulting them on how to strategically position themselves in the local birth community.