The Rootead CBD program is a HealthConnect One doula education program curated by community members to be specific to birth culture in Kalamazoo and aligns with Rootead’s ethos of “reclaiming the village.” We will meet for 20 weekly sessions to cover specific topics in depth, while keeping classes interactive and heart-based. Class sessions are accompanied by brief assignments, hands-on training in the community, as well as ongoing mentoring. This program is offered to community members at a low financial cost. HealthConnect One requires completion of 19 specific sessions out of the 20 total for certification completion.

Class sessions will be held on Saturdays from 11am – 3:30 pm, with breaks for movement and lunch.

Our first cohort starts September 13th and runs through Spring 2026 with some breaks for holiday observances. We will accept up to 20 applicants per cohort. Most of the class sessions will be held in person at Rootead Enrichment Center in downtown Kalamazoo. However, since some virtual sessions may be substituted for expected poor weather conditions and assignments are accessed through an online portal, reliable internet access and transportation is crucial to completing certification. Certification through this program is the first step for doulas to become eligible to accept Michigan Medicaid payments, as the HealthConnect One’s curriculum has already been approved by MDHHS.

Participation in Rootead’s CBD program does not guarantee employment or contractual work with Rootead’s Red Birth Green doula service program. The Red Birth Green team continuously evaluates the need to hire and will take applications as needs arise, prioritizing doulas who have shown their commitment to the work by completing the CBD program.

Please contact tierene@rootead.org and stephanie@rootead.org for any questions.