Meet the Facilitators
Bethany Gurrola (she/they) Creatrex of Sister Moon & Birth and Postpartum Doula
I am a deep feeling, multifaceted, queer, Chicanx human; who loves color, movement and supporting young people and their parents towards their truest embodiments. I am a successful, self-employed Sonoma County resident who owns two local, heart-centered businesses: Alma Rising Doula Care and Sister Moon. In 2014, I began to delve into my deep calling to become a Doula and immersed myself in books learning all that I could about the body, reproductive health and justice. After almost a year of training, I certified through Doula Trainings International as a Birth & Postpartum Doula in and I have been supporting families in Sonoma County, Marin and The Bay Area ever since. I am also currently in the certification program with Ante Up Professional Development for Justice Workers led by Bianca I Laureano.
I had no idea where else my Doula practice would guide me, but I knew I needed to some how bring my new found knowledge and tools to the youth in my community. I wanted to find a way to support them through the intense transitional time of puberty and teenage years so they can be strong resilient adults in the future- Helping them find tangible, healthy and safe ways to support THEIR growth and THEIR passions, while simultaneously learning the importance and power of connection & language. In 2016 I created a beautiful circle series for youth, 9 to 12 years old, where they can learn about the importance of self care and consent as well as learning great ways to deal with the over abundance of emotions that surface through these sensitive years. Throughout the 6 week series I enjoy weaving knowledge, crafts and exercises together that help these amazing young humans get educated about their body's cycles, use their voices and discover their truest intentions while having fun doing it! I have run Sister Moon successfully in both Marin and Sonoma County.
Sister Moon Series and First Moons Workshops were created to support and lift up the amazing and bright young humans of the future...for they will help carry on these important teachings and tools of inner strength and self love. Another big part of this work is supporting parents in helping their children navigate this sometimes confusing and emotional journey of puberty and growing up. Next to holding space for the youth... holding space and being able to be a listening ear for parents is one of my biggest honors.
Nicole “Nika” Fugo Zibelman (she/her) of the Luma Center
Women’s Wellness/Reproductive Health Specialist, Acupuncturist & Yoga Teacher. Founder & Director of the Luma Center
Nika has spent the last 15 years of her clinical practice dedicated to the field of Women’s Wellness and Reproductive Health. She has a deep passion for supporting women and folks who are in hormonal transitions with Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. One of the most common things that Nika hears from clients in her practice is “I wish I had learned this sooner” especially when it comes to understanding their menstrual cycles. These include: Menarche (puberty and first periods) Support, Perinatal (pregnancy-birth-postnatal) and Peri/Menopause Support. She believes that traditional wisdom for Period Health and Reproductive Wellness should be shared widely in groups so everyone has access to this information at a young age and for their own healing path.
Nika has been teaching yoga and facilitating group classes and healing (Prenatal/Postnatal & Restorative) for over 20 years and blends the deep mind body healing medicine of the practice with functional movements that assist in preventative wellness and pain reduction. While Nika loves offering 1:1 healing through Acupuncture, she also, especially as a group facilitator, finds that group circling, connection and healing is integral in building positive experiences, resilience and empowerment.
She is passionate about sharing holistic wisdom with girls and youth so they can make empowered choices in their lives around their own menstrual health.