Learn more about the newly-elected At-Large Board of Directors:

Sujata Gami, MSc, LCCE, FACCE

I have a master’s degree in nutrition and am Lamaze certified childbirth educator (LCCE), a Lamaze program trainer and have attained the designation of Fellow of Certified Childbirth Educator (FACCE) by demonstrating specialized knowledge in evidence-based perinatal education. I am a leader in effecting positive change by delivering family-centered maternity care patient education with over 20 years of teaching experience in India, Canada, Thailand, and the U.S.A. I am the chairperson for the  Lamaze International’s Advocacy and Collaboration Committee and  am focused on strategic priorities of enhancing patient advocacy to increase healthy outcomes for birthing people. I am a member of the  California State Pregnancy-Associated Review Committee (CA-PARC), a multi-disciplinary group of professionals and community representatives that reviewscase-level (de-identified) information about deaths of California residents that occur during pregnancy or within one year of the end of pregnancy.

Beyond my professional qualifications, I am personally committed to improving maternal and child health outcomes. This personal dedication drives my professional efforts and aligns with the mission of Lamaze International.
I look forward to being part of the  Lamaze International’s Board to use my unique perspective and experience to promote better governance and preserve the interests of the Lamaze community and the perinatal field. 

View Sujata's CV

Lelia L. Marino, CBD, CPD

My name is Lelia. I am a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula/Lactation consultant (International Doula Institute). I currently subcontract for the Community Health Center of Richmond through the New York City - Citywide Doula Initiative. I am a traditionally & clinically trained herbalist and have also received my Masters in Herbal Studies from the (American College of Healthcare Sciences). As a member of the International Association of Professional End-of-Life Doulas (IAPO), I am excited to expand my services to include end-of-life doula support. It is important to me to approach all aspects of life with compassion, care, and expertise, and I believe that this new addition to my practice will allow me to continue to provide holistic care to individuals and families during their most vulnerable times. My other certifications include Trauma Informed Aromatherapy and Usui Reiki, Master level. I currently serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the newly formed Drusilla Poole Center for African American History and Culture. This organization is an outgrowth to the Sandy Ground Cultural Center, located in Staten Island, New York, of which I am a direct descendant of this community.

Despite my many hats, I am dedicated and passionate about the work I do. I have made a commitment to devote my skills, time and effort to the most underserved and often overlooked community - the birthing & postpartum mother - to provide her with coping
skills and emotional support during the most important transition in her life.

View Lelia's CV

Wendy Trees Shiffer, MS, CD(DONA), CLC, FACCE, LCCE, LEC

Wendy is the Executive Director and Instructor for Family Trees Birth Programs. Her exciting and dynamic teaching style makes Family Trees classes and seminars fun and energetic. Wendy holds a Masters degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in midwifery and women's healthcare. In 2015, she was inducted into the prestigious Fellowship of the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators and earned Lamaze Accreditation for the Family Trees Lamaze Educator program. After a 15 year career in early childhood and arteducation, Wendy answered the call to work with childbearing families. She became acertified doula through DONA International & Lamaze Educator through Duke University's ADHOC program. While in midwifery school, she spent over five years working as a birth assistant in the local Amish and Mennonite communities. She has supported hundreds of mothers as they've welcomed their new babies into this world. A graduate from UC San Diego's Lactation program, she is a Lactation Education Counselor (LEC) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). As a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and Program Director for Lamaze, Wendy provides empowering education to parents and professionals. She consistently receives glowing reviews from her students and coworkers. 

Committed to dynamic teaching, Wendy volunteers with multiple organizations. She is the Education Council Chair for Lamaze International and a co-trainer and advisor at Diversifying Doulas Initiative. Wendy is passionate about addressing the healthcare disparities that exist within the United States maternity care system. She thoroughly enjoys sharing her love for labor support and education with other birth professionals. Above all else, she is most proud of her four children.

View Wendy's CV