Leda holds a B.A. in sociology and dance from Barnard College, Columbia University, and was awarded summa cum laude and initiated into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society upon graduation. Both of her majors contributed to her decision to become a doula. In her sociological studies, she focused on the philosophy of labor support from a feminist perspective. As a dancer, Leda grew to trust and honor the strength of all bodies, and as a doula, this knowledge translates into her faith and respect in the power of women’s bodies to create life. Leda has also conducted research for world-renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin and Amnesty International on maternal mortality in the United States.

Leda is deeply committed to the service spirit of the doula profession and participates in a number of volunteer activities, including her work with The Doula Project, through which she provides doula services to women choosing adoption, women unable to afford birth doula support, and women choosing abortion.

Leda currently works part-time for Clementine Midwifery, a homebirth midwifery practice, as an assistant office manager and birth assistant. Prior to this position, she worked at Metro Minis and gained extensive knowledge in babywearing, cloth diapering, and elimination communication. When she is not helping women give birth, Leda might be practicing yoga, attending dance performances, or practicing knitting, embroidery, book binding, or block printing. One day, Leda aspires to become a nurse-midwife and take a more direct role in helping women bring children into the world.