Welcome to Etre Family Services

Etre is the French verb ‘to be’.

My teaching and coaching method is based around who you are, not what you ‘should be’.

in black in white, Liz, a white plus size woman stands in front of brush and profiles an upper arm tattoo of a viking helmet, mountains and a sunrise.

I’m Liz

I am a full spectrum doula and childbirth educator in the Puget Sound region of Washington. I want to help you grow towards who you want to be. Guided by my lessons as a former classroom teacher and trauma survivor, I use evidence based practices to create an experience that matters to you and what you need.

Business intentions

The trans inclusive, black and brown, and ally pride flag is in the backround of a white filled textbox with black text saying 'Affirm all families'
the disabilty pride flag is the backround (diagnal muted rainbow tones with black corners on two opposite sides) with white text in one of the black corners saying "We're all able to be good parents"
A mustard yellow background with a black outlined resistance fist raised with white text saying 'Abolish White Supremacy'
A dirt road with dust from driving and surrounded by grass and a few solitary trees in the distance. in the negative space of the photo black text saying 'Honor All Journeys to Parenthood'

What can I do for you?

  • Doula Services

    I am a qualified full spectrum Doula. I can attend to your family’s birth, postpartum, pregnancy loss, and termination.

    Doula Services

  • Swimming Lessons

    Available May - Sept

    With over 15 years of aquatics instruction experience, I offer a variety of formats for swimming lessons of all ages and experience.

    Swimming Lessons

  • Childbirth Education

    I use skills from my former teaching career to collaborate with parents as a childbirth educator to empower your upcoming birth experience.

    Classes

  • CPR/AED/First Aid Training

    I am a partner with the American Red Cross. I am able to instruct and certify in adult, child, and infant CPR, AED, and First Aid.

    I am able to do provide courses for private families, individuals, and workplaces.

    Certification

What I am not

One of my core values is authenticity. Part of that is being open and honest with what I can do, but also what I can’t do.

When considering if I am the right fit in partnership of your goals, please keep these in mind.

I’m Not a Therapist or Medical Professional

As much as I love to learn, I decided not to pursue additional advanced degrees to be a certified mental health counselor or medical provider.

I will not and can not give medical or therapeutic advice.

What I do provide is a background in critical thinking and practice in thoughtful questioning of the status quo and can help you decode research. I also provide empathy and active listening for you to weigh your options and make your own informed decisions.

Ultimately, I am here to advocate for you.

in full color during sunset. Liz stands in the puget sound, making a fake perplexed face at a piece of seaweed she is holding to display her sense humor

I’m not Neurotypical

It took years for me to get the diagnosis and the unhelpful coping mechanisms I used to mask are still being unlearned.

My experience with my neurodiversities honed my creativity, humor, and adaptability to changing events and peoples needs.

Knowing the harm that comes from being shut out, I developed warmth and belonging for multiple ways of existing. I know the struggle with adjusting to new ways of life.

I’m happy to stand by you during transition.