Episode Title: Episode 5: From Being in the System to Serving in It — Keena Armstrong’s Journey as a Parent-Educator, Therapist & Doula
Host: Melissa Harley, B.A., AdvCD/BDT(DONA), CLC, LCCE, FACCE
Guest: Keena Armstrong, M.S., Counselor, Doulas, LMHC
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the CCDS Doula Collaboration Podcast, host Melissa Harley sits down with Keena Armstrong, LMHC, a licensed mental health counselor, parent-educator, birth doula, and postpartum doula, to explore her full-circle story—from growing up in the foster care system to becoming a compassionate, community-based provider serving families within it.
Keena shares how her lived experiences shaped her life’s mission to support others through birth, mental health challenges, and family transitions. With authenticity and clarity, she reflects on her own struggles with postpartum anxiety, her journey to licensure, and her vision for wraparound support for birth and foster parents alike.
This episode is a moving testament to the impact of healing-centered care and the importance of bringing lived experience into professional service. It will leave birth workers and mental health providers alike inspired, informed, and reminded of the deep value in showing up with heart.
How Keena’s childhood in foster care informs her work todayThe role of doulas and therapists in postpartum mental healthHow Keena balances advocacy, parenting, and community careHer vision for a Fourth Trimester Recovery Space and what comes next
💬 “I want people to normalize and understand that some things that come with becoming and being a parent are normal. Being touched out and overstimulated—that’s normal.” — Keena Armstrong
💬 “You’re being a doula to those foster parents, right? How neat is that?” — Melissa Harley
💬 “It felt amazing… My goal and my vision board said I’d be licensed by the end of the year. And it happened.” — Keena Armstrong
💬 “Support isn’t linear—it’s circular. And I move through those roles and hats seamlessly.” — Keena Armstrong
📌 Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMHC) – Offered through PSI, MIMH, and other training organizations- https://postpartum.net/professionals/certification/
📌 Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS-US) – Screening tool for postpartum mental health – https://epds-us.vcu.edu
📌 Healthy Start Programs- community support, some with doula programs
📌 Postpartum Support International (PSI) – www.postpartum.net
About the guest: Keena Armstrong is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida and a trained birth doula since August 2019. Currently pursuing her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMHC), Keena brings a deep passion for social work, child welfare, and advocacy into every aspect of her work. As a proud mother and devoted partner, she is driven by a commitment to nurture, uplift, and empower those in need. Keena’s mission is to help change the world by promoting mental wellness, supporting families, and being a strong voice for the vulnerable.
🎙About the host: Melissa has been a dedicated birth professional for over two decades as a birth doula and childbirth educator. A DONA-approved trainer since 2010, she has trained over 1,300 doulas worldwide, blending evidence-based practices with insights from her extensive leadership experience. She served on the DONA Board of Directors for seven years, (DONA International President – 2020), contributing to strategic planning, education, and advocacy initiatives. Currently, she coordinates DONA’s conferences and webinars, fostering ongoing professional growth in the perinatal community. Based in Florida, Melissa remains an active doula trainer, childbirth educator, & lactation counselor. To connect with Melissa, visit www.capitalcitydoulaservices.com📩 Have a topic suggestion or want to be a guest? Contact Melissa at: www.capitalcitydoulaservices.com🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!