About Me

Hi there! I'm your friendly Bradley teacher! I was married in June, 2002 to one Mr. Tim Finnegan. He's a swell guy, and you'll see him skulking around the house trying to get kids to bed and helping out with snacks and such. He contributes to the coaching classes, sometimes, too.  Six months after our marriage, we decided to have a baby, and we were instantaneously pregnant. (We thought it might take a few months, so we were a bit in shock.) I'm  a reader, and I believe that all things can be accomplished with the right knowledge and a bit of effort, so I trekked off to the book store immediately, and started interrogating everyone I knew who had birthed a child! When a co-worker and friend heard me saying that I didn't want a needle in my spine, she recommend I take these classes called "The Bradley Method." So, every Friday night for 12 weeks, Tim and I journeyed all the way across Phoenix (30 miles!) to take these classes. We were impressed. We learned so much that we never even knew that we didn't know, ya know?

Then, our first born son came into the world! It's a good story....I'll tell you all about it in Class 1. We enjoyed the experience so much that I knew I wanted to share what I had learned with others. A few months later I began my training as a Bradley instructor.  In the middle of my second series, I had my second child--a healthy, beautiful baby girl. (Another good story!) 

Evan, 1 hour old

Grace, 5 minutes old

In 2009, we moved from Phoenix to Oregon, and I started teaching Bradley classes again right away. At this point, I've taught over 90 couples, and have enjoyed hearing about each of their own unique birth experiences. I've also attended births as part of my training and I continue to doula for couples who are interested in that service. (Ask about discounts for Bradley students!) Being in the hospitals and birth centers has taught me so much about birthing in the modern world and I share those experiences with you through out the class.

As a certified middle and high school teacher, I know how to present information to you in such a way that you will learn it well.  I don't just read aloud to you from the workbook, or talk for three hours at a time.  I use video, games,quizzes, discussion, contests, note-taking and lots of supplemental materials.  We talk and eat and learn and share until everyone has all of their questions answered.  All information is presented multiple times, and I make sure that you know what resources are available to you. 

In general, I believe that the Bradley Method and the medical establishment don't have to be at odds.  Through positive communication and understanding common goals, each birth experience can be enjoyable.  You don't have to "fight" to get what you want, whether you birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home or with an OB or a midwife.  I am not anti-OB or anti-hospital, but instead encourage Bradley couples to work with their medical teams cooperatively.  My classes will teach you what your options are and how to use your knowledge, your desires and your birth team to decide what options are best for you.