Meet our Team

We all have different gifts that we want to use in Casa Compasiva.  (Romans 12:6-8) We want to offer these gifts in service to the Lord.  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

 

My name is Donaji Barahona, and I am a general physician with 28 years of experience.  I am 52 years old, and have 4 beautiful children, ages 26, 24, 22 and 18 years old.  My husband is a general surgeon.  I was born in the small town/village of Mitla, Oaxaca, and I grew up watching my mom attend births in a natural and respectful way.  Her name is Rosa, and she is an obstetric nurse/midwife.  My father was also the town physician.

During my professional studies, I learned another method of attending women in labor that was very different from the approach with which I had become accustomed.  It appeared that science was very far removed from feelings.   

When I began to work with Casa Compasiva, I discovered what I had always wanted for women and their babies: respectful care and attention, with love and with scientific and cultural knowledge.  But above all I never fail to marvel at the power of prayer and faith in accomplishing our goals and objectives with women and their babies.

At Casa Compasiva, I found a great team of marvelous women with a strong will to work, but even more a desire to serve.  I want to pass on to them my experience as a doctor and midwife for the benefit of humanity. I now believe that if we can bring happy babies into the world and raise them in the fear of God, we will achieve many good things.

I give thanks to God and to Lila, too, for her friendship and the trust she had in me to invite me to be part of this marvelous and blessed project.  And I give thanks to all the team for their friendship and teachings. 

           -Donaji

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Hello, my name is Lidia Trinidad Mejia. I am 28 years old and live in Oaxaca, Mexico.  I grew up and currently live in a Christian environment.  I have been in Casa Compasiva for approximately 9 years where I began as a Doula. I now participate as a midwife having graduated from the Casa Compasiva Midwifery program in 2015. I have worked organizing different outreach projects, prenatal classes, and oversee social media for Casa Compasiva.  I also help guide the new Doula students through their coursework and workshops.

In my free time I enjoy serving my church congregation in group activities that involve youth.   I am also currently studying a career in Community Development.  My desire is to integrate Midwifery and Community Development and continue to serve the women and families of Oaxaca.

-Lidia

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My name is Sara Esther Lopez Perez.  I am 41 years old, mother to three boys, and a Pastor´s wife.  I am a General Physician and also provide Family Counseling.  

I have worked in Casa Compasiva for 2 years, attending medical appointments, Biblical Family Counseling, and attending or providing back-up support at births.

One of my favorite occupations is working in the women´s and children´s ministry.  My favorite hobbies are working in the garden and talking walks with my dogs.

My desire has always been to use my profession to show Christ´s love through service to others. Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times that a woman can live and it is a great satisfaction to be able to give them support and practical advice for this time.  My goal is that in Casa Compasiva they find a different and holistic model of care where the love of Christ is reflected. 

- Sara

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Hello! My name is Mayra Lucero Salvador Bautista.  I am 22 years old. I was born and live in the small town of Tlacolula de Matamoros that is located 40 minutes from the city of Oaxaca.  My parents originally come from the native Mixe region in the state of Oaxaca.

One of the most important moments of my life was when I came to know Christ when I was 11 years old, growing up in a dysfunctional home caused by alcoholism.  I have now been part of the Casa Compasiva ministry for 4 years where I learned to be a Doula and am currently working towards becoming an Assistant Midwife.  

I love being in touch with nature, having time to play my guitar and sing, but more than anything I enjoy helping others.  This is one of the main reasons that inspired me to study in a Bible Institute and I am about a year away from finishing my Theology studies. I thank God for that!

One of my desire is to advance in my midwifery studies so that later on I can serve the people of a community through the Word of God along with midwifery, much in the same way that Casa Compasiva has been working over the years.

-Mayra

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Mi name is Laura Morales Garcia.  I am the youngest of 6 sisters and 1 brother, mother to 3 children, and at my 40 years I have lived thousands of blessings from God that I want to share wherever I may go.

I originally studied Cosmetology and Style which has given me the opportunity to meet and help many people with low self-esteem by showing them how God loves each of us how we are.

My Oaxacan roots have taught me that I am an artisan and I enjoy crafts, embroidery, sewing, and knitting.

I am now a Doula at Casa Compasiva where I have learned that the effort of showing love and support towards others has many satisfactions. It is how we can reflect the love of God to the pregnant women and their families by helping them in this special time.  I hope we can make it the best memory for each mother and family so that these babies can come into this world in loving, warm care.

- Laura

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My name is Betsy Zaret.  I am 21 years old and became a Doula at Casa Compasiva in April.

My biggest goal for Casa Compasiva is that the ministry will leave a mark on future generations where pregnancy and birth can be seen as joyous experiences full of love without exceptions.

(Betsy wrote the least of everyone, but in person is one of the most extrovert, energetic and joyful personalities of the team! She also has a great gift in her writing, and I hope to share a bit of that in the near future of the blog.)

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My name is Elsa Teresa Rafael Almaraz and I am 30 years old.  I  have been working in Casa Compasiva for almost 9 years in Housekeeping and am a Postpartum Doula.  I enjoy running and listening to music in my free time.  

I hope to see Casa Compasiva extend so that many people can meet Christ and at the same time, give them support and an unforgettable experience through humanized birth; knowing that God has designed their bodies to birth and is in complete care of them.  I hope that the ministry of Casa Compasiva will be available to everyone who needs it.

-Elsa

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Hello! My name is Maria del Carmen Azua Ramos.  I am 52 years old and have worked in the area of Administration at Casa Compasiva.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with family.

My greatest desire is that our Casa Compasiva team can continue to work together to give the mothers support, care, and information during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  But above all, that we can give them knowledge of the Gospel of Christ.

-Maricarmen 

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My name is Mirna Celina Bedoya Melgar.  I am 52 years old and currently work in the area of Housekeeping in Casa Compasiva.

I enjoy walking and spending time with my family.

I pray that Casa Compasiva can continue to grow and that many mothers and babies are served and come to know the Word of God.

- Mirna