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Pregnancy and postpartum are vulnerable times for new mothers, birthing persons, and families. Perinatal mental health conditions affect approximately 1 in 5 perinatal individuals. Suicide is one of the overall leading and preventable causes of death in pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. Intervening through intentional screening and compassionate care is critical for maternal and family well-being.
This webinar for healthcare professionals, community workers, and support teams breaks down stigmas about perinatal mental health, addresses common misconceptions, and provides strategies for supporting new mothers and parents. Participants will learn to recognize the spectrum of mental health conditions, from temporary adjustment difficulties to more serious conditions requiring intervention. Attendees will also hear about local and national resources available to families during this crucial time in life.
Cherline Arnoux
Cherline Arnoux is a clinician deeply committed to women’s health and wellness, with a particular focus on maternal and paternal health and well-being. After earning her master’s degree in social work, she began her career in child protection before moving into her current role as a Behavioral Health Clinician with the Boston Public Health Commission. In her work in maternal health, Cherline co-created the “Black Women in Motherhood Support Group,” a specialized curriculum developed to support Black women in navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during the postpartum period. Cherline has completed a fellowship in Early Relational Health with the Department of Psychiatry at UMass Chan Medical School and earned a certificate in Relational and Multi-Contextual Trauma from Simmons University. She has also presented her work at the CityMatCH Conference, a national organization that supports leaders and programs in maternal and child health within city and county health departments. Additionally, Cherline serves on the Community Advisory Board for both The Boston Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Project (Boston COPHI/Doula Project) and Empower Our Crown, a nonprofit dedicated to developing and empowering mentally and emotionally resilient world changers. In her free time, Cherline co-founded C&D Styling, offering consultations focused on style, image, and confidence. She firmly believes in the mantra “when you look good, you feel good,” using it as a tool to break down barriers to self-love and confidence, especially in relation to mental health and wellness. With over ten years of experience working with women, children, and families, she is committed to continuing her service to the city of Boston and its most vulnerable communities.
Cheyenne Bell
Cheyenne Bell is the founder and CEO of Haven Place Doulas, a dedicated birth and postpartum doula agency serving families throughout Massachusetts. As a certified birth doula and postpartum doula, Cheyenne brings professional training and hands-on expertise to her leadership role. In just two years since founding the company, she has led her team in supporting 68 births and 75 postpartum families, quickly establishing Haven Place Doulas as a trusted resource in the maternal health community. With a vision to address the critical gap in continuous support for new parents, Cheyenne created Haven Place Doulas to ensure Massachusetts families have access to compassionate, evidence-based care during life’s most transformative experiences. Her approach to doula care honors the diverse needs of modern birthing people while delivering measurable positive outcomes for families. Cheyenne collaborates with hospitals, midwifery practices, and community organizations to expand access to doula services. Her expertise spans physiologic birth, postpartum recovery, perinatal mental health, and building sustainable doula businesses. When not directly supporting clients or growing her agency, Cheyenne advocates for policy changes that recognize the value of doula care in improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Massachusetts and beyond.
Tiffany Moore Simas, MD, MPH, MEd, MHCM, FACOG
Dr. Moore Simas is a leading Ob/Gyn specialist, physician-scientist, educator, advocate, and innovator. She heads a nationally recognized clinical department focused on improving reproductive health and well-being for all persons needing Ob/Gyn care. As the founding Obstetric Engagement Liaison of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms, she pioneered a model that enhances obstetrics, integrating perinatal mental health/substance use disorder care. Dr. Moore Simas directs Lifeline for Moms and its National Network, supporting the development of Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs across 1 county, 29 states, 2 national U.S. programs, and 1 Canadian province, earning recognition for her leadership in obstetric innovation and mental health equity.
Moderated by:
Kacy C. Maitland, LICSW
Kacy C. Maitland is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth text line, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.
