About Us | Shades of Motherhood

We are The Shades Of Motherhood Network

Supporting Moms Through Pregnancy

Dedicated to nurturing moms-to-be on their journey to motherhood. Providing holistic care and support.

About Our New Framework S.O.U.L.

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Stephaine Courtney

Our Executive Director

Maternal Health Advocate

"As the Executive Director of The Shades of Motherhood Network, my mission is simple: to ensure that every Black mother receives the care, respect, and resources she deserves. Our programs are designed not just to support, but to empower mothers and families, because when we uplift Black maternal health, we uplift entire communities."

-Stephaine

April McCommons

Operations Lead

Miracle McClinnon

Financial Assistant for Projects

Stephaine Noble-Beans

Family Navigaitor

Kathy Trambitas

Project Lead Diverse Roots

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Payshense Guevara

Community Outreach & Engagement Lead

Meet the SOMN Team

More About SOMN

What We Value Here at SOMN

Our values live within the S.O.U.L. Framework: Speak, Observe, Understand, Lead. We believe that advancing Black maternal health requires more than clinical care, it requires heart, awareness, and leadership. We value the courage to Speak against injustice, the humility to Observe without assumption, the empathy to Understand lived experiences and cultural context, and the integrity to Lead with action. By embodying S.O.U.L., we create care that is equitable, healing-centered, and rooted in love, ensuring that Black mothers and families not only survive, but thrive.

What are our Principles Here at SOMN

Here are Maternal Health Principles inspired by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba). These principles can serve as a foundation for addressing Black maternal health disparities and promoting holistic care for mothers, families, and communities:

1. Umoja (Unity) Principle: Foster a unified support network for mothers, families, and communities.Application: Build community-centered maternal care systems where doulas, midwives, and healthcare providers work collaboratively. Create safe spaces for mothers to share experiences and support one another.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Principle: Empower mothers to make informed decisions about their health and birthing journeys.Application: Provide culturally relevant education, advocate for maternal autonomy, and amplify Black women's voices in healthcare settings.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Principle: Recognize the shared responsibility of addressing maternal health disparities.Application: Engage community organizations, families, and policymakers to improve maternal health outcomes. Train doulas and healthcare professionals to provide culturally competent care.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Principle: Support sustainable businesses and resources that improve maternal health.Application: Invest in Black-owned maternal care businesses, such as doula services and lactation consultants. Create community funds to support mothers in need.

5. Nia (Purpose) Principle: Commit to the collective purpose of ensuring safe and healthy births for all mothers.Application: Develop programs and initiatives that focus on reducing maternal mortality and promoting mental, emotional, and physical health during and after pregnancy.

6. Kuumba (Creativity) Principle: Use creativity to reimagine maternal health care systems and healing practices.Application: Incorporate art, storytelling, and traditional African practices into maternal health education and support. Create culturally rich programs that celebrate motherhood.

7. Imani (Faith) Principle: Trust in the resilience of Black mothers and the community's ability to overcome systemic barriers.Application: Promote spiritual and emotional well-being through faith-based initiatives, affirmations, and collective healing practices. Encourage mothers to believe in their strength and worth.

By integrating these principles, maternal health initiatives can address the unique needs of Black mothers, honor cultural heritage, and build a more equitable

Our S.O.U.L. Framework

Lead with S.O.U.L. Because this work is more than clinical, it’s personal.

Our S.O.U.L. Framework guides the way we approach Black maternal health. It calls healthcare providers, partners, and community advocates to bring heart, awareness, and leadership into every interaction.

S – Speak

Speak up against injustice, bias, and silence in the healthcare system.
Use your voice to amplify the needs and truths of Black women.

O – Observe

Be present. Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal cues.
Observe without assumption, and learn from what is seen and heard.

U – Understand

Seek deep understanding of lived experiences, historical trauma,
and the cultural context of birth and motherhood.

L – Lead

Lead with integrity and action.
Be the example of equitable, culturally responsive, and healing-centered care.

Together, the S.O.U.L. Framework transforms care into a practice of equity, compassion, and justice, ensuring Black mothers and families not only survive, but thrive.

At Shades, we’re committed to supporting you in every way we can. To receive the best support, you can:

Call us at 509-818-0216
Schedule a one-on-one session with one of our Family Navigators
Use the “Let’s Chat” button below to send us a message

From there, our team will assess your needs and connect you with the right resources, whether through our programs or trusted local partners.