Shaira Montgomery is helping women navigate the process of pregnancy and follow them along into motherhood.

Montgomery has been a birth doula for just over and year and has supported more than 20 births and a number of other families as a postpartum doula. She says there is nothing she would rather do.

“Birth is a significant piece to our story and journey in life,” says the owner of Growing Love Doula Services.

“I have the opportunity to truly impact this moment for people.”

The former engineer technologist says she left her job of 10 years to “jump into the birth world” and didn’t look back.

Brittany Trebilco nominated Montgomery for the Amazing Determination Award, saying she is an inspiration.

“Shaira is so selfless, putting countless hours into helping these women gain the confidence as they step into their new roles as mothers,” says Trebilco.

“Her passion as a doula and the great risk she took to forgo this career change has inspired so many around her, myself included.”