About

JESSICA SANTANGELO, PhD

Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Hypnobabies Instructor and Hypno-doula

Full list of credentials and certifications »

I am a wife, Mom, biologist, teacher, yoga instructor, Hypnobabies instructor and Hypno-doula. I never knew I would be so many things! It has been an adventure picking up these skills as I follow my path through this life. My current focus is on empowering people to live balanced, centered lives. In particular, I am passionate about nurturing couples through pregnancy and birth.

The (very short) story of the journey that brought me here

I am originally from Maine where I spent many hours playing in tide pools as a child. I loved science and math so I majored in Zoology at Auburn University (War Eagle!) and graduated with a bachelor's degree.

I then earned a PhD in Zoology/Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. As a graduate student I was able to travel the world and SCUBA dive to study coral reefs. I loved my job and sharing my experiences with others.

Next I moved to San Diego to work at Scripps Institution of Oceanography as a post-doctoral research scientist. I wrote into my job description that I would spend 10% of my time doing public education and outreach through the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. I loved that 10% of my job so much, I decided to leave research to focus on education.

I ended up with a job as an environmental educator for the US Forest Service. I worked with thousands of visitors and school children each year.

Research dive in Palau in Micronesia

In the meantime, we were working to start a family. This was easier said than done. Ultimately we needed fertility assistance. I found the western medicine / clinical nature of fertility assistance to be off-putting. I ended up seeing an acupuncturist whose work I credit with helping us become pregnant.

During our pregnancy we hired a doula (which I wish every woman had during birth) and discovered Hypnobabies. We ended up with a wonderful, comfortable natural childbirth and beautiful, healthy baby girl. Our birth was incredibly empowering. I realized I could combine my love of yoga and passion for teaching to empower other women/couples to have amazing birth experiences.

To reach this goal I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, a 50-hour hypnosis training, and a week-long intensive childbirth and Hypnobabies Instructor training. I also began attending births as a doula under the mentorship of my doula.

I currently support women and couples on Long Island using Hypnobabies for easier, more comfortable births.

Certifications

PhD - I have a PhD in Zoology/Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and 14+ years teaching experience in a variety of settings (classroom, lab, outdoors) to diverse audiences.

RYT-200 - My training includes prenatal yoga and I am actively taking classes/workshops to earn an additional prenatal yoga teacher certification (RPYT) through Yoga Alliance.

HCHI - Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor - I am a certified Hypnobabies instructor having completed a 50-hour hypnosis course and an intensive week-long childbirth and Hypnobabies Instructor training.

HCHD - Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Doula - I am a certified Hypno-doula that serves as a labor support person for women/families using Hypnobabies. I do not regularly offer Hypno-doula services, but am happy to discuss services if the timing works. If I cannot be your Hypno-doula, I would love to refer you to other Hypno-doulas in the area.