Provider Spotlight
In response to the lack of comprehensive reproductive resources available in the Las Vegas Valley for BIPOC communities, birth workers, and perinatal professionals, Kaleigh Mancha and Rikki Jenkins formed the Heart & Sol Collective. This dynamic duo offers full spectrum doula services, lactation support, milk donation depot, support groups, mental health services, monthly meet-ups for birth workers of color, and entrepreneurial workshops.
The Heart & Sol Collective began as an organization formed to fill the gap in reproductive resources in Clark County in 2020 and is now transitioning to nonprofit status. Making Heart & Sol Collective the FIRST community-based organization in Southern Nevada to
offers these necessary services.
“Wellness is a necessity, not a luxury” has always been Kaleigh Mancha’s business motto. In addition to being the co-founder of the Heart & Sol Collective, Kaleigh is the only practicing Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and full-spectrum doula in Nevada. She is passionate about creating opportunities for accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed wellness. She specializes in C-PTSD, medical trauma, reproductive experiences, PMD, and life transitions. In these roles, he has a unique perspective and skill set that he uses to strengthen and advance systemic change.
Kaleigh shares, “As I actively reduce my life and offerings, I find it very important to integrate the traditions and wisdom of my ancestors from my cultural lineage, as well as my clients.” As Kaleigh supports others through life’s biggest moments, she tries her best to blend research and science with Indigenous and ancestral teachings. This helps her guide her clients in an empowering and collaborative way while honoring the sacredness that comes from being trusted to do this work.
Kaleigh wears many hats; therefore, prioritizing his family, himself, and recharging is necessary for him to maintain his well-being. She loves foraging for herbs in the city, playing with her energetic toddler, puzzles, cooking with her teenage daughter, traveling, eating vegan, visiting local bookstores, and anything involving dirt, water, trees, or sun reflection! Last year she started an email book club centered around BIPOC and queer authors and literature.
One half of the Heart & Sol Collective is Rikki Jenkins. “Unfortunately, our society is not set up to fully support families in the way they need and deserve to be supported. I have the privilege of working with them through pregnancy, during, and after birth” shares Rikki who is a lactation consultant, childbirth educator, and doula. Rikki believes that all birthers and families deserve an inclusive, culturally responsive, and family-centered experience throughout their parenting journey and uses her various roles to see the collective picture of what can be his clients are going through.
As an introvert, Rikki’s main way to recharge is by herself, usually eating her favorite food, reading fictional fantasy books, or binge-watching shows. In addition to recharging with solo time, Rikki loves going out with her family and friends.
Rikki and Kaleigh we thank you for the groundbreaking work you do for families and providers in your community. If you would like to learn more about Rikki, Kaleigh, or their work at Heart & Sol Collective you can connect with them at:
Heart & Sol Collective
IG @heartandsolcollective
Kaleigh Mancha: www.kayandme.com
Rikki Jenkins: www.sacredjourneylv.com
IG and FB: @SacredJourneyLV
Volunteer Spotlight
“Marginalized communities experience heavy emotional labor and need holistic support that includes peer-to-peer support. I have been identified as a Black lesbian angel mother and have been able to support others living
inthese margins,” shared Brandynicole, a leader of PSI’s peer support group.
Brandynicole Brooks is a Licensed Therapist and dedicated PSI volunteer. She began leading support groups in August 2011 and currently facilitates Black Moms Connect, LGBTQ/Queer Families, and Black Moms in Loss.
Between Brandynicole’s duties, he focused on filling his own cup so that he could continue to minister from that overflow. For Brandynicole, this appears to be reading, watching reality TV, sitting in solitude, and spending intentional time with family and friends.
Brandynicole highlights, “These groups provide a brave and safe space for Black moms to take off their Super Woman capes and find kindred spirits struggling with new motherhood and loss .LGBTQIA/Queer families are also given this brave and safe space to connect and share queer experiences.”
Thank you for your time and dedication to our Brandynicole help seekers. If you want to connect with Brandynicole Brooks, you can visit her at www.drbrandynicole.com.
