El Nido
Birth and Family Ministries
Specializing in childbirth and parent education, postpartum doula services, lactation support,
and home birth midwifery
for expectant mothers and families
in the South Bay of San Diego County
Our Team
Founder & President:
Debbie Eakes
Debbie is a mother of seven, a grandmother of seven and her first great granddaughter was born on Thanksgiving of 2022. Certainly much to be thankful for.
Debbie is a trained and Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), licensed to practice home birth midwifery in Minnesota, South Dakota and California. She is also a doula, childbirth and parent educator, and Certified Lactation Counselor. When not doing birth work Debbie serves as a restorative justice volunteer in family circles in Yellow Medicine County. She has a passion to train, teach, and serve expectant and new mothers and their families.
El Nido (the nest) has trained professionals to meet the needs of expectant as well as new mothers
and their families. Consultation, teaching, and training are provided by support staff at our location or on location with the mothers and family as requested.
Board Members
Scott Tedrick
Vice President
Lindsay Hellmers
Stacy Girard
Treasurer
Denise Monroe
Secretary
Lydia Eakes
Co-Founder:
Mark Eakes, MD
Mark was a commander in the US Navy, as an Engineering Duty Officer, retiring in 2006. He attended Eastern Virginia Medical School, graduating in 2011 with a medical degree in Family Medicine and a Masters in Public Health. He completed his residency in Virginia as well. After completion, the family moved to Granite Falls, MN. He practiced at Avera Granite Falls Health for 7 years and is now retired. He has a heart for service and healing with a desire to see health care and services for all. Although he no longer sits on the board, he continues to support the ministry in prayer.