Start at Zero’s mission is to partner with parents and caregivers to promote healthy early childhood development. Our ultimate goal is to achieve comprehensive health, education, and development for children prenatal to age five and their families. Our vision includes a thriving educational ecosystem that sets all children up for a lifetime of success.

A full spectrum doula is a non-medically trained community care worker who offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from preconception to birth, to abortion, to miscarriage, to adoption, to postpartum. Full spectrum doulas, most commonly called birth workers, actively practice being open and aware of the diverse reproductive needs and experiences people have, in light of their identity, background, preferences, lived experiences, and so on. Through a local non-profit named Uzazi Village, Atira was able to work with women from around the Kansas City metro area, most specifically Black and Brown women. Through providing full spectrum doula services, Atira was apart of an interdisciplinary team that worked using evidence based research practices to educate and empower clients through: childbirth education classes, breastfeeding/chestfeeding classes, and infant care classes. As a doula, Atira also attended doctors and midwife visits with clients as their advocate and liaison, especially concerning medical plans and procedures that the birthing person may be informed of. Throughout her career Atira has mostly been present in hospital settings but also has the experience of supporting birthing clients in birth centers as well as at home.

At Uzazi maternal and infant health is at the forefront but at an intern, I was able to wear many hats, getting to learn many different aspects of non-profit and community work. Being able to see how not only how these safe spaces are able to enrich and support the community but also provide health education through classes and informational meetings. Uzazi gave me the wonderful opportunity of getting involved in the community while also serving them.

As an assistant teacher, I worked mainly in the toddler rooms with kids aged 18 to 24 months and assisted the teacher in making lesson plans, tweaking the schedule and organizing the classroom. this position also was a floater position where I worked in other classrooms 2-3 days a week helping the teachers with tasks and teaching the children.Working with Children, it always teaches you patience, love, and the importance of a schedule. Always interacting with parents taught me amazing communication skills and highlighted my skill of attention to detail. Remembering little bits of a child's day can make the difference to a busy parent and help improve their experience at the business.