​Cultural Roots & Guiding Values

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I carry the spirit of my Afro-Indigenous Jamaican, Barbadian, and Panamanian ancestry in my sense of self, my purpose, and the way I show up in the world. I love my culture and how rich it is, it grounds me and guides how I express joy, offer love, and create space to support others with intention.

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Global and Local Experience

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Over the years, I’ve worked in schools, summer camps, and after-school programs across Toronto and the GTA, and internationally in Tanzania, Colombia, and Brazil. This list continues to grow wherever my work calls me to be. Whether local or global, the mission remains the same, supporting growth through creativity, compassion, and connection.

 

What Drives Natasha East

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Connection, Expression, Imagination!

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My culture taught me creativity, rhythm, and expression. I see art in everything, in how we grow, heal, and build confidence, especially in childhood. I started young with gymnastics, dance, music, and theatre, later moving into film and performance, but I’ve always been drawn to sharing the arts with children and families. Art is where energy recognizes itself, no pressure to be perfect, just space to be. Creativity became my way of exploring all the possibilities, guiding me toward purpose.

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Path to Doula Work

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Staying home and raising my children was one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
They taught me more patience, more presence, and a deeper understanding of care, lessons that continue to guide my work today.

 

Before becoming a mother, I witnessed and assisted family, friends, and community through birth and postpartum, experiences that were rooted in cultural tradition and shared responsibility. That communal impact left a deep imprint on me.

 

In time, I felt called to deepen my knowledge, not just for my career, but to show up as a stronger, more informed mother. Returning to school felt like a natural next step, and I went on to earn my Honours Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a BASc in Early Childhood Studies, and a degree in Arts Education and Community Engagement, all with High Honours.

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The memories I hold from the births of my own children, especially with the support of midwives, pulled me even closer to following my intuition and trusting my instincts. I discovered Doula School Canada, and I felt an instinct that was guided by something bigger than me, and that’s what led me toward certified birthwork. I completed my training and certifications with a deeper sense of clarity and know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

 

Memberships & Community Roles

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I am currently a member of:

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• The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

• The College of Early Childhood Education (CECE) – Registered Member and Advisor

• The Ontario Reggio Emilia Association

• Board of Directors, Prologue Performing Arts

 

Curated Works & Creative Leadership

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I recently wrote and published my first book, Breaking Cycles, a soulful, heart-centered guide that supports emotional wellness and self-reflection through creative practices and affirmations. The book is available on Amazon

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My passion for artistic expression and education also shines through in my curated work. I contributed and authored the Study Guide for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for Young People’s Theatre’s 2024 Holiday Season, and developed the Prologue Club Toolkit, a leadership program that equips students across Ontario with skills in arts management, budgeting, and public speaking.

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As a member of the Program Committee and Board of Directors at Prologue Performing Arts, I continue to support students, educators, artists, and communities through personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful arts engagement.