Meet the Team!

A woman with long black hair and glasses is smiling, wearing a black top, standing against a plain white wall.
A woman with long black hair and glasses is smiling, wearing a black top, standing against a plain white wall.

Joyce Dykema

Owner, Birth Plus

  • Joyce holds a Masters of Science in biological sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln trained as a birth doula with DONA International in 2009 following the birth of her first child. Joyce’s personal experience with a challenging yet empowering birth highlighted the significant impact that support and education can make for a positive birth experience. She strives to make the world a better place, one family, one birth at a time.

    Joyce certified with DONA in 2012, and as a Hypnobabies Hypnodoula in 2015. In 2024, she trained as a postpartum doula, certifying with DONA in 2025. She has supported more than 220 births, and 6 families postpartum.

    Joyce is an experienced educator, offering childbirth education, professional continuing education, and DONA approved birth doula workshops.

    Here at Birth Plus, Joyce is our birth doula team lead!

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Melissa Hnosko

Owner, Birth Plus

  • Melissa holds a BA in Communication with psychology and foreign language from Washington State University. She certified as a postpartum doula through CAPPA in 2021, and sat the board exam for the IBCLC in 2023. Most recently Melissa trained as a birth doula with DONA International to add to her education.

    Here at Birth Plus, Melissa serves as our Postpartum Doula team lead!

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A woman with wavy blonde hair smiling, wearing a yellow top and white cardigan, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

Andie

  • Andie is certified as a birth doula with Madriella Network. Andie chose to work toward certification after attending a friend’s birth in November 2022. Andie completed certification in September of 2024 and started working with clients regularly in March of 2025. She has attended more than 12 births.

    Andie and her husband were married in 2018 and have 2 children. Andie has always been passionate about helping others, and the birth of her first child inspired her to use that passion to help women birth with confidence. 

    In her spare time, Andie loves taking her kids on walks, lifting weights, watching funny shows with her husband, serving with her church, and spending time with friends.

A woman with brown, wavy hair and a light complexion smiling at the camera, wearing a black top, standing in front of a plain, textured off-white wall.
A woman with brown, wavy hair and a light complexion smiling at the camera, wearing a black top, standing in front of a plain, textured off-white wall.

Ali

  • Ali is a certified birth doula through A Woman Who Serves. Her journey into birth work began after the pregnancy and birth of her son in 2018, which opened her eyes to the beauty, power and deep impact of pregnancy and childbirth. Ali loves walking alongside families as they navigate the life-changing experience of pregnancy and birth, helping them feel informed, encouraged, and empowered every step of the way. Ali has attended more than 8 births.

    Ali and her husband were married in 2014 and have seven children through birth, foster care and adoption. She is passionate about growing in her skills - diving into books, podcasts and courses to better serve the families she supports. In her free time, she enjoys serving with her church, helping others discover and engage with God’s heart for the nations and playing at the neighborhood park meeting new friends with her kids.

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A young woman with red hair, glasses, and a striped shirt smiling in front of a plain light-colored wall.

Bethany

  • Bethany is certified with DONA International as a birth doula, and plans to train and certify as a postpartum doula with DONA, as well. She has attended more than 9 births.

    In her free time, Bethany and her husband enjoy being outdoors in nature and experiencing new adventures…when they are not renovating their home. They welcomed their first child in 2025. Their two dogs, Sadie and Ellie, are thrilled to have another member of the family to play with and take them on walks.

Smiling woman with curly brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a purple top, a white pendant necklace, and visible tattoos on her arm, standing against a plain light-colored wall.
Smiling woman with curly brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a purple top, a white pendant necklace, and visible tattoos on her arm, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

Mandi

  • Mandi has been a birth doula since 2007, a childbirth educator since 2016, and has supported more than 600 births. She has a passion for loving on pregnant mothers and their families as they bring their baby into the world. Mandi has previously held certification as a birth doula, has training in Rebozo and Spinning Babies, is a Certified Reiki I Practitioner, and has personal and professional experience with Hypnobirthing. 

    A mother of three adult children, Mandi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning about essential oils and holistic family health, dancing and music, kayaking, and gardening.

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A woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a black top with colorful floral pattern, in front of a white background with a floral design.

Molly

  • Molly completed her birth doula training about 10 years ago and worked as a doula for friends and family a few times over the years. Since moving to Lincoln in 2024, she decided to train as a postpartum doula in 2026 and join Birth Plus to balance her many roles and passions.

    Molly and her husband have four children, and in their spare time, they enjoy supporting their church family, cheering their children on at their various activities, and traveling. Molly works full time for LPS as an art teacher, and will have availability for postpartum doula clients in the summer.

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A young woman with wavy brown hair and glasses, smiling, in an indoor setting with blurred background.

Alexa

  • Alexa is a new postpartum doula, working on her certification with DONA International. She has more than 12 years experience in early childhood development, including preschool age and nanny work. She is excited to work directly with families and their children, building trust with new parents to support them however she can. 

    A single mom of two children, Alexa loves working with families who want to take an active role in the process of transitioning into parenthood but are looking for guidance through their options, and support for implementing their plan.

    When she isn't working with families, Alexa enjoys volunteering at the Cat House, traveling, reading, crafting, catching a quick movie and spending time outside with her family and friends.