My Path

Katarina Ruiz

Hello my name is Katarina Ruiz ,  I am a xicana with mixed ancestry from indigenous Mexico and Europe. Born and raised locally between Watsonville & Seaside. I grew up on our beautiful peninsula and feel deeply connected to the community here.

I am a California Licensed Massage therapist since 2019, specializing in intuitive touch and prenatal massage. Serving families through birth and postpartum for years lead me deeper into my birth work path. Leading to my apprenticeship with Partera Midwifery, a local indigenous lead home birth midwifery practice based out of Santa Cruz. We work as a team serving families. My role as an apprentice midwife and doula is full of many different offerings ~ I began working as a doula serving families by cooking nourishing meals using ancestral foods, offering bodywork, child care and more.

      I feel deeply this work is my life’s calling , I am honored to serve these families and offer them the education and support they deserve. Using ancient remedies and ancestral knowledge I intend to help us heal from colonialism and reclaim our bodily sovereignty. This care heals our mixed lineages and reminds us to seek a harmonious life amongst one another, prioritizing our children and the next 7 generations.

  • Midwifery Apprenticeship

    The past three years I have apprenticed under Andrea Ruizquez, owner of Partera Midwifery, an indigenous home birth midwifery non profit. We offer home birth services as well as IUI and well person exams. To learn more about Partera Midwifery visit parteramidwifery.com

  • Doula Certification

    Campesina Womb Justice is a non profit created during 2020 to serve campesinas, women who work in the agricultural land that surrounds us. Maria Ramos, licensed midwife and activist created a doula program to create more support serving women birthing within Watsonville hospital. Maria hosted our very intimate and special doula training. Creating a comprehensive course including elder midwives, nurse midwives and indigenous cultural practices.

  • Massage License

    In 2019 I became a licensed massage therapist through the Monterey institute of touch 500 hour massage program! I have practiced massage independently and in 5 star spas ever since.

  • Teen Body Literacy

    Partnering with Partera Midwifery, we have developed a curriculum to educate our youth on sex education, home birth and body sovereignty from a decolonized perspective. I am so honored to be an auntie and mentor to our local youth empowering them with the knowledge that they are sacred beings.