About Natascha
Natascha Shamis has been working with women and children for 13 years one-on-one, in the classroom, therapy office and yoga studio. She has extensive yoga and breathwork training, a degree in psychology, early childhood education and a masters in mental health counseling.
Birth Doula
Pre & Post Natal Yoga Teacher
Fertility Consultant
New Mom Support
Herbalist
Woman-Expert
Natascha has a diverse multicultural upbringing. She was born in Hong Kong and grew up between New York and Berlin, Germany. Amidst it all she was introduced to Jivamukti yoga and Kirtan chanting by age 10, this set the groundwork for a lifelong connection to embodied practices.
One of the earlier experiences that inspired Natascha to pursue a path of helping women and children was in India as a volunteer for Tibetan refugees seeking asylum in Mcleod Ganj, a small town in the foothills of the Himalayas.
In college Natascha finished her senior practicum at a Harvard Medical School program run through Children’s hospital Boston. The program used simulations to teach physicians how to approach difficult conversations with patient’s families, specifically Neonatal and pediatrics.
Natascha’s affinity for nature inspired her to apply her studies in child development and psychology from an academic environment to more personal nurturing and unconfined space where she can be emotionally and physically supportive for her clients one-on-one as a Doula and yoga teacher. Her deep respect for academia and evidence based practices are weaved into her offerings creating a unique balance of science and spiritual.
Natascha did her 200 hour yoga teacher training and prenatal mentorship at Love Yoga Space in Venice. Following her training at Love, Natascha studied with the founders of Jivamukti yoga, Sharon Gannon and David Life at their exclusive Wild Woodstock retreat. Natascha completed a 30 hour advanced Katonah Yoga training lead by Katonah founder, Nevine Michaan. Natascha is a member of the Infinity Ma program with Harmonjot Kuar of The RA MA Institute. Infinity Ma is a full-spectrum fertility, prenatal, birth and motherhood program that includes kundalini inspired practices and nutrition. Natascha is also a member of well-known L.A. based Doula, Carson Meyer’s Growing Together for Doula’s Mentorship Program. She also holds a certificate in herbalism from the Herbal Academy based in New England.
Natascha has a deep connection to animals and the ocean, she is a certified freediver, marine conservation advocate and works with rescue horses near her home in Malibu.