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Our team
COACH + DOULA
Kaniya Samm, MPH
Kaniya is the co-founder of Rooted. Kaniya provides full-spectrum doula services, childbirth education, and general prenatal coaching to Rooted’s prenatal, postpartum, and interconception clients. Kaniya practices from a reproductive justice framework, which centers on her clients' lived experiences and bodily autonomy. Kaniya specializes in supporting high-risk pregnancies, nonbinary families, and teen pregnancies. Kaniya takes a holistic approach to reproductive care by integrating natural remedies, education, movement, and mindfulness.
Kaniya received her M.P.H. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Sociology from Mills College. Currently, she is an MDE/DNP Midwifery candidate at Columbia University. Previously, she was the Director of Care Management at the Institute for Family Health. She brings 8+ years of experience in community health research, birth justice organizing, digital healthcare design, and operational strategy through her academic and professional career.
My Journey…
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I spent years in a physical and spiritual disconcerted relationship with my body and reproductive health. From a young age, I always believed that no one should have to suffer alone. It was not until recently that I realized this belief applied to me as well.
In 2015-2016, my senior year at Mills College, I worked with Julia Oparah on “Black Women Birthing Justice” (BWBJ). With BWBJ I learned the most fundamental tenet of reproductive justice, which is you have the right over your body! In 2020 I cofounded Rooted, read “Killing the Black Body” and became a full-spectrum doula, supporting birthing persons through the COVID-19 pandemic.
For me, Rooted is not what I do, but who I am. My journey is fuller, more aligned, and spiritually deeper when done within community, specifically, those most affected by oppression. I am committed to helping pregnant persons heal their intergenerational trauma, advocate for their autonomy when interacting with doctors, and bring a life into this world (if they so choose) that is a bit more freed and healed than we are.
-In Gratitude
Our team
THERAPY + COACH + DOULA
Anika Carter, LCSW
Anika is the co-founder of Rooted. Anika is an LCSW who provides holistic mental health services to clients looking to gain support for their general wellness and perinatal mental health needs. Anika’s orientation is person-centered, which honors and respects individual autonomy and choice. Anika specializes in trauma, racialized psychological injury, and perinatal mental health.
Anika received her MSW from New York University and B.A in Psychology, Minor in Africana Studies from San Francisco State University. She holds various roles within Rooted including: psychotherapist, doula and Programs Director. She also serves as Program Director and Supervisor for the MSW Internship Program at Union Settlement. She brings with her experiences within program development, community health advocacy and trauma research.
My Journey…
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”- Bell Hooks
My passion for healing and health have always been rooted in community. I am committed to dismantling the stigma and inequities within mental health treatment and supporting individuals to identify their liberation toward healing.
As a graduate-research assistant, at The McSilver Institute , I collaborated on their SMSC project. This intersectional introduction lead me on the pathway to deepen my understanding and praxis of preventative care throughout the life span. In 2020, I became a full-spectrum doula and co-founded Rooted.
With personal experiences of complex trauma, I understand first hand the challenges and trials of the journey of healing. My personal journey of self-liberation and healing remains a constant but was birthed once I understood my worth and right to healing.
“The Marathon Continues”