Krystal Long – Founder & Director

First and foremost, Krystal Long is a mother to two little boys, the first born via cesarean in 2008 and the second, a healing VBAC in 2010.  Krystal is  the Founder and Director of The Santa Cruz Village Birth & Family Enrichment Center.  She lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her supportive husband and 2 children, and serves the birthing community with a commitment to support, educate, and empower families on their journey through birth and parenting.  She is a DONA trained Birth Doula, CAPPA Trained Childbirth Educator and has a passion for VBAC advocacy, education and support!  To learn more about Krystal’s birth services, please visit her website!

Since she was young, Krystal has always found her self in a supportive role, creating community and being of service in some way shape or form.  She has worked with families and children for over 10 years and earned a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz in 2005.  After the birth of her first son, Krystal’s focus shifted to serve birthing families and she began attending events, groups and classes around the Bay Area to find her niche. In 2010 Krystal founded Moms Support Circles, and offers support groups for Mothers at all stages of their journey. She also completed training with the Nursing Mothers Counsel and currently volunteers as a Breastfeeding Counselor and the Membership Chair for the Santa Cruz NMC Chapter.

After facilitating support groups and talking with countless families & professionals in the area, it became evident that a center like The Santa Cruz Village was wanted in the community.  Krystal launched the idea to the community in November 2011 and was met with an overwhelmingly supportive response.  The SC Village opened in April 2012 and the best is yet to come!

A brief note from Krystal:

“I believe that we are all continuously evolving, especially as we launch into Parenthood.  With each step in our journey, we walk into an unknown and can feel a bit overwhelmed.  I believe that no woman or man should have to walk their path alone, and my passion lies in creating community, connections, uninhibited education and support for Mamas, Papas and families at all stages of their journey.  It is my intention that The Santa Cruz Village be this space.  

My hope is that the seeds of trust, love, community and empowerment are planted, nurtured and made to blossom over and over again.  In ourselves, in our partners, and in our children.  My hope is that the families in our communities feel like they are supported and know that utilizing their support is healthy and right.  My hope is that each parent feels honored, respected, informed and empowered to make decisions about their birth and parenting choices.  

I also hope that I can continue to learn and share while sitting in circles with my village.  That I can continue to evolve as a Woman, and as a Mother, and to do so with a full heart and open mind.  In doing so, my ultimate hope, is that our children grow with a village taking care of them.  That they too will feel respected, loved, confident, supported and empowered to make decisions and will then pass it on for generations to come.”