You don't have to figure this out on your own. Our Warm Line was started by parents who never wanted another parent to feel alone and not know what to do. We can help make a plan, find resources, share our stories, and just listen.
Our Warm Line offers free telephone support for all parents and their family members. The line is staffed by parents who have experienced a perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder and have recovered fully or professionals with specialized training in perinatal mental health.
We provide warm, understanding, effective and private peer support. We also provide professional referrals and information about other resources in your community. Call or text today, 1-888-404-7763 or request a call back. Interpreters provided.
The Warm Line offers peer & professional support. Call or text today.
1-888-404-7763
** se habla español
You are not alone. Relief can begin with a simple phone call.
Start now by calling the Warm Line at 1-888-404-7763. Our trained staff and parent volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. Text and email available too (warmline (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org). Interpreters provided. The Warm Line is answered live 9-4:30 Monday-Friday. On evenings and weekends please leave a message and we will return your call within 1-12 hours.
Support for the whole family: Partners, Dads, & Moms
NEW DAD?
Talk to another dad about your mental health needs during this period as well as gather information about supporting your partner who might be experiencing their own mood or anxiety disorder. Ask to talk to a dad when you call the line.
SUPPORT FOR PARTNERS!
We are experienced in serving same sex partners and LGBTQIA+ families. Call and ask for a parent or professional from the LGBTQIA+ community.
WARM LINE TEAM
Victoria Cherniak, Senior Warm Line Program Manager
Victoria Cherniak (she/her), Senior Warm Line Program Manager
In addition to her work with PS-WA, Victoria is a postpartum doula supporting families as they navigate the new and ever-shifting landscape of parenthood and has been a long time board member of NAPS Doulas.
Victoria worked as a social worker before her work in the postpartum world. Her positions included the Economic Justice Project at Columbia Legal Services doing public education and policy work in Olympia focused on consumer justice issues and at the King County Bar Association, she managed two pro bono programs that served the legal needs of immigrants and people experiencing homelessness. In 2007 she received the Golden Door Award from Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) for her work with the Newcomers Resource Project which trained volunteer attorneys to assist undocumented workers to recover wages employers intentionally withheld. In 1999 she received her MSW from the University of Michigan specializing in practice with communities and social systems.
Victoria lives in Seattle with her two children and dreams of summer when she can camp and backpack with her children.
Victoria.Cherniak (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Ada Figueroa, Warm Line Bilingual Specialist
Ada Figueroa (she/her) Warm Line Bilingual Specialist
Ada Figueroa is coming to us from her liaison position where she passionately advocated for language access and navigation of public education systems for Spanish speaking communities in Pierce County.
As a Latina mother of two having gone through the emotional stew of parenthood, she has supported Latinx mothers through the peer support group Caminemos Juntos. She has had the opportunity to serve disabled individuals as well as implement behavioral plans for children with Autism and related disorders.
She enjoys spending time with her family, going to festivals and traveling. She is also very passionate about herbology and reviving cultural herb practices for self healing.
Ada.Figueroa (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Karina Saunders, Community Outreach & Training Manager
Karina Saunders (she/her), Community Outreach & Training Manager
Karina loves people and creating spaces for connection and community-building. In both her nonprofit and higher education background, karina has advocated and created programming for bringing BIPOC students together and expanding support for people experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. In all her roles she has worked to center marginalized voices and create spaces for connection, learning, and reflection.
Karina is excited to join the PS-WA team as she navigates her own postpartum mental health journey. She is a strong advocate for the role peer support groups play in perinatal mental health and the bonus of long-term friendships that sometimes result. She's excited to join the inspiring all-star PS-WA team and support the expansion and defining of resources for people in the perinatal period. She plans to put her master's in education to work encouraging the budding perinatal support communities across Washington state.
Melissa Burden, Warm Line Program Specialist
Melissa Burden (she/her), Warm Line Program Specialist
Melissa supports Perinatal Support Washington as the Warm Line Program Specialist. She is a mother to one, and after experiencing a PMAD herself became a dedicated volunteer and patient advocate for those who are struggling through the perinatal experience. As the Warm Line Program specialist, she supports the volunteers who provide the warm support and helpful resources to parents who are struggling and need space to be held. She also answers on the Warm Line, aligning with her dedication to supporting parents. Additionally, she dedicates her time to volunteering as a facilitator of a peer-support group. She is trained in the GPS (Group Peer Support) model, and is going on 4 years of facilitating for the Village Circle (Bellingham, WA). Melissa resides in Bellingham, Washington and spends her spare time building Lego with her 4 year old, reading, and spending time with her family & friends.
melissa.burden (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Nathan Friend, Warm Line Dad Specialist
Nathan Friend (he/him), Warm Line Dad Specialist
In his work on the Warm Line, Nathan Friend supports Dads and non-birthing partners to navigate the struggles of new parenthood. Nathan became passionate about perinatal mental health after his own challenges with pregnancy loss, traumatic births, and difficult newborn periods. A compassionate listener who loves cloudy days and any kind of movement, Nathan comes from white Southern farmers, Jewish butchers and three-generations of Seattlites. He lives in a vibrant multi-generational, multiracial, multilingual household with his spouse, three young children and rotating housemates.
nathan.friend (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Stephanie Lewis, Parent Support and Warm Line Specialist
Stephanie Lewis, (she/her) Parent Support and Warm Line Specialist
My name is Stephanie Lewis and I am a wife , and mother to 3. I have served the African American/black community as a doula for 3 years and found my passion in supporting families as they transitioned into parenthood and the postpartum period. Shortly after attending births as a doula, I began to facilitate PEPs groups for black/african american families in my community and have a passion for holding space for families during this transitional time and offering support around resources, education and ways to pour into their wellness through parenting.
After having my last child, I had a challenging time with my mental health trying to adjust to being a mother of 3 and feeling isolated with lack of community. Over the years navigating my mental health and finding the tools and support I needed made all the difference for me. I want to be able to share and support others the way I wish I had support in such a rocky time. Being able to join PS-WA and hold space for families on the warm line and support them in finding the resources they need to create wellness for themselves is an honor.
I have a passion for learning and exploring holistic health and wellness and teach yoga in my community. I homeschool my 3 children and love being outdoors in nature whenever I can.
stephanie.lewis (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Aida Juarez, Warm Line Bilingual Specialist
Aida Juarez (she/her), Warm Line Bilingual Specialist
Aida coordinates our Spanish Warm Line, supporting our Spanish-speaking callers, developing culturally-relevant policies and procedures, and translating outreach materials. Aida joined PS-WA after attending a group peer support (GPS) training in Yakima.
For the past 20 years, Aida has been working with pregnant mothers, infants, and their families, providing brief counseling and referrals as a certified counselor and lactation specialist. She is the Social Services Department Manager at Tri-Cities Community Health, running the day-to-day operations of the department’s Maternity Support Services, WIC, Peer Counselor, and Outreach Programs.
Aida.Juarez (at) perinatalsupport (dot) org
Haolu Zhang, MSW Warm Line Intern
Haolu Zhang (she/her), MSW Warm Line Intern
Haolu is a 1st year Master of Social Work student at the University of Washington and a mother of two, bringing a unique background in neuroscience, clinical research, crisis intervention, and community engagement to her role as a Warm Line Intern with PS-WA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and psychology and a master’s in neuroscience.
Haolu is bilingual in Chinese Mandarin and English. Professionally, Haolu has worked on NIH-sponsored research focused on women’s empowerment and executive functions under stress. After moving to the U.S., she became a mom and advocated for Chinese American families, organizing support groups for immigrant moms. Her technical experience at Microsoft also adds an innovative edge to her work.
Inspired by her personal experience with new parenthood, Haolu is passionate about reducing barriers to mental health care for immigrants and underserved communities. She looks forward to supporting families through PS-WA’s Warm Line, offering culturally sensitive and compassionate care.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring nature.
Maria Keightley, MSW Warm Line Intern
Maria Keightley (she/her), MSW Warm Line Intern
Maria Keightley is a second-year student at the University of Washington Graduate School of Social Work and holds an Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate. Maria is originally from Peru, South America. She is married, has one child, and is a proud mom of a “Husky.” Maria is bilingual in English and Spanish and is dedicated to continuing her education and training to expand her knowledge.
Her passion lies in working with families and their children. She has experience serving in programs that enhance the quality of life for families. Maria has professional experience working with pregnant mothers, infants, and their families, having worked at programs such as Early Head Start, Maternity Support Service, Sea Mar Community Health Center, and Compass Health as a Bilingual Mental Health Technician.
She also has personal experience with postpartum adjustment issues, depression, and breastfeeding stress. Maria is thrilled to join the Warm Line team to utilize her skills and abilities to support mothers and their families facing these challenges. She has the compassionate attitude and skills to create a safe, trusting, and healing environment that honors and respects the perspectives and experiences of the individuals, families, and communities she serves.
She enjoys spending time with her family, festivals, and road trips. She loves walking at the beach, reading, and gardening.
Vanessa O. Williams, MSW Warm Line Intern
Vanessa O. Williams (she/her), MSW Warm Line Intern
Vanessa O. Williams brings a rich tapestry of experience in teaching, human services, and a heartfelt personal journey to her role as a Warm Line MSW Intern with PS-WA. Born and raised in Seattle, Vanessa proudly embraces her identity as a Black and Filipina woman, the daughter of a Filipina immigrant, and a devoted mom of two. Currently completing her Master of Social Work at the University of Washington, Vanessa’s passion for supporting new moms, parents, and families began with her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety during a challenging time in her life.
Vanessa’s transformative decision to seek mental health support following the birth of her second child helped her break free from bondage. Now, Vanessa is excited to join PS-WA as an intern to help provide other moms, parents, and families with the resources and support that she wishes she had—and more! She is committed to creating a more inclusive, compassionate space for perinatal mental health and breaking down barriers surrounding BIPOC individuals. She believes that for families and children to thrive, their parents —especially moms —need to feel supported, healthy, and happy.
When she’s not supporting families, Vanessa finds joy in dancing, singing, and creating art. She is also channeling her experiences into her first children’s book, inspired by her own transformative journey as a mother, aiming to uplift and encourage young hearts and minds.
You can order our Warm Line outreach flyers using the buttons below
Warm Line Flyer 5x7 -Spanish
Warm Line Flyer 5x7-English
Warm Line Flyer 8.5x11 -English
Warm Line Flyer 8.5x11 -Spanish
Warm Line Overview Video
"I wish someone had told me what to expect. I wish someone had talked about what they went through, or directed me toward finding out what other women went through, so that I didn't feel so utterly crazy."
- Tyrese L. Coleman
"I wish someone had told me what to expect. I wish someone had talked about what they went through, or directed me toward finding out what other women went through, so that I didn't feel so utterly crazy."