About Us

Welcome! Are you looking for an empowering birthing experience? So were we! GentleSurge’s expertise comes both from training and lived experience.

Portrait of Maria Gohdes, owner of Gentle Surge.

Maria Gohdes

Owner of Gentle Surge

Hello! I’m Maria Gohdes. I’m a wife, mom to 5, certified HypnoBirthing® Educator – The Mongan Method, certified doula, breastfeeding advocate and lifelong student. Through attending classes, conferences and lectures, I continue to add to my education and have enjoyed gaining knowledge and techniques from HypnoBirthing International, Spinning Babies, Evidence Based Birth, and on fertility issues, postpartum care (including breastfeeding) and nutrition.

I am passionate about bringing evidence-based information to families at every stage, from fertility to parenthood. I teach and support families who want to have an informed, confident and gentle fertility journey, pregnancy, birth and parenting experience and who are looking for someone to walk the journey with them.

Maria is a proud accredited HypnoBirthing- The Mongan Method gold seal instructor.

HypnoBirthing- The Mongan Methed certification seal

Kerstin Smith

Partner Provider

Kerstin Keber Smith, MA, EFT, Reiki Master, is a partner provider for GentleSurge. Kerstin is a mother to 3, and her second and third children were born at home using HypnoBirthing techniques. She is passionate about empowering families to make informed decisions regarding all aspects of parenting, especially birth- related decisions. Kerstin provides doula support, reiki, trauma care, and EFT. Kerstin was formerly a HypnoBirthing practitioner for over a decade and continues to be an asset to our community.

Portrait of Kerstin Smith, partner provider.

Dr. Taylor Brown, D.C.

Partner Provider for Chiropractic

Hi, I’m Dr. Taylor Brown! My journey into the world of chiropractic care began with a deeply personal experience—the birth of my first child. That transformative moment not only introduced me to the incredible journey of motherhood but also ignited a passion in me to support other moms and families on their unique paths. As a fellow HypnoBirthing mama of three, I’ve lived through the joys and challenges that come with pregnancy and parenthood, deeply understanding the aspirations and concerns of families exploring holistic birthing practices. This firsthand experience is the foundation of my practice in Waunakee, WI, where I specialize in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care.

I am Webster certified, ensuring focused care for expectant mothers through techniques that enhance pelvic balance for a smoother prenatal journey. My belief in the nurturing power of touch and its profound impact on prenatal health and the birthing process is integral to my approach. My practice is more than just a service; it’s a welcoming community for families seeking support, understanding, and holistic care tailored to their needs. I’m here to provide a guiding hand and a listening ear, ensuring that you feel supported, comfortable, and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey. I love embracing families through this beautiful journey together, with health, harmony, and the utmost care at every step.

Meghan Sweeney Will

Partner Provider for Photography

Meghan Will is a partner provider for photography. Meghan is a HypnoBirthing mom to 3 and specializes in photographing all things family (couples in love, maternity, births, newborns, and childhood) both posed and documenting the moments in between that are often overlooked. Meghan studied photography at Rocky Mountain School of Photography.