Marissa Jackson is a devoted champion for maternal wellness, family strength, and community growth in Pulaski County. With more than 15 years of background in human services, she has committed her career to supporting underrepresented groups, led by the biblical calling of Isaiah 1:17.Her path is built on extensive expertise. Prior to shifting into the maternal health space, Marissa dedicated 14 years to assisting those with mental health needs and developmental delays, cultivating deep skills in trauma-informed guidance and leadership. After navigating a profound loss at the start of her parenting journey, she transformed her grief into a calling, training as a Full Spectrum Doula to walk alongside families through the holy transitions of gestation and labor.As the founder of Village of Grace LLC, Marissa is serving families across Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri, including Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties in Illinois, and Cape, Mississippi, and New Madrid counties in Missouri. A colleague within the Missouri Doula Association and the Birth to Five Action Council, she merges clinical knowledge with soulful care. At home, she is a loving wife to Raphel and a dedicated mother and bonus mother to their four children. Southern Illinois continues to face serious social determinants of health, including limited access to transportation, stable housing, healthy food, mental health care, and consistent prenatal and postpartum support. These barriers can make it harder for families to receive timely, respectful care and can deepen health disparities for rural and underserved communities. Doula services help by providing continuous, culturally responsive emotional, educational, and practical support before, during, and after birth. Advocacy training strengthens that support by equipping doulas and community partners to recognize systemic barriers, help families understand their options, connect them with local resources, and speak up for safer, more equitable maternal health care. Together, doula care and advocacy training help families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.