Meet Our Executive Director

Abby Jo Perez serves as Executive Director of Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas, bringing more than a decade of leadership in humanitarian and community-based care. Her work has long focused on supporting people navigating life’s most vulnerable moments—from refugee families rebuilding their lives in a new country to parents facing pregnancy and infant loss.

Before joining Pittsburgh Bereavement Doulas, Abby worked in refugee resettlement and community health programs, leading initiatives focused on stabilization, access to care, and trauma-informed support. Through this work she developed a deep commitment to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, ensuring services are responsive to the lived experiences, languages, and traditions of the communities being served.

Abby’s leadership is guided by four core principles: transparency, honesty, validation, and hope. She believes families deserve clear information, compassionate presence, and care that honors their experiences, especially in moments of grief.

As Executive Director, Abby focuses on strengthening training, expanding partnerships with healthcare and community organizations, and ensuring families across the region have access to compassionate, skilled support during pregnancy and infant loss.