Upcoming events.
There’s always something going on in the Willow Tree Community. Whether you are joining our Community of Families Festival, trying on a new sling at a babywearing meet-up, or signing up for a Childbirth Education class, you’ll find an event that’s right for you.
Scroll down to learn more about our individual events.
Diabetic Living Group
This group is dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes—and anyone interested in healthier eating—learn to prepare delicious, nourishing meals. Together, we will explore diabetic‑friendly cooking through recipe exchanges, hands‑on cooking experiences, and supportive conversations about managing diabetes through food choices. Our goal is to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a welcoming community focused on wellness and flavorful, balanced eating. RSVP to the coordinator is required to attend. To RSVP email Bilky Joda-Miller at bilkyj@yahoo.com or call 518-898-2899. Please do not text.
Infant Loss Bereavement Support Group
You don’t have to grieve alone. The loss of a baby—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death—can feel isolating, overwhelming, unbearable, and as if you’ve become invisible to the world. In this group, you are invited into a gentle space where your grief is honored, your baby is remembered, and your story is held with tenderness. Together, we create a community of understanding and support, so you don’t have to carry this heartbreak by yourself.
RSVP to the organizer, Bilky Joda-Miller, is required to attend this support group. Please email her at Bilkyj@oma.com or call at 518.898.2899. Please do not text.
Diabetic Living Group
This group is dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes—and anyone interested in healthier eating—learn to prepare delicious, nourishing meals. Together, we will explore diabetic‑friendly cooking through recipe exchanges, hands‑on cooking experiences, and supportive conversations about managing diabetes through food choices. Our goal is to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a welcoming community focused on wellness and flavorful, balanced eating. RSVP to the coordinator is required to attend. To RSVP email Bilky Joda-Miller at bilkyj@yahoo.com or call 518-898-2899. Please do not text.
Infant Loss Bereavement Support Group
You don’t have to grieve alone. The loss of a baby—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death—can feel isolating, overwhelming, unbearable, and as if you’ve become invisible to the world. In this group, you are invited into a gentle space where your grief is honored, your baby is remembered, and your story is held with tenderness. Together, we create a community of understanding and support, so you don’t have to carry this heartbreak by yourself.
RSVP to the organizer, Bilky Joda-Miller, is required to attend this support group. Please email her at Bilkyj@oma.com or call at 518.898.2899. Please do not text.
Diabetic Living Group
This group is dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes—and anyone interested in healthier eating—learn to prepare delicious, nourishing meals. Together, we will explore diabetic‑friendly cooking through recipe exchanges, hands‑on cooking experiences, and supportive conversations about managing diabetes through food choices. Our goal is to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a welcoming community focused on wellness and flavorful, balanced eating. RSVP to the coordinator is required to attend. To RSVP email Bilky Joda-Miller at bilkyj@yahoo.com or call 518-898-2899. Please do not text.
Infant Loss Bereavement Support Group
You don’t have to grieve alone. The loss of a baby—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death—can feel isolating, overwhelming, unbearable, and as if you’ve become invisible to the world. In this group, you are invited into a gentle space where your grief is honored, your baby is remembered, and your story is held with tenderness. Together, we create a community of understanding and support, so you don’t have to carry this heartbreak by yourself.
RSVP to the organizer, Bilky Joda-Miller, is required to attend this support group. Please email her at Bilkyj@oma.com or call at 518.898.2899. Please do not text.
Meet The Doulas: September Event
Looking for a doula? Trying to figure our what the heck a doula is? Know the basics but are curious what benefits comes with having a doula? Come to our free Meet the Doulas event! We have birth doulas, postpartum doulas, bereavement doulas, and more! There will be a chance to meet doulas, ask questions, and interview a variety to find the one that is the right fit for you. Many of our doulas accept Medicaid insurances, which completely cover many doula services, and all our doulas offer payment plans.
RSVP is not required, but does help us make sure there’s adequate seating prepared.
CommUNITY of Families Festival
On Saturday September 26th, we are hosting our THIRD annual CommUNITY of Families event on the lawn of the Willow Tree Family Center. This event's goal is to connect and celebrate health, wellness, and Lansing families.
Willow Tree Family Center is dedicated to creating the resources to support Lansing Families and help them thrive. Our event will include vendor and resource tables, food, a free baby-item store, a kids area and more!
If you are a vendor who would like to get a $20 table, send us a message. Otherwise, no RSVP is needed for this event, but we would appreciate if you share the word, and say you are going to our event on Facebook!
Meet The Doulas: December Event
Looking for a doula? Trying to figure our what the heck a doula is? Know the basics but are curious what benefits comes with having a doula? Come to our free Meet the Doulas event! We have birth doulas, postpartum doulas, bereavement doulas, and more! There will be a chance to meet doulas, ask questions, and interview a variety to find the one that is the right fit for you. Many of our doulas accept Medicaid insurances, which completely cover many doula services, and all our doulas offer payment plans.
RSVP is not required, but does help us make sure there’s adequate seating prepared.
Meet The Doulas: June Event
Looking for a doula? Trying to figure our what the heck a doula is? Know the basics but are curious what benefits comes with having a doula? Come to our free Meet the Doulas event! We have birth doulas, postpartum doulas, bereavement doulas, and more! There will be a chance to meet doulas, ask questions, and interview a variety to find the one that is the right fit for you. Many of our doulas accept Medicaid insurances, which completely cover many doula services, and all our doulas offer payment plans.
RSVP is not required, but does help us make sure there’s adequate seating prepared.
Infant Loss Bereavement Support Group
You don’t have to grieve alone. The loss of a baby—whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death—can feel isolating, overwhelming, unbearable, and as if you’ve become invisible to the world. In this group, you are invited into a gentle space where your grief is honored, your baby is remembered, and your story is held with tenderness. Together, we create a community of understanding and support, so you don’t have to carry this heartbreak by yourself.
RSVP to the organizer, Bilky Joda-Miller, is required to attend this support group. Please email her at Bilkyj@oma.com or call at 518.898.2899. Please do not text.
Diabetic Living Group
This group is dedicated to helping individuals with diabetes—and anyone interested in healthier eating—learn to prepare delicious, nourishing meals. Together, we will explore diabetic‑friendly cooking through recipe exchanges, hands‑on cooking experiences, and supportive conversations about managing diabetes through food choices. Our goal is to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a welcoming community focused on wellness and flavorful, balanced eating. RSVP to the coordinator is required to attend. To RSVP email Bilky Joda-Miller at bilkyj@yahoo.com or call 518-898-2899. Please do not text.
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Bereavement Support Group
Join us for a safe, supportive group fostering a nonjudgemental space for those grieving a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death.
Sign-up is not required but helps us plan enough materials for everyone. Please contact us through the contact page if you plan to attend and to be connected with the leader.
Newborn Care Class
This class costs $75/couple. By signing up you agree to bring payment on the day of class.
This class covers all the basics of newborn care from diapering, bathing, fingernails, well-baby check-ups and more to help you feel empowered as you being your journey as a family.
RSVP is required to attend this class. It is taught by Taylor Bodell a professional birth and postpartum doula and mother of 3 or by Abigail Cunningham, another professional birth and postpartum doula and nursing student.
Contact Taylor directly at taylorbodellbirthservices@yahoo.com or via text or call at 517.908.5241 for class-specific questions.
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Prenatal Yoga Class
Come join this restorative class taught by Taylor Bodell to retain peace and flexibility during your pregnancy. Class is $20/person and can be paid in-person the day of. Space is limited so signing up is required. Reserve your spot by texting or calling Taylor: (517) 908-5241.
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Newborn Group
Abby Sumbler— doula, childbirth educator and mother hosts our bi-monthly newborn group. It is a free group for those navigating newborn days, looking for community, or desiring a place to ask questions and get advice. Please bring your babies and enjoy having them interact as you build the community you’ve been looking for. Our free store is open at this time as well!
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
RSVP Closed—Childbirth Education Class Part 2/2 February Series—Class 2
This class is at capacity and cannot accept more students.
Join us as Alexandra Harper-Brees, a childbirth educator and teacher of 10 years, teaches this FREE 2 part childbirth education class. Classes build upon each other and attendees are encouraged to attend the full series. Normally priced at $150, thanks to the MI Empowered Family grant it is free to everyone for a limited time.
This class covers all the common procedures for newborns, how to find evidence-based information for your birth plan, what to expect with initiating breastfeeding, and how to set yourself up for success postpartum. Taught by a professional birth doula and childbirth educator with 10 years of experience.
RSVP is required to take this class. Please text or call Alexandra at 517.917.0090 or alexandra.harperbrees@gmail.com with class-specific questions
RSVP Closed—Childbirth Education Class Part 1/2 February Series—Class 1
This class is at capacity and cannot accept more attendees. Unfortunately our teaching grant ends in February. We welcome any and all leads for funding to continue these classes but do not have any at the moment. Please contact us to be added to the waitlist.
Alexandra Harper-Brees, a childbirth educator and doula of 10 years, teaches this FREE 2 part childbirth education class. Classes build upon each other and attendees are encouraged to attend the full series. Normally priced at $150, thanks to the MI Empowered Family grant it is free to everyone for a limited time.
This first class in the 2 part series covers optimal nutrition in pregnancy and what it prevents, mechanics of childbirth, how hormones work, how to increase the chances of baby being in an ideal position, birth location options, birth rights, and considering due date accuracy. Taught by a professional birth doula and childbirth educator with 10 years of experience.
RSVP is required to take this class. Please text or call Alexandra at 517.917.0090 or alexandra.harperbrees@gmail.com with class-specific questions
RSVP Closed—Newborn Care Class
The class is at capacity and cannot accept more students. Please contact us to be added to the waitlist.
This newborn care class is provided FREE to everyone for a limited time as part of the MI Empowered Family Grant.
This class covers all the basics of newborn care from diapering, bathing, fingernails, well-baby check-ups and more to help you feel empowered as you being your journey as a family.
RSVP is required to attend this class. It is taught by Taylor Bodell a professional birth and postpartum doula and mother of 3 or by Abigail Cunningham, another professional birth and postpartum doula and nursing student.
Contact Taylor directly at taylorbodellbirthservices@yahoo.com or via text or call at 517.908.5241 for class-specific questions.
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
RSVP Closed—Infant CPR Class
This class is at capacity and cannot accept more attendees. Contact us to be put on the waitlist.
This infant CPR class is currently provided free to everyone through the MI Empowered Family Grant!
This class covers everything you need to know to respond to an emergency with your baby. With hands-on practice and an experienced teacher, you can feel confident in keeping your baby safe. RSVP is required to take this class.
Contact Michelle Haskell at michellehaskellbirth@gmail.com or via text or call at 517.290.3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Play Group
This play group is open to all! Designed for moms with their littles still at home as a place to gather, chat and play. Contact Michelle for any questions: 517-290-3034
Become A Volunteer
Willow Tree is completely volunteer run and we can always use more hands to make these dreams realities. Do you have a certain demographic of families you want to help? Do you have a class you want to share? Do you just have time or resources you want to put toward helping your community thrive? If so, join our volunteer community.