SEATTLE, WA - January 15, 2008 Open Arms Perinatal Services, a community non-profit which provides doula services for low-income women, announced today that Sheila Capestany has been hired as Executive Director effective March 3, 2008.

Sheila Capestany comes to this position with a broad range of experience and knowledge in the areas of social justice and public health. She has twenty years of experience in nonprofit leadership, development, and strategic planning, and holds a Master of Public Health and a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington. Most recently, Sheila served as Strategic Advisor in Policy, Planning and Evaluation for the City of Seattle Human Services Department. "I am passionate about the mission of Open Arms and thrilled to have the opportunity to move the organization forward at this pivotal time," said Capestany.

Kathy Carson, Parent Child Health Manager, Public Health, Seattle and King County noted "I am pleased that Open Arms has hired a person with so much commitment to women in our community. Sheila not only knows Open Arms' past, but has a clear vision for its future and the skills to make it happen." Capestany replaces Lisa Chin, who will continue to be engaged on the fundraising committee of the board, as well as remaining active in her advocacy efforts on behalf on pregnant women and their families.

Open Arms, headquartered in Seattle, WA, is a community nonprofit agency committed to providing services to childbearing women since 1997. Our mission is to provide services that support, educate, respect, honor and empower women in need and their families throughout the childbearing year.

For more information, contact Sara Thompson.