Amy Ard, 1996
B.A., Denison University
M.T.S., Vanderbilt University
Executive Director
Motherhood Beyond Bars
Atlanta
Ard’s career is dedicated to advocating for maternal health, justice, and education both as a doula and as the founder and current executive director of Motherhood Beyond Bars (MBB).
One of the only organizations of its kind in the U.S., MBB supports women impacted by incarceration, their babies, and the caregivers who step in during separation. By providing critical early support, MBB seeks to preserve the bond between mothers and babies, support reunification when possible, and help prevent incarceration through diversion and systems change. Through this work, Ard has become a nationally recognized voice speaking up for the rights and dignity of incarcerated mothers and their families.
Under Ard’s leadership, MBB has grown into a statewide initiative now enrolling almost every infant born to incarcerated pregnant individuals in Georgia. The organization has successfully advocated for state legislation and formed innovative local and nationwide partnerships spanning public health, community engagement, and criminal justice reform.
Prior to founding MBB, Ard spent more than a decade as a childbirth doula and educator. She is the co-founder of DC Birth Doulas.
Her lifelong commitment to her community has been evident since her time as a Denison student. A President’s Medalist, Ard was also involved in theatre, as a residence hall and orientation leader, and a WDUB DJ. After graduate school, she returned to the university to serve as Denison’s interim chaplain for one year. Ard continues to be a dedicated Denisonian by supporting the university in various service roles and as a loyal donor.
Among her many achievements, she has received the NFL’s Inspire Change Changemaker Award, and MBB has been recognized as a Center for Civic Innovation Good Trouble Honoree. Ard currently lives in Georgia with her husband, three children, and her mother in the home where she was raised.