Founded by Dr. Tracey Vogel, The Empowerment Equation website is a resource to help women with histories of trauma prepare before delivery, to offer help for providers seeking to understand patient perspectives using first-hand narratives, and to provide evidence-based research on this topic.
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We offer a wealth or resources for patients and provide trainings across the country for providers who are seeking to incorporate trauma-informed care into their maternal health care offerings, to improve health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Dr. Tracey Vogel
Executive Director and OB Anesthesiologist
Dr. Tracey Vogel is an obstetric anesthesiologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She received her MD degree from the University of Pittsburgh and finished her anesthesia training, including a fellowship in obstetric anesthesiology, from Stanford University in California.
She received certification as a Sexual Assault Counselor at Allegheny County’s Rape Crisis Center PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape) several years ago, where she started her work in medical advocacy and education for adult survivors of sexual trauma. This education has inspired her to initiate programs to promote medical “centers of excellence” in providing trauma-informed care for obstetric patients.
​Her hospital based work also includes involvement with quality assurance processes, education and training of nurses, residents, and medical students, and creation of specific care plans for high risk obstetric patients including those with prior sexual trauma, opioid tolerance and substance use disorders, and mental health concerns.
Beyond her work in hospital settings, she is part of the governor’s HEAL PA Taskforce seeking to make Pennsylvania a trauma-aware state.
Dr. Sarah Homitsky
Medical Director, Contributor
Dr. Sarah Homitsky is the owner of Teneral Psychiatry PLLC, a private practice in Wexford, PA specializing in treating women and families. She is also the former medical director of Women’s Behavioral Health at Allegheny Health Network, during which she established the first Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program in the Pittsburgh area and initiated a partnership with Eden’s Farm to support the mental health of survivors of human trafficking. She is an advocate for trauma-informed care in medical settings and while at Allegheny Health Network, she collaborated with Dr. Tracey Vogel to develop a novel, trauma-informed clinic specializing in supporting survivors of birth trauma and preventing future traumatic births.
Holli Krohn Luther
Watercolor Artist
Holli Krohn Luther is an independent watercolor artist, interior design consultant, and a Graduate Gemologist. She serves as an assistant to a local artist and is on the advisory board for two up and coming authors. Her passion is facilitating small groups for women in her community, helping them discover that they are masterpieces and that we are all in the process of practicing imperfect progress, not perfection, and that we have permission to learn, grow and change. She finds it a joy and privilege to walk this journey with these women every day. Her watercolor designs for the Empowerment Equation embody this "imperfect progress", yet offer a sentiment of peace and resilience for all women.
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Birth Monopoly
Lullaby Project Pittsburgh
Inspird
Birth Monopoly is committed to advancing the human right of each birthing person to determine how, where, and with whom they give birth.
Lullaby Project Pittsburgh pairs professional musicians with women and caregivers who have experienced trauma to write personal lullabies for them and their babies.
INSPIRD is a Pittsburgh based team of HAES®-aligned, weight-inclusive clinicians who work 1:1 with people who want to heal from disordered eating and find a more sustainable way to care for themselves.