My journey into midwifery began in 1998 when I took a Doula / Intro to Midwifery course on a whim, and found that I was in love with all things midwifery.  Although I did not advertise, women began approaching me in search of doula services, and friends began calling me to their homes when their children were sick.  This response from my community provided a sense of confirmation for me, and guided and encouraged me to complete my midwifery training.

I graduated from a three- year course of studies at the Hands of Light Center for Traditional Midwifery and the Healing Arts in 2001.  During this time I also completed three years of apprenticeship in two separate homebirth practices in rural Vermont, where I was able to integrate my academic experience and further my learning under seasoned midwives.  Following this, I completed a two-month clinical rotation at a high volume birth center on the U.S.-Mexican border, where I had the great fortune of meeting Sommer. I have attended over 150 births, most of which occurred at home or in the clinic.  I am certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) as a Certified Professional Midwife.  Maintenance of this certification requires me to keep current on my Neonatal Resuscitation Provider status, my Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, as well as accumulating Continuing Education Units, and participating in peer review.  I am a member of both the Midwives Alliance of North America and the California Association of Midwives, and I attend midwifery conferences around the country as a means of gaining new perspective and knowledge.  I hold a B.A. in Culture, Ecology, and Sustainable Community from New College of California.

The homebirth of my daughter in 2004 brought new depth to my understanding of the vital role that a sound birth plays in paving the way for early bonding, connected parenting, and healthy families.   I see pregnancy, birth, and parenting as both an unbelievable joy and a precious challenge that offers us so much opportunity to grow as individuals. One of my primary goals as a midwife is to preserve the childbearing year as a rite of passage and facilitate it in a way that is safe, real, and respectful. I believe that the foundation of midwifery is woman centered care, and that a good midwife knows when to hold a laboring woman’s hand and offer guidance, and when to let the process unfold uninterrupted. I nourish myself by spending time with my family, gardening, surfing, excercising, and being grateful, so that I may continue to have something valuable to offer as a midwife.