My interest in the field of childbirth began in 1992. After the birth of my son, Dillon, in a typical interventive hospital setting, I enrolled with the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE) to become a Certified Childbirth Educator. I continued my education to become a Certified Labor Assistant.

In the midst of this I gave birth to my second son, Cole - also in a hospital setting. His birth was very different than his brother’s had been. Through consumer-based childbirth classes I was much more informed about my choices, and had a very positive experience with the help of an experienced doula who assisted my husband and me through an empowering pregnancy and birth.

After Cole’s birth I began attending births as a labor assistant, in both home and hospital settings. In 1994 I also completed certification with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA). A thriving practice in South Carolina kept me very busy teaching classes, attending births as a doula, writing for local and international publications and volunteering at the Charleston Center for Women.

In 1998 my daughter, Skylar, was born at home with the assistance of a midwife and a wonderful doula who helped welcome her into our arms along with other friends and family members. It was during my pregnancy with Skylar that I began my training in midwifery as a Licensed Midwifery Apprentice.

We relocated to New Jersey, were both my husband and myself had grown up, in 1999. I began an apprenticeship with a homebirth midwifery group in addition to my academic studies through the National College of Midwifery. In January 2005 I completed my program and graduated with an Associate of Science in Midwifery Degree. At that time I was eligible to take the certification exam of the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) to become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). In addition to my CPM, I am a Licensed Midwife in the state of New Jersey.

Currently I work with a busy homebirth midwifery practice, in addition to my independent work. Between teaching childbirth classes, attending home and hospital births as a doula and renting waterbirth equipment, my enthusiasm and interest in helping families achieve positive birth experiences remains a central factor in my life.