Our Team
Our Team
Green Team
Sarah Leslie
She/Her/Hers
I attended my first home birth at the age of seven when my sister was born. I remember that the room was very warm, the family doctor sat in a rocking chair in the corner while the apprenticing midwife did her work. I was enthralled and captured by the immense joy that erupted at the moment when she was born. At ten years of age, with my sister on my lap, we witnessed the quick home birth of our little brother. Later, as I grew into my teenage years I was invited to help out at other family home births while my mother attended as the midwife. I learned from these experiences that birth can show us how strong we can be. Although it is a process that is different for everyone there are consistent themes of strength, resilience, tenderness and hope.With my solid history of natural birth behind me, I went off to York University to achieve an Arts degree in Women's Studies. After I graduated I wanted a profession where I felt I could make a difference. The logical answer for me was to become a midwife! I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in April 2003, with honours, with my family looking on with pride.
Over the years I’ve learned that one of the enchanting elements of midwifery is that I continue to learn as a person and as a practitioner. My clients, parents and newborns alike, continue to teach me new things all the time! It doesn’t seem to matter if my client is having their first baby or their 7th. We grow and learn together during this exciting time.
My hope is that my clients will feel comfortable with me. That they will be able to ask questions, contemplate ideas and make decisions that feel good for them and their families. I come to my midwifery career personally locating myself as a queer and polyamorous midwife who works with an open mind and heart. I hope that my diverse clients find the same comfort at our clinic, especially during this vulnerable time of becoming new parents.
I personally understand that vulnerability as I have three beautiful children who were born in 2004 (Lucy), 2007 (Ben) and 2008 (Rowan). They keep me humble while laughing about life and being forever forgiving of my crazy work hours. Although their infancy is long over I do have a lasting impression of how hard new parenthood can sometimes feel even when it is also so beautiful. I bring these insights into my daily work hoping to keep our conversations informed, practical and also fun! I look forward to meeting with you and working with you during this transitional time in your life!
I am currently an adjunct professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, I teach our Newborn 101 class and I’ve been a registered midwife with the College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO) since June 2003. I follow the CMO’s standards and guidelines and maintain a current certificate in neonatal resuscitation, CPR and emergency skills. In addition, I keep my skills and information current by attending conferences and workshops. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Kristen Campbell
She/Her/Hers
I have always been fascinated by the process of pregnancy and birth. I began my career working in cancer research but I always knew that I would end up caring for others in some capacity. I decided to follow my heart and become a midwife after the birth of my children. I love that midwifery allows me to provide safe, evidence based care to budding families, while supporting choice promoting positive experiences of pregnancy and birth. I have two daughters that fuel me with the richness of laughter and love everyday. We enjoy exploring the hidden gems of the city of Toronto whenever possible. I graduated with honors from the Midwifery program at Toronto Metropolitan University and have been very lucky to be working with the incredible families at The Midwives Clinic ever since.I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Hanan Yousuf
She/Her/Hers
Following my final midwifery placement at The Midwives' Clinic, I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am excited to continue to work in this community and to provide care to families during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I look forward to getting to know you and being part of your care team.I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Yellow Team
Melinda Levy
She/Her/Hers
I love being a midwife because I am continually inspired by the emotional and physical experience of birth. I am honoured to be working in a profession where I can assist clients and their families through this life-changing transition.I received a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology and Psychology from Trent University in 1999. My longstanding interest in women’s health issues led me to volunteer at a women’s natural healthcare clinic in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. It was there that I had the pleasure of working with local midwives and attended my first home birth.
I returned to Toronto eager to be more involved in birth work. After training as a doula, I worked as a labour support volunteer at Jessie’s Centre for Teenagers before applying to the Midwifery Education Program.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University with honours in April 2007. I benefited from the diversity of my midwifery education, including an elective placement with the doctors at the Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Today, I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, peer reviews and hospital rounds.
Some of my other interests include: yoga, dance and knitting. I also enjoy camping and have been known to laugh myself silly on a few occasions.
I have lived in the east end of Toronto for more than thirty years. I currently live in East York with my partner and our 2 amazing kids, both of whom were born at home into the loving hands of midwives. I look forward to working with you and I am excited to be part of your birth story. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Katie O’Brien
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Katie O'Brien. I am honoured to be here at TMC, where I have been working as a Registered Midwife since 2016. Prior to midwifery, I worked as a child and youth counsellor at a women's shelter.Thank you in advance for allowing me to follow you on your journey through pregnancy and early parenting! It is a true privilege to work in a field that inspires me everyday.
When I am not working, I spend my time walking, cooking, and having coffee with friends and family!
I practice within the standards, guidelines, and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario.
I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Sophia Kehler
She/Her/Hers
I am really excited to be working as a Registered Midwife in the East End of Toronto. I was born at home, and grew up in this part of the city. I was surrounded and raised by midwives as a kid. I was always drawn to the stories and work my mom and others did, but as an independent young adult, I also wanted to explore a completely different path. I moved to Montreal, where I completed a degree in Environment and Health and African Studies at McGill University. As I worked my way through this degree, I realized that the ideas and work I was drawn to, and the skills I wished I had, closely reflected the philosophy of care and skills of midwifery. I moved back to Toronto to attend the TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University) Midwifery Education Program and was not surprised to discover I loved the work! I love how midwifery supports the development of relationships and partnerships and emphasizes and promotes choice.I spent a year working with the Midwives Collective of Toronto, and have worked as a researcher with the Clinical Practice Guideline Program at the Association of Ontario Midwives. Outside of midwifery, I love running, paddling and exploring beautiful places, both in Toronto and outside the city. I am excited and honoured to be working with the families, midwives and community here at The Midwives Clinic of East York-Don Mills and look forward to meeting you.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English. I use the pronouns she/her/hers. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Orange Team
Kambili Husbands
She/Her/Hers
I was introduced to midwifery by a former roommate of mine but once I found it, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. I love that midwifery unites social and reproductive justice with evidence-based healthcare. As a midwife I have the privilege and responsibility to affect change at the personal and systemic levels: to provide safe, respectful clinical care to clients as well as advocate for accessible, quality healthcare for all people living in Ontario.Before pursuing midwifery I obtained a BA in Women & Gender Studies from Trent University and an MA from the Special Individualized Program at Concordia University. I graduated from the Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Program in 2019.
I recently returned from maternity leave after having my first child and I'm so happy to be back! Outside of work, I love to cook, travel, and spend time with my partner and our beautiful kid!
I practice within the standards, guidelines, and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Mackenzie Macht
She/Her/They
Hi and thank you for taking the time to read my bio.I grew up in rural southwestern Ontario and was inspired to pursue midwifery in part by my dad, a family doctor. Prior to midwifery I obtained degrees in English literature and history from The University of British Columbia and McMaster and taught yoga. I graduated from McMaster University midwifery with honours in 2017 and subsequently worked at The Midwives Collective of Toronto and Midwifery Services of Lambton-Kent.
I recognize that I come to midwifery from a place of privilege and strive everyday to practice anti-oppressive, trauma-informed care. I am always seeking to do better!
I live in beautiful Toronto with my two young children, husband, and mother in law.
Julie Ngu
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Julie and I am very honoured to be a part of your care team!I was born & raised in the East End of Toronto, and have a great love for this big city. I am a McMaster Midwifery Education Program graduate, and have experience working in both rural and urban settings with plenty of out-of-hospital experience.
I strive to provide evidence-based person-centred care, as I believe you should fully understand every step of your pregnancy journey and feel empowered throughout it. I am bilingual and am happy to provide care in either French or English.
When not catching babies, you can find me spending time with friends and family, at the gym, trying out new restaurants, or exploring all the different neighbourhoods in our city.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and emergency skills certifications. I also regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds and peer reviews. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Blue Team
Melissa Chan
She/Her/Hers
I completed a honours Bachelor of Arts at McMaster University in Developmental Psychology and Health Studies. Following this I worked in pharmaceuticals (contract manufacturing and pre-clinical trial research) where I became interested in the formulation and design of drugs and natural health products. This led me to return to school and I graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where I received my degree as a Naturopathic Doctor (ND). I started a private practice in Liberty Village in which I remain currently active. I worked as a doula during my early years as a ND and through this combined work, I decided to further specialize my practice on the care of pregnant people and their infants. I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Program in April 2019. During my midwifery education I completed rotations in rural Northern Canada (British Columbia) and internationally (Netherlands) to understand how midwifery is practiced in various clinical contexts.I believe in evidence based medicine, therapies and research. I also acknowledge that there are traditional and cultural ways of healing that have it’s place in understanding the body as a whole. I became a midwife because I believe in supporting the choice and bodies of pregnant people. I believe that supporting individuals in this phase of life helps to build solid foundations within families which builds strong communities.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and Emergency Skills certification. I keep my knowledge-base current through regular attendance to continuing education courses, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and Creole. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Vanessa (Ness) Dixon
They/Them
I was born at home in to the hands of a midwife here in Toronto and have known since childhood that I wanted to be one myself. Before attending midwifery school I taught yoga, completed a master’s degree in public health, collaborated on community based HIV prevention projects and worked in health research.In the spring of 2015 I graduated with honours from the Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Program. Throughout my training I had the privilege of working with families from many diverse communities and came to love midwifery for its blend of personal relationships, science and social justice.
I am nonbinary and transgendered. This means that I was assigned female at birth and no longer identify as a female. I understand that some of our clients prefer to have a female care provider for cultural or religious reasons - if this is you, please bring this to our attention as soon as possible and we will attempt to accommodate your request.
I am also aware that for queer/trans clients it can be affirming to be cared for by a queer/genderqueer midwife. Providing care to queer and trans clients is one of the highlights in my work as a midwife.
When not catching babies I can be found growing and cooking food, riding my bike or spending time with my partner and our two kids.
I practice within the standards and guidelines of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns they/ them
Christie Lockhart
She/Her/Hers
I was born in British Columbia, however I have spent most of my life here in the East End of Toronto. I first became interested in midwifery after witnessing the birth of my youngest brother at home. Since then I have developed a passion for birth and client-centred health care. Prior to studying Midwifery I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University in April 2007, and began practicing here at The Midwives Clinic in August 2007.I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation certification and CPR certification and keep up to date by attending conferences, workshops, hospital rounds, continuing education and peer review. I enjoy teaching midwifery students and mentoring new midwives. I am a clinical preceptor and Adjunct Professor in the Midwifery Education Programme at Ryerson University and am currently serving on the Program Advisory Council for the Midwifery Education Programme at Ryerson. I hold staff privileges at Michael Garron Hospital where I am the Chief of the Department of Midwifery. I very much enjoy the balance of administrative leadership with clinical practice.
I live in Toronto with my partner and our 3 children. When not catching babies or attending early morning meetings at the hospital, I love skiing, camping and spending time with my family and friends. I absolutely love being a midwife and feel privileged to do this work. I look forward to meeting you and being involved in your care. I deliver midwifery care in English and French. I use the pronouns she/her/hers..
Jennifer Gardiner
She/Her/Hers
I grew up in a small town outside of London, Ontario. I first became interested in midwifery when I attended the birth of my niece many years ago. At the time I was studying human biology and psychology at the University of Toronto, and was very interested in working in the health care field. Midwifery seemed the obvious direction to take with its focus on client-centered care and informed choice.I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto and shortly after was accepted into the Midwifery Education Programme at Toronto Metropolitan University. I graduated in April and became a practicing midwife in August of 2006. I live in the city with my partner, daughter, and son.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer reviews. I deliver midwifery care in English.
Nabal Kanaan
She/Her/Hers
My name is Nabal Kanaan. I was born and raised in Toronto. I was first introduced to midwifery through a former student of the Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Education Programme.Before this, I had only read about midwives in books, so with this introduction to the profession, my interest and passion for it only grew. I previously obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University. With this degree I was able to work in community health nursing, community outreach for the Thorncliffe and Flemingdon park area and working for Saint Elizabeth Healthcare doing a variety of clinical work with diverse populations throughout the GTA.
I began my midwifery training in 2011 when I was accepted into the Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery Post-Baccalaureate Education Programme. I graduated in 2014 with honours and have been working with the clinic ever since.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and emergency skills certifications. I also regularly attend continuing education workshops. Hospital rounds and peer reviews. I deliver midwifery care in English and Arabic. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Sarah Wilson
She/Her/Hers
I have always had a strong interest in pregnancy and birth. With its focus on client-centred care, trusting relationships, and informed choice, midwifery seemed like the perfect career choice.I grew up in Toronto’s east end and have a great love of this community. I began my university education in the Health Studies program at McMaster University with a particular interest in the social aspects of health care, including barriers to accessing quality care. After completing two years of Health Studies, I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster. Without hesitation, I quickly switched paths to focus on midwifery. In 2017, I graduated from the McMaster midwifery program and began working at TMC. I was so lucky to give birth to my son at home in 2022, with my colleagues by my side!
When I have time to myself I enjoy DIY projects, cottaging, and spending time with my partner and our sweet son.
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation certification and CPR certification and keep up to date with current research and practice by attending conferences, workshops, hospital rounds, continuing education and peer review. I am able to deliver midwifery care in English, and French.
I am so grateful to be invited into your lives for this important time, I look forward to meeting you!
Simone Rosenberg
She/Her/Hers
I was caught by midwives here in Toronto, so I suppose I was introduced to midwifery as early as one can be! When I was 19 I attended the home birth of my youngest brother and that was when I knew I wanted to be a midwife.I hold a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University, where I graduated with honours in 2014. I had many amazing educational opportunities, including training with midwives and doctors in the Northwest Territories. I spent my final year of school at the wonderful Midwives' Clinic of East York Don Mills and I never left! My grandmother delivered her first baby at Michael Garron Hospital, in 1958, which gives me an added thrill every time I attend a birth there.
Before pursuing midwifery I graduated with a BFA from NSCAD in Halifax. I also volunteered as a doula to uninsured people in Toronto, Halifax and New Orleans. In 2018 I co-started our clinic's midwifery service at Women's Health in Women's Hands, a community health centre that serves predominantly uninsured and racialized people. I am passionate about providing high quality care to uninsured clients, and I am committed to an anti-racist, anti-oppressive approach to care.
I love to teach, and I am an adjunct professor in the Midwifery Education Program at TMU. I am very happy to practice in the east end of Toronto, where my family is from, and where I now live with my partner, our baby and our preschooler.
I look forward to providing you respectful, compassionate, evidence-based, personalized care!
I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of th College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Meredith Mclean
She/Her/Hers
I decided I wanted to deliver babies in elementary school, and when I discovered what a midwife was, sometime in my early teens, I knew I would become one. In fact, I spent three years volunteering at the front desk of the Family Birthing Unit at Michael Garron Hospital, just to get a glimpse into the world of pregnancy and birth.I grew up in east end Toronto, and consider it my home. After spending four years in Montreal completing a BA in English at McGill and a brief foray in London, UK, I returned to Toronto, worked as a doula and prenatal education, and began the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I graduated from the program in 2020, having a baby myself along the way. I worked at Seventh Generation Midwives, and had another baby. Most of my days revolve around my two kids, but I also find time to try new recipes and read great fiction.
I practice within the standards and guidelines of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Purple Team
Arian Navickas
She/Her/Hers
Like many midwives, I fell in love with the profession during my son’s home birth in 2000. My own midwives were so patient, they made me feel safe and supported in my own birthing journey. When my son was a toddler, I started midwifery training. I worked as a midwife in Colorado before joining the International Midwifery Pre-Registration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Following a clerkship in Thunder Bay, Ontario, I officially qualified as a Canadian midwife in 2011. In the years since, I’ve practised midwifery in rural Saskatchewan, in remote Inuit communities in northern Quebec, and—since 2019—here in Toronto. When I’m not caring for clients in the city, I’m providing support to help build Inuit-led midwifery around Nunavik. When I’m not providing midwifery care, you can find me on a beach, at a lake, growing tomatoes and peppers in my backyard, or hanging out with Rainy, my snuggly, dog-like ragdoll cat.I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and emergency skills certifications. I also regularly attend continuing education workshops. Hospital rounds and peer reviews. I deliver midwifery care in English. I use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Noushin Shameli
She/Her/Hers
I was born and raised in Iran and have been practicing midwifery for over 25 years. With my family we immigrated to Canada in 2008 and because midwifery has been always my passion, I went through the international Midwifery pre-registration Program at Toronto Metropolitan university (Ryerson University) in 2011 and work as a Canadian registered midwife at the Midwives Collective of Toronto in downtown Toronto for 10 years. I am honored to join The Midwives Clinic of East York, where I can provide care and expertise to diverse clients!I practice Midwifery within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR and Emergency Skill certification. I keep my knowledge-based current through regular attendance to continuing education courses, hospital rounds, and peer reviews. I deliver midwifery care in English and Farsi and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Red Team
On Leave
Mehran Bordbar
She/Her/Hers
Having a midwife grandmother, Mehran developed a passion in her early childhood years for becoming a midwife, and she loved it right from the start and knew that she would always be in thi field. Midwifery was always her passion. The miracle of new life has never ceased to amaze her and she feels incredibly privileged to be part of this very special time.Mehran graduated from Isfahan University in Iran, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in midwifery science. Soon after becoming a midwife she practiced as a midwife for 10 years both in hospital and in the community and gained wonderful experience in assisting mothers with the safe deliveries of their babies. She immigrated to Canada in 2002 and completed the International Midwifery Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has been practicing as a registered midwife in Ontario since 2004. With over 20 years of experience, Mehran has attended over 1500 deliveries.
Mehran prides herself in providing quality; evidence based midwifery care and enjoys empowering women with current information so that they can make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.
Mehran practices within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. She maintains current neonatal resuscitation certification and CPR certification and keeps up to date by attending conferences, workshops, continuing education and peer reviews. Like many Ontario midwives, Mehran also enjoys teaching midwifery students and is active as a preceptor to midwives. I deliver midwifery care in English, Persian, Farsi and Dari.
Stella Capisciolto
She/Her/Hers
I was born and raised here in Toronto. I have always had an interest in women’s issues which lead me to my first degree at York University where I focused on women in Canadian politics. It was there that I learned about midwifery. The passion for midwifery had been lit within me and soon I began to put my efforts into learning not just about midwifery but into how to become a midwife. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Programme at Toronto Metropolitan University in April 2009 and began practicing here at The Midwives Clinic shortly after. I have two beautiful young daughters who keep me very happy and very busy! The miracle of pregnancy and childbirth never cease to amaze me. I am honoured to able to assist clients and their families in this very special time. I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation certification and CPR certification and keep up to date by attending conferences, workshops, hospital rounds, continuing education and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English and Italian.** Student Midwives **
Dennis
They/Them/Theirs
Pleased to meet you! My name is Dennis and I'm a midwifery placement student studying at Toronto Metropolitan University.
I've been working for the past thirteen years in sexual and reproductive health education for youth, recently focused on abortion care and on supporting people without Ontario health cards to get access to care. I'm excited about making health information and excellent health care accessible and relevant to people where they're at, and about the growing opportunities for midwives to provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care options.
Outside of being a big nerd about sexual and reproductive health, I read for pleasure as much as I can, I swim with minimal technique and great enthusiasm, and I'm deeply in love with my new baby niece and my queer, trans, polyamorous community.
I'm very grateful for the gift clients give when they welcome students into their care teams, and looking forward to being a part of clients' care journeys.
Momina
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Momina, and I am currently on a journey towards becoming a midwife at Toronto Metropolitan University. My path is enriched by a Master's in Public Health from the University of Toronto, where I gained a rich perspective on reproductive and sexual health through research with various communities across Ontario and internationally in India and Kenya.From a young age, I've harbored a deep-seated passion for caring for our planet, a commitment that seamlessly intertwines with my dedication to reproductive justice and health. This passion is vividly reflected in my love for gardening. Nurturing life from seed to fruition, mirrors the journey of pregnancy and birth – each requiring patience, care, and a deep understanding of the natural process. Just as each plant needs individualized care to thrive, so does each pregnancy and childbirth experience. This philosophy deeply informs my approach to midwifery care, emphasizing personalized care and respect for each client that I serve.
Joining the Midwives Clinic of East York - Don Mills for my clinical placements is more than a career milestone; it represents a heartfelt pledge to contribute to my community's reproductive health. I am eager to offer support and grow alongside the families and staff at the clinic, ensuring that everyone I collaborate with feels heard, respected, and cared for, no matter their journey
Previous Midwives
Esther Willms
She/Her/Hers
My name is Esther Willms and I am one of the founding midwives of The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills. I graduated from the Midwifery Education program at McMaster University in 1999 and it has been my pleasure to work as a midwife in Toronto since then. I have also had the opportunity to work for three months in Northern Quebec with Inuit midwives and to teach emergency skills to rural midwives in Tanzania.Before becoming a midwife, I graduated from the University of Waterloo with a B.Sc. in Health Studies. I worked in Community development in Toronto and Somalia, and then as lactation consultant at Women’s College Hospital. I have two children, one born in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya and one born at home with midwives in Toronto.
Deborah Bonser
She/Her/Hers
I was born and raised in Toronto. My mother adored babies, and my father was a fire chief who was on call 24/7, both of which are requirements for being a midwife. I did not, however, find my passion for midwifery until I gave birth to my own children.In 1977, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto. For the next 20 years, I worked in community development in Canada, Southern Africa and the Caribbean. Working in community development gave me the pleasure of seeing people empowered to make decisions which could change their lives. With the births of my two children, Max and Eve, I became interested in how clients could have more control over one of life’s most important events. To me, midwifery is a way to give choices and resources to our clients during pregnancy, birth and parenting.
After deciding to become a midwife, I enrolled at Ryerson where I received a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Midwifery in 1999. I worked in an established practice group for three years. In 2002 I became one of the founding partners of the Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills. I served for 9 years as the Head of the Division of Midwifery at Michael Garron Hospital, and for 4 years on the Health Professions Advisory Committee of the TCLHIN. I love working with midwifery students as a clinical preceptor, and I also have a strong interest in working with midwives internationally to strengthen our profession. I feel privileged every day that I work with clients and their families through pregnancy and birth.
Tracy Gerster
She/Her/Hers
After earning a Bachelor of Arts (in Sociology) from the University of Western Ontario in 1991, I began working towards a Bachelor of Social Work from York University. In one of the social work placements, I acted as an advocate and doula for drug-addicted clients through the childbirth, postpartum and early parenthood period. That’s when I developed an interest in midwifery.In 1995, I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree. That same year, I delivered my fourth daughter, at home, under the care of midwives. In 1996, I entered the Midwifery Education Programme, and I earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences (in Midwifery) from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2001. I have been a midwife in Toronto ever since. I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current neonatal resuscitation, CPR, and Emergency Skills certification and regularly attend continuing education workshops, hospital rounds, and peer review. I deliver midwifery care in English. I use the pronouns she/her/hers. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers. I deliver midwifery care in English and use the pronouns she/her/hers.
Christine Allen
She/Her/Hers
My mother always spoke of her births with a sparkle of joy in her eyes; so ever since I was small I have believed in the power of pregnancy and birth. I didn’t decide to be a midwife until I had finished my degree in Women’s Studies and International Development at the University of Guelph and realized that the model of midwifery care was so aligned with virtues I hold dear. The model of midwifery care supports and empowers our clients as the experts of their own experience. I began my midwifery training in 1995 when I started attending births as a doula for marginalized and isolated clients. I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Program in 1998 and graduated with an Honours BHSc in 2003. I have been practicing full time ever since, except for the times I was home with my boys, Evan born in 2004, and Finn born in 2008, both with the support of midwives.I have a special interest in inner city health and the powerful effects of poverty, racism and access to health care for new Canadians. I volunteer at the Toronto Birth Centre, both as a Board Member and a member of the Midwives’ Council.
I had privileges at Michael Garron Hospital where I enjoy good relationships with the Maternal Newborn/ Family Birthing Centre team. I enjoy teaching and mentoring new midwives.
Sarah Fallis
She/Her/Hers
I am currently on leave to spend time with my partner who lives in Arizona. I will also be spending some time working as a midwife in northern Quebec. I am very excited for this next chapter but also sad to leave the amazing team at The Midwives Clinic. I am looking forward to resuming midwifery work once I am back in Toronto.I first became interested in midwifery while completing a bachelor of science degree at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I was immediately drawn to the strong relationships built between care provider and client, as well as the opportunity to empower individuals through their own labour and birth. I’m proud to provide evidence-based care driven by informed choice, so clients can make health care decisions that are best for them and their families.
I grew up in Leaside, very close to the practice and feel honoured to support families in my community and beyond. In 2017, I graduated with honours from the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University, and am thrilled to be working again with The Midwives Clinic. My time outside of midwifery is filled with music, dance, sports, trying new activities and spending time with family and friends. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside families during such an important time in their lives and look forward to meeting you all soon.
Rosemary McVey
She/Her/Hers
Rosemary McVey was one of the founding partners of The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills. After a 20 year career as a nurse at The Hospital of Sick Children she returned to school to study midwifery. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor in Health Science – Midwifery in 2001 and started working at Riverdale Community Midwives. Rosemary was enthusiastic about opening a new practice in East York so that there was access to midwifery for all who needed and wanted midwifery care. The Midwives Clinic was opened in 2002. Rosemary is remembered as a kind, compassionate and skilled midwife. She was an excellent teacher. She formed good relationships with her clients and her clients appreciated her warmth and skills. She brought a great sense of humour, sense of style, excellent organizational skills and love for the profession of midwifery to our new clinic. Sadly she died in February 2006. We are forever grateful for her part in starting The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills.Read About The Rosemary McVey Fund
Shannon Jones
She/Her/Hers
I grew up in rural southern Ontario and completed a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education degree from Laurentian University in 1998. After graduating, I spent several years working in British Columbia in the field of outdoor adventure leadership. My experiences there included working with teenage girls in an environmental work experience program, coordinating an outdoor program for people with disabilities and leading an outdoor adventure program for an ESL school.I was first introduced to midwifery at Laurentian University when the Midwifery Education Program was just beginning there. Midwifery is an intriguing marriage of client empowerment and health science – both aspects that I loved about my work in outdoor adventure. I was inspired to pursue midwifery as a career choice after the births of my own two sons under the care of fabulous midwives in British Columbia. I believe deeply in the midwifery model of informed choice and client-centred care, and enjoy the connections we build with our clients while supporting them through to parenthood. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 2018 and am very excited to be joining the wonderful team here after spending my final year as a student at The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills.
When I’m not on call, I still enjoy outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking and paddling, road trip adventures and spending time with my family and friends.
Sarrilyn Zimmerman
She/Her/Hers
Thank you for considering me as part of your care. I have been inspired by the strength and love of the families I have worked with over these past 30 years. I look forward to helping and supporting you and your family to make personal choices so that you birth feeling confident, respected and safe.My training to become a midwife has been broad from apprenticing in Toronto in the late 70’s, studying midwifery at Maternidad La Luz in El Paso Texas in the early 90’s and then being in the first graduating class of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I had been a full time midwife since 1996 and have attended birthing women in hospital, home, The Toronto Birth Centre and at the birth centre, Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha at Six Nations of the Grand River. I have worked on promoting women’s health throughout my life time and have over the past three decades focused on supporting natural birth, birth choices and the expansion of midwifery in Ontario and internationally. I have been involved in the Canadian Association of Midwives global projects working with midwives from Tanzania and currently working with the South Sudanese midwives.
Since 1993, I have worked to ensure midwives are skilled and ready for emergencies by being involved in the development and design of the Association of Ontario Midwives’ Emergency Skills Program. I have the pleasure of teaching future midwives at the Midwifery Education programme at Toronto Metropolitan University and with our own practice as a clinical preceptor.
John and I have three amazing children, Kaili, Zack and Karina. Their births were a turning point for me and confirmed my heartfelt decision to become a midwife. I remain committed and dedicated to pregnant clients and their families during this joyous and profound journey from pregnancy to labour to the first breath of their newborn.
Inga Maynard
She/Her/Hers
I was born and raised in Poland. In my late teens I emigrated to the U.K. where I spent most of my adulthood. I obtained nursing qualification at University of Surrey, U.K. in 2008, following a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery with honours in 2010. I practiced full time midwifery in hospital as well as community settings.My adventurous nature drove me to move countries for the second time in my life and in 2019 I started my Canadian journey in a small town in Labrador. I moved to Toronto in 2020 in order to complete International Midwifery bridging program at Toronto Metropolitan University, which I graduated in May 2021. During my time in Canada, I have worked in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia as an obstetric travel nurse which gave me an incredible insight into the Canadian healthcare system. Whilst I am very grateful for the variety of experiences, I have been able to pursue as an obstetric nurse, midwifery will always be my passion and I am looking forward to practice it once again. As an immigrant I am particularly passionate about cultural safety, equality and diversity.
Our Partners
We have midwives who speak English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Farsi, Dari, German. Our administrators speak English, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil and some French.
Rosemary McVey Fund
Helping Families in our Community
As midwives we have a unique experience in seeing the daily lives of so many people in our community. A typical day can lead us to a client’s home that has everything they need for a new baby and excellent family support. The next home we see a client struggling with poverty, with significant barriers to accessing community resources and minimal family support.
As midwives we struggle with these disparities in our community. We want all of our babies and their families to be thriving and happy. Over the years we’ve asked ourselves ‘how can we help?’.
We have historically asked our TMC community to donate car seats, clothes and other baby essentials when the need arises. Time and again you have impressed us with your quick and thoughtful outpouring of generosity. We also feel so fortunate as midwives because we love the satisfaction our job brings to us and then we have clients who give us gifts at their graduation visit as well.
We’re hoping to make this generosity more organized within our small birthing community to help the families we look after. We hope that clients will consider giving gift cards to grocery stores, pharmacies and baby stores instead of personal gifts to their midwives, so that we can pass them on to our clients in need. You can give them to your midwife directly or to the admin staff at the front desk. Thank you so much in advance!!