ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
I started out as a kid with dreams of becoming an astronaut. As a young adult, I pursued a career in engineering ultimately finding it unfulfilling. Becoming a parent to two incredible children changed everything. I gave birth to one in the hospital and one at home and breastfed for years. Along the way, I discovered birth work—first as a doula during my first pregnancy, and then as a midwife with my second.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of attending hundreds of births in home and birth center settings, training aspiring midwives, and advocating for the profession. As a school administrator, I realized I could help even more students become certified professional midwives, and that realization fueled my shift toward midwifery leadership and policy work.
Over the years, I’ve volunteered with organizations dedicated to birth justice and midwifery access, contributed to the development of state guidelines and legislation, helped improve Medicaid reimbursement for licensed midwives, and supported the establishment of birth center licensure. I had another amazing child and continued to grow professionally—consulting on midwifery policy at both the state and national level, and facilitating work with accreditors, schools, and small businesses.
At some point, I recognized that national organizations have the power to shape not just policy, but also the culture of midwifery in the U.S. That’s where I choose to focus my energy now.
Midwifery is my calling, and my passion lies in making education accessible, ensuring clients have care from providers who reflect their communities, and creating systems that make this work sustainable.
GIFTS OF SERVICE
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I am an activist committed to advancing justice, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of my work. At the core, I’m a facilitator of innovation—someone who builds systems that work by bringing together people, ideas, and disciplines in service of equity and impact.
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As a storyteller, I believe in the power of compassion and empathy to create meaningful relationships and drive lasting change. I’m also a strategic thinker and problem solver who blends creativity with structured planning to address complex challenges.
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I lead with a balance of passion and flexibility, centering ethics, kindness, and integrity. I thrive in collaborative spaces, where relationship-building and clear, open communication are essential. Whether supporting teams or communities, I listen deeply to understand and help generate solutions that reflect shared values and real needs.
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With experience as both a qualitative and quantitative researcher, I gather data not just to inform decisions, but to illuminate patterns, track progress, and continuously improve. My work in justice-focused policy and procedural development is rooted in advocacy and guided by the goal of creating systems that are not only effective—but truly equitable.
EDUCATION
PhD Midwifery Research, 2020
National College of Midwifery
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Descriptive Case Study of Actualizing a Social Justice Framework Within a MEAC-Accredited Midwifery Institution.
AS Midwifery, 2010
National College of Midwifery
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Certified Professional Midwife
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International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
MS Aerospace Sciences, 2002
University of Colorado, Boulder
BS Aerospace Engineering, 2000
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
AREAS OF INTEREST
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My work is driven by a deep commitment to inspiring growth, purpose, and strategic vision in both individuals and organizations. I’m passionate about creating environments where people feel supported, empowered, and prepared to make meaningful change—whether through midwifery, education, or systems design.
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I believe in the transformative power of compassionate peer review and am dedicated to advancing models of accountability that are both effective and affirming. One of my central goals is to make midwifery education truly accessible—ideally free—so that the next generation of care providers reflects the full diversity and richness of our communities.
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My approach is grounded in informed decision-making, inclusive and culturally sensitive care, and deep respect for each person's lived experience. I have a particular commitment to providing midwifery and well-person care to survivors of sexual abuse and assault, and to offering counsel and support to those navigating postpartum mood disorders.
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At every level, I aim to meet people where they are—with empathy, evidence, and a belief in their inherent capacity to heal, grow, and thrive.