Our Teams

Green Team

  • 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 love teaching and am an adjunct professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. I mentor senior midwifery students and new midwives and have a side business teaching The Midwives' Clinic's prenatal classes. You'll be able to find out more about my classes at SarahLeslie.ca. 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.

Sarah Leslie

  • 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.

Kristen Campbell

  • She/Her/Hers

Julie Ngu

Yellow Team

  • 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.

Melinda Levy

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.

  • 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.

Katie O’Brien

Orange Team

  • 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.

Kambili Husbands

  • She/Her

    I was born in Taipei, Taiwan. I grew up in Taiwan and Vancouver, and have been living in Toronto since 2008.

    My midwifery practice is rooted in a commitment to providing clients with accurate and accessible information so they are able to feel confident in their pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum period. 

    Prior to midwifery, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies at Trent University, Bachelor of Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto. Before midwifery, I worked as a college sociology instructor and sexual health counsellor. 

    In my spare time, I enjoy playing board games, trying new restaurants across the GTA, and camping. 

    I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk-screening protocols of the College of the 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 Mandarin.

Teresa Cheng

  • She/Her/Hers

    Hi. I’m Maeghan, and I’m so grateful to be practicing midwifery and providing care to you and your family.

    I am very passionate about health equity, reproductive justice, and making healthcare as accessible as possible. My goal is always to make you feel safe, supported, and empowered to make the decisions that are best for you and your family.

    I received a Bachelor's degree in public policy from Carleton University, and as much as I loved getting my degree I quickly learned that midwifery was my true calling. I went back to school and got my midwifery degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and have loved every step of this journey.

    I was born in Jamaica, raised in Mississauga, and have currently found my home in the East End. I’m a big homebody - when I’m not working I’m probably spending time with family, friends, and my partner, or reading a good book.

    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 French and use the pronouns she/her/hers. 

Maeghan Macpherson

Blue Team

  • 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 its 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.

Melissa Chan

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.

  • 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.

Christie Lockhart

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.

  • 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.

Jennifer Gardiner

  • 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.

Nabal Kanaan

  • She/Her/Hers

    Hi! I’m Clare, thanks for taking the time to get to know me. I look forward to meeting you in the clinic soon. 

    I was born into a large family and raised here in Toronto, but I’ve had the pleasure of living in Vancouver, Australia and the United Kingdom. Currently I'm making the East End home with my husband and our two kids. I hold degrees in Sociology from the University of British Columbia, Social Policy from the University of Oxford, and Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University. I have a passion for public healthcare, health equity, and reproductive justice. Prior to Midwifery, I worked in abortion care, sexual healthcare, and community health. I am currently a board member of the National Abortion Federation of Canada.

    When I’m not working I enjoy getting outside and being active with my family, volunteering in the community, and being involved in politics. 

    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.

Clare Hacksel

  • 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.

Meredith McLean

Purple Team

  • She/Her/Hers

    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.

Arian Navickas

Sarah Davies

Alusha Morris

  • She/Her/Hers

    I was inspired to become a midwife after hearing the story of my own birth in a small rural farmhouse near Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. The same midwives who cared for my mother were part of a larger movement to establish midwifery as a regulated health profession in Ontario. They fought for the rights of birthing clients to be recognized as the primary decision makers in their care and they collectively developed the now globally recognized standards of practice we all follow as Ontario midwives. I went on to have a wonderful experience delivering my daughter under the care of midwives. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University with honours in 2012. Since then I have worked as a midwife in the GTA. I feel especially fortunate to enjoy a career where I have the great privilege of helping others.

    I bring a breadth of experience supporting many families through their own unique journeys into parenthood. I believe that information and education are essential to a good pregnancy, birthing and postpartum journey. I will always endeavour to help you feel informed and heard so that you can make decisions about your care that you feel most reflect your values. 

    When I’m not delivering babies or working in the clinic, you can find me spending time with my family and friends, enjoying our off grid cabin near Algonquin or exploring the many ravines and trails in and around the Toronto area. 

    I practice within the standards, guidelines and risk screening protocols of the College of Midwives of Ontario. I maintain current certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation, CPR and Obstetrical Emergency Skills. 

Student Midwives

  • She/Her/Hers

    Hello everyone. My name is Doriesha Watson-States (she/her), but please feel free to call me Dori. I am in my final year of midwifery studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.  

    My passion for midwifery grew from a desire to help and care for others. I believe that through midwifery, I can support families with holistic, compassionate, and individualized care.

    Outside of my studies, you can find me crafting, reading, or spending quality time with my loved ones.

    I am excited to be part of this team and look forward to meeting you all.

    Best regards,

    Dori"

Doriesha “Dori”

Joanna

  • She/Her

    Joanna is in her final year of midwifery studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. She

    developed her passion for midwifery when her youngest was born into the hands of midwives on

    one Hallowe'en eve. In her past life Joanna obtained a degree in IT and has a background in

    nutrition. She lives in the east end of Toronto with her three daughters, cats, and chickens. In

    her free time, she likes to crochet.

Erin

  • My name is Erin (she/her). I am a fourth-year midwifery student at Toronto Metropolitan

    University, doing my final year at The Midwives Clinic of East York-Don Mills. Before midwifery,

    I worked as a news writer and producer. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a part of

    your care team! I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Michaela

  • Hi, my name is Michaela (she/her)! I’m a second year midwifery student at Toronto Metropolitan University. I’ve lived here in the East End for 5 years now with my beloved partner and cat and love everything about this side of town.

    Before finding midwifery I pursued many degrees such as journalism, creative industries, early childhood studies, and nursing but luckily found a path that allows me to pursue my passion for reproductive justice and community health. My goal, eventually, is to volunteer and serve in areas of Canada where health care is less accessible and where there is a need for both antenatal and postpartum care.

    Excited to be a part of this wonderful team and can’t wait to meet you!

Former TMC Midwives

Esther Willms

TMC Founding Midwife

Deborah Bonser

TMC Founding Midwife

Tracy Gerster

Christine Allen

Sarah Fallis

Rosemary McVey

TMC Founding Midwife

Shannon Jones

Mehran Bordbar

Kirsten Schmidt-Chamberlain

Sarilyn Zimmerman

Kirsten Taylor

Inga Maynard

Kandace Price-Lyston

Sara Chambers

Sonia Perez

Ness Dixon

Nimerta Dhami

Midwives Currently on Leave

Sophia Kehler

Simone Rosenberg

Sarah Wilson

  Our Partners

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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!!

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