Erica Younger
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My name is Erica and I am incredibly excited to be joining the team at Midwives Nottawasaga! I completed my studies at McMaster University in May 2023, after doing my first two years of the Midwifery Education Program at Laurentian University.
My journey towards midwifery began at a very young age, having attended my first birth at the age of two. I am a second-generation Midwife, and growing up, I was able to observe the positive impact that midwifery care can have on a client’s experience with pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I have always been passionate about helping others, and knew that I wanted to work in a healthcare field where I could contribute to supporting clients and promoting informed choice.
Throughout my education, I had the privilege of completing placements in Orillia, Markham, Ottawa, Sudbury, and Bowmanville. Having been born and raised in Sudbury, the last three years of constant moving have me looking for a place to call home. While the area of Collingwood/Wasaga Beach is new to me, I am really looking forward to settling in and getting to know the community.
Fun facts about me: Before entering midwifery, I completed a degree in Biomedical Biology. And in my downtime, you are likely to find me outdoors, swimming, reading, knitting, baking, or spending time with my loved ones.
Midwifery is my passion, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to help make someone’s birth dreams a reality.
Julie Doldersum
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I’m a part-time midwife and a full-time mama to 2 fantastic kids who afforded me the opportunity to experience 1 cesarean birth and 1 VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I’ve been a birth worker for more than 20 years as both a midwife and as an obstetrical nurse, and have caught babies on several diverse continents through my work with Doctors Without Borders. Here’s what I’ve learned:
If you want to feel good in your pregnancy and have an efficient birth you’ve got to move your body! Sedentary positions can sometimes lead to babe getting into a wonky position in utero, resulting in more of the common discomforts of pregnancy and a longer pushing stage of labor.
Drink water! Yes you’ll have to pee but drinking more will actually help you to redistribute the fluid that’s making your feet feel tight and peeing often helps prevent bladder infections by flushing things out.
Go to bed early! Laying down will allow you to acquaint yourself better with your baby’s movements and you’ll be glad that you logged a few hours before midnight because it’s true that most labors commence in the wee hours of the night.
Smile! It’s contagious . And if you don’t feel like smiling come talk to me or one of my colleagues. Perinatal mood disorders can affect anyone and there’s lots of help available in our amazing community!!
Thank you for inviting me to be involved in your pregnancy. I consider it an honor to be a guardian at your birth.
Sandra Fincham
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I graduated from the Laurentian Midwifery Programme in June 2009. Growing up, I always had a passion and interest in women's health issues, and primarily the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. I feel very privileged to be included in your experience.
Prior to commencing midwifery, I received an undergraduate honours degree in Psychology at York University and during that time I was able to gain knowledge about midwives as primary health care providers. I realized the philosophy of midwifery care was something I really wanted to be a part of. Throughout my education, I was able to work with midwives in Owen Sound and spent the majority of placement in Sudbury. I also did placements in Scarborough, Mount Sinai Hospital in the NICU and with Jack Newman's breastfeeding clinic. While living in Toronto, I volunteered as a labour support person through an organization called Jessie's Centre.
I began working with Midwives Nottawasaga in June 2009.
Natalie Kirby
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I was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario and discovered my passion for growing bellies and beautiful babies as a young teenager when I was fortunate enough to attend my cousin's birth.
I was hooked! I completed my Bachelor of Life Science degree at McMaster University in 2005 then graduated from the Midwifery Education programme at Laurentian University in April 2009 and have been practicing ever since.
I have learned and practiced in Sudbury, Toronto, North Bay, Ottawa and Tanzania. I moved to Collingwood in 2010 and it is still one of the best decisions I have ever made. In 2016 I completed a Masters of Health Science Education with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. I'm head midwife at CGMH, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I'm also Clinic Lead of the new hospital outpatient program, Healthy Babies, Happy Families, which offers well baby care and breastfeeding support to all babies born at CGMH.
When I'm not busy catching babies, I spend most of my time outdoors, and with my family. I'm mom to 2 beautiful, energetic boys. We spend lots of time as a family outdoors, enjoying all of the wonderful local activities and scenery.
Midwifery is such a rewarding career and I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a special time in people's lives. Thank you!
Lilly Martin
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I have been drawn to pregnancy and birth for as long as I can remember. As a 7 year old I was fascinated by my mother’s growing belly during her pregnancy with my little sister. I was disappointed that I wasn’t allowed to attend her birth, but that was the norm back in the ‘70s. Little did I know that when I grew up, I’d get to go to as many births as I wanted.
In my early 20’s I completed a degree in English Literature and Women’s Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston. I focused much of my studies around reproductive issues. I learned about the social and cultural context of childbearing and reproduction. It was during this time that I discovered midwives and their approach to childbirth.
While living in Kingston I worked as a bookseller at a wonderful independent bookstore. I was sure that I wanted to be a midwife, but in 1994, the Midwifery Education Programme was brand new and difficult to get into. I needed to broaden my experience, so I decided to backpack around the world on my own. A year and a half later when I got home, I moved to Toronto and trained as a doula with Penny Simkin and Pam England, among other amazing teachers. For the next five years I supported pregnant adults and teenagers during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postpartum. I was also enrolled in the Childbirth Educator’s Programme at Humber College and completed several courses until 2000 when I was accepted into the MEP at Ryerson, and began my midwifery degree. Six years later I graduated and practiced with Riverdale Community Midwives in the east end of Toronto for my new registrant year. When my first year of practice was complete, I realized it was time to leave the city and pursue my dream of returning to a rural area, as I grew up in Caledon. My family and I moved to the Creemore area in 2009, and we love it here.
In addition to my role at Midwives Nottawasaga, for the past 9 years I have been an elected member of the Council of the College of Midwives of Ontario (CMO), which regulates the profession of midwifery in the public interest. I sit as chair of the CMO Quality Assurance Committee, and as a member of the Complaints committee and the Discipline and Fitness to Practice Committees. I’m also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and work in the Healthy Babies, Happy Families Well Baby Clinic. I'm currently enrolled in postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta in the Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health program. I believe that access to comprehensive, inclusive, sex-positive and evidence-based sex education is a basic human right across the lifespan.
In my time off, I love to travel and go on adventures in nature or culture. Sometimes solo, sometimes with my one or both of my kids (my son is 19 and my daughter is 14), or my partner, or any combination thereof. I love learning and adventure!
I learn something from every family and every birth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work.
Allison Rigney
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My interest in pregnancy started at a young age and was initially inspired by growing up on a farm and delivering calves in Grey County.
Before midwifery I completed a degree in kinesiology at Western University. Although physical activity and nutrition continues to be a strong interest of mine, I found myself choosing courses as Western solely based on the fact that there was a pregnancy component involved. I then went on to complete my midwifery degree from McMaster University, and always had hopes of working in a smaller community close to home. You will find me running our quarterly Breastfeeding Workshops and collaborating with one of our local pelvic physiotherapists to bring you a quarterly Pelvic Floor Workshop as well.
I feel fortunate that I get to spend my time with this population, and look forward to all the clients yet to come!
Meghan Aubry
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I grew up locally in Stayner and Wasaga Beach with my military parents and three sisters. Always hoping to someday make a difference in people's lives and being a very compassionate person, I had always hoped to work in healthcare. I was lucky enough to stumble upon the field of midwifery when filling out my university applications. After learning of what the profession entails, I did further research and immediately fell in love with the philosophy of care. I enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program and immediately knew I was starting a career in an amazing profession.
During my time at McMaster University I completed my clinical placements in Burlington and the Ottawa Valley and also branched out from a hospital setting to work with nurse practitioners at Canadian Forces Base Borden to help provide prenatal care to female military officers. Upon graduating 2016, I began work in Eastern Ontario in the city of Cornwall. Here I was able to serve a large farming community as well as a significant underprivileged population, but I had always hoped to make my way home and serve the people in my home community.
I am beyond thrilled to come back home and help provide maternity and neonatal care to the members of this community. After spending the past 10 years in larger city centers I am looking forward to getting back to my small-town roots. In my free time I enjoy reading, clogging, crocheting, making music, and doing puzzles (which seems to make others chuckle). Whenever I get the chance, I love to visit my parents and spend time with them relaxing and playing cards.
I am very eager to join the wonderful team at Midwives Nottawasaga and look forward to being a part of your birth story!
Francine Maitland
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Hello, my name is Francine Maitland. I will be joining Midwives Nottawasaga in June 2021. I am very excited to be moving to Collingwood from Toronto where I have spent the past several years studying midwifery at Ryerson University.
I was born into the hands of midwives in my home country of Holland and then was moved to
Canada as an infant. I am a proud mom of two girls, who are now in university and while I loved my time at home with them, I am enjoying being fully engaged supporting mothers as a
midwife. I grew up in Toronto, went to Western University and then worked and lived in New York City for 15 years. While living in New York, I discovered my passion for midwifery
delivering my first baby as an EMT while I worked as part of a rural ambulance corps in Orange county, just outside of New York City.
I love the continuity of care provided by Ontario midwives and value the opportunity to get to know clients so that they get the best possible care. In addition to midwifery, I have an interest
in the healing power of food. I love to bake and in my free time I enjoy playing tennis, bridge and backgammon, going for long walks with my dog Cooper and cycling.
Kristen Dennis
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I am so excited to be joining Midwives Nottawasaga in the spring of 2022! I grew up in Barrie, and have lived all of my adult life in Toronto, where I moved to attend University when I was 19. I received my Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery with Honours from Ryerson University in 2009, and haven’t budged from my position at Community Midwives of Toronto since 2009, where I’ve been a practice partner since 2015. My previous education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ryerson University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University. I was the recipient of the Murray and Eleanor Enkin Midwifery Graduation Excellence Award for 2008-2009, and I currently serve on the Board of Directors of The Toronto Birth Centre, which I will greatly miss leaving the Toronto area. I particularly cherish my role as a clinical preceptor at the Midwifery Education Program.
On a personal note, I have three kids, who are all the best ever, and range in ages from 19 to 8. They gave me incredible knowledge and experience in birthing from Cesarian section to 2 homebirths, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I particularly have an interest in VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean), mental health challenges/addictions in pregnancy and postpartum, and prenatal teaching. When I’m not working you can likely find me in the garden (indoor and outdoor), or jumping in the lake with my family and my dog, who is perhaps even more excited than I am for this change!
Barbara Hopkins
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I was born and raised in Welland, Ontario where I grew up in a bilingual family. I began my journey working with families at a very young age as a daycare assistant at a home daycare. I loved the connection I was able to make with all the families I had the pleasure of working with. In that time, I witnessed my first experience with midwives. I was honoured to be included in the prenatal care of my boss and great friend. I was amazed by how calm and relaxing a space could be, yet still provide medical care. Most importantly the level of care and informed choice caught my attention. This is where my midwifery journey began. With the support of my family, I applied to the Laurentian’s French Midwifery Education Program with hopes of being able to provide such a level of informed care to those in need. During my education I had the pleasure of completing clinical placements in Uxbridge, Sudbury, Muskoka and Collingwood. I graduated with joint efforts from McMaster University and Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery/ Baccalauréat en Sciences spécialisé en Sage-Femmes with Honours in 2022. Prior to my Midwifery degree I also completed a year of nursing.
I have been with Midwives Nottawasaga since June 2021 where I completed my senior year placements and have had the pleasure of working here since then. It has been and continues to be a pleasure to work with an incredible group of individuals providing prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care to those in the community. When I’m not at work I can be found out for a walk, hike, reading or spending time with my family.
I look forward to continuing to provide care to such a lovely and welcoming community!
Bailey McDonald, Midwifery Student
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Hello, my name is Bailey and I am a 4th year student at McMaster University. I am very excited to be spending my senior year learning from the midwives and clients at Midwives Nottawasaga. After growing up in the Collingwood/Wasaga Beach area I am also very much looking forward to being back in the area that I consider home. My previous midwifery placements include Alliston, Owen Sound and Markham. I have also completed a community placement at the Toronto Birth Centre and lactation consultant, NICU, obstetrics, and labour and delivery placements in Barrie. My previous educational background is in natural resource management.
Outside of midwifery I am kept busy by my own four children and my three year old golden retriever named Oakley. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and in the warmer months can often be found trying to sneak in some time on the water, a hike or a camping trip.
I am extremely grateful to all of the new and growing families that allow me to take part in their care during such a special time!
Brittany Higginson, Midwifery Student
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I am a second-year midwifery student at McMaster University. I was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario and completed a B.Sc. in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian University in 2018. I always had a calling to healthcare, and it was the exceptional care that I received from midwives during my own pregnancy that inspired me to become a midwife. During my free time you will find me in the outdoors with my family and two dogs. I am very grateful and honored to learn from the Nottawasaga Midwives and the opportunity to take part in the care of growing families.
Jules Arlow, Practice Administrator
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My name is Jules, and I am very excited to join the team at Midwives Nottawasaga as the Practice Administrator.
I was born in Barrie Ontario and lived there until 2021 when my husband and three boys relocated to Wasaga Beach. We have grown to love our small-town community and look forward to building roots and settling in for years to come.
IU have a passion for cooking and crafting and creating. I love nature and animals. With 5 of my own they keep me busy and my heart full.
I graduated Georgian Collage and have worked in the administrative sector for more than 15 years. I have vast knowledge and great organizational skills.
I am pleased to be part of the team!
Jennifer Jansen, Practice Administrator
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I was born and raised just outside London Ontario, and grew up in the family business of flowers and plants with 4 acres of greenhouses.
In high school I developed a love of theatre and ran away to the city for 4 years of university and a subsequent 10 years of working as a Stage Manager and Production Manager for the arts.
In 2005, when conversations of making and raising babies came about with my new husband, we decided the city wasn’t where we wanted to be, and we moved just north of Shelburne. I gave birth to both my babies there, one in the comfort of my own home with the help of an amazing team of midwives from Caring Hands Midwifery in Alliston.
I now live near Creemore, with my partner and 2 boys, and a small array of farm animals. I spend my free time hiking and gardening, and in addition to my work here, I work as an Event Manager at The New Farm and artist about town.