Midwives
Alison Clark - RM (currently on leave)
Hello! My name is Ali and I am thrilled to be part of the team at Ottawa Valley Midwives. I grew up in Kitchener but have had the pleasure of living in many places throughout Ontario.
I graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Marine Biology. I have a love for the ocean but realized my passion lies in helping those on land rather than the water. My first experience with labour and birth started with a midwifery internship in rural Philippines and my enthusiasm for supporting people through pregnancy and birth has only grown from there.
I completed my midwifery studies at Laurentian University. Each birth is a privilege to be a part of and the diversity of my clients drives my passion to continue to promote informed choice and client-centered care.
In my spare time, I love being outside, swimming, hiking, and canoeing as well as reading and quilting.
I look forward to meeting you!
Amélie Bender – RM
Hello, bonjour! I have been practicing at OVM since 2011 after graduating from the Midwifery Education Program. It wasn’t until I had done a degree in psychology, worked in children’s mental health and traveled and taught English in Asia, that I decided to pursue my dream. Six long years later, I moved from Toronto to the Ottawa Valley to practice in a more rural setting.
When I’m not working, I can be found reading, going for walks in the woods, enjoying good vegetarian food, or camping and traveling with my family. My passion for midwifery is both personal and professional; both of my kids were born at home with the support of midwives.
Each day I come to work I am grateful for this wonderful profession that allows me to be with women on their journey to motherhood.
Veuillez me parler en francais ou en anglais.
Audrey Waddell - RM
Hello! My name is Audrey. I grew up in West Carleton, and after many years travelling both Ontario and the North-Eastern United States while working in midwifery I am happy to be settling into practice in my home community with Ottawa Valley Midwives.
I became interested in midwifery a decade ago, and it all started with a book. After devouring The Birth House by Ami McKay with my bookclub, I was inspired by women helping women and decided that I too would become a midwife. Many years and travels later I find myself doing just that, for a community I hold dear.
I studied midwifery in the United States and worked as a Certified Professional Midwife before transitioning to work in Canada. I have attended many beautiful births in Maine, Massachusetts, and Michigan. I attended the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program (IMPP) in 2021 to become licensed in Canada. During this time I gained more clinical experience in Mississauga, and worked as a midwife in Barrie, Ontario until joining Ottawa Valley Midwives.
I believe strongly in supporting clients during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. Becoming a midwife was one of the best decisions I have made, and it has had a profound impact on who I am as a person. When not working, you can find me outdoors, knitting, enjoying meals with family, or nose-deep in a good novel."
Deanna Drane - RM
Hi, I'm Deanna! I was born and raised in Sudbury in beautiful Northern Ontario. My first encounter with midwifery was when I was seven years old, during my mother's pregnancy with my brother. The enthusiasm I experienced being present at his birth has only continued to grow.
Prior to pursuing midwifery, I studied psychology and French as a second language at the University of Ottawa. When that didn't feel like the right fit, I turned to my long standing passion for pregnancy, birth, and parenting and decided to become a midwife. I studied midwifery at Laurentian University and completed placements in rural and urban settings across Ontario in Milverton, Markham, Sudbury, North Bay, and Carleton Place. I'm thrilled to now be part of the team at Ottawa Valley Midwives!
In my spare time, you'll find me dancing salsa and swing, enjoying the outdoors, or working on my latest creative project.
I look forward to meeting you and your family!
Eirini Nikolakopoulou - RM, MSc, IBCLC
Hello! I was born and studied midwifery in Greece. I worked 18 years in a tertiary hospital in Athens which was a second school for me and allowed me to grow and expand my knowledge. For many years I volunteered with the Greek Family Planning Parenthood association where I had the chance to work on several projects.
In 2013 I got my master’s degree in Health Unit Administration with specialty in Baby Friendly Hospitals where I found myself breastfeeding and typing at the same time. I was part of the hospital’s breastfeeding committee for 4 years, where I was one of the instructors for health professionals.
I had the pleasure of being a clinical instructor for the West Attica University in the faculty of Midwifery for 2 years.
In 2020 due to my husband’s relocation, I landed in Canada, and it was not until 2022 that I started my International Midwifery Bridging program at the University of British Columbia. Meanwhile, I gained my International Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant Certification.
My main goal is to provide thorough and complete care to our clients throughout the amazing journey of pregnancy, birth, and post partum. Midwifery has been an adventure for me, and I hope it keeps me busy for many more years.
I feel really blessed to be part of this wonderful team. I have 2 amazing Children that are the light of my life. In my spare time I like watching suspense movies and reading novels. I also speak Greek and understand Italian.
Harriet Ann Ferrant – RM
Hello! I have been working as a midwife with Ottawa Valley Midwives since 2015 and have met many amazing women and families on their birth journeys over the years. My midwifery story starts a little earlier. I grew up in the chocolate town of Smiths Falls and am the third-eldest of eight children (you can see why I might have been interested in babies from a young age). A few years later, my parents moved all eight of us up to the Upper Ottawa Valley to live on a farm. I attended Queen’s University and received a bachelor and a master’s degree in molecular genetics and biology. Most people might think that two degrees is sufficient, but not me! I decided to take a left turn and headed off to Hamilton where I obtained my degree in midwifery. My love of life, of learning, and of sharing information are some of the many joys of working with new families.
I have three main loves in life; babies, horses, and science. Look for me out in the fields with my horses, knitting by the fire in colder weather, or out hiking in the sun. I look forward to meeting you!
Kali de Repenigny – Joining OVM Summer 2024
Hello! My name is Kali (she/her), and I’m excited to be joining the team at the Ottawa Valley Midwives!
I am a recent graduate of the midwifery education program at McMaster University. I previously completed a biology degree at Bishop’s University which helped develop my appreciation for reproductive health and eventually led me to this unique and rewarding profession. I love how midwifery allows me to develop strong relationships with my clients, empowers clients to make the best decisions for their own care, and provides me the privilege of attending so many birthday parties!
I have recently moved to the Carleton Place area with my partner, our very-busy two-year-old son and many fur babies. In my spare time, you will find me reading romance novels, watching bad reality TV or going for a swim with my kiddo. I am grateful to get to work with this amazing team of midwives and look forward meeting you on this amazing journey to parenthood!
Kristen Stevens – RM
My passion for midwifery began at a young age. I always loved babies and found that I had a special touch with them.
I also had my own baby when I was quite young, and it opened my eyes to a side of birth that I didn’t expect: the scary and sometimes unsupportive side that people can experience. Around the time of this birth, midwifery was being legislated in Ontario. I knew I had found my perfect fit and my calling.
I graduated from the McMaster University Midwifery program in 2005, and I am now one of the longest-standing members of Ottawa Valley Midwives.
Interesting fact, my younger sister is also a midwife in central Vancouver, BC. I live in the west-end of Ottawa with my partner and our fur babies. Our two kids are now grown up and pursuing higher education.
In the spring of 2018, we opened our Bells Corners satellite location, which I am very proud of. I work out of this location, and I look forward to guiding you on your journey to parenthood.
Rachel Sutton – RM
I have been a Registered Midwife at Ottawa Valley Midwives since 2010 after graduating from the McMaster Midwifery Education Program.
Prior to becoming a midwife, I did a degree in molecular biology and worked as a lab technician in health-related research. Through a complicated journey involving volunteering to support human rights defenders in Indonesia, anti-war activism, volunteering as a doula, and attempting to write a book, I finally came to midwifery. My love for midwifery stems from the unique opportunity to work closely with clients and families, to promote health, to promote change in the healthcare system, and to facilitate positive experiences by supporting clients’ informed choices.
I live in Almonte with my family and greatly enjoy living and working in the Ottawa Valley. I have two boys born into the hands of midwives.
Suzanne McCallum– RM
I was introduced to the birth process while growing up on a dairy farm near Stratford, Ontario, and knew from a young age that I wanted to “help people have babies.”
Prior to studying midwifery, I completed a Bachelor of Science in health studies at the University of Waterloo, which gave me a broad knowledge of health throughout the lifecycle. It was during this time that I discovered midwifery and realized that it was what I had always wanted to do.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, travel, baking, and experimenting in the kitchen.
I completed many of my placements in Waterloo Region and spent my first year and a half in Orangeville, Ontario, before joining Ottawa Valley Midwives. I have a passion for supporting women and families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I have been fortunate to work with birthing families in the Ottawa Valley since 2014.
Tanya Yakovlev – RM
Since 1991 I feel very proud to tell people: I am a midwife! I hope one of my daughters becomes a midwife one day!
For me this is more than a job; it is my lifestyle. My midwifery path began in Russia and continued in Israel. I am honoured and happy to be part of the Ottawa Valley Midwives team after graduating from the International Midwifery Program in Ryerson University in 2013.
Over the years, I still find it very interesting to work with clients from different nationalities and cultures. As such, I can support your pregnancy and birth in Russian, Hebrew, or in English.
While fully understanding the importance of the knowledge and skills in our unique profession, I also put great value on the power of the midwife-to-client, or woman-to-woman, connection. It would be an absolute privilege to be your partner and facilitate your and your family’s journey through the childbearing years!
Tylee Maracle – RM
Hello, my name is Tylee Maracle, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team at Ottawa Valley Midwives. I grew up in Carleton Place and am proud to be providing midwifery care in my hometown and the Ottawa Valley.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program with Honours from Laurentian University in 2015 and have worked as a midwife in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley. Prior to midwifery, I worked as registered massage therapist (RMT) and as a health promoter at an Urban Aboriginal Health Access Centre. My path to midwifery began while working as an RMT, further developed while working with pregnant women and their families through my health promotion work, and was solidified when learning from my grandmother that midwifery was in my blood from a great-aunt who was a traditional midwife on my family’s reserve. My previous experiences and studies seemed to be a perfect match for this profession and a natural way to embrace all my interests.
I am passionate about providing women choice throughout their perinatal stage in life and improving access to midwifery care. I am a member of the National Aboriginal Council for Midwives and volunteer my time for various midwifery-focused initiatives. When not busy with midwifery, I enjoy cheering on the Ottawa Senators, the outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends.
I look forward to meeting those of you who will have me involved in your care at such an exciting time of your life. Thank you, Nia:wen!
Staff
Amanda O’Gorman – Practice Manager
Hello! I am thrilled to be the first point of contact for our new clients, and the administrative support to the amazing midwives at Ottawa Valley Midwives.
I tend to lead with my heart and have a wide range of life experience to show for it. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Oral Storytelling from the University of Toronto in 1999. I then had the opportunity to live in various places - Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Florida and southern France - as I followed my husband’s military career, raising our three children and making the most of each of our postings. Over the years, I have run small businesses as a rental landlord, a chocolatier and a children’s theatre instructor and taken stints as a thoroughbred groom and a tall ship sailor. I discovered a passion for quality maternity care throughout my own pregnancies and births, and I worked as a childbirth educator and labour doula before returning to school in my 30s to become a midwife. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in 2017 and have been with Ottawa Valley Midwives ever since, first as a student, then as a Registered Midwife, and now in the role of Practice Manager. In my spare time, I enjoy writing poetry and short stories, gourmet and vegan cooking, hot yoga and early morning rowing, and going on long hikes and camping excursions with my beautiful golden retriever.
I feel very blessed to be working with such a talented, caring and professional group of midwives and to have the opportunity to support the amazing work that they do with our lovely clients.
Kelly Jeremiah - Medical Receptionist
“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers - strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” Barbara Katz Rothman
Hello! My name is Kelly, and I am the newest addition to the Ottawa Valley Midwives office here in Carleton Place! I’m your friendly, neighbourhood Medical Receptionist who looks forward to greeting you at the door, answering your telephone calls and holding your babies!
I was born and raised in Pennsylvania but have been happily Canadian since 2004! My husband and I have one child still living at home and live on the rural outskirts of town on a property we affectionately call “Whitetail Woods”. We have chickens, a bunny and a pig named Gertrude! In my off time, I enjoy time spent with family and friends and always look forward to the summer fun of swimmig, boating and fishing on the Mississippi Lake.
Our midwives sure do DELIVER, and I’m beyond thrilled to have joined this amazing group of women!
Students
Kailey Willock- Green Team Student
Hello! My name is Kailey and I am a third-year midwifery student at McMaster University. My midwifery journey so far has taken me from Ottawa to Hamilton and back again and I am thrilled to be placed with the Ottawa Valley Midwives for the duration of my senior year!
Prior to midwifery, I was studying biomedical sciences at the University of Ottawa, fascinated with pregnancy and postpartum, and considering medical school. During this time, I discovered midwifery and the beautiful world of informed choice and relationship-based care. Since then, I have found deeper joy in exploring all that midwifery offers and felt the immense privilege of journeying with families through pregnancy, labour and postpartum.
Outside of midwifery, I am a creative enthusiast who enjoys a range of artistic mediums and projects. I love music, reading, writing, being outside, and listening to people share stories over a good cup of coffee.
I feel immense gratitude to be stepping into such an incredible profession with the Ottawa Valley Midwives and I look forward to meeting you!
Shantelle Spencer- Red Team Student
My name is Shantelle Spencer (she/her), and I’m a second year student of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I look forward to continuing my learning at Ottawa Valley Midwives this summer. I’m originally from northern Alberta, but moved to Ottawa to study in 2010. After a first degree in International Development & Global studies and an MSc in Public Health, I worked for nearly 10 years in the management of humanitarian assistance and global health projects in western Africa and the Middle East.
I was introduced to midwifery while working on a health systems project with midwives in Sierra Leone. I was impressed by the capacity for connection and clinical skill of the midwives within the midwifery model of care, and decided that I wanted to help people through the experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenting as a midwife myself. After going through doula training and a few more years working in reproductive health in The Gambia, my family and I made the move back to Canada in 2022 to pursue my studies in midwifery.
When I’m not studying, you can find me on a hiking trail, on a canoe trip, or on a bicycle with my partner, our nearly 1-year old son, and our little but adventurous dog Moose. I speak English & French.
“I just wanted to say a special thank you to Miriam, Kristen, and Saija for the wonderful, amazing, compassionate, and considerate care that I received from them during the birth of my second son Kane. Kane arrived 2 months early, and the labour was not only unexpected but incredibly fast. We couldn’t have made it through as well as we did without the expert care and knowledge by this team. We will never forget any of you (and maybe see you again if we try for #3!).”
— JENNIFER