Photo by: Kinga Kozak
Meet Our Midwife Group
Ana Maria Barillas
I graduated from the Midwifery program at McMaster University in Hamilton. I have worked in Ottawa and Hamilton, and have had the privilege of catching many babies! Now I call Cambridge my home, and look forward to catching yours! I was born in El Salvador and came to this beautiful country in 1991. I enjoy outdoor activities in all seasons, but I definitely prefer Summer over Winter! I’m the proud mama of four children and feel very blessed to have found a career that is so rewarding. Whether this is your first time on the road to motherhood, or you have traveled the path before, thank you for trusting us with your journey!
Pam Vazac (Lukas)
Before graduating from the Midwifery program at McMaster, I completed a degree in Health Studies at the University of Waterloo. It was there that I was first introduced to Midwifery, and since then my passion for maternal and fetal health has grown. In the summer before entering the Midwifery program, I travelled to Ghana, West Africa, where I spent a month facilitating reproductive health education programs in local schools. During my midwifery studies, I was also employed as a research assistant within the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster Hospital and the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University. Since becoming a midwife, I have been actively involved in local community organizations and act as a preceptor and volunteer for the Midwifery Education Program. In my spare time, you will find me with family, friends and playing with my son and six nieces/nephews. I feel honoured to be a part of your motherhood journey and look forward to meeting you and your family!
Lise Hart
I completed my degree in Midwifery, BHSc at Laurentian University. During my schooling, I did placements in Hamilton, Guelph & Sudbury. Upon the completion of my degree, I had my first child, Milo. I then began working with Cambridge Midwives, and have provided care in this community ever since. I had my second son, Nico, and just finished maternity leave for my daughter, Audrey. My non-midwifery time is spent reading, running, Netflixing & attending all the kids’ activities. I am also a practice partner and like speaking to different groups about midwifery care, normal birth, and informed choice. I provide home birth information nights at Cambridge Midwives.
Stacey Raftermann (Skelton)
I grew up in London, Ontario, and have been living in the Tri-City area for the past 10 years. I developed a passion for and interest in reproductive health while earning my degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. I was drawn to midwifery because of its emphasis on client-centered care, informed choice, and building meaningful relationships with clients and families. I have been working in Cambridge since graduating from the McMaster Midwifery Education Program. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading good books, cooking, and going for hikes with my Australian Shepherd, Titus. I look forward to meeting you and working with you as your family grows!
Corine Witteveen
I am a Registered Midwife who started working at Cambridge Midwives after graduating from McMaster with a Bachelor in Health Sciences specializing in Midwifery. Currently, I also serve as Chief of Midwifery at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Prior to beginning at McMaster, I attained an undergraduate degree with majors in English and Fine Arts. I worked in event planning and marketing in the Technology sector for 15 years; most recently at BlackBerry. This first career offered many exciting opportunities to travel throughout North America and Europe. During these years I had three children, two of whom were born under the care of midwives. These powerful birth experiences, and a desire to provide client-centered care to others sparked an interest in changing my career path. I live in here in Cambridge with my husband. I enjoy running with the Cambridge Harriers Running Club, and am actively involved in my community, specifically Cambridge Christian School and Maranatha Christian Reformed Church.
Tuesday Arnew-Austin
I graduated with honours from the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University, and have been practicing as a registered Midwife with Cambridge Midwives since that time. I believe it is an honour and a privilege to provide care to expectant people and their families throughout the extraordinary events of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. My goal has always been to provide an empowering birth experience through informed decision making in a non-authoritarian environment.
Cathy Grant
I grew up in Etobicoke and became a massage therapist, but knew I always wanted to be a midwife. I graduated from the McMaster Midwifery Education Program, and have been a midwife at Cambridge Midwives ever since. I have had Lactation Consultant training, as supporting the breastfeeding dyad of mother and baby has been important to me. I enjoy being outside, walking in the forest, and swimming with my children.
Emily Doris
I grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, but I have called southern Ontario home since 2013. Prior to completing the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University, I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph. It was here that I discovered midwifery, and my passion for pregnancy, birth and supporting growing families! This passion only grew during the Midwifery Education Program where the principles of bodily autonomy, choice and person-centred care were reinforced and celebrated, something I continue to uphold in my practice today. In my spare time I enjoy running, chasing around after my two cats and reading a good book with a cup of coffee in hand. I am grateful and honoured to be a part of your midwifery team, and I look forward to meeting you!
Kirsten Ingram
My interest in Midwifery grew out of a passion for informed and holistic care, as well as an interest in pregnancy and newborn care that developed during my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University. After which I completed my Undergraduate degree in Midwifery, also at McMaster University, and have since been working as a Midwife in the Cambridge Community. When I am not working you can find me outside enjoying all kinds of weather, walking my dog, spending time with friends and family or curled up with a good book and a cup of tear. I thank you for allowing me the priviledge of sharing your pregnancy and postpartum journey with you and your growing families.
Emily Slusarek
I am originally from Waterloo and love being involved in the community that I have always called home. My journey to a Midwifery degree at McMaster University first started with a degree at Trent University. This led me into healthcare and research where I first discovered my passion for informed choice and empowered healthcare. My research has focused on underreported and disregarded emotions experienced in healthcare. I am drawn to Midwifery as I strongly believe in advocating for my clients’ wishes and providing client-centered care. In my non-midwifery-related life, I spend time running a wedding business, and getting out in nature. I am always planning my next adventure hiking with my dog, paddle boarding, hanging in my hammock, or backpacking abroad.
Sarion Street
I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Cambridge Midwives! Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of observing various models of obstetrical care, and my passion for midwifery has only grown stronger with each experience. I love the unique relationships I can build with clients and the autonomy the field provides. Helping families grow is a profound passion of mine, and I’m excited to be part of your journey! A little about me: I was born in Jamaica but have called Canada home since I was four years old. Now, as a proud resident of Kitchener, Ontario, I enjoy exploring the fantastic local food scene. When I’m not immersed in school or work, you’ll often find me swimming or tackling complex puzzles. I can’t wait to bring my dedication and enthusiasm to Cambridge Midwives!
Asra Varind
My interest in midwifery initially sparked when I witnessed the birth of my niece 11 years ago. As I learned more about midwifery, I fell in love with the concepts of informed choice and continuity of care, and knew this was the career for me! I then completed my Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery with honours from McMaster University. One of my favourite parts about midwifery is being able to provide care that is personalized and culturally safe. I love getting to know my clients, helping them feel empowered, and advocating for them to make informed decisions about their care. When not catching babies, you can catch me crocheting, journaling, praying, cuddling with my cat, and horse back riding. I am so excited to be a part of Cambridge Midwives, and look forward to being a part of your special journey!
Kamara Ukachukwu
I was was raised in Kitchener by second-generation Dutch immigrants and have spent the past 15 years in Toronto- working, studying, and raising three children.
Before becoming a midwife, I worked in the social services field as a counsellor supporting women, children, and youth facing adversity. My interest in pregnancy and childbirth began in childhood and deepened during my first pregnancy, inspiring me to pursue midwifery. I am passionate about equitable healthcare and perinatal mental health.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my children, spending time in nature, reading, and expressing my creativity through baking, cooking, sewing, writing, photography, and art.
I am honoured to support you and your family through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Allegra Wilson
I attended McMaster University’s Midwifery Education Program after receiving my first degree in medical sciences from Brock University. I was first drawn to midwifery because it combined my interests in human physiology, human connection, and babies! What kept me interested was the opportunity to get to know people over their course of care, meet them where they’re at, and make sure every client feels respected and heard. It is an honour to experience being a trusted advocate in some of the most life-changing moments you will experience! Along with being a midwife, I am a mom, an avid reader (more board books than novels at the moment!), and cinnamon roll baker.
Meet Our Student Midwives
Umaima Baig
Hi, I’m Umaima! I’m a second year McMaster Midwifery Student. I came into this program out of high school, because the program was really intriguing especially since the principles of midwifery care resonated with me. I love the idea of being able to provide more personalized care and getting to know clients, so here I am! In my free time, I really enjoy playing board games, baking, going outdoors, and watching movies. I’m so excited to meet and get to know all of you!
Alethea Clarke
Hey! My name is Alethea Clarke (she/her). I am in my fourth year of the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University. I learned about the profession of midwifery during my first undergraduate degree, where I earned a BSc from McMaster University in 2022. Midwifery aligns very well with my personal values; I am inspired by wholistic ways of providing care, as well as different ways midwives prioritize client advocacy, autonomy, and continuity of care. I grew up in Durham Region, Ontario, but have spent the last 6+ years in Hamilton for school. I have completed midwifery placements in Kingston, ON, Hamilton, ON, and Halifax, NS. In my free time you can find me hanging out with friends and family, hiking, doing arts and crafts, playing basketball, and travelling. I look forward to gaining a valuable learning experience and building memorable relationships during my time here at Cambridge Midwives!
Mary Riddell
I’m so excited to be joining Cambridge Midwives for my senior year! I am dedicated to providing evidence-based, holistic, and client-centered care. I believe in the importance of informed choice and helping clients feel empowered throughout the perinatal period.
Outside of midwifery, I’m passionate about fitness, holistic health, and learning new things. I love diving into research on how lifestyle and nutrition impact hormones, cycles, and pregnancy. When I’m not studying or catching babies, you can usually find me lifting weights, thrifting, listening to a podcast, or spending time with family and friends.
It’s an honor to walk alongside families on their unique journeys, providing support that respects both their needs and their choices. I can’t wait to learn from and work alongside this team—and to be part of such a special time in the lives of the families we serve!
