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.
Alexa Chidiac (Payne)
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Queen’s University. It was during this time that I developed a passion for Women’s Health. This led me to the midwifery program at McMaster University, where I completed my second degree. I completed my final clinical placement at Cambridge Midwives, and was thrilled to join the team following my graduation. I feel honoured to provide midwifery care to the women of Cambridge and surrounding areas. When I’m not busy being a midwife, you can find me enjoying the outdoors with my family and dog, or out discovering live local music.
Emily Doris
I grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, but I have called southern Ontario home for the last 8 years. 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! During my time in the Midwifery Education Program, I had the opportunity to learn alongside midwives in Niagara, Hamilton, and Guelph. I am so thankful for these experiences! In my spare time I enjoy hiking, brewing my own kombucha, 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!
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.
Julia Heyens
I grew up in Stoney Creek Ontario, but have called Waterloo region home for the last 15 years. I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences and International Studies from the University of Waterloo. After completing my undergraduate degree, I spent several years working for a community organization in downtown Kitchener doing front line work with youth and adults, as well as working as a strategic statistics analyst. I learned about the Ontario midwifery model of care and decided to pursue midwifery as a career. I graduated with honours from the Ryerson University Midwifery Program. Throughout the program I had the opportunity to train with skilled midwives in Waterloo Region, as well as in downtown Toronto and rural central Ontario. I have a specific interest in postpartum care of the parent/infant dyad and have been involved with the development of a clinical practice guideline for postpartum care with a team from the Association of Ontario Midwives. I’m thankful to be a part of the team at Cambridge Midwives, and I look forward to meeting you!
Meet Our Student Midwives
Allegra
“I am so excited to be joining Cambridge Midwives as a senior student from May 2023 to April 2024. I’ve spent most of my life in the Niagara region but have been living in Cambridge for the past few years. Prior to midwifery, I completed a degree in medical sciences at Brock University, where my interest in pregnancy and birth was sparked. When I discovered midwifery near the end of my degree, I was drawn to the continuity of care midwives are able to provide – building trusting relationships with clients is so important to me. It is such a privilege to be able to care for people during such a crazy and beautiful time in their lives. Besides being a midwifery student, I am a dedicated library patron, wannabe pastry chef, fair-weather hiker, and amateur textile artist. I’m looking forward to meeting you and being a part of your care team!”
