Meet The Midwives & Learn About Us
About The Alliston Midwives
Caring Hands Midwifery Services
We are a growing practice of midwives, offering women a choice of a home-birth or hospital-birth. (Privileges at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston) We are organized into 2 teams (the blue team and the green team) of midwives offering 24-hour on-call availability.
Our midwives are graduates of a 4-year university degree in Midwifery and registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario. We maintain current certification in neonatal resuscitation, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and emergency skills and regularly attend continuing education workshops and conferences.
We work as a teaching practice, which means that we precept a small number of students from university-based midwifery programs. Students are always under the supervision of one of the midwives in the practice, and having a student involved in your care is entirely optional. We are committed to ensuring that the quality of care we provide is improved by the presence of students.
Marcia Rowat RM BHSc. BKin.
– BLUE TEAM
After listening to birth stories shared by women in my family, I endeavoured to find a career that blended childbirth, information and choice. I found this in the Ontario model of midwifery care. I spent 8 years studying at McMaster University and received a degree in kinesiology followed by a health-science–midwifery degree in 2002. I grew up in a small community just north of barrie and fell in love with Alliston, Stevenson Memorial Hospital and the local health-care providers during my first student placement at Caring Hands Midwifery Services. Presently, I am the head midwife at Stevenson Memorial Hospital and have been very active in initiatives to strengthen local birthing services. During my off-call time I like to plan activities with my family and sneak off to my cottage.
Melissa (Mel) Beaver RM BHSc. BSc.
- Green Team
From an early age I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in health care. I began my health care studies by completing a Bachelor’s of Science in bio-medical science and biochemistry at the University of Guelph in 2001, but then realized that I wanted a career that allowed for a more holistic approach to health and wellness. I discovered the Ontario Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University and graduated with a BHSc. in Midwifery in June 2009. Prior to becoming a midwife, I managed a chiropractic office and worked as a support worker for adults with developmental disabilities.
Ali Marshall RM BHSc.
– Blue Team
I am very excited and grateful to be a member of the Alliston Midwives. I began my university education in health sciences at Western University, and it was during a course on the social determinants of health that I gained interest in a holistic approach to health care. After some searching, I discovered the world of midwifery and immediately knew it was meant for me. I began my midwifery training at McMaster University in the fall of 2009 and during my four years in the program, I had the opportunity to work in Hamilton, Brantford, Mississauga, Toronto and Barrie, working with midwives, obstetricians, nurses and lactation consultants. I was born and raised in Barrie, but I am excited and eager to get to know the Alliston community while staying close to family. I am so honoured to be a part of such a personal and often life-changing time in a family’s life and am committed to making it the best experience possible. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love traveling, camping, dancing and eating!
Crissy Hull RM BHSc.
– orange tEAM
I am delighted to be working with the Alliston Midwives. I graduated with distinction from the midwifery education program at Laurentian University. I was able to complete numerous community and clinical placements in the Allistion area. I am also a long-time resident of Simcoe County. Before I began my midwifery training I received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and worked in rehabilitation with various populations. The spark of midwifery began with the care I received in my first pregnancy, which was remarkable and definitely left an impression. The circumstances surrounding the birth of my second child further propelled my curiosity in maternity and infant care. A year later, I became a doula and learned a great deal through observing, supporting and advocating for labouring women. Eventually, after my third child, it became evident that my path involved taking the leap and returning to school to become a midwife. Dreams do come true! I am truly honoured to provide care to those during the significant time of starting or expanding their families. On my off time I enjoy a good book, being active, baking and bribing my kids to play board games with me.
Kristina Hunter RM BHA (Hons.) BHSc.
-green team (nov 2023)
I am delighted to return to Alliston Midwives! A place I consider home after “growing up” in this supportive community during my time here as a senior Midwifery student and first year and a half of Midwifery practice. In between my Midwifery career in Alliston, I worked with the Midland Midwives. I graduated from the Midwifery program at Ryerson University in 2015. Prior to becoming a midwife, I practiced as a RN for 14 years (mostly in labour and delivery). I have also taught prenatal classes, worked as a second birth attendant and have a Bachelor in Health Services Administration. I chose to become a Midwife largely because of my previous work experiences and desire to empower others through informed choice and continuity of care. I love music and most activities that involve the outdoors and nature. Of all my gifts and treasures, my greatest are my husband and children. I look forward to empowering you in your journey!
Holly Ryans RM. BHSc.
- BLUE TEAM
I am eager to return to the fantastic team at Alliston Midwives, following my latest parental leave. I have enjoyed my past 10 years with the team, and I am also so appreciative of the supportive relationship they have established and maintained with our local Stevenson Memorial unit. I came to midwifery at a young age, starting school at 17. I was very keen to understand the fascinating and unique path of pregnancy and birth, and how to best honour and respect this normal yet complex process. I studied at each of the universities that teaches the Midwifery Program (Laurentian, Ryerson and McMaster) as well as short terms studying and practicing in New Zealand. Before moving to the area, I enjoyed many years working in Peel and Halton Hills. When I'm not oncall, I can be found at the cottage enjoying everything outdoors with my three young children, partner and family! I can't wait to meet my future clients and their growing families
Kayla Murray RM BHSc.
Orange team (NOV 2023)
My first midwifery placement in school began with Alliston Midwives and I have come full circle where I have returned as a fully registered midwife! It is so exciting to come back to the place I where I first placed my hands on a pregnant belly, delivered my first baby, and learned all the key skills to the profession. I then completed the rest of my placements all over Ontario moving to and from Thunder Bay, Markham, Barrie and finishing my senior year in Owen Sound where I then graduated from Laurentian University. Prior to this degree, I studied general sciences and public health, but midwifery was always was my calling and to me it feels like the total package. I am driven by the pillars of midwifery care, and find it so rewarding to get to know my clients and their families closely. When my pager is off, I am usually with friends and family, cooking up some good food, exploring and doing day trips, listening to oldies music, or watching a documentary that’s probably about history!
Janis Dalacker RM BHSc.
GREEN TEAM
I first discovered midwifery when I was pregnant with my second child and my interest grew after hearing my father's pride in his story of being born into the hands of a midwifery student at a "Hebammenschule" or midwifery school in Southern Germany. I began my midwifery training in 2004 and graduated from Ryerson University with Honours in Health Sciences (Midwifery) in 2009 after completing my clerkship under the supervision of the midwives at Caring Hands Midwifery Services. Following graduation, I enjoyed serving urban and rural communities in London and Woodstock areas before moving to Markham Stouffville Hospital where I have provided midwifery services in Canada's first Alongside Midwifery Unit both as a community midwife and as a hospitalist midwife. I enjoy teaching and I have been an active preceptor for the Midwifery Education Programme since 2011, being recognized as Laurentian University's Midwifery Preceptor of the Year in 2019. While not providing care you can find me curled up with my cats, relaxing in my yard. I also enjoy road travel to Northern Ontario, hiking, boating and basking in the sounds of nature. I am thrilled to be returning to Alliston and the midwifery team at Caring Hands... It's true that life comes full circle and I am looking forward to the privilege of meeting each and every one of my clients and their families.
Cynthia Skilling
Office Administrator
I am very happy to be working at Alliston Midwives with this incredible team. I enjoy helping others and supporting our midwives and clients in this role.
Outside of the clinic, I am a freelance Graphic Designer.
I love spending my free time with my family, reading a good book, challenging myself with crochet projects and collecting antique treasures.
Meet Our Student Midwives
We accept student midwives. When they are on our team, we want you to have an opportunity to get to know them too.
Emily Steadman
senior student
Hello! I’m excited to be joining Alliston Midwives for my fourth and final year as a midwifery student. I was introduced to midwifery in high school when I was investigating career paths. After discovering the birth world, I became a birth and postpartum doula before starting nursing school in Kingston. When I was offered a spot in Laurentian’s midwifery program, I jumped at the chance! In the midwifery program so far, I’ve had the privilege of learning in many places including Grey Bruce, Muskoka, Belleville, and Markham Stouffville. In my free time, I enjoy curling up with a good book, cooking something new, learning new hobbies, or spending time outside.
