ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS - Please submit an Intake Form for midwifery pregnancy care.
About Us
About Midwfery
A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to low-risk persons throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth and provides care to both the pregnant individual and baby during the first six weeks following the birth.
Midwives work together in group practices. Pregnant individuals receive care from a small number of midwives. During regularly scheduled visits to the midwifery practice, midwives provide clinical examinations, counselling and education. Midwives will make a care management plan tailored to your individual needs through evidence-informed care. Labs, ultrasounds, and prescriptions are arranged by your midwives.
Continuity of Care
Midwifery care is available to throughout ones pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first six weeks after birth. Midwives spend time developing relationships with clients and their families and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Informed Choice
Clients are active decision-makers in the care they receive; midwives give information to help them make informed decisions.
Choice of Birthplace
Midwifery clients may choose to give birth at home or in hospital. Midwives maintain hospital privileges at many Ontario hospitals and work collaboratively with other health care practitioners.
OHIP
Midwifery services are completely funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Ontario Midwifery
"The practice of midwifery is the assessment and monitoring of individuals during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period and of their newborn babies, the provision of care during normal pregnancy, labour and post-partum period and the conducting of spontaneous normal vaginal deliveries."
For information on the College of Midwives of Ontario regulations, standards and guidelines click here
Education
Midwives qualify for registration either by graduating from the Ontario Midwifery Education Programme (a four-year university degree program) or the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program, offered through Ryerson University’s continuing education division. Each year approximately 90 new midwives are registered which will make midwifery care available to more women throughout Ontario.
The Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) collaborates with the College of Midwives of Ontario, the Midwifery Education Program and the Ontario Midwifery Program to continue the development of an outstanding midwifery care system for women and their families in Ontario.
Meet the Team
Taryn Woolsey RM (she/her) Team 1
Erin Croteau RM (she/her) Team 1
Erin Croteau RM (she/her) Team 1
I became interested in midwifery while attending high school in my hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University in 2002 after completing a double major in Physiology and Psychology at the University of Western Ontario in London. I graduated with a Bachelor of Heath Science
I became interested in midwifery while attending high school in my hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. I was accepted into the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University in 2002 after completing a double major in Physiology and Psychology at the University of Western Ontario in London. I graduated with a Bachelor of Heath Sciences in Midwifery in 2007.
My midwifery training included a combination of both classroom and clinical experiences exposing me to midwifery in a variety of settings during my placements.
I attend seminars, workshops and hospital rounds to help keep my knowledge and skills current.
I relocated to the Northumberland Hills area following in 2010 after three years of midwifery practice in Sarnia. I love what I do and I am very much enjoy the team atmosphere at New Life Midwives.
When I am not on call I enjoy hiking, running, kayaking, reading and travelling on the back of my husband's motorcycle cross country.
Erin Croteau RM (she/her) Team 1
Erin Croteau RM (she/her) Team 1
Erin Croteau RM (she/her) Team 1
Hello, my name is Erin Croteau, I am a graduate of the Mdiwifery Education
Program, McMaster class of 2008. I have been a Registered Midwife with New Life
Midwives since 2010. I see pregnancy and childbirth as an incredible time in a
person’s life, to learn about one’s own inner strength, and an opportunity to
empower families to becom
Hello, my name is Erin Croteau, I am a graduate of the Mdiwifery Education
Program, McMaster class of 2008. I have been a Registered Midwife with New Life
Midwives since 2010. I see pregnancy and childbirth as an incredible time in a
person’s life, to learn about one’s own inner strength, and an opportunity to
empower families to become engaged in their health care experience. There is
nothing more magical than handing a mother her baby for the *rst time.
I grew up in Peterborough, but have called Port Hope home since 2010. I love my
small town, and live there with my partner Mike, and our two daughters Pyper and
Isla. When I am not catching babies, I love riding my horse Joey, listening to live
music and walking my dog Poppy along the beaches of lake Ontario. I have
dedicated myself to caring for the families of Durham and Northumberland counties,
and feel incredibly privileged to work alongside the wonder*ul midwives, nurses and
physicians in our community.
Nicole DelVecchio RM (she/her) Team 2
Nicole DelVecchio RM (she/her) Team 2
Nicole DelVecchio RM (she/her) Team 2
Hi there! I am so incredibly excited to begin my career as a midwife here at New Life Midwives.
Prior to becoming interested in Midwifery, I completed a B.Sc. in Biomedical Biology with intentions of going to medical school. However, when a close family friend was discussing her experiences with her midwives during her pregnancies I was
Hi there! I am so incredibly excited to begin my career as a midwife here at New Life Midwives.
Prior to becoming interested in Midwifery, I completed a B.Sc. in Biomedical Biology with intentions of going to medical school. However, when a close family friend was discussing her experiences with her midwives during her pregnancies I was intrigued and had to investigate further. And so began my love for the wonderful world of Midwifery.
I entered the Laurentian University Midwifery Education Program in 2008 and I was truly fortunate to have completed all of my placements in the Durham/Northumberland region including my senior placement at New Life Midwives. I consider it an honor and a privilege to work with families during such a transformative life stage and I am constantly amazed by the strength and uniqueness of every client who crosses my path.
Being a midwife makes for a busy life! But when I do have spare time I like to spend it with my amazing family, and wonderful friends eating sushi and hanging out. I’ll never underestimate the power of a good book to help me unwind and the value of a good night’s sleep!
I am looking forward to meeting new clients and welcoming back those I have already worked with. I hope to provide you and your family with the individualized care and support you deserve from a care provider.
Vishali Arumugam RM (she/her) Team 4
Nicole DelVecchio RM (she/her) Team 2
Nicole DelVecchio RM (she/her) Team 2
Hello! My name is Vishali Arumugam, a community midwife practicing in Durham region since 2019. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University) in 2019. My previous undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health science fueled my passion for maternal and newborn health. The course
Hello! My name is Vishali Arumugam, a community midwife practicing in Durham region since 2019. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program from Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University) in 2019. My previous undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health science fueled my passion for maternal and newborn health. The courses I took during my undergraduate years brought awareness to the medicalization of pregnancy and individual’s right to quality healthcare. This led to me discovering and falling in love with midwifery because of its unique perspective of pregnancy as a natural and healthy process and its emphasis on client’s autonomy. I migrated from India with my family at the age of nine and speak Tamil and English fluently. Growing up in Scarborough amongst other immigrant families, I had personally experienced barriers in accessing health care and witnessed other immigrant families face similar challenges. These experiences motivate me to make healthcare more accessible for new immigrants and racialized families, especially the most vulnerable childbearing individuals and newborns. I am also committed to providing culturally competent care to new immigrant families who have personal values that are not always acknowledged by the mainstream healthcare systems. I look forward to supporting families during their joyous time of pregnancy and childbirth.
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
I am so thrilled to be starting at New Life Midwives!
I am a 2014 graduate of McMaster University, but prior to that I attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I obtained a Combined Honours B.A. in Criminology and Health Studies, with Contemporary Studies and a minor in psychology. It was at here at Laurier that I was first introduced
t
I am so thrilled to be starting at New Life Midwives!
I am a 2014 graduate of McMaster University, but prior to that I attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I obtained a Combined Honours B.A. in Criminology and Health Studies, with Contemporary Studies and a minor in psychology. It was at here at Laurier that I was first introduced
to Midwifery through an elective class discussing the medicalization of motherhood and the historical shift away from midwifery in Canada.
I was born and raised in Etobicoke, with my parents, three younger sisters, and our family dog. I love music, especially country music and classical opera, horseback riding, and reading historical fiction.I now live here in Bowmanville with my partner, our son William and our 4 cats. Some fun, and little known facts about me: I have held jobs as a blackjack dealer for casino-themed charity events, a licensed private investigator and security guard, a veterinary assistant/receptionist, and a ranch hand! I have had many pets growing up which included a hamster, a budgie, several fish, a dog, 7 rats, 4 cats (current) and I used to breed guppies with Jeff before we had our son. I absolutely love to learn new things, meet new people and share
stories about my experiences, and hear others’ stories as well! I have travelled to over 20 countries worldwide, the highlight being a 9 week tour of 16 countries in Europe and the U.K. when I was 16.
I am so pleased to be able to care for clients and their families, and feel very lucky to be starting a new chapter here in this new and exciting community!
Andrea Campbell RM (she/her) Team 4
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
I offer 13 years as a practising midwife in this community and have found this journey to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My personal experience as a Black pregnant teen is what motivated me to pursue a career in Midwifery and more importantly focus on young families and under-serviced groups. Although my life was c
I offer 13 years as a practising midwife in this community and have found this journey to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My personal experience as a Black pregnant teen is what motivated me to pursue a career in Midwifery and more importantly focus on young families and under-serviced groups. Although my life was challenging, I view it as an experience that was necessary in helping me fulfill my destiny.
I enrolled in the 6 year stream of Midwifery Education Program in 2001 at Ryerson University in Toronto and became registered to Practice in Ontario August 2007 earning a Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Midwifery. Throughout the course of my studies I worked at “Motherisk” located at the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto and completed a large portion of my clinical placements in the Durham Region. I also had the honour of learning hands on breastfeeding techniques from Edith Kernaman and world renowned paediatrican/ “Breastfeeding guru” Dr Jack Newman.
In my spare time you’ll find me dining out; shopping; enjoying family time with my 5 children; or singing in front of the mirror to the instrumental version of my favourite song.
Each birth I attend is unique and takes me to new heights on my incredible journey as a midwife. I look forward to assisting you and your family through your journey towards birth and beyond.
Paige Ricketts RM (she/her) Team 1
Crystalyn Rogers RM (she/her) Team 2
Paige Ricketts RM (she/her) Team 1
Hi! My name is Paige Ricketts
I am so very excited to be joining the team at New Life Midwives.
I initially became interested in midwifery while observing a birth in a clinical placement for my nursing diploma. I knew immediately that I wanted to pursue a career involving pregnancy and birth.
I completed my nursing diploma and applied to
Hi! My name is Paige Ricketts
I am so very excited to be joining the team at New Life Midwives.
I initially became interested in midwifery while observing a birth in a clinical placement for my nursing diploma. I knew immediately that I wanted to pursue a career involving pregnancy and birth.
I completed my nursing diploma and applied to the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University 2 years later. I was delighted to be accepted and began my studies in 2012. In 2015, I had my son under the care of midwives. This experience completely solidified my desire to become a midwife. I was very fortunate to have been able to complete my final year of the program with New Life, and I am so happy to be returning.
I have worked as a nurse in Durham and Northumberland for almost a decade, specializing in addiction and mental health. I look forward to continuing to care for my community in a new capacity.
In my spare time you can find me spending time with my son Jordan, reading a good book, or enjoying time outdoors. I am so privileged to be able to provide the benefits of midwifery care to clients and their families. I look forward to meeting you!
Kory McGrath RM (she/her) Team 4
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
Kory is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Midwifery Education Program (2011-2017), with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (honours) in Midwifery degree.
Prior to entering into Midwifery, Kory spent much of her working life in the health care sector in clinical, supportive, and managerial roles. Over the past seven years, she has been involv
Kory is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Midwifery Education Program (2011-2017), with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (honours) in Midwifery degree.
Prior to entering into Midwifery, Kory spent much of her working life in the health care sector in clinical, supportive, and managerial roles. Over the past seven years, she has been involved in midwifery research with a focus on non-pharmaceutical approaches to GBS-prevention in pregnancy; improved care for perinatally bereaved parents; and developing tools and literature to build research capacity in the midwifery profession. Her research work has included contributions to Better Outcomes Registry Network (BORN), Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice, and other publications.
In her spare time, Kory loves to read, write, and create fun projects including community art camps for kids. Kory is married and has 4 children – all of whom were born with midwives in BC and Ontario. She is honoured to work in the very region where she was born!
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
My name is Julia Merkler, and I am so excited to be joining the New Life Midwives team and look forward to meeting you and participating in your care.
I stumbled upon midwifery as a young parent, newly pregnant and frankly, quite scared! Midwifery quickly became a lifeline for me when I was most in need of it, introducing me to the c
My name is Julia Merkler, and I am so excited to be joining the New Life Midwives team and look forward to meeting you and participating in your care.
I stumbled upon midwifery as a young parent, newly pregnant and frankly, quite scared! Midwifery quickly became a lifeline for me when I was most in need of it, introducing me to the concept of informed choice and client-centred care, both of which transformed the way I view healthcare and my relationship to my bodily autonomy. I attribute much of my success in parenting to the philosophy of midwifery care that was ingrained in me from the moment I became a client. I felt safe, respected, valued and connected to the process of pregnancy and birth from the very start. As such, after the birth of my second child I decided to pursue midwifery as a career. I attended Ryerson University, completing all of my education in Toronto where I trained under midwives, obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses and other allied health professionals. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery with Honours and had the pleasure of working in the Kawartha Lakes region up until recently.
I believe birth has the ability to empower, strengthen, and transform lives. I am extremely humbled and grateful knowing I am invited to participate in such an important milestone in other people's lives, and I'm thankful to all of the people that have and continue to invite me to share this journey with them. When not working, I can be found with my two kids and my partner hiking, bike riding, reading, baking, or spending time with friends and family. I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible no matter the season, and find any excuse possible to spend time amongst nature.
I look forward to meeting you and to being part of your journey and remain committed to providing safe and respectful care.
Jahiem Henry (Team 4 Student)
Julia Merkler, RM (she/her) Team 2
Jahiem Henry (Team 4 Student)
Hi, my name is Jahiem Henry (he/him), and I am in my final year at Toronto Metropolitan University for midwifery and will be a senior student at New Life Midwives!
I was introduced to midwifery at the very young age of 10, when my mother decided to go with midwives when having my brother. I have been in the midwifery world and working wit
Hi, my name is Jahiem Henry (he/him), and I am in my final year at Toronto Metropolitan University for midwifery and will be a senior student at New Life Midwives!
I was introduced to midwifery at the very young age of 10, when my mother decided to go with midwives when having my brother. I have been in the midwifery world and working with birthing parents and families for the past 9 years in many di
I had the opportunity to train at many diing with midwives and interprofessional team out of Markham Stou
In my spare time I love spending time with my friends, dogs, and family. I will often be found away from the city, and having adventures with friends. Or if I am in the city I am often found playing volleyball with friends.
A personal goal for me is to be able to provide clinical care for my clients in other languages besides English such as French, and many other languages down the line. I am very excited to be a part of this journey with you and your family. Feel free to say hello, bonjour, or hola if you see me around!
Olga Tucka ( Student Midwife)
Hello!
My name is Olga Tucka (she/her), and I’m in my 4th and final year of the midwifery program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am thrilled about completing my placement at New Life Midwives and being a part of maternity care in a beautiful Durham Region and Northumberland County! I’ll be accompanying J
Olga Tucka ( Student Midwife)
Hello!
My name is Olga Tucka (she/her), and I’m in my 4th and final year of the midwifery program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am thrilled about completing my placement at New Life Midwives and being a part of maternity care in a beautiful Durham Region and Northumberland County! I’ll be accompanying Julia, Crystalyn, and Nicole at the appointments and births with you (of course, if you consent to having me there). I’m Ukrainian, born and raised in Poland, and came to Canada 11 years ago. A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision and left my job as a dental technician to pursue midwifery. I have always been sensitive to other people's feelings and situations, and midwifery is a profession that suits my personality, where I can give quality and genuine care to people. I feel very passionate about the holistic and person-centered approach to care that midwives offer, and I cannot imagine a bigger reward for my work than helping you to bring a new life into this world. In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature, practicing yoga, meditating, and crafting occasional cards. I also love trying new recipes and am a total cat lover! I have a black cat named Lala, which means "doll" in my native language. I am truly honored to share this pregnancy experience with you and sincerely thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you!
About Us
Jennifer Westlake Practice Administrator
I became interested in office administration at the young age of 16, when I was working at my local physiotherapy clinic. I soon realized how much I enjoyed interacting with the patients.
After secondary school, I enrolled in the Nursing Program at Durham College and successfully completed my first year when my family continued to expan
I became interested in office administration at the young age of 16, when I was working at my local physiotherapy clinic. I soon realized how much I enjoyed interacting with the patients.
After secondary school, I enrolled in the Nursing Program at Durham College and successfully completed my first year when my family continued to expand. Working as a part-time administrative assistant at Mount Sinai Hospital and with an Orthopaedic Surgeon allowed me the flexibility to be a stay-at-home mom. My husband, our 5 beautiful children and I live in Oshawa together with our dog and our cat.
I am so happy to be included in the New Life Midwives family. We have the best clients and the added bonus of holding babies is so wonderful.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and love to cook.
About Us
Jane Silver Book Keeper
Jane Silver Book Keeper
Jane Silver Book Keeper
We're Hiring
Jane Silver Book Keeper
Jane Silver Book Keeper