Sunita Iyer, ND, LM - MAWS Co-President (she/her)
Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM is a licensed primary care naturopathic doctor and licensed midwife in the state of Washington. She earned her doctorate and midwifery training from Bastyr University. She served on the MAWS board from 2004-2010 as both a student and professional midwife, and left the board in 2010 to serve as both a member and Chair of the Midwifery Advisory Committee until 2015. She is currently in active clinical practice and is on faculty at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. Her interests and expertise are in pediatrics, women’s health, and preconception & perinatal care. She loves seeing whole families from beginning to end, and enjoys a bit of the “town doctor” life. She runs an integrative clinic alongside her better half, Eastside Natural Medicine, in Kenmore, WA, and practices alongside many incredibly talented colleagues who share the love of caring for and encircling families. She is looking forward to serving the midwives of Washington State with some fresh eyes and a renewed perspective.
Dr. Sunita Iyer ND, LM is a licensed primary care naturopathic doctor and licensed midwife in the state of Washington. She earned her doctorate and midwifery training from Bastyr University. She served on the MAWS board from 2004-2010 as both a student and professional midwife, and left the board in 2010 to serve as both a member and Chair of the Midwifery Advisory Committee until 2015. She is currently in active clinical practice and is on faculty at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. Her interests and expertise are in pediatrics, women’s health, and preconception & perinatal care. She loves seeing whole families from beginning to end, and enjoys a bit of the “town doctor” life. She runs an integrative clinic alongside her better half, Eastside Natural Medicine, in Kenmore, WA, and practices alongside many incredibly talented colleagues who share the love of caring for and encircling families. She is looking forward to serving the midwives of Washington State with some fresh eyes and a renewed perspective.
Jen Segadelli, JD, MSM - MAWS CO-President (she/her)
Jen graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2010. Her experience as a reproductive rights attorney in resource-constrained nations inspired her to further her professional interest in reproductive health and, in particular, maternal health and childbirth. International law, human rights advocacy, and reproductive rights were central to Jen’s interest in pursuing a legal career. Jen’s passion for maternal health and childbirth evolved as her reproductive rights work in Kenya pulled her closer to the inexcusable and highly preventable loss of pregnant persons and infants in pregnancy and labor. As she could not imagine a more meaningful way to serve pregnant people and families, Jen pursued her interest in midwifery and graduated from Bastyr University with a Masters of Science in Midwifery in June of 2016.
Prior to birth work, Jen worked as an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Gender Violence Recovery Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. She has previously served on the MAWS board as a student member, and board member, and hopes to continue to use her legal expertise to lobby, research, and write about the intersection of law and midwifery because for Jen, legal advocacy and direct service will always be inextricably linked. Jen is currently the Clinical Education Supervisor and adjunct faculty in the Department of Midwifery, and adjunct faculty in the Department of Health Psychology at Bastyr University.
Jen graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2010. Her experience as a reproductive rights attorney in resource-constrained nations inspired her to further her professional interest in reproductive health and, in particular, maternal health and childbirth. International law, human rights advocacy, and reproductive rights were central to Jen’s interest in pursuing a legal career. Jen’s passion for maternal health and childbirth evolved as her reproductive rights work in Kenya pulled her closer to the inexcusable and highly preventable loss of pregnant persons and infants in pregnancy and labor. As she could not imagine a more meaningful way to serve pregnant people and families, Jen pursued her interest in midwifery and graduated from Bastyr University with a Masters of Science in Midwifery in June of 2016.
Prior to birth work, Jen worked as an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Gender Violence Recovery Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. She has previously served on the MAWS board as a student member, and board member, and hopes to continue to use her legal expertise to lobby, research, and write about the intersection of law and midwifery because for Jen, legal advocacy and direct service will always be inextricably linked. Jen is currently the Clinical Education Supervisor and adjunct faculty in the Department of Midwifery, and adjunct faculty in the Department of Health Psychology at Bastyr University.
Jessica Swan, LM, CPM, MSM - MAWS Vice President (she/her)
Jessica graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011 with a degree in Psychology and a desire to go to Bastyr University's newly established Department of Midwifery. It was a screening of "The Business of Being Born" that sparked a passion within her for birth and family rights. While in the Midwifery Program, Jessica was a student midwife with Eastside Midwives at Puget Sound Birth Center in Kirkland, WA. Upon graduation in 2015, she was hired into the practice as a full time midwife. Jessica wrote her Master's Thesis on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway which is a simple tool that can be used to improve outcomes during neonatal resuscitation. Since graduating Jessica has precepted a dozen students and discovered that her biggest passion is teaching. She is adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, teaching most the Clinical Skills series in the Department of Midwifery. She also helps facilitate the Basic and Advanced Clinical Exams that occur during the three year program.
Jessica joined the MAWS BOD in 2018 and was quickly elected VP when the former VP had to step down suddenly. In her roll she is working closely with the rest of the executive committee and the MAWS Office Manager to streamline the internal systems and improve the functioning of MAWS as an organization. She lives in Kenmore with her wife Chelsey, where they spend their spare time cooking, gardening, and traveling to Burning Man and beyond.
Jessica graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011 with a degree in Psychology and a desire to go to Bastyr University's newly established Department of Midwifery. It was a screening of "The Business of Being Born" that sparked a passion within her for birth and family rights. While in the Midwifery Program, Jessica was a student midwife with Eastside Midwives at Puget Sound Birth Center in Kirkland, WA. Upon graduation in 2015, she was hired into the practice as a full time midwife. Jessica wrote her Master's Thesis on the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway which is a simple tool that can be used to improve outcomes during neonatal resuscitation. Since graduating Jessica has precepted a dozen students and discovered that her biggest passion is teaching. She is adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, teaching most the Clinical Skills series in the Department of Midwifery. She also helps facilitate the Basic and Advanced Clinical Exams that occur during the three year program.
Jessica joined the MAWS BOD in 2018 and was quickly elected VP when the former VP had to step down suddenly. In her roll she is working closely with the rest of the executive committee and the MAWS Office Manager to streamline the internal systems and improve the functioning of MAWS as an organization. She lives in Kenmore with her wife Chelsey, where they spend their spare time cooking, gardening, and traveling to Burning Man and beyond.
Beth Arcese, MA, LM, CPM - MAWS Treasurer (she/her)
Beth recently graduated with the first cohort in the new Maternal Child Health Systems program at Bastyr University. Her independent project focused on exploring opportunities and barriers to including Licensed Midwives as care providers in Federally Qualified Health Centers in Washington State. Beth is passionate about reducing barriers to access to the midwifery model and to improving care for marginalized populations in Washington and across the nation. She has a solo home and birth center practice, Salish Sea Midwifery, in Bellingham, WA. Practicing as an LM and CPM since 2012 has only increased her passion for improving health systems that support the midwifery model. Beth recognizes that MAWS has played a significant role in making midwifery viable as a profession in Washington. She looks forward to supporting continued development of the organization, the profession, and access for Washington’s childbearing population. Being a solo midwife, mother of three humans and three cats keeps her heart full and her schedule . . . interesting.
Beth recently graduated with the first cohort in the new Maternal Child Health Systems program at Bastyr University. Her independent project focused on exploring opportunities and barriers to including Licensed Midwives as care providers in Federally Qualified Health Centers in Washington State. Beth is passionate about reducing barriers to access to the midwifery model and to improving care for marginalized populations in Washington and across the nation. She has a solo home and birth center practice, Salish Sea Midwifery, in Bellingham, WA. Practicing as an LM and CPM since 2012 has only increased her passion for improving health systems that support the midwifery model. Beth recognizes that MAWS has played a significant role in making midwifery viable as a profession in Washington. She looks forward to supporting continued development of the organization, the profession, and access for Washington’s childbearing population. Being a solo midwife, mother of three humans and three cats keeps her heart full and her schedule . . . interesting.
Chelsey Swan,LMT, CEIM, Midwifery consumer - MAWS Secretary (she/her)
Chelsey is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), and babywearing educator serving families on their perinatal journey on the Eastside and greater Seattle area. She owns and operates her private practice, Swan Perinatal Services and Family Massage, in Kirkland. Her specializations include perinatal massage and bodywork (prenatal, labor/birth, and postpartum), breast massage for overall health and lactation support, and integrated pelvic bodywork. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women Studies from the University of Washington and she trained as a birth doula at Bastyr University’s Simkin Center.
Prior to her career in massage therapy, Chelsey was the Office Manager of Puget Sound Birth Center and the Director of a boutique law firm in Bellevue. She has extensive administrative experience that guides her work as Secretary on the MAWS Board of Directors. She is deeply connected to the birth community in the greater Seattle area and through massage and her involvement with the Midwives’ Association of Washington State supports birth givers and their families. Chelsey currently lives in Kenmore with her wife, Jessica, who is a midwife at Puget Sound Birth Center.
Chelsey is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM), and babywearing educator serving families on their perinatal journey on the Eastside and greater Seattle area. She owns and operates her private practice, Swan Perinatal Services and Family Massage, in Kirkland. Her specializations include perinatal massage and bodywork (prenatal, labor/birth, and postpartum), breast massage for overall health and lactation support, and integrated pelvic bodywork. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women Studies from the University of Washington and she trained as a birth doula at Bastyr University’s Simkin Center.
Prior to her career in massage therapy, Chelsey was the Office Manager of Puget Sound Birth Center and the Director of a boutique law firm in Bellevue. She has extensive administrative experience that guides her work as Secretary on the MAWS Board of Directors. She is deeply connected to the birth community in the greater Seattle area and through massage and her involvement with the Midwives’ Association of Washington State supports birth givers and their families. Chelsey currently lives in Kenmore with her wife, Jessica, who is a midwife at Puget Sound Birth Center.
Brielle Villagran, LMP - MAWS Office Manager (she/her)
Brielle became involved in the birth world when she attended her first birth, a cesarean, at the age of 13. Since then she pursued all aspects related to birth and found her passion being a Birth and Postpartum Doula through the Simkin Center. Later she became a LMP to work with pregnant and postpartum clients to help alleviate the aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy and added that modality to her business of Seattle Massage Doula.
When she had her daughter in 2016, Brielle stepped away from active birth work and massage to work more in the administrative side of things in a completely different field! After a few years in Alaska, Brielle is back in Seattle and ready to take a more active roll within the MAWS community. Brielle is overjoyed to join MAWS and help where she can. She looks forward to learning more about the midwives, the organization and working with all these strong magical educated people.
Brielle became involved in the birth world when she attended her first birth, a cesarean, at the age of 13. Since then she pursued all aspects related to birth and found her passion being a Birth and Postpartum Doula through the Simkin Center. Later she became a LMP to work with pregnant and postpartum clients to help alleviate the aches and pains that are associated with pregnancy and added that modality to her business of Seattle Massage Doula.
When she had her daughter in 2016, Brielle stepped away from active birth work and massage to work more in the administrative side of things in a completely different field! After a few years in Alaska, Brielle is back in Seattle and ready to take a more active roll within the MAWS community. Brielle is overjoyed to join MAWS and help where she can. She looks forward to learning more about the midwives, the organization and working with all these strong magical educated people.
Melanie Dickson, LM, CPM, QMP Chair (she/her)
Melanie graduated from Seattle Midwifery School in 2006. Since then she has caught babies in a homebirth practice on the Olympic Peninsula, a busy birth center in the greater Seattle area, and in 2015 completed the bridging program to certify as a Registered Midwife in Ontario--but returned to practice out of hospital because Washington midwifery has always felt like home.
Melanie is the current Coordinator of the Quality Management Program for MAWS, and is committed to improving outcomes for midwives and the families they serve. She believes that as a midwifery community, we can strive for clinical rigor and best practice, while at the same time supporting each other with empathy and respect. She aims to increase representation on the QMP and make the entire process more transparent, less intimidating, and safe for all.
She currently lives in Woodinville with her family.
Melanie graduated from Seattle Midwifery School in 2006. Since then she has caught babies in a homebirth practice on the Olympic Peninsula, a busy birth center in the greater Seattle area, and in 2015 completed the bridging program to certify as a Registered Midwife in Ontario--but returned to practice out of hospital because Washington midwifery has always felt like home.
Melanie is the current Coordinator of the Quality Management Program for MAWS, and is committed to improving outcomes for midwives and the families they serve. She believes that as a midwifery community, we can strive for clinical rigor and best practice, while at the same time supporting each other with empathy and respect. She aims to increase representation on the QMP and make the entire process more transparent, less intimidating, and safe for all.
She currently lives in Woodinville with her family.
Kristin Eggleston, LM, CPM (she/her)
Kristin graduated from MCU in 2009 and started her homebirth practice in rural south central Washington. Kristin started her path to midwifery with the homebirth of her son in 2002. This was the impetus that linked her previous interest in medicine and anthropology with her new interest in natural health and parenting. She now has offices in Prosser and Yakima and works closely with midwives in Ellensburg and the Tri-Cities. She has been on the MAWS Board since 2014 as the Member Services Chair and a member of the Legislative-Policy Committee. She now lives with her husband, Bryce, and their busy, blended family of five kids and two dogs, in Prosser.
Kristin graduated from MCU in 2009 and started her homebirth practice in rural south central Washington. Kristin started her path to midwifery with the homebirth of her son in 2002. This was the impetus that linked her previous interest in medicine and anthropology with her new interest in natural health and parenting. She now has offices in Prosser and Yakima and works closely with midwives in Ellensburg and the Tri-Cities. She has been on the MAWS Board since 2014 as the Member Services Chair and a member of the Legislative-Policy Committee. She now lives with her husband, Bryce, and their busy, blended family of five kids and two dogs, in Prosser.
Mariah Falin, CD(PALS), Midwifery Consumer (she/her)
Mariah Falin, CD(PALS) has been a practicing doula in the Seattle area since 2013. She became a consumer of midwifery care with her second birth and has been a longtime advocate for the midwifery model of care. She is a current member of the board of PALS Doulas and has strengthened existing ties and created new opportunities for collaboration in our local perinatal community. Her colleagues describe her as a connector and valuable community resource. She lives in a tiny home in Lynnwood with her partner of 18 years, their two boys, black lab and cat.
Mariah Falin, CD(PALS) has been a practicing doula in the Seattle area since 2013. She became a consumer of midwifery care with her second birth and has been a longtime advocate for the midwifery model of care. She is a current member of the board of PALS Doulas and has strengthened existing ties and created new opportunities for collaboration in our local perinatal community. Her colleagues describe her as a connector and valuable community resource. She lives in a tiny home in Lynnwood with her partner of 18 years, their two boys, black lab and cat.
Deborah Gleisner, ND, LM, CPM (she/her)
Deborah’s first birth experience was the pitocin-laced, epidural-driven hospital birth of her best friend’s son in 1995. She immediately recognized the value of individualized, continuous support during pregnancy and childbirth without even knowing what a doula was. She supported her friend as a doula through two more hospital births and learned how much she enjoyed educating parents about their options and advocating for their decisions.
Deborah’s degrees in Midwifery and Naturopathic Medicine are from Bastyr University. She trained with a number of midwives in the Seattle area, including Chris at Eastside Birth Center. Deborah moved to California upon graduation and opened Dragonfly Natural Health in Marina Del Rey, where she provided home birth services and naturopathic healthcare to celebrity and medicaid clients alike for more than seven years. After her daughter Arya was born, Deborah chose to return to the Pacific Northwest, land of trees, rain and warm fuzzy sweaters. You will often find Deborah at a birth knitting in the corner and snacking on chocolate.
Deborah’s first birth experience was the pitocin-laced, epidural-driven hospital birth of her best friend’s son in 1995. She immediately recognized the value of individualized, continuous support during pregnancy and childbirth without even knowing what a doula was. She supported her friend as a doula through two more hospital births and learned how much she enjoyed educating parents about their options and advocating for their decisions.
Deborah’s degrees in Midwifery and Naturopathic Medicine are from Bastyr University. She trained with a number of midwives in the Seattle area, including Chris at Eastside Birth Center. Deborah moved to California upon graduation and opened Dragonfly Natural Health in Marina Del Rey, where she provided home birth services and naturopathic healthcare to celebrity and medicaid clients alike for more than seven years. After her daughter Arya was born, Deborah chose to return to the Pacific Northwest, land of trees, rain and warm fuzzy sweaters. You will often find Deborah at a birth knitting in the corner and snacking on chocolate.
Cynthia Jaffe, LM (she/her)
I began my journey to midwifery with the birth of my own children in Israel, where midwifery was the standard of care for all healthy women. I began in the apprentice model, following an older, more experienced midwife until we moved to Whidbey Island and I attended what was then Seattle Midwifery School. I graduated in 1990, and immediately began a home birth practice. In 1992, I built a free-standing birth center and, since that time, have offered birth services in both settings.
I have delivered over 1200 babies in my 28 year career as a solo midwife, and am taking time now, with the help of my new partner Diana Miller, CPM, LM, to contribute to midwifery on the political level. I have been a tireless advocate for midwifery care and have lectured and written extensively over the years. I believe in midwifery care and want to contribute and further the amazing work MAWS has done over the years.
I began my journey to midwifery with the birth of my own children in Israel, where midwifery was the standard of care for all healthy women. I began in the apprentice model, following an older, more experienced midwife until we moved to Whidbey Island and I attended what was then Seattle Midwifery School. I graduated in 1990, and immediately began a home birth practice. In 1992, I built a free-standing birth center and, since that time, have offered birth services in both settings.
I have delivered over 1200 babies in my 28 year career as a solo midwife, and am taking time now, with the help of my new partner Diana Miller, CPM, LM, to contribute to midwifery on the political level. I have been a tireless advocate for midwifery care and have lectured and written extensively over the years. I believe in midwifery care and want to contribute and further the amazing work MAWS has done over the years.
Ashley Jones, LM, CPM, MSM (she/her)
Ashley Jones LM, CPM is a military (retired) wife and mother to four. She began her work in birth in 2011, following her second hospital birth. Initially, Ashley entered birth work as a doula, but quickly realized her goal was to become a midwife. Ashley began birth assisting in 2012, where she attended her first out of hospital births. In August 2014, Ashley was accepted to the bachelor's program with Midwives College of Utah. Ashley graduated with honors in November 2017, and began her master program in January 2018. Ashley graduated with honors, receiving her Masters of Science in Midwifery in August 2019. Her thesis, original research on her self developed holistic protocol for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, is in the process of being published. She speaks 1-2 times per year at various midwifery conferences on the topic. In addition, Ashley is Adjunct Faculty with Midwives College of Utah.
Ashley Jones LM, CPM is a military (retired) wife and mother to four. She began her work in birth in 2011, following her second hospital birth. Initially, Ashley entered birth work as a doula, but quickly realized her goal was to become a midwife. Ashley began birth assisting in 2012, where she attended her first out of hospital births. In August 2014, Ashley was accepted to the bachelor's program with Midwives College of Utah. Ashley graduated with honors in November 2017, and began her master program in January 2018. Ashley graduated with honors, receiving her Masters of Science in Midwifery in August 2019. Her thesis, original research on her self developed holistic protocol for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, is in the process of being published. She speaks 1-2 times per year at various midwifery conferences on the topic. In addition, Ashley is Adjunct Faculty with Midwives College of Utah.
Juniper Moon, LM, CPM (they/them)
Juniper Moon is a passionate midwife with an eagerness to serve. They provide support and outreach for families in South Seattle who continue to slip through the cracks, and they are determined to address inequity and disparity in the POC and LGBTQ2S communities which they are apart of. Juniper believes that the process of becoming a parent is a sacred experience and should be reverenced as such. Therefore, it is their mission to facilitate a platform by which there community can be reminded of its unshakeable resilience through the unfolding of each client’s individual experience.
In Juniper’s spare time, they enjoys studying plant medicine and exploring the many ways we can facilitate self-healing using herbalism. They are thrilled to incorporate this work in there practice and share these traditional practices with there community.
Juniper graduated from Bastyr University with a Masters of Science in Midwifery in 2016. They are a Licensed Midwife in Washington and Louisiana and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).
Juniper Moon is a passionate midwife with an eagerness to serve. They provide support and outreach for families in South Seattle who continue to slip through the cracks, and they are determined to address inequity and disparity in the POC and LGBTQ2S communities which they are apart of. Juniper believes that the process of becoming a parent is a sacred experience and should be reverenced as such. Therefore, it is their mission to facilitate a platform by which there community can be reminded of its unshakeable resilience through the unfolding of each client’s individual experience.
In Juniper’s spare time, they enjoys studying plant medicine and exploring the many ways we can facilitate self-healing using herbalism. They are thrilled to incorporate this work in there practice and share these traditional practices with there community.
Juniper graduated from Bastyr University with a Masters of Science in Midwifery in 2016. They are a Licensed Midwife in Washington and Louisiana and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).
Gabriella Price, LM, CPM (she/her)
In 2011, Gabi moved from Kentucky to Everett, Washington to chase her midwifery dreams. She became interested in birth work after training as a massage therapist and birth doula. During this time she became inspired to create a better birth environment in a state where community birth is not yet the norm. Families had to strive for choice in their birth experiences and were barred from options such as home birth & birthing centers. She was outraged by this lack of choice and become inspired to get involved to provide every family with an experience that allows them to determine their care.
Since moving to the Evergreen State, she have graduated from a MEAC accredited school, MCU, and apprenticed with a high volume birth center. She have had the honor of attending over 400 births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes in Snohomish, Skagit, & King County. Midwifery care is so much more than routine. As a midwife, she strives to nurture thoughtful and respectful relationships with the families she serves.
Outside of the birth world she likes to pretend that she is a textile artist by making messy, knitted, woven, and stitched pieces to hang around her house. She have two dogs, named Bert and Ramona, who she enjoys smothering with love and taking on hikes. She spends her free time with her partner watching reruns of Futurama, Seinfeld, & Broad City while whipping up a storm in their kitchen.
In 2011, Gabi moved from Kentucky to Everett, Washington to chase her midwifery dreams. She became interested in birth work after training as a massage therapist and birth doula. During this time she became inspired to create a better birth environment in a state where community birth is not yet the norm. Families had to strive for choice in their birth experiences and were barred from options such as home birth & birthing centers. She was outraged by this lack of choice and become inspired to get involved to provide every family with an experience that allows them to determine their care.
Since moving to the Evergreen State, she have graduated from a MEAC accredited school, MCU, and apprenticed with a high volume birth center. She have had the honor of attending over 400 births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes in Snohomish, Skagit, & King County. Midwifery care is so much more than routine. As a midwife, she strives to nurture thoughtful and respectful relationships with the families she serves.
Outside of the birth world she likes to pretend that she is a textile artist by making messy, knitted, woven, and stitched pieces to hang around her house. She have two dogs, named Bert and Ramona, who she enjoys smothering with love and taking on hikes. She spends her free time with her partner watching reruns of Futurama, Seinfeld, & Broad City while whipping up a storm in their kitchen.
Susan Rainwater, MSW, Midwifery consumer (she/her)
Susan Rainwater was raised in Montana and always knew she wanted to work in a helping field. She first received a Bachelor’s in Arts and Sciences with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology from Gonzaga University. She then went on to graduate with a Master’s in Social Work in Clinical Contextual Practice with a focus on Children and Families from the University of Washington. Following graduate school and over the next five years, Susan worked for the State of Washington as a Social Worker in child welfare, as a regional licensor for foster home agencies, and as a union representative working for employee rights. She and her partner later welcomed their first child in 2011 at the Puget Sound Birth Center in Kirkland. Then their additional children were all birthed at home in 2013, 2015, and 2018. During the past seven years, Susan has been a stay-at-home parent to her four amazing children along with the continual support of her stunningly handsome and entertaining partner, Mark.
Susan Rainwater was raised in Montana and always knew she wanted to work in a helping field. She first received a Bachelor’s in Arts and Sciences with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology from Gonzaga University. She then went on to graduate with a Master’s in Social Work in Clinical Contextual Practice with a focus on Children and Families from the University of Washington. Following graduate school and over the next five years, Susan worked for the State of Washington as a Social Worker in child welfare, as a regional licensor for foster home agencies, and as a union representative working for employee rights. She and her partner later welcomed their first child in 2011 at the Puget Sound Birth Center in Kirkland. Then their additional children were all birthed at home in 2013, 2015, and 2018. During the past seven years, Susan has been a stay-at-home parent to her four amazing children along with the continual support of her stunningly handsome and entertaining partner, Mark.
Lisa Stotts, LM (she/her)
Lisa graduated from Bastyr University in 2014 with her Masters of Science in Midwifery and is currently finalizing her national Certified Professional Midwife credential. While attending Bastyr University, Lisa and fellow researcher Alyssa Hahn, completed the first phase of their original qualitative study titled Birth Center and Home Birth Emergency Transfers: The EMS Factor; phase two is currently under implementation. Lisa is a member of the Midwives’ Association of Washington State (MAWS) and the Professional Midwives Affiliation. While building her midwifery practice, she also is a teaching assistant for the Department of Midwifery at Bastyr University.
Lisa also holds a degree in Paramedic Science and has worked in the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) industry for 14 years. During her EMS career, she gained experience in both urban and rural communities across the United States. She currently volunteers for the Buckley Fire Department serving as a Paramedic, EMT instructor, is a member of the FEMA disaster response team and the EMS Integrated Community Healthcare committee. Lisa is collaborating with local EMS colleges and agencies to aid in the development of protocols and training.
Lisa graduated from Bastyr University in 2014 with her Masters of Science in Midwifery and is currently finalizing her national Certified Professional Midwife credential. While attending Bastyr University, Lisa and fellow researcher Alyssa Hahn, completed the first phase of their original qualitative study titled Birth Center and Home Birth Emergency Transfers: The EMS Factor; phase two is currently under implementation. Lisa is a member of the Midwives’ Association of Washington State (MAWS) and the Professional Midwives Affiliation. While building her midwifery practice, she also is a teaching assistant for the Department of Midwifery at Bastyr University.
Lisa also holds a degree in Paramedic Science and has worked in the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) industry for 14 years. During her EMS career, she gained experience in both urban and rural communities across the United States. She currently volunteers for the Buckley Fire Department serving as a Paramedic, EMT instructor, is a member of the FEMA disaster response team and the EMS Integrated Community Healthcare committee. Lisa is collaborating with local EMS colleges and agencies to aid in the development of protocols and training.
Elliott Tillmann, Student Midwife (she/her)
Elliott is currently in her third year of midwifery school at Bastyr University and has been active on the MAWS’ Conference Committee since 2017. She graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and has spent much of her life volunteering with various organizations, including working as a volunteer doula with Seattle based Open Arms. She also travelled to Honduras in 2016 to work as a volunteer doula for two weeks with the organization Dar a Luz.
Elliott believes that the midwifery model of care has much to offer pregnant people and their families and is thankful she can be a part of such a rich community. She looks forward to finishing her degree in Midwifery, beginning to practice in her community, and continuing her work with MAWS.
Elliott is currently in her third year of midwifery school at Bastyr University and has been active on the MAWS’ Conference Committee since 2017. She graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and has spent much of her life volunteering with various organizations, including working as a volunteer doula with Seattle based Open Arms. She also travelled to Honduras in 2016 to work as a volunteer doula for two weeks with the organization Dar a Luz.
Elliott believes that the midwifery model of care has much to offer pregnant people and their families and is thankful she can be a part of such a rich community. She looks forward to finishing her degree in Midwifery, beginning to practice in her community, and continuing her work with MAWS.
Christine Tindal, LM, CPM, MSM (she/her)
Christine Tindal is a midwife practicing in West Seattle and South King County. She earned her BS in Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Washington in 2006 followed by her Master of Science in Midwifery at Bastyr University in 2011. Christine is committed to helping women and their families thrive during pregnancy and birth by providing them with information, by fostering community and supporting families through the transition inherent in welcoming a new baby. As a member of the MAWS board, she also serves on the Quality Management Program committee and acts as the Peer Review Coordinator.
Christine Tindal is a midwife practicing in West Seattle and South King County. She earned her BS in Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Washington in 2006 followed by her Master of Science in Midwifery at Bastyr University in 2011. Christine is committed to helping women and their families thrive during pregnancy and birth by providing them with information, by fostering community and supporting families through the transition inherent in welcoming a new baby. As a member of the MAWS board, she also serves on the Quality Management Program committee and acts as the Peer Review Coordinator.