After the birth of my 5 children, I knew that I wanted to support women during their pregnancy and birth. Having 5 small children, it wasn’t feasible to do so in a midwifery capacity, so I became the first certified doula in Abilene. I witnessed over 100 births in the Big Country and saw first hand the challenges that women faced when trying to find a provider and facility that would allow them the birth options they desired. After 8 years of doula work, I was discouraged and disappointed for them. Women in my community needed more! I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was being called into midwifery. I chose the Association of Texas Midwives Training Program and began my education. About 9 months later, I became an apprentice at Birth and Women’s Center in Dallas, which then transitioned into Origins Birth and Wellness-Dallas. I was trained by two Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and three Certified Professional Midwives (CPM), which gave me a well-rounded perspective in caring for your growing family. 

I grew up in Lubbock, but Abilene has been my home for over 15 years. I have two teenage girls at home, two boys that attend Angelo State University and two older daughters, one of which made me a grandmother this year or “Lala”.  Rural areas of Texas are growing and maternal healthcare is one area that I felt needed a change.  There is a political and social struggle with midwifery care as a safe practice and I have never shied away from the challenges that come with educating a community. My commitment to Texas women runs deep!

Photo credit goes to Casey Chapa at Chapa Images.