Wendy Murko

Midwifery has been a nearly lifelong calling, sparking a passionate interest since discovering it had just been regulated when I started nursing school. I knew I wanted to provide care that was empowering, client centred, and having long term positive benefits. I grew up in the area, and I graduated from McMaster University Midwifery Program in 1999. I have been practicing for over 20 years with Community Midwives of Halton as a full-time midwife and partner. Prior to midwifery I was an RN in maternal child at OTMH. I also teach as an assistant clinical professor at McMaster, precepting midwifery students through their extensive placements. From 2010-2019 I served as a council member for the College of Midwives, participating in committees including registration, quality assurance, complaints, and discipline. I feel very fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated group of women.

I’m also a mother of two wonderful children, who were born with the help of my fellow colleagues and friends, the second at home. I love to travel at any opportunity, cook, listen to music and read on my free time, and enjoy being creative through interior design and landscaping.

Jennifer Aylward Stasi

Since 2010, I have had the privilege of working with Community Midwives of Halton as a midwife and eventually partner.

I attended McMaster University, where I completed a degree in Health Sciences. It was during my time at McMaster that I learned of midwifery, and realized my desire to help women during one of the most profound experiences of their lives. I then went on to pursue a Master's degree in Health Research Methodology, while simultaneously completing the Midwifery Education Program. My Master's research afforded me the opportunity to combine my passion for research as well as pregnancy and childbirth, as I investigated choice of birthplace and influencers in this important decision.

It is a joy to walk alongside women and their families as they navigate pregnancy, birth and the initial postpartum period.

My husband and I live and raise our three children in Oakville. You can usually find us at a sports field or travelling to a warm destination!

Kiran Baboolal

As a young nurse I found my way to Midwifery. I entered my training at McMaster with eagerness, and have pursued further education completing my masters of Midwifery in years following. I feel fortunate to be able to care for growing families in a meaningful way. I feel very passionate about the work that I do. When I am not at work, I can be found with my partner and 3 kids trying to squeeze every moment out of life. We love being adventurous , traveling, and trying new things as often as we can.

Joanna Besana

Born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, I have always been fascinated with health and healing. My wanderlust began in my early 20’s and I travelled throughout North America before deciding to make my home in Ontario. I enrolled at the University of Toronto where I earned a B.Sc.Hons and a M.Sc. in Physical and Forensic Anthropology. When my husband and I started our family, we researched and chose midwifery care. We had two children with Community Midwives of Halton, and the second one was born at home. Through that journey, I realized my true calling and returned to McMaster University to earn my B.H.Sc. in Midwifery. I completed all my training in and around Halton region before joining the wonderful team at CMOH. In addition to practicing midwifery, I actively seek out opportunities to further my education, add to my skill set, and enhance the scope of midwifery in our community. I am part of a workgroup writing Midwifery Policies for Halton Healthcare with the goal of outlining and broadening midwifery practices and ensuring the highest quality of care.

When not on call, I enjoy running with our dog, reading all the books I can get my hands on, working on projects both big (home improvement) and small (knitting), and travelling with my family to warm destinations.

Debra Crumb

I graduated from the midwifery program at McMaster University in 2015. I have always had a passion for health care and prior to midwifery I studied Kinesiology and worked as a personal support worker. I am so blessed by all the families I have helped over the years. I have also been fortunate to deliver both of my children with the help of my colleagues. During my spare time I can be found with my partner and our kids exploring nature through walks, hikes and travel. I also enjoy baking, board games and a good book!

Christina Winger

Christina lives in Burlington with her husband and son but grew up in Oakville. She graduated in 2015 from the MEP at McMaster. She enjoys being creative, being outside, and snuggling babies.

Andrea Ramirez Palma

I was born and raised in Mexico, studied and practiced family medicine for over ten years and always had an interest in a more natural approach to health care. A few years ago, I moved to Canada with my four children and opened anaturopathic clinic and a natural health store. I missed working with families as part of their health care and was always passionate about working with women
and children, so I decided to become a midwife. To me, midwifery is a calling; to be with women is a way to work in a system that honors womanhood and centers in women’s care.

I started working at CMOH in 2017 and I feel extremely blessed to work alongside a fantastic group of women who always have the best interest of our clients and their families at heart.

I live in Burlington with my four growing up kids (parenting teenagers is totally different ball game!)husband, dogs, and a cat and I call it home.

When I am not working, I am probably at a hockey rink or driving my kids somewhere. I enjoy the seasons, hiking in the escarpment, bike riding, outdoor skating, baking, reading a good book, walking by the lake, a day at the beach, a glass of wine with my friends and sometimes a visit to the big city of Toronto.

I am looking forward to working with you and your family.

Katrina O'Neill

I am delighted to work with the wonderful team of midwives at CMOH in my home town of Oakville. I am a graduate of the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in Hamilton where my husband and I currently live. I was drawn to midwifery because I have a passion for holistic care, informed choice and forming supportive relationships with folks as they navigate this life changing experience. I strive to always make time to answer clients’ questions and help them feel empowered in their journey.

When I’m not in clinic or catching babies I can be found enjoying time with my husband, son and two cats, spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, canoeing, or keeping busy knitting, cross stitching or crafting.

Jocelyn Black

Even before high school I knew I wanted to be a midwife. I was drawn to the profession due to my love for informed choice and all other aspects of the midwifery model of care. It is a privilege to now have that title and support you and your family throughout pregnancy, labour and delivery, and the postpartum period.

I completed the Midwifery Education Program through McMaster University and had most of my clinical placements in St. Catharines, Hamilton, and the Halton region. I loved my time as a student at Community Midwives of Halton and am thrilled to be back serving this community!

In my spare time I enjoy visiting my family in the Niagara region, going out for coffee with friends, singing, cuddling with my dog, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

I look forward to meeting you!

Victoria Taylor

After completing my Clerkship at CMOH, it is a pleasure to continue on as part of the team!

Since high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and began an undergraduate degree in Global Health at York University. During this time, I was drawn to Midwifery as it is centred around a natural physiologic event in a woman’s life and because it offers a model that supports continuity with our clients which is essential for developing relationships.

During the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster, I completed placements in Fergus, Hamilton, Markham, London, & Oakville where I encountered the uniqueness of birth both at home and in the hospital.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling outdoors, cooking with my husband, and participating in Zumba.

I look forward to meeting you and supporting you and your family through such a special time in your lives!

Mary Ajenifuja

I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University and began my career practicing in Hamilton. Prior to midwifery I completed a few years of Health Studies BSc at the University of Waterloo. This is where I came to the realization that midwifery promotes autonomy and holistic well-being in a unique way, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

I am Nigerian-Canadian, born in Scarborough and raised in Brampton. Shortly after I began my career I discovered my great grandmother was a midwife so midwifery runs through my veins!

The connections I get to build with my clients is such a privilege. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the families in the Halton community. In my free time I enjoy trying to execute new recipes, scenic walks, travelling, and as a guilty pleasure, watching reality tv.

Pamela Vieira

After the birth of my first child my life took a beautiful turn and my passion for supporting people through their own births began. Before becoming a Midwife, I was owner of my own birth support business providing care in Halton as a doula, prenatal teacher and lactation educator for 10 years. I have a deep personal connection to the intimate and unique experience of birth and am honoured to walk alongside you. I love taking the time to get to know my clients and learning about the ways to help you feel empowered.

My husband and I live and raise our three little children in Oakville. When I’m not on-call and catching babies, I can be found baking, fostering dogs, growing a veggie garden, or spending time with my family!

Aisha Jansen

My passion for midwifery is driven by a strong interest in pregnancy and birth, as well as a desire to provide excellent clinical care. However, what truly drew me to this field is the unique model that facilitates informed decision-making and the development of meaningful relationship with pregnant people and their families. I experienced this firsthand at a young age when my younger brother was born at home into the hands of a midwife during the early days of regulation in Ontario. The impact of that experience continues to resonate with my mother so many years later, and it inspired me to pursue this profession.

I completed a BSc in Life Sciences before enrolling in the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster. I have been fortune to participate in midwifery-led research, which has further reinforced my belief that midwives have a unique position to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the provision of quality care for our clients.

Outside of midwifery, I enjoy exploring new places through travel, playing card games and puzzles, being outdoors, and spending time with my partner, family, and friends.