Our Team – Oakville Site

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 4 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. Like most Aussies, I love to travel, and in my early 20's I journeyed throughout North America before making my home in the GTA. I earned a B.Sc.Hons and a M.Sc. in Physical and Forensic Anthropology from the University of Toronto. When my husband and I started our family, we researched and chose midwifery care. Our two children were born into the hands of wonderful midwives and that experience led me to my true calling, which is maternity care. I completed my training in and around Halton region before joining the wonderful team at CMOH. In addition to practising midwifery, I actively seek out opportunities to further my education, add to my skill set, and enhance the scope of midwifery in our community.

When not on call, I enjoy hiking with our dog, reading novels, working on projects both big (home improvement) and small (knitting), and traveling with my family to continue exploring the world.

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 personal support worker. I am so blessed by all the families I have helped over the years. I have also been fortunate to deliver all three 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

I have been with CMOH since I graduated from McMaster in 2015. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with pregnant people and babies (baby snuggles are my favourite thing!). I've loved midwifery since I discovered it in high school and am honoured to be a part of the most special part of people's lives.

When I'm not catching babies, I'm with my husband and two boys (both born at home with CMOH), biking, swimming, gardening, baking, crafting and adventuring outside.

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 realtionships with folks as they navigate this life changing experience. I strive to always make time to answer client's 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 and kids, spending time outdoors, hiking, camping, canoeing, or keeping busy knitting, cross stitching or crafting.

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!

Emily Hogan

Since a young age, midwifery has been my calling. I am drawn to midwifery's focus on informed choice and family-centered care. It is an honour to care for my clients throughout this special time in their lives.

I received my midwifery education at McMaster University, and completed my senior year with Community Midwives of Halton. I am so excited to return as a registered midwife!

Outside of midwifery, I love to spend time outside, bake, cook, read, and enjoy time with my family.

Cass Dineen

Born in Oakville and raised in Burlington, I am honoured to provide informed, empowering and client-centered midwifery care to people in my home community.

After graduating with a BHSc in Health Sciences from Western University I completed my midwifery education in the United States. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn what midwifery care looked like in Maine and California. I am fortunate to be working at Community Midwives of Halton with a team that creates a birthing environment focused around trust and evidence-based care.

In my spare time I enjoy baking (and eating), travelling, searching out coffee shops with my partner and working out.

Office Administrators

Liz Malcolm

Tina Tran