Midwives
Team A: Angela, Laura, pauline
Etobicoke General Hospital & Humber River Hospital
Angela Silcock
(she/her)
My name is Angela Silcock. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2015. I practiced with a midwifery group in North York from 2015- 2018, and have been working at West End Midwives since 2018. There is something special about being a midwife and watching those first perfect moments when a family meets their baby for the first time- I especially love to see the siblings reaction! In my spare time I love playing soccer, helping my partner work on his films, and learning new languages like Portuguese and Spanish.
Laura Coombs
(she/her)
My name is Laura Coombs. My interest in midwifery began as a child when I was present for the birth of my brother. It made a lasting impression on me - now I have the honour of being a midwife myself. I have a degree in biology from Mount Allison University. I completed my midwifery training at Toronto Metropolitan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 2011. I was a student at West End Midwives during my training and have been working at the practice as a Registered Midwife ever since I graduated.
Pauline Becker
(she/they)
Govorim Hrvatski
My name is Pauline Becker and after completing my science degree from McMaster University I worked as a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Exercise Physiologist for 18 years. In 2017, I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery and I bring this passion for health and wellness to my work here at West End Midwives. In my spare time, I am an astronaut, a fairy princess and a super hero. I love to cook and spend my spare time or experimenting in my kitchen or going on many adventures with my kids.
team B: catherine, heidi, jerrylyn
humber river hospital
Catherine Cameron
(she/her)
My name is Catherine Cameron. I am honoured to be working with the midwives and families at West End Midwives. I studied at Toronto Metropolitan University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree in Midwifery. Before beginning my midwifery journey, I practiced as a doula and craniosacral therapist, providing support to families across the GTA. In addition to midwifery, I love reading a good book, or playing board games with my family and friends.
Heidi Kern
My name is Heidi Kern. Prior to practicing as a midwife, I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta. I spent most of my twenties working in Asia and travelling. In preparation for a career in midwifery, I volunteered as labour support for teens, women living in shelters and refugees women here in the city. I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 2013. I am an avid reader and love the opera.
Jerrylyn Guevarra
My name is Jerrylyn Guevarra. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2013. Prior to midwifery, I worked with Toronto Public Health and Toronto Social Services. I have been working at West End Midwives since 2014. In my spare time, I enjoy running along Toronto’s beautiful forested trails and watching my daughters play volleyball.
team c: adriana, ren, soheyla
etobicoke general hospital & humber river hospital
Adriana Rodriguez de Valentini
Hablo Español
My name is Adriana Rodriguez de Valentini. Before moving to Canada in 2005 I practiced as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Argentina and Venezuela for over 10 years. I have also worked in research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre here in Toronto in studies involving pregnant women. I graduated from the International Midwifery Pre-registration Programme at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2016 and since than I have been working at West End Midwives. Asimismo, Le doy la bienvenida a todas aquellas embarazadas de habla hispana que deseen expresarse en su idioma natal y compartir sus experiencias acerca del embarazo, parto y post-parto conmigo. In my spare time I like to do a little bit of everything, gardening, jogging and even playing volleyball but what I love the most is to spend time with my family.
Ren Barrett
(they/them)
Hablo Español
Hello, my name is Ren Barrett. I feel privileged and humbled to be invited into a client's journey and experiences. I trained at Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 2004. Ever since, I have worked as a midwife in Vancouver and Toronto. I am committed to support clients from all walks of life from an anti-oppression framework. Prior to midwifery , I obtained my Masters of Adult Education at OISE/U of T and Bachelor of Science in International Development Studies at U of T. In addition to these formal degrees, I have participated in many alternative educational programs which ad to the breadth of my experience. Prior to midwifery, I worked in various capacities doing community development and adult education both in Canada and abroad. Outside of midwifery, being a parent and a partner fills my time and brings me so much joy. I work to stay grounded and content with my yoga practice and spending time outdoors. Me encanta trabajar como partera y espero conocerle!
Soheyla Owliaei
My name is Soheyla Owlieai. I was born and raised in Iran, where I first trained to be a midwife. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 1993 and practiced in Iran as well as in England for many years. I moved to Canada with my family and graduated from the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program in 2007 and I have been working in Ontario ever since. What I love best about doing this work is being able to provide emotional support as well as safe care to women and their babies.
team D: linda, *mary
etobicoke general hospital & humber river hospital
Linda Ngo
(she/her)
Tôi nói và hiểu được một chút Tiếng Việt
My name is Linda Ngo. I have degrees in Human Biology and Health Sciences in Midwifery. I started working as a midwife at West End Midwives in 2013. Prior to this I worked in research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and volunteered with the Sexual Assault Survivor Line. Outside of work, I spend time with my partner and hilarious two kids.
team e: elaine, rita, *mary
humber river hospital
Elaine Ho
My name is Elaine Ho. My parents are from Hong Kong. I was born in Kitchener, Ontario and grew up in Toronto. My own children were born in North Bay, Kingston and Toronto. I studied at Queen’s University and have Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies. In 2005, I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery and have been working as a full-time midwife since that time. My favourite part of being a midwife at West End Midwives is the women who come into our care and their families. I also believe we have the best staff and a wonderful team of midwives!
Rita Salerno
Hablo Español. Eu falo Português básico. Io parlo Italiano
My name is Rita Salerno. I was born in Venezuela and spent my adolescent years in Italy. I speak three languages Italian, Spanish and English. I worked as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for 25 years in Venezuela. Upon moving to Canada I completed the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am honoured to join West End Midwives where I can provide care and expertise to a diverse clientele. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, travelling and spending time with my family.
team f: hannah, shanukha
etobicoke general hospital & humber river hospital
Hannah Cole
(she/her)
My name is Hannah Cole. I graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University after 4 years in the Midwifery Education Program. Before that, I did an undergrad degree at Laurier in Health Sciences.
When I am not working I am usually catching up with friends, reading, going for a run, or hanging out with my partner and our dog, Moose.
I have always had a special interest in reproductive health, and my passion has grown with every year that I have been in the obstetrics field. I care very deeply about the clients we serve, and their babies, and I want to work hard to create a safe environment for marginalized groups.
I look forward to meeting you!
Shanukha Thivyanath
(she/her)
நான் தமிழ் பேசுகிறேன்
Hello! My name is Shanukha Thivyanath. I was born and have lived in Toronto my whole life. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph in biomedical science and specialized in nutrition and nutraceutical sciences. Soon afterward, I completed my health sciences degree in Midwifery at Toronto Metropolitan University. I am also a Royal Conservatory of Music trained pianist and a trainer dancer.
My passion lies in reproductive care and justice for health care inequities, racialized and queer health, and mental health care.
I continue to be inspired by midwifery care work, new and upcoming research in the field, my talented colleagues, and my diverse clients every day.
In addition to being a midwife, I also spend time lecturing at Toronto Metropolitan University, and I am a freelance poet currently working with POESY. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing reformer pilates, reading fantasy fiction, playing strategic board games, and playing music at local events across Toronto.
team g: shAde, *mary
etobicoke general hospital & humber river hospital
Shâdé Chatrath aka Baby Catcher
(she/her)
Hello, my name is Shâdé Chatrath also known as Baby Catcher. I graduated in 2010 from Toronto Metropolitan University. Being a midwife is an exciting great honour. However, I have learnt over the years it also involves continuous listening, learning, self-reflection, and growth to better support the families that seek my care. My expertise as a Kinesiologist and a pregnancy support volunteer allows me to utilize natural remedies and holistic approaches to encouraging health and wellness to individuals. I am committed in supporting and advocate for Indigenous, Black, Racialized and Marginalized individuals/families. Although taboo and not talked about much in our society, I am also dedicated in supporting clients who have experienced loss and/or trauma. When I am not catching babies, I teach First Aid, CPR, and neonatal resuscitation courses, cook and bake fancy delights, sing karaoke, and enjoy cosplay.
team h: clare, kelly, noelia
humber river hospital
Clare Gordon
(she/her)
Je parle en Français. Hablo algo de Español
My name is Clare Gordon. I was born in Toronto and raised in Quebec, where I learned to speak French. I obtained my first degree in Anthropology from Memorial University in Newfoundland. Before becoming a midwife, I worked as a manager for a children’s non-profit organization in Toronto for several years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2021 and am honoured to be joining the team at West End Midwives. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and cycling with my family, reading, and listening to music.
Kelly Fidler
(she/her)
My name is Kelly Fidler. I am Metis. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2021. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before moving to London, Ontario in 2009. I worked at Assiniboine credit union for several years, and in 2014 I decided to apply to the Toronto Metropolitan University Midwifery program. As part of the program, I have had work placements in various hospitals including: Mount Sinai Hospital, Sunny Brook, St Joseph’s and Mississauga Trillium Health. I completed a 1 year senior student placement at West End Midwives, and really was drawn to WEM’s dedication to to the community, and the respect the midwives and admin. staff have for one another. I am so pleased to be able to continue working with the midwives here, and the wonderful families of North York and Etobicoke. In my spare time I love reading, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Noelia Greizerstein
Hablo Español. Eu falo Português básico
My name is Noelia Greizerstein, and I am very grateful and honoured to be part of the team at West End Midwives. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and immigrated here in 2000. I have been practicing midwifery since graduating with Honours from the Ryerson Midwifery Education Program in 2014. During my time at Toronto Metropolitan University, I was the recipient of the Murray and Eleanor Enkin Clinical Excellence Award. Since graduation, I have worked in the GTA providing midwifery care in hospital, home and the Toronto Birth Centre, where I was also part of the Midwives Council. I speak Spanish as my first language, and have learned Portuguese informally by working with the Brazilian and Portuguese communities here in Toronto. Prior to practicing as a midwife, I was a flamenco dancer and spent over a decade dedicating myself to this art form.
team I: Birdie
etobicoke general hospital & humber river hospital
Birdie Solokha (They/them)
Говорю по Русски
My name is Birdie Solokha. I have immigrated with my family from Siberia as a teen and hold both Russian and Ukrainian roots. I have completed my Bachelor of Health Science in Midwifery from Toronto Metropolitan University and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at York University.
Prior to midwifery, I have been working at the Hospital for Sick Children since 2018 as a paediatric Registered Nurse, where I’ve gained a lot of experience in providing safe, empathetic care within more emergent environments.
As a midwife, my passion lies in offering inclusive, family-centred care to folks who come from a variety of diverse backgrounds. I value care that utilizes a reproductive justice lens, encompasses holistic care to growing families as well as those that may experience loss.
As a queer provider I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ groups and prioritize creating a safe space for obstetric and postpartum/ neonatal care. I can offer our midwifery services fluently in Russian to folks who speak it as well as prefer it.
When not working, I adore spending my time outdoors in nature, gardening, adventuring, bird-watching, cuddling with my 3 goofy cats and building a joyful life with my partner and our dearest folks.
I look forward to working with you along the West End Midwives team and to serving you and your family.
See you soon and
До скорой встречи!
*CLINIC MIDWIFE: MARY
WORKS WITH TEAMS D, E, g
Mary Hunking
(she/her)
My name is Mary Hunking. I was part of the group of midwives that was grandmothered into the Ontario healthcare system in 1994, through a Pre-registration program at the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario. Throughout my life as a midwife, I have had the pleasure to work in several communities in the province (Peterborough, Kingston & Toronto) as well as in Canada's North. I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to work in the Arctic in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. I’ve been practicing at West End Midwives since January 2010. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my kids.
COMMUNITY MIDWIFE: pAM
Pam MacInnis
My name is Pam MacInnis. Before becoming a midwife I worked as a Registered Massage Therapist for 18 years and I bring this understanding of the human body to my work each day. I graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery in 2004. I have been practicing in the west end of Toronto since 2004. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and two wonderful daughters.
R.E.A.C.H. MIDWIVES: MANAVI, AOIFE
Manavi Handa
(she/her/hers)
My name is Manavi Handa. I have been practicing midwifery in Ontario since 2000. I completed the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University, where I am now a member of the the faculty, training new students each year. I spend a part of each year teaching and doing research, and part of the year practicing at West End Midwives. I am the Midwifery Clinical Coordinator at the Non-Insured Walk-In Clinic (NIWIC) - a program I helped start to serve non-insured pregnant women in Toronto. In my spare time, I enjoy practicing yoga and taking my dog for walks.
Aoife Chamberlaine
(she/her)
My name is Aoife Chamberlaine and I am excited to be returning to the West End Midwives family as a part of REACH Midwives. I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2012 and practiced at West End Midwives from that time until 2019. I then took some time away from midwifery to grow my family and to pursue a master's degree. I graduated from York University with a master’s of Social Work in 2023. During my time studying critical social work I learned many valuable skills that enhance my midwifery practice and I am grateful to have the opportunity to bring my practice back to West End Midwives. As part of REACH Midwives I am not currently attending births, but have the pleasure of connecting with clients for issues such as contraception, vaccination, and sometimes before they arrive at West End Midwives via the Non-Insured Walk In Clinic.